Edit the title to something you like ----------------------------------> Less of me,more of You

For The Moment
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua1:9)



Jesus spoke of freedom, but he spoke of a different kind of freedom: the type of freedom that comes not through power but through submission. Not through control but through surrender. Not through possessions but through open hands.
God wants to emancipate; he wants to set them free. He wants his people to be not slaves but sons and daughters. He wants them governed not by law but by love.
We have been liberated from our own guilt and our own legalism. We have the freedom to pray and the freedom to love the God of our heart. And we have been forgiven by the only one who could condemn us.
We are truly free!


























































This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Monday, September 29, 2008

It's Time To Be Accountable

'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.' (Ecclesiastes4:9)

One of the schemes of the devil is to keep the church disunited. The devil knows that when he can keep the church disunited, he can bring down the church easily, because the church will not be able to withstand his attacks, not when they are individuals. God's commission for the church is to be united. He ordains the church not to be a bunch of individuals, but to be a team, a family. One that encourages each other, leaving no man behind as they advance together. But obviously the devil is objective to it. He wants to keep the church disunited, because he knows that there is strength in unity, and one of the ways he keeps the church disunited is secrecy.

Secrecy is one of the worst weapons of the enemy. It is impossible for the church to be united when people are not accountable to each other, because when there is no accountability and people start to become suspicious of each other, there will be internal strife. Gossip will form, insults will be hurled and people will be hurt. And ultimately, the church is more focused on 'correcting' people than carrying out the will of God, which is to grow together as one.

'All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.' (Acts2:44-47)

God never meant for the church to be a group of individuals. Only through unity can the church share a common vision. And only when the church shares a common vision can they progress together in the way that God meant for them. And only when the church shares a common vision and when the church progresses together can the Lord add to the growth of the church, not just departmental growth but personal growth as well.

God didn't put us in church by accident. He puts us in church because He never meant for us to go through life alone. 'Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work' and 'A cord of three strands is not easily broken', because 'one may be overpowered' but 'two can defend themselves'. God didn't put leaders and friends over us for nothing, but God ordained for us to be accountable to them. Your leaders are accountable for you, and must account to God for you. Therefore, be open with them, because God put them over you, that they may help you and walk with you. Remember, God never meant for us to walk alone. He sends people to walk with us. Disunity is akin to rebelling against God, and it can only mean disaster! Friends let us not live our lives in secrecy, because God has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. If we continue to be secretive about our lives and situations, we are refusing to step into His light and we are rejecting the grace of God.

Therefore, friends, let us start to be accountable for ourselves. Never be afraid to share about your life, because God has promised that in our weakness, we will be made strong in Him. He never meant for us to walk our lives alone, He meant for our lives to be the light of the world, transparent before God and before man, so that all may see God in us and praise our Father in Heaven. May we today step out of the darkness we've covered ourselves in and step into the light God has called us into.

'Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.' (Matthew18:19-20)


Let my walk speak loud
And my words be true
Let my life be whole
With my eyes on you
Lord I'm stepping out
From the comfort zone
Letting go of me,
Holding onto You

Freedom comes
When I call You Lord
You are Lord my God

You are the centre of it all,
The universe declares in awe
Your Majesty
I surrender all
I make You
The centre of my life
Lord, I respond with all I am
you placed in me the song
Of Heavens melody
Your Majesty
I live to sing Your song

I have found Your peace
It replaces any fear
You have done it all
I can trust in You
So I'm stepping out
From the comfort zone
Letting go of me
Holding onto You

This is Your song not mine
It is Your song that brings healing to this land
This is Your song not mine
It is Your song that brings freedom

Freedom comes, when I call You Lord
Freedom comes, when I call You Lord
You are Lord, my God

You are the song
You are the Majesty
I live to sing Your song
Your Majesty
I live to sing Your song

Centre Of My Life - Hillsong

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Isaiah 6:8 (KJV), “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’”

Dwight L. Moody was a poorly educated, unordained, shoe salesman who felt God’s call to preach the gospel. Early one morning, he and some friends gathered in a hay field for a season of prayer, confession, and consecration. His friend Henry Varley said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with, and for, and through, and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” D. L Moody later said, “I want to be that man. Here I am; send me.”

