Strong&Courageous

I Need You

2009-03-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Do I really believe this? Sometimes my behavior shows me that I have a lot more to believe! There is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. I am the Righteousness of God in Christ.

Jesus thank you for your love for me. Give me the strength Lord, allow me to be strong and courageous. Without You I can do nothing.

Ephesians 2

2009-01-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ

I figured today i'd go on into Eph 2 cos Eph 1 was so awesome...

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature [a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Before Christ, we were under the jurisdiction, ways and power of the prince of this world - the devil. And even now, the Bible says, he is at work in those who are disobedient. Other translations call them the sons of disobedience. I believe this is refering to non believers. Because we believers are now sons of God. Strong's translation of the word disobedience is actually unbelief. And we are now believers of Christ. But as the Word goes on to say, we were all deserving of wrath.

But it is because of ONE reason that we are now no longer sons of unbelief, sons of disobedience, subjected to the whim and fancy of the prince of the air. It is for the ONE reason that we now sit in Christ, clothed with His majesty and authority. Clothed in the robe of righteousness that is from God. That we are seated with Him in Christ Jesus so that as He is, so are we in this world. That ONE reason is this..

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Why have we been saved? From a position of sin and death, from being called sons of unbelief, sons of disobedience. How were we saved? Did we fulfill the commandments? The Bible says that death is the penalty of sin. Jesus Himself said :"19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven... 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." ... "21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire."

Which of us have never been angry with another? Which of us have never insulted another? "Raca" means "worthless". Jesus said that even anger and insult is worthy of the charge of murder before God according to the commandments! Is this an insult to the law? No! It is the uncompromising, unwavering upholding of the law!

So then how were we saved? Go back to Ephesians 2:4 again.

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

And to emphasize again, the letter to the Ephesian church went on..

8 For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for us all. That those who believed on Him would be saved. That we who were once sons of disbelief, sons of disobedience are now brought near to our Heavenly Father through the blood of Christ. Now we are reconcilled with the Father and can be called the sons of God. Believers.

How? Because Christ set the law aside in His flesh. And gave us, the Holy Spirit.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Thank you Jesus for your Sacrifice. That I may now call God Abba Father. That the Holy Spirit now dwells in me. That as You are seated at God's right hand in heaven, so am I in this world. Amen.

To The Praise of His Glory

2009-01-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

I havent written here in a very long while. There might prob not be anyone reading my site anymore. But I am writing here for myself and because I feel led to.
I was trying to get to sleep cos i have an early morning tomorrow. But as i laid down, I felt so awake and refreshed. I had just finished reading the Bible and my spirit was asking for more. I didnt know how much was just my logic and told God that if He wanted me to read more, He would keep me awake, and if not He would bless me with slumber. Several minutes later, and a visit to the toilet, I'm here writing my first blog after a long long while.

I had finished reading Jonah. It is an amazing short story about a man that God wants to use but runs away initially. As the story goes, when God wants to use someone, and has anointed him for his purpose, there really is nowhere for him to run! Interestingly, I was in a discussion tonight with Josiah Kelvin if he ever feared when the thought of possibly being used in a leadership position in church crossed his mind. Long story short, he told me it was natural, the things I felt, and that if God has blessed me for where He has called me, no one can take it away. And if not, then my efforts can never prosper me. My desires if they are in God’s work are true and will be from Him.

That was b4 I tried to sleep. After getting back up, I went on to read Galatians 5 where I had discussed with Kelvin tonight. And went on the Gal 6, and finally to Ephesians 1.

The Lord reassured me through the following verses:

Galatians 6
3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

It hit right on the nail because I was testing myself in some things that I did. Testing my thoughts and intentions. And doubting myself as well. Yet verse 6 assured me once again that it was God. And verse 7 fortified me that I had sown a seed and it was pleasing to God.

Ephesians 1 was amazing.

11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be FOR THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY.

God has a purpose and a will in which He predestined before the creation of the World. And He has a will for you and me. And it is FOR THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY.

