When we are faced with an unfavourable situation, the thought that is often the loudest in our mind tends to be why.

Life is like being in a boat and when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we can and should be assured that we have Him in the boat with us.
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At times we think that having Jesus, the sail would be easy. Then the waves hit, the storm rages, we think this should not be happening. Jesus is in us, with us and for us but why is this happening? Everything is against me, I am overwhelmed, why Lord, why?
 
Remember what Jesus says in John 16: 33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
 
Yes, we have trials and sorrows but His promise is that He has overcome the world for us. This is where our faith in Him and His promises matters. Our faith in Him navigates through the waves and storm of our life. We are never alone and we have Him in the boat with us. It means that even though the storm hit, it will not sink our boat.
 
Practice to say His promises rather than the usual whine and why. A good skipper will defend his/her boat when the storm hits. We must also have the same stance and deny the influence of problems in our lives.

- Anonymous

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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Faith is not working up by will power or mustering some sort of certainty that something is coming to pass, but it is choosing a belief as an actual fact that God has said that this shall come to pass and lifting praise rejoicing to affirm the promise and entering an active rest when doubts constantly attacks because we choose to believe God has won the battle for us.

Faith turns the promise into a prophecy. While it is merely a promise, it is dependent upon our co-operation; it may or may not be. But when faith claims it, it becomes a prophecy and we go forth feeling that it is something that must be done because God cannot lie.
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Faith is the answer from the throne saying, “It is done.” Faith is the echo of God's voice. Let us choose to believe, speak boldly of God’s promises, and go out to triumph in His glorious power.

Hear the answer from the throne,
Claim the promise, doubting one,
God hath spoken, “It is done.”
Faith hath answered, “It is done”;
Prayer is over, praise begun,
Hallelujah! It is done.

- Writing of A Simpson

This is a reminder that our God is a living Saviour. He has won wars over the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world; the mighty powers of the dark world.

The devil has been against you since the day you were born, he is always out to kill, steal and destroy. He studies you, knows what angers you, your weaknesses and he knows when to attack when you are at your most vulnerable state. He does all these to deviate you from one simple truth; he fears that you will know how truly powerful being a child of God is. This is why he plans custom-made strategies to crush even a shred of faith or hope within you.

The Lord however, has promised victory over these. Ask the Holy Spirit to protect you against all the devil’s strategies, admit your vulnerability and weaknesses to the Lord and proclaim victory over all. The Lord is above your enemy, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. These are the heritage of the servant of the Lord (Isaiah 54: 17). Yes, this the truth the devil doesn’t want you to know and profess.
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Isaiah 54: 17
no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

- Irene Soon

Many would have heard the name George Muller as a man who prays and received many miraculous provisions through prayers. Faced with many overwhelming needs to run his orphanages, he turned every need to the Lord in prayer.
 
“I was at peace when worries come because I believed the truth of God’s promises, His Word and His everlasting unchanging character that loves us unconditionally.” Muller goes on saying, “I believe God is able and willing to deliver me.” Such display of faith has surely gone through the darkest nights yet seen through brightest sunshine after the billowing gush and storm that destroys.
 
Muller’s life has displayed his dependence on God’s Word and him meditating on the word to create an inner peace sanctuary within himself; the place that ensures him that God is willing and surely deliver Muller from his troubles.
 
Just as a daily good nutrition strengthens us physically, so is studying, proclaiming and standing on God’s Word will strengthen us spiritually. We will not be able to avoid troubles or worries life may throw our ways but if we seek the Lord daily and put all of our petitions in prayers, we will be able to overcome trials and rest in the peace God has gifted us through His sacrifice on the cross.
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Romans 8: 32
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
 
- Irene Soon 

As we have just celebrated Thanksgiving recently, let it not only be a practice on that one day. A life of gratitude expands goodness that the Lord has provided to us, a smile breeds another and a thankful speech delights another soul. 
  
The Bible shows the miracle of giving thanks when Jesus faced a lack. Jesus did not fret when He did not have enough to feed the multitudes. He did not heed the requests of the disciples to send the multitudes away instead, He gave thanks to His Father in Heaven for the little He had and we knew the rest of the story about the miraculous multiplication that left twelve basketful of food and the 5000 people fully fed.

In another words, Jesus did not listen to the negativity of the disciples, he did not walk away from the trials, instead He focuses on what He already has and He gave thanks. The Bible did not record any lengthy prayers either. Everything God did, He does it with purpose and faith in His Father’s love for Him.

Let us embrace a thankful and grateful approach to all lacks, stir ourselves to praise the all-knowing Lord and avoid complaining or murmuring. Surely, He will not let His children fade away.
 
Psalms 100: 4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

- John W.

I once read a story that I kept as a good reminder  The story started with a company who sent two shoe salesmen to Africa. The first salesman wrote to headquarter saying, “Nobody wears shoes here,” and turned in his resignation. The second salesman wrote in with excitement and said, “Everybody here needs shoes!”
 