Recently, I watched the film, Schindler’s List. It was amazing to see that one man can make a difference. Just one man, can do so much. Take for example; the doors of history are swung on small hinges. It is the small things that cause big things to happen. When we say, “Yes, Lord here I am; send me.” it may be just a small sentence, but it is power-packed with eternal implications. It is the rudder that changes our direction. It will change our history, and the eternal history of others.

Doing it, is just doing it! To make that choice, to say, “Here I am; send me,” is to say; “Lord, here I am, wholly available. As for me I will serve the Lord.”

We don’t have to be a Harvard University graduate, or win a Noble Peace Prize, or have a great job, or be an Olympic champion, or even be a great leader, to serve God. If you want to be great in the Kingdom of God , then learn to serve. In that way, everyone can be great, because everyone can serve. Here I am, send me, I am willing to serve the Lord.

My friend, just one man can make a difference. All it takes is one person to say; “Yes Lord, here I am; send me,” that the world may see what God can do through one man who is fully and wholly consecrated unto Him.

The book of Acts is called the book of Acts, because the Disciples acted upon the Lord’s calling. Doing it, is just doing it! Do you hear the words of Jesus speaking to your heart from our text today? Isaiah 6:8 (KJV), “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’” What is your response to His calling? Will you say, “Here I am; send me”?

Remember, God is more interested in your availability than your ability.

'By faith Abraham went, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.' (Hebrews11:8-10)




I, the Lord of the sea and sky,
I, have heard my people cry.
I, who made the stars of night.
I, will make their darkness bright.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am , Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain
I, have borne my peoples pain.
I,will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.

I have wept for them.
They turn away
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am , Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am , Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I'm In A Team

"Stained Glass Masquerade"

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay


The last time I posted with this song, it was a rather 'emo' post, but it won't be today. Not long ago I began to dislike this song, because I felt it wasn't really edifying, considering the lyrics. But just a few days back this song came on, and God began to speak to me. God put a new revelation in my heart, telling me that there are people outside who are like what the song describes. They long for an acceptance, many of them are broken inside and they put on a mask to hide it all. Many long for forgiveness, for a friend, for somebody to relate to them, for an acceptance. But many a time they do not find it. As a result they begin to despise themselves and put on a mask, to hide it all, to look 'perfectly normal', just like the rest. And God followed this up by saying that in this season, encouragers need to arise. Christians need to arise and be healers of this generation. In these modern times where everyone is so busy with themselves, a group of people must arise and start being encouragers, to be healers with words, to be motivators with actions, to be impacters with time.

Just recently I was going through some tough times, struggling with God over certain issues. And I kept it from everybody, thinking I could handle it myself. Maybe I could, maybe I couldn't, God wasn't going to allow me to find out. He sent people to approach and ask me if everything was alright. Initially I refused to share, but I knew that wasn't God wanted, so I began to share. It began with Sis Raine, via email. Then Nathanael, a conversation after service that week. The next day it was Bro Andy and Sis Kim. And then an email came in from Benavon, she had read my blog and sent me an email. And after that it was Pastor Gary, over MSN Messenger. God began to send people to encourage me, to teach me, to guide me, to show me support. I really thank God for doing it, and for the people who availed themselves to the service of encouragement. But there was something else that happened during my conversations with them. Of the six people, four of them said the same thing at one point of time, 'It is worth it'. I don't think they collaborated in what to say to me, rather I believe God was using them to answer the questions I asked Him. It just amazes me how God can use people. One thing Pastor Gary reminded me, 'to ask God not from a position of doubt but from a position of His child', really got me thinking.

That's what a team does. When a team member is down, the other team members know it. Somehow they sense it, and they know. But they don't just know it, they do something about it. You see, your words are powerful. Words of encouragement are like an oasis in a desert, a lighthouse in a storm. When people go through tough times, sometimes they long for encouragement, for guidance, and many times all it takes is for people to arise and start allowing God to use them to be healers in this generation. In this modern day where people are self-centered, friends as believers we cannot allow ourselves to become so.

