2 September 2011 - A Time For Everything
It was the first day of spring yesterday. A new season is here and the familiar coziness of rainy days will fade away as winter gives way to spring.
There is a season for everything. God gives new season to each one of us to encourage growth in our Christian walk. However, we are given a free will to choose whether we will stay in the old or be led into our new season.
How long have you been downcast? How long will you let the enemy has his upper hand on you?
I have had my share of those moments and sometimes still am. Our God is a progressive God; let HIM lead you to your new season. It may feel uncomfortable but lets not live based on how we feel, but have hope in God and soon enough it will be your time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens... A time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
There is a season for everything. God gives new season to each one of us to encourage growth in our Christian walk. However, we are given a free will to choose whether we will stay in the old or be led into our new season.
- Have you been grieving over a lost? Be it a thing, a job, loved ones or that someone you can’t get over.
- Have you let go of past regrets that haunt you?
- Have you decided to stop wondering what it would be like if you have done things differently?
How long have you been downcast? How long will you let the enemy has his upper hand on you?
I have had my share of those moments and sometimes still am. Our God is a progressive God; let HIM lead you to your new season. It may feel uncomfortable but lets not live based on how we feel, but have hope in God and soon enough it will be your time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens... A time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
1 September 2011 - I DO Believe! Help My Unbelief
If you having difficulty in believing, would you make the same plea the father made to Jesus in Mark 9:24?
In the bible, Abraham displayed an extraordinary faith. He believed God will provide him a child although he was about 100 years old and his wife, Sarah was barren. Without weakening in his faith, he faced his condition head on and gave glory to God; being fully persuaded that God is able to do what He promise and so Abraham became the father of many nations.
We tend to run to God when we have exhausted all of our plans and efforts. In most times, HE is our last resort, not the first. God is looking for people who will walk with HIM in steadfast belief from the start till the end.
I have learned to build up my prayer life and time in reading HIS word when unbelief threatens me. I haven’t always responded rightly but when I have, the enemy is defeated and God is glorified. Those who put their trust in HIM will never be put to shame.
Spend some time in prayer and ask the Father to help you overcome your unbelief.
Mark 9:24
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”
In the bible, Abraham displayed an extraordinary faith. He believed God will provide him a child although he was about 100 years old and his wife, Sarah was barren. Without weakening in his faith, he faced his condition head on and gave glory to God; being fully persuaded that God is able to do what He promise and so Abraham became the father of many nations.
We tend to run to God when we have exhausted all of our plans and efforts. In most times, HE is our last resort, not the first. God is looking for people who will walk with HIM in steadfast belief from the start till the end.
I have learned to build up my prayer life and time in reading HIS word when unbelief threatens me. I haven’t always responded rightly but when I have, the enemy is defeated and God is glorified. Those who put their trust in HIM will never be put to shame.
Spend some time in prayer and ask the Father to help you overcome your unbelief.
Mark 9:24
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”
31 August 2011 - The Creator of Beauty
I once saw a painting at a local Art Gallery. Although its composition was simple, the lines etched were well defined and detailed. If it weren’t for the textures of the painting, you would’ve thought that it was a photo canvas.
It was an oil painting of a blue sky with clouds. It took the painter 16 jugs of coffee and 6 months of cloud gazing every time he wakes. “Although I’m unable to replicate what I see, I have found a new appreciation for its beauty.”
The artist’s statement shows how God is truly the Creator of Beauty.
The splendor of God’s creation surpasses all. The clouds, the sunsets and the mountains have the mark of HIS fingerprints. In everything HE create, HE add beauty to it so why we often question our own worth when God create everything we see out of nothing and turn it into a masterpiece?
He clothe the lilies, see the smallest sparrow and call the stars by name. He created you and call you HIS Beloved, you are HIS masterpiece. You are precious and honored in HIS sight.
When you are tempted to question your own worth, remember the Creator of Beauty created you and calls you by name.
Isaiah 43:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Matthew 10:31
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
It was an oil painting of a blue sky with clouds. It took the painter 16 jugs of coffee and 6 months of cloud gazing every time he wakes. “Although I’m unable to replicate what I see, I have found a new appreciation for its beauty.”
The artist’s statement shows how God is truly the Creator of Beauty.