The first salesman’s negative mindset cemented his decision to resign from the company His mindset caused him to give up in despair. In contrary to the first salesman, the second salesman beamed with confidence that there is much work to be done as no one wears shoes in Africa. What a difference a mindset could make.
 
The same scenario happened when Moses sent the twelve spies to the Land of Canaan for 40 days. Only two spies brought back good news whilst the other ten spies came back with negative reports focusing on the giants of the land. Where the ten spies see impossible situation, Joshua and Caled saw endless provision. Joshua and Caleb responded in faith; believing in the unlimited power of the Lord.

Against the negative murmuring majority, Joshua and Caleb proclaimed, “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.” (Numbers 14: 7 – 9)
 
It is essential that we re-evaluate any negative mindsets that may hold us back and refocuses on our Lord Jesus Christ’s Sovereignty. The boldness of Caleb and Joshua rested on their understanding of God’s mighty power to conquer the land, the majority rested their confidence on israel’s capability to conquer the land.  Needless to say, Joshua and Caleb made it to the promised land.
 
Let us respond in a positive, faith filled manner when any challenges come our way. Our breakthrough does not come solely from our own doing, it has everything to do with the power of the Lord God we serve. 

- Irene Soon

It is easy to think that we don’t need instruction in our life. It is certainly easy for me to ignore instructions when it comes to assembling big things such as furniture to small things like model planes.

Despite mostly ignoring instruction papers, I have to admit that those instruction papers would save me so much more time if I were to give it attention. The Bible is a book of instructions written and guided by the Spirit of God to enable us to do life in a Christ-like mind and attitude. It will enable us to face any struggles if we were to give it attention. It is not just a book of messages or collection of poems to read at our own convenience. The Bible is a living testimony of God’s power and promises He has spoken concerning our lives in this land of living.

Have you spent time reading the Bible today? ​

2 Timothy 3: 16 - 17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

- John W.

Every morning say, ‘Today, I will go out with joy.’ That’ll set your attitude straight! Paul writes, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ (Philippians 4:4 NIV) If you’re thinking, ‘That’s easy for Paul to say; he doesn’t have my problems,’ think again.
 
When Paul wrote those words he was in prison with no chance of getting out. For him joy was a decision, not a reaction to circumstances. You ask, ‘How could Paul be joyful in prison?’ Because he understood that true joy comes from devoting yourself to something bigger than your own interests. The Bible says, ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Nehemiah 8: 10 KJV)

True joy calls for three things:
(a) Making a conscious choice to focus on God’s goodness every single day.
(b) Reaching out to bless others every chance you get.
(c) Understanding that joy produces strength, which explains why your joy is the devil’s primary target. When you lose your joy you lose your strength, and he wins—so be joyful

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again: Rejoice!

- Word of the Day (Bob Gass)

Ephesians 6:12  
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
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Despite the advancing technology, war and terror and suffering are ever present everywhere. Even recently we read about the suffering in Syria and France. Some Christians ask if praying is enough and non-believers could emphasis on the point that God does not exist because there is so much suffering in the world.
 
By faith, we know that our God is a Sovereign God: the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything belongs to Him. There is nothing that happened in this world that He does not know. Then we ask how come God allows this suffering. Unfortunately, I can still tell you that I do not have answer to that question but I believe that prayer is the most powerful weapon we can use in our spiritual warfare.
 
Prayer is not just our words, it has the power to align our heart to God’s heart, to allow Him to mold our hearts and to transform it into His likeness; to have a heart for the nations and suffering people around us, be it through personal or of external circumstances. Prayer makes us see things from God’s perspective. Prayer could reach people further than our own physical and geographical limitations, our prayers will enveloped the people who needs protection, provision, health and much more. In saying that, let us also remember that faith without doing is dead (James 2: 17).

In our place of privilege, let us be still enough to hear the voice of God calling us to be an intercessor and proceed to be His hands and feet to reach the world. His love will enable us to be the light, this dimming world needs.

- Jenni Wang

Are you are faced with a situation or trials that you naturally think you will not be able to overcome? You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4: 4). For everyone born of God overcomes the world (1 John5: 4) so let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess because He who promises is faithful (Hebrew 10:23). 

Yes, God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10: 13).

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, covetousness, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. Not, not, not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrew 13: 5 AMP). Worship the Lord your God and His blessings will be on your food and water. He will take sickness away from you (Exodus 23: 25). 

These are promises of the Lord. The flesh is weak but the Spirit is willing, when the Lord speaks and gives His promises for victories, breakthroughs, healings and wholeness, claim it and know that the Spirit within you is greater than any enemies at work in your life. "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33). Thank you Jesus that through our faith in You, we are victorious! Amen.

- Irene Soon