Recently I had a dream.In this dream the Bible was opened to Exodus12, which states God's instructions to Moses on the Passover. The Passover was a celebration among the Israelites, and it came after God had brought different kinds of plagues upon Egypt. The Israelites were to celebrate the Passover to commemorate the day God brought them out of Egypt. When I awoke I began to ask God what it meant. And God began to reveal that He is bringing a season of healing. God is bringing a season of restoration. Emotional scars, physical wounds, spiritual bondages, mental disabilities, God is going to bring about a great healing. But God will not do it alone. He is going to require us to be His tools. To bring about words of healing, to be His medics through faith. Friends it requires you and I. If God is going to bring this season of healing, it's gonna take you and I, we have to catch His heartbeat.

Just like the song, there are people who long for a hint of God in their lives. They need a 'Jesus', to heal them, to guide them, to forgive them, to assure them that everything's alright, who else but us?

Maybe you're reading this and you yourself need healing of some kind. Perhaps you need a physical healing. Or maybe you need an emotional one, perhaps you've been angry or depressed. Maybe you need a Spiritual healing, you've been caught in sin. You cry out to Jesus, because in him there is hope for the hopeless, rest for the weary, strength for the weak.

Remember, we're a team. When you know a team member is down, you don't just leave him behind, you pull him along. Sometimes I wonder if we all really care. Many times it seems that we fail to care until we see a problem. It's like we never intentionally care for a person for as long as we can remember, then the moment we know something's wrong, only do we start caring. This is not caring, this is self-centeredness. Don't care just in problems, people need support in good times too. Like they say, a team celebrates in victories together and fights in defeats together. Whether in times of victories or defeats, we need to start caring for each other. Whether by an email, prayer, text messages, encouraging notes or whatever form of encouragement, people need it. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.


Thanks Be To God Who Always Causes Us To Triumph In His Name
Thanks Be To God Who Always Causes Us To Win, Yeah
Thanks Be To God Who Always Causes Us To Triumph In His Name
Thanks Be To God Thanks Be To God

We Have Overcome, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
We Have Overcome, By The Power Of Your Name
Jesus You’re The One, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The One Who Made A Way For Us To Triumph In Your Name

We’ve Got The Victory, Everything Will Be, Alright, Alright
We’ve Got The Victory, Everything Will Be
Alright, We’re On The Winning Side
We’re On The Winning Side

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

3 hours of worshiping God in the middle of the night, being soaked in His presence right where I was, in bed, was not what I had expected. But those 3 hours were what I needed. In the 3 hours God simply renewed me, brought out the past, the failures, the weariness, everything I held on to for so long, God took it all out, and put His signature on it. In the midst of all the questioning, all the doubts, all the confusion, all the loneliness, all the brokenness, a whisper, "Be still." For too long I've been holding on to so much, and it's all accumulated, too much, all the anger, all the hurt, everything. It's been too long since I took refuge in my God. It's been such a long time since I allowed Him to embrace me. It's been too long since I've allowed Him to tell me how much He loves me. For too long I've ran with my own strength.

Many times, when God calls you to surrender something big, something so important, it requires so much of you. For 2 years God's been calling me to surrender, yet time and again I've ran away. I refused to surrender. I kept trying to deceive myself that it wasn't God, that it was just me. When God said, "Trust me", my faith was shaken. Still I continued running away, I tried to hide, but God caught me, and time and again He said 2 simple words, "Trust me". It wasn't about the issue of believing that God knew best, it was about the issue of doing the things that came with that belief. Surrender was a no-no, I knew if I surrendered a big part of me would be gone, I would be 'incomplete'. I cried out, "Why?!", and the whisper came, "You don't have to know why, you only need to know how." Basically there was no running away. Sometimes what seems so right can be so wrong.

Surrender. Now I know. How painful, how empty it leaves you, how desperate it causes you to be. Yet in the midst of all this, I know that my redeemer lives. I know that His grace is more than sufficient for me. I know that when Jesus gave his life for me, he expected me to do the same for the Father. And I also know that through this, God is my healer, He'll patch up the holes, fill the emptiness, meet my needs, satisfy my wants, piece the brokenness, bury the doubts, resurrect the faith, raise the hope and above all, be the Lord of lords, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rophe, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah-Rohi.