The splendor of God’s creation surpasses all. The clouds, the sunsets and the mountains have the mark of HIS fingerprints. In everything HE create, HE add beauty to it so why we often question our own worth when God create everything we see out of nothing and turn it into a masterpiece?
He clothe the lilies, see the smallest sparrow and call the stars by name. He created you and call you HIS Beloved, you are HIS masterpiece. You are precious and honored in HIS sight.
When you are tempted to question your own worth, remember the Creator of Beauty created you and calls you by name.
Isaiah 43:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Matthew 10:31
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
30 August 2011 - Does Prayer Changes Anything?
Does prayer really changes anything? Oh yes! It really does!
We look at prayer simply as a means of obtaining things from God but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God deeper, to delight in HIM and HIS heart. Prayer is not a matter of changing your external circumstances but more to working miracles in a person’s inner nature.
We all have heard the phrase “Don’t expect a different result if you keep doing the same thing”. When we pray, prayer changes us and we will eventually change the way we do things. When we do so, we will get a different result. A better result.
Does prayer change anything? Yes, it changes everything.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires.
- Does prayer changes your circumstances?
- Does prayer changes your shattered dreams and past regrets?
- Does prayer changes your wants and desires?
- Does prayer change your life? Yes, it does.
We look at prayer simply as a means of obtaining things from God but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God deeper, to delight in HIM and HIS heart. Prayer is not a matter of changing your external circumstances but more to working miracles in a person’s inner nature.
We all have heard the phrase “Don’t expect a different result if you keep doing the same thing”. When we pray, prayer changes us and we will eventually change the way we do things. When we do so, we will get a different result. A better result.
Does prayer change anything? Yes, it changes everything.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires.
29 August 2011 - Our Second Chance
During the weekend, I visited one of my favorite restaurants only to learn that the lunch I ordered would take about 30 minutes to prepare and since I was in a rush, I couldn’t wait.
Disappointed, I left for my next appointment. Whilst driving there, I realized the place I was heading to has a canteen and that I had a lunch voucher from their previous promotion.As I reached into my bag, I pulled the voucher out and saw it had expired! It would be useless to reason with the employee so I bought myself lunch and waited for my friends to show up.
Sometimes in life second chances don’t come so easily. You can reason your way; you can try your chances but often you’ll hear people say:
However, when we succeed in securing a second chance, there is always a condition attached to the “new acceptance”.
God on the other hand always forgive and does not remember our transgressions hence HIS acceptance has no conditions. When we confess our sins and seek a new start, HE will be first person to hear us and HE jump at the opportunity to save us from the misery of rejections. He will heal our discouraged hearts and help us start afresh again.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Disappointed, I left for my next appointment. Whilst driving there, I realized the place I was heading to has a canteen and that I had a lunch voucher from their previous promotion.As I reached into my bag, I pulled the voucher out and saw it had expired! It would be useless to reason with the employee so I bought myself lunch and waited for my friends to show up.
Sometimes in life second chances don’t come so easily. You can reason your way; you can try your chances but often you’ll hear people say:
- 'If you missed it that is your problem.’
- ‘If you made a mistake that is your fault.’
- ‘If you messed up why should we trust you again?’
However, when we succeed in securing a second chance, there is always a condition attached to the “new acceptance”.
God on the other hand always forgive and does not remember our transgressions hence HIS acceptance has no conditions. When we confess our sins and seek a new start, HE will be first person to hear us and HE jump at the opportunity to save us from the misery of rejections. He will heal our discouraged hearts and help us start afresh again.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
26 August 2011 - What Do You See?
Esref Armagan is a remarkable Turkish man who loves to paint. Although his artwork may not be deemed impressive by all, what makes this man remarkable is, he is completely blind.
Esref was born without eyes but it doesn't stop him from pursuing his passion to paint. His unusual condition has given him a remarkable acknowledgment that is unheard of by most people.
Esref is able to paint although he has never seen colours, objects or even the face of the former US president, Bill Clinton, yet he painted a portrait of him. When asked how he can do it, he simply answers that he believes what he sees in his mind and paints it to the canvas, bringing it to life.
Skeptic scientists who studied Esref’s brain via a MRI Scan couldn’t even explain how his inactive brain region could react and lit up actively whenever he is painting. “No one can call me blind, I can see more with my fingers than sighted people can see with their eyes,” he says.