To where else can I go? Only to the Father, who makes all things new.
In what can I put my hope? Only in the Lamb, who is worthy of all praise.
On what can I base my confidence on? Only on the Father, who holds my life in the palm of His hand.

'And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,"Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested.' (1Chronicles4:10)


Jesus I am thirsty
Won’t You come and fill me?
Earthly things have left me dry
Only You can satisfy
All I want is more of You

All I want is more of You
All I want is more of You
Nothing I desire Lord
But more of You
More of You

Monday, September 15, 2008

God, Shake Me Again

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
Than anything my eyes can see

Oh Gracious God, once again you remind me of your grace. Once again you remind me that you're in charge. A thousand times I've failed, yet your mercy remained. A thousand times I've stumbled, yet your grace it lifts me high. Jehovah once again you've brought me back into the inner courts. In the midst of the storm you whisper that it's not about me, it's never about me, it's about You. I've held on for far too long. It's time I learn to let go. It's time to let You take control. It's time to wait and see. And so I surrender to you, not in defeat but in victory. Oh Lord, surprise me.

'The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.'
(Psalm18:2-3)

Friday, September 12, 2008

If You Have Not Love...

'"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverence. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place' (Revelation2:1-5, Bold and Italics mine)

Why the tough stance? Friends, many of us think that as long as we lead 'holy' lives, we will gain entry into Heaven. And so everyday we spend time with God, we stay away from evil, we go to church and all. This is good. But something is lacking. That is love. Revelation2 reveals to us that we can do a lot of things, but unless we have love, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

1Corinthians13 is the only chapter in the book dedicated to the topic of love. Apostle Paul ended 1Corinthians12 with this: 'But eagerly desire the greater gifts.'(v31) And then he starts chapter 13 like this: 'And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.'(1Corinthians13:1-3, Bold and Italics mine)

The most excellent way of desiring the greater gifts is to have love! Apostle Paul wanted the people of Corinth to know that unless they have love, they will be unable to run the church. They will be unable to use their gifts to serve the church. Friends, in 1Corinthians13 we see that we can do a lot of things to "ensure salvation". We can speak in all kinds of tongues, we can have a lot of gifts and wisdom, we can have a lot of faith, we can do a lot of charity work and even willing to be put under trial for the gospel. But something is lacking. Love, that is. We forget that salvation comes not by our own works, but by grace. (Ephesians2:8-9) Because God loved us first even though we did not deserve it, therefore we must extend the same kind of love to others. Because Christ died for us while we were still sinners, we must extend the same kind of grace to others. For in the same way we judge others, we will be judged, and with the measure we use, it will be measured unto us. (Matthew7:2)

Revelation2 tells us that we can do a lot of things, but unless we have love, we will be refused entry to Heaven. Friends, do you realize the extend of power of love? 'Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.' (1John4:8)
Unless you have love, the fact is this, you are not acknowledged as a heir of the Kingdom. Because God is love.

In this modern dog-eat-dog world, it is getting increasingly difficult to love people. But friends, that's why we're here. As Christians we have been called to be the salt and light of the world. (Matthew5:13-16) We have been called to lead the way. We have been called to be examples in/to the world. And in this world where 'hate' is such a common word, what better way to do this than to love?

One of the most common thing that leads to hatred is anger and bitterness. I know, you would want to correct me because that is two things and not one. But friends, I refer to anger and bitterness as one because they come hand in hand. With anger you have bitterness. And with bitterness you have anger. Anger and bitterness is one of the most destructive thing. Anger and bitterness are dangerous thoughts that can, and most of the time will, lead to destructive actions. Therefore friends, as believers, let us learn not to harbour anger and bitterness, because 'The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.' (Proverbs15:26) 'See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many' (Hebrews12:15, Bold and Italics mine) This verse tells us again, that if we harbour any anger and bitterness, we will miss out on the grace of God. That's right, your anger and bitterness and lack of love is right up there among the other sins such as adultery, murder, hypocrisy etc.

Therefore, friends, let us not harbour any anger and bitter thoughts. Instead let us learn to lift up these thoughts to God. Let us learn to love others, simply becaue our God is all about love.

'Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.' (1Corinthians13:4-7 NKJV, Italics mine)


You hold the future in your hands
You know my dreams and you have a plan
And as you light my way, I'll follow you

My eyes on all of the above
My soul secure in all you've done
My minds made up
And you are the only one for me

Jesus, Savior, in my life you are everything
My future decided, I will praise your name
And I know that I am, I am yours
Yeah, I know that that I am, I am yours

You hold the earth in your command
You are the rock on which I stand
And as I live each day, I'll follow you

Aren't afraid, aren't ashamed Lord we know who we are
We are your people and we won't be silent
Unified hear us cry at the top of our lungs
You our God and we will not be shaken



Verse:
Thank You for the cross that You have paid
For all my sins You've sacrificed Yourself
I am nothing Lord without Your Grace
You were there to lift me when I failed

Bridge:
As I lift my hands
Pour Your mercy o God
I'm longing for Your presence now

As I lift my hands
Pour Your mercy o God
I'm longing for Your presence now

Chorus:
I surrender all and I will follow You
I surrender all and bring my life to You
I surrender all and live my life for You
I surrender all, I surrender all
To You Jesus


I just feel that this song is for this season of my life.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

What Do You See?

Anthony DeMello once saw a starving child shivering in the cold. Angrily he lifted his eyes to heaven and questioned, "God how could You allow such suffering? Why don't you do something?" There was a long silence and then DeMello was startled when he heard the voice of God answer him, "I certainly have done something-I made you."

'I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.' (John15:16)

I MADE YOU. I CHOSE YOU. I APPOINTED YOU. What powerful truths these are. Friends, God has made all of us for a purpose.

Many a time we know that God has placed in us a higher calling, but there is a problem. Too often we think that this higher calling cannot be achieved 'today'. We think that our calling can only be achieved by endless tomorrows. We give excuses like, 'I'm not ready', 'I need to know some more' etc. Some of us feel that our higher calling is to start a church, some of us feel that we were appointed to be ministers, while others feel that we were made to impact the world through sports. Now there are many others, but I think you all would agree with me, that these callings can't be achieved just like that. It requires time and effort. The result? We who feel this way slacken now, we think that when it's time to heed the calling, it will come naturally, right now, just lay off.

Friends, this is wrong thinking. Yes, there is a higher calling for each one of us. But our lives don't only have one calling. I believe God has called each of us for many purposes. The fact is, your callings are all around you! Just like in the above story, DeMello's calling at that moment was to care for the child. DeMello probably had great dreams for himself, he probably knew what God had called him to do. And most likely it wasn't to take care of a child. So DeMello never saw himself as God's solution to the suffering child. But God saw differently. God had made DeMello for a great purpose, but along the way God put a suffering child along his path to teach him. Friends, in the same way, let us open our eyes and take a look around us. We will realize that wherever we are, there are callings for us anywhere, anytime. Perhaps it's the sick child, perhaps it's the homeless teenager, perhaps it's the depressed girl, or the thug around your neighbourhood, or maybe it's the quarreling family, maybe it could be the worried-looking person sitting next to you on the bus. Friends if only we would take a look around us, then will we realize the different purposes God has made us for. If we will open our eyes and see, we will realize what small differences we will make to this world. Yet small differences, when added up, become great testimonies for God.

Your higher calling is important, you must recognize it and persevere towards it. But until then, friends, do not be self-centered. Look around you, and you will find different purposes that God has called you for.

There was once a man who dared God to speak: Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God, and I will follow. Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God, and I will fight. Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God, and I will listen. And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea and waited for God to speak. And God heard the man, so God answered. He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church. He brought down a wall, not of bricks, but of sin. He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul. And God waited for the man to respond. And He waited...and waited.
But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives; seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing. Finally he turned to God and asked,Have you lost your power?