Esref doesn’t have to see to believe, he sees because he believes. What a beautiful picture of faith. Believing requires no sight, it starts from the mind and the heart.
When you close your eyes, what do you see through your eyes of faith?
Do you see your breakthrough?
John 20:29
Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Esref was born without eyes but it doesn't stop him from pursuing his passion to paint. His unusual condition has given him a remarkable acknowledgment that is unheard of by most people.
Esref is able to paint although he has never seen colours, objects or even the face of the former US president, Bill Clinton, yet he painted a portrait of him. When asked how he can do it, he simply answers that he believes what he sees in his mind and paints it to the canvas, bringing it to life.
Skeptic scientists who studied Esref’s brain via a MRI Scan couldn’t even explain how his inactive brain region could react and lit up actively whenever he is painting. “No one can call me blind, I can see more with my fingers than sighted people can see with their eyes,” he says.
Esref doesn’t have to see to believe, he sees because he believes. What a beautiful picture of faith. Believing requires no sight, it starts from the mind and the heart.
When you close your eyes, what do you see through your eyes of faith?
Do you see your breakthrough?
John 20:29
Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
25 August 2011 - Allesandra, God and The 12 Legions of Angels
Today at 8 am, my friend gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Allesandra, weighting at 2.88kg. Although we are thousand miles apart, the joy transcends the distance between us and I share the occasion with joyful tears.
The joy of a new beginning always calls for a celebration between friends and families. Just like Allesandra, we too are new creation.
When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, Heaven celebrates and we are 'born again' in a Christ-like image. We receive the assurance of peace and love through Holy Spirit whom we've invited to our heart.
Our past sins and iniquities are forgiven. Best of all, we learned that there is a special someone who loves us unconditionally, accepts us no matter how frail our conditions are, judges nothing about us, fights for us and promises to always be there when nobody else understands or cares.
My friend is a devoted career woman but today, her maternal nature surfaces and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for precious Allesandra. The baby girl she bore for the past 9 months is now in her arms. Her desire to love, protect and take care of Allesandra is iron-willed.
Imagine how much more our Father in Heaven will do for us, HIS new born. HE made an everlasting covenant to never forsake us, protect us and love us. All we have to do is believe. Just believe.
Matt 26:53
Do you think I cannot call on My Father and HE will provide me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?
The joy of a new beginning always calls for a celebration between friends and families. Just like Allesandra, we too are new creation.
When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, Heaven celebrates and we are 'born again' in a Christ-like image. We receive the assurance of peace and love through Holy Spirit whom we've invited to our heart.
Our past sins and iniquities are forgiven. Best of all, we learned that there is a special someone who loves us unconditionally, accepts us no matter how frail our conditions are, judges nothing about us, fights for us and promises to always be there when nobody else understands or cares.
My friend is a devoted career woman but today, her maternal nature surfaces and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for precious Allesandra. The baby girl she bore for the past 9 months is now in her arms. Her desire to love, protect and take care of Allesandra is iron-willed.
Imagine how much more our Father in Heaven will do for us, HIS new born. HE made an everlasting covenant to never forsake us, protect us and love us. All we have to do is believe. Just believe.
Matt 26:53
Do you think I cannot call on My Father and HE will provide me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?
24 August 2011 - The Fear Within
Ever had a 2 meters python just within an inch from you? Out of its cage, hissing and able to seize you if you were to jerk suddenly due to the inner fear that is exaggerated by yourself?
I did. I could feel my heart beating uncontrollably due to fear. It is not until a friend of mine came along and secures it skillfully.
How often do we allow fear to have a firm hold on us, making us idle and fearful? I locked my attention solely on the snake, forgetting the fact that my friend wouldn’t have left it with me if he knew it would hurt me. Doesn’t that feel familiar in our walk with God?
The more you dwell and focus on your fear, the more it’ll control you to and stops you from living a fearless victorious life knowing God is in control and that HE wouldn’t set you in for a sure failure.
How often do we orchestrate scenarios in our mind before we take any step further and realize most of those scenarios didn’t happen at all when the dreaded times come?
Let’s be reminded that :
2 Timothy 1:7 -God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
1 Peter 5:8 - We ought to be self-controlled and alert as your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I did. I could feel my heart beating uncontrollably due to fear. It is not until a friend of mine came along and secures it skillfully.