Friends do not be like this man. Many a time we see the situations around us, and we know we must do something, yet we do not. That's not for me, let someone else do it, we say. Friends it is important for us not to be blinded by our own feelings. Let us learn to look at things through the eyes of Jesus.

Why is it so important to look at things through the eyes of God? Let's look at Numbers13-14, which was when Moses sent 12 spies to explore the land of Canaan. This is the report 10 of them brought back: 'We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are'(13:31) and 'We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them'(13:33) These 10 spies obviously were not looking at the land of Canaan through the eyes of God. They had a defeated mentality. But look at the report of the other 2 spies, Caleb and Joshua: 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it'(13:30), 'The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.'(14:7-9) Caleb and Joshua both learned to look at their situations through the eyes of God. They had a victor's mentality. While the other spies saw giants, Caleb and Joshua saw themselves as 'giants in God'. And what was God's response? 'Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun'(14:30) The reward for a godly perspective was entry into God's promises.

One of the things I love to do among my peers is this. During service, I'll go to individuals and ask them to scan the service hall. I ask them to look at every face, and then I ask them this question, "What do you see?" I get all sorts of answers. Some are common, such as, "People", "Life" etc. But there are some interesting ones, such as, "Opportunities", "Testimonies", "Desperation" etc. When asked in return what I see, my favourite answer is, "Potential". Now get me right here. There is no right and wrong answer. The only thing is, friends, we have to always look at things through the eyes of God.

When we see hopelessness, God sees revival.
When we see people, God sees opportunities.
When we see incapability, God sees potential.
When we see crisis, God sees testimony.

Friend, what do you see today?


I want to let Jesus love me
Put his arms around me
Touch my eyes so I can see
That I am beautiful

I want to let Jesus love me
Put his arms around me
Lift me high so I can see
The beauty of the Lord

Thursday, September 4, 2008

By now, many of us would know that Michael Guglielmucci, the artist who wrote the song 'Healer' is in fact not suffering from any form of cancer at all. 'Healer', if you do not know, is one of the songs in Hillsong's latest album, This Is Our God. Yes, the initial story was that he had been fighting cancer for two years, and he wrote the song 'Healer' during the period of battle. The video testimony even showed him going out on stage with an oxygen tank during the recording of the album. Now, the latest story is that it was all a fabrication. He was not suffering from any form of cancer at all. Rumours are spreading all over cyberspace that in fact, he was battling a 16 year ponography addiction.

Friends this latest twist is indeed a blow to many. Nonetheless, this news brings grieve rather than anger, it brings alertness rather than shock. As Christians let us not be taken aback by this kind of news. Let us even in this season cover Michael Guglielmucci and his family, as well as the entire church population in the world in prayer. I know after learning of the news, many of us are beginning to have doubts, some of us may even begin to despise Michael Guglielmucci. But hey friends, let us hate the sin, but love the sinner. Even in this situation let us begin to live our lives as testimonies for Christ. Let us continue to love the church. When non-Christians question us about this episode, then can we testify of the love of God. Let us not condemn, for it is not for us to do so, rather let us continue to love. We are living in the last days, and as the enemy begins to attack the Christian population many of such things will surface, let us not be shocked. Instead let us as witnesses of Christ begin to war in prayer. Friends we have to start taking up our positions and fight.

As for what the truth about Michael Guglielmucci is, whether he is battling ponography addiction, it is not certain yet, friends lets not be too fast to condemn him, rather let's keep praying for him. Let's pray and believe that God will turn this situation around and honour the church population. Friends let's be found praying.

As for the song 'Healer', many of us may wonder if this revelation negates the song. My answer is no. When a non-Christian sings 'Amazing Grace', I don't think it lessens the power of that hymn. If anything, it becomes even more poignant because it reflects the need for grace all the more—whether the singer knows it or not. The same could be said of 'Healer'. Just because the worship leader didn't actually overcome cancer, that doesn't negate the fact that he—like all of us—is in need of God's healing.

How Great Is Our God

Have you ever wondered about the greatness of our God? Have you ever wondered about what the word 'God' means? Through this week I was just contemplating, we always say that God is good, we sing the song 'How Great Is Our God', we call upon the name of God in our circumstances, but what do we know about the name of God? And so I did some research on the names of God, and these are just some of what I found. Credits to http://ldolphin.org/Names2.html

JEHOVAH: LORD

JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord will provide.(Genesis22:14) God will always provide, more than enough in the right season.

JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals"(Exodus15:22-26) God is the Almighty healer.

JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner"(Exodus17:8-16) When you are on the battlefield, glorify the name of God, and He will fight for you.

JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies"(Leviticus20:7-8) The Lord has set you apart to be holy.

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace"(Judges6:24) The Lord gives peace to all who are in right relationship with God and with one's fellow people.

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: "The Lord Our Righteousness"(Jeremiah23:5-6,33:15-16) Only by following God through and through can you attain righteousness.

JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd"(Psalm23) God is your shepard,and you are His sheep. He knows you throughout, and you will know His voice. He watches over you, and He will not allow harm to befall you.

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There"(Exekial48:35) Commit your plans to God, and He will be with you.

JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts"(2Kings6:13-17,Psalm46:7) God is the commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. When you are in need, God will be your everlasting constant, and He is more than sufficient for you.

There are a lot more names associated to our God, but I will not touch on the rest of them. If you are interested, here is a link to help you:
http://ldolphin.org/Names2.html

Why should we even study or bother to know the names of God, you may ask.

The Bible tells us that those who know the name of the Lord will trust in Him(Psalm9:10). Those who know their God put their trust in Him. Those who know God to be of infinite wisdom will trust Him further than they can see Him (Job35:14); Those who know God to be of almighty power will trust Him when creature-confidences fail and they have nothing else to turn to (2Chronicles20:12); Those who know God to be of infinite grace and goodness will trust Him even in depressing circumstances (Job13:15). Those who know God to be of inviolable truth and faithfulness will rejoice in His word of promise, and rest upon that, though the performance be deferred and intermediate providences seem to contradict it. Those who know Him to be the everlasting Father, will trust Him as their main care and trust in Him at all times.

The more God is trusted, the more He is sought unto. If we trust God we will seek Him by faithful and fervent prayer, and constantly approve ourselves to Him in the whole course of our conversations.

God never did, nor ever will, disown or desert any that duly seek Him and trust in Him. Though He afflicts them, He will not leave them comfortless; Though He seems to forsake them for a while, eventually He will gather them with everlasting mercies. (Psalm9:10) We never trust a man till we know him. The mother of unbelief is ignorance of God, His faithfulness, mercy, and power. Those who truly know God will trust Him in everything.
"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2Timothy1:12)

Friends today seek to intimately know the God whom we serve. Seek to know His name, that you may be able to trust Him in all circumstances. Today forth, pray upon His name with purpose, knowing that the God whom you serve is more than sufficient for you. Claim upon His name in everything, simply because His name holds incomparable power, and simply because He is Lord over everything.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs18:10)


Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are,
Yes I do, I do worship, because of who you are

Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Lord, because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are,
Lord I worship You, because of who you are,

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
Lord I worship you, because of who you are
And I worship You, because of who You are

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
That’s why I worship you, because of who You are,
And I worship You, because of who You are

Jehovah Rapha, you’re my healer
Jehovah Shammah, always with me
Jehovah Sabaoth, strong deliverer
And I worship You, because of who You are

Jehovah Jireh, you're my provider
Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, you're my prince of peace
Because of who you are
Jehovah Rapha (when I’m sick in my body, you’re my healer)
Jehovah Shammah (you’re always with me)
Jehovah Sabaoth (you’re my strong deliverer)
Because of who you are

Jehovah Jireh, provider
Nissi, victory
Shalom, prince of peace
Rapha, healer
Shammah, with me
Sabaoth, strong deliverer
Because of who you are

Because of who You are, I give you glory
Lord I give you praise
Lord it’s because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are,
(We honor you, everyday of my life I worship you lord)
Lord I worship You, because of who you are,
Who you are

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Follow On

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3 KJV)

FOLLOW ON. Two simple yet equally complicated words. Following God is a commitment, not a one-moment thing. Christianity is not about crying out for revival on Sunday and then being unable to find your Bible on Monday. Following God requires your life. It requires your all. To know the Lord, one must persevere and press on after the heart of God.