How often do we allow fear to have a firm hold on us, making us idle and fearful? I locked my attention solely on the snake, forgetting the fact that my friend wouldn’t have left it with me if he knew it would hurt me. Doesn’t that feel familiar in our walk with God?
The more you dwell and focus on your fear, the more it’ll control you to and stops you from living a fearless victorious life knowing God is in control and that HE wouldn’t set you in for a sure failure.
How often do we orchestrate scenarios in our mind before we take any step further and realize most of those scenarios didn’t happen at all when the dreaded times come?
Let’s be reminded that :
2 Timothy 1:7 -God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
1 Peter 5:8 - We ought to be self-controlled and alert as your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
23 August 2011 - The Finish Line
With the upcoming City to Surf Perth just around the corner, many are preparing and training themselves actively to gain physical fitness for the event.
Life on the other hand is an ongoing marathon, it is not a sprint or a one time event in a year, We ought to actively fight the good fight of faith and not give up by believing God is able to provide the grace we need to walk out of every trials victoriously.
It is not how you starts but it is how you finishes. Strangers, scoreboards, newspapers doesn't acknowledge those who started well, they record and remember the ones who finishes strong and well.
- Building a friendship is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
- Building a relationship is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
- Building a ministry is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
- Chasing your dream or goals is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
Success is not built within days of perseverance, sometimes it takes months and years. Till then, we have to rest on the assurance that God will enables us to be the best we can be in facing the trials ahead.
Success is not how well you start but how well you persevered till the finish line.
Remember God who begin a good work in you will bring it to full completion - Philippians 1:6
19 August 2011 - With God it is Possible
Nothing is Impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible” – Audrey Hepburn.
The quote reminded me of the film ‘Soul Surfer’. It tells of an inspiring true story of a 13 years old surfer girl, Bethany Hamilton, whose arm was bitten off by a 14-foot tiger shark back in 2003.
Despite the odds, she kept her faith and is determined to re-learn to surf competitively with just one arm. Knowing the challenges that lay ahead, the young girl says, “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.”
When challenges strike, won’t it be nice to have an easy way out? Unfortunately, in most cases, there is no such thing as an easy exit but difficult doesn’t mean it is not do-able.
While certain breakthrough hoped for might seem hopeless, Jesus offered the assurance that -
What is impossible with men is possible with God – Luke 18:27
Be hopeful. Be blessed.
The quote reminded me of the film ‘Soul Surfer’. It tells of an inspiring true story of a 13 years old surfer girl, Bethany Hamilton, whose arm was bitten off by a 14-foot tiger shark back in 2003.
Despite the odds, she kept her faith and is determined to re-learn to surf competitively with just one arm. Knowing the challenges that lay ahead, the young girl says, “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.”
When challenges strike, won’t it be nice to have an easy way out? Unfortunately, in most cases, there is no such thing as an easy exit but difficult doesn’t mean it is not do-able.
While certain breakthrough hoped for might seem hopeless, Jesus offered the assurance that -
What is impossible with men is possible with God – Luke 18:27
Be hopeful. Be blessed.
18 August - Me, worry?
In this world of instant gratification, we are often faced with constant challenges and demands. This leads to a perpetual cycle of worry in life.
I'm not sure about you but I certainly am in that scenario. Worry often creeps to my mind, presenting me with the "what if" scenarios.
One thing I have learned and still learning about is, worry can only succeed at getting you frustrated, it weakens your faith and allows fear to take control. That was written in a devotional I rad few years ago.
We as believers should not indulge in those what if scenarios as Jesus has promised us that HE will not forsake us. We are not alone. He cares.
Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
I'm not sure about you but I certainly am in that scenario. Worry often creeps to my mind, presenting me with the "what if" scenarios.
One thing I have learned and still learning about is, worry can only succeed at getting you frustrated, it weakens your faith and allows fear to take control. That was written in a devotional I rad few years ago.
We as believers should not indulge in those what if scenarios as Jesus has promised us that HE will not forsake us. We are not alone. He cares.
Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
16 August 2011 - Psalm 143:8
I was looking through a christian blog website yesterday - www.ymiblogging.com and I came across this inspirational image.
An inspirational picture that gives hope to my heart, knowing that God's love is new every day. He will guide and lead me to where I should go. How I know it is HIM? Seek peace in your heart and take that leap of faith knowing that HE is watching over you.
Psalm 143:8
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