Just like a hunter. He's got his aim at a deer. But unless he follows on and pulls the trigger, he's not going to get his hunt.

In the same way, friends, if you truly want to know the Lord, press on after Him. Many times we think it's just about a prayer, or about an hour of worship. Yes these things are good, but they are not all. God requires you to give of your everything unto Him and hunger after His very own heartbeat.

Jesus was such a man. The night before Calvary, he was so stressed that the Bible tells us his sweat was like drops of blood. He didn't want to take the cross. In fact he prayed for God to destroy the plans of Calvary.(Matthew26:39) But Jesus knew one thing: That he was called to be Savior of the world, and unless he followed on with Calvary, there was no way for the world to be saved. So in the very next sentence Jesus prayed,"Yet not as I will, but as you will". And again during his arrest, Jesus confirms his following on, "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew26:53) Friends because Jesus followed on, today you and I are saved, and heaven is made available to us simply by believing.

But there is another story about a man who did not follow on after God. Samson was a very annointed man. God had set him apart to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. However, Samson failed to follow on in God's will for him when time and again, he fell into sexual sin. Because of sin the Lord left Samson and Samson lost his call to be the deliverer of Israel. Eventually he died together with the Philistines.

Friends, today I want to encourage you to follow on in doing God's will. You have plans, good. But follow on, and continue to do so, and then you'll see fulfillment. Maybe you were once on fire for God, but halfway through when tiredness set in, when the things of this world became too tempting, you got distracted and you lost the fire. You failed to follow through, and in the process failed to truly know the Lord. Friend if this is you, I want to encourage you to return to the Lord, because God hasn't given up on you, and He still has great plans for you. Don't be like Samson, who rturned to the Lord only when circumstances became desperate and eventually he died together with the Philistines. Maybe some of you are halfway there, you've set up a prayer group in school, you've become a cell leader, good. But follow on. When the things on the world set in, persevere and follow on, and eventually you'll see fulfilment and ultimately, come into knowledge of God.


IGNYTErs this part is for you. 'EXIT' was a great event. 600+ people turned up, 39 salvations, hundreds of seeds planted. But is this all? IGNYTErs don't let 'EXIT' be just a two-day thing. The turn-out was great, the salvations were awesome, but what next? Just let it be passe? No, it's time to care and connect the new found souls into the Kingdom. God has given us the harvest, we must be careful not to lose it. IGNYTE we must never lose the harvest. It's time for the different ones of us to step up and nurture the young souls. Not just the leaders, but each one of us must play our part. IGNYTE is a youth ministry, for the youths, by the youths. Yes the leaders have a job to do, but we as the youths of this ministry must take ownership of this ministry and do our part. The truth of the matter is this: Unless we retain the harvest God graciously gave us, there is no point rejoicing over the salvations.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians3:12-14)


God Your unfailing love
Holds me by the hand
You'll never let go of me
No matter how far I've ran

God You knew my name
Before I came to be
And You long for me
Just to stay in Your arms
So I want to sing

It's Your love
That I'm holding on to
It's Your face
That I look upon
It's Your strength
That I can lean on
I won't let go of You

In my trials
I will praise You
In my fears
It's You I will run to
And I will sing
Of how You have loved me
Lord I can't let go of You

adriel

What makes me special...
Is the signature of God in my life

the boy..



born on 8th February 1992
male/female
single/attached

A little bit about me...


passion(s)-top5:1.GOD
2.ministry
3.friends
4.badminton
5.composing songs(both christian and non-christian genres)
favourite movie:mission impossible 3
favourite book:the Word of God-the bible :)
favourite quote:Without God,I cannot.Without me,God will not.

Prayer Requests


for my friends and I to grow strongly in the Lord
to impact strongly the lives of people around me
to know what it means to be a testimony for God
radical,risk-taking faith
I like someone!