Do you know why our salvation is acceptable and sure! It is irrevocable. Incorruptible. It is permanent and Irrefutable.
Because

13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

When we heard the Word of truth, [the Word of Truth is the Gospel of our Salvation! – Gospel being good news. Salvation being Jesus One Act on the Cross. Salvation is Hebrew also means Yeshua which means Jesus. Jesus is our Salvation. Although the new Testament is in Greek.] we believed. It just says we believed. I believe in my heart that God is gracious and His heart is for us to be saved. So even for those who doubt later, but for that one moment when they received the Word, they believed. And therefore they are saved. How saved?
We were marked in him with a Seal. The Holy Spirit. He cannot be broken. This seal CANNOT be broken! And He guarantees our inheritance! (later further expounded in verse 18) Until when? Until the redemption of those in God’s possession. Who are these? Those who believed! Jesus will return and redeem us. Now the song My Redeemer Lives takes new meaning in my heart!

And once more why God do all this? TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. It is not about you and I. It is about God.

Ephesians 1: 15+
For this reason…
16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

I want to know Him better. And the Spirit inside me leapt out when I read verse 16 and said out aloud "Amen". And the Spirit inside me spoke – that I have claimed Paul’s prayer for myself. Because God transcends time! Hallelujah!
I want to know Him better! The prayer continues by the way.

18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

He has called us to hope! And to the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. And it gets better!

19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength, 20he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

That we might also know His great power for us who believe! What is this power? The SAME POWER THAT RAISED CHRIST AND SEATED HIM AT THE RIGHT HAND…
This SAME POWER is FOR us!

22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

God is Merciful

2006-12-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

My friend went home from brunei this morning.. last night his grandmother had passed away.. and i tot of going with him to church this sat.. i hope he would be fine.. me and him go back to about three years ago when we started in the air force.. i remember being shortlisted together with him to take part in some running competition, being some of the stronger runners, yet the weakest amongst the strongest.. we jus pushed each other on..

Yest i could see sadness in his eyes.. and i asked him if his grandma was saved, cos he is from chc. He said no.. Funny how i have to face this a second time.. i could only tell him that God was merciful.. that we never know that at some point in the person's life.. i went to sleep praying God to be His Comforter cos He really is.

Lord you know what i am really thinking.. You know the desires of my heart.. You are the God of the small things, so what more you will fulfill this big thing for me.. i claim your promise Lord.

Silent Lamb

2006-12-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

havent blogged in a long time.. been wanting to.. but everytime jus didnt get to doing it.. now i am in brunei trying to finish up my Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) course.. flying's been doing rather well, but i guess it's kinda like a game of golf, where you keep trying to get that perfect game and never will get it..

Ever felt like somebody did something wrong to you, and you thought that your close ones would support or understand you but ended up defending the party who did you wrong? Would jus shock you wouldnt it? Worse when the other party jus refuses to budge from that stand.. Kind of corners you and make you feel like you were supposed to suffer in silence..

Well Jesus was beaten by those he loved. The people He was trying to save, persecuted, beat, tortured and crucified Him. Like a Lamb to the slaughter, He chose to stay silent. Lord if anyone can teach me to handle this, You can..

A Revelation?

2006-10-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

Been in Australia for a week now.. and i have been so busy with flying and preparation that it seems i have been here longer.. Got a test on monday.. thereafter i'm looking for a break from wed till next week cos the last time i looked, i wasnt planned to fly those days..

Sometimes i feel like i must be the number one worryer in the world. Even when i know i am worrying, i stop for a while sometimes but start again soon after.. I realise that everytime i worried, it was because i did not trust God with the situation. Yet at times, i jus find it so difficult these days.. seems like it was much easier when i was a young christian and was hungry for every Word, believed every Word..

Daddy God will you give me a revelation of You? A revelation of what it means to have You as my Heavenly Father. A revelation that You care so much about me in every area to not let me fear. I dont want to be worldy. I dont want to live like i dont have a good and loving God. Help me Jesus. Help me believe once again in my heart. It has to be in my heart.

Lord i thank you. I thank you because this is what i can only do. Because You have given the victory to me. Because You have blessed me superabundantly in every area of my life. I thank you for every minute that i live, every person i meet. I thank you because You will take every head knowledge that i have and drop it into my heart and restore everything that has been lost many times over. Thank you for loving me.

Dad, mum, thanks for the support you have both given me. Thanks for the concern as well. I love you both and i pray that life will be good for you in the times ahead.
Beloved i miss you much. Sometimes i wish i could jus spend everyday having fun with you and doing nothing else. I love you.

Nuggets

2006-09-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

The following are some nuggets that i have been receiving from devotionals and want to remember them.. to feed on them, or want people to read them...

When we go through a trial, we tend to ask ourselves, “Does God really love me? How come He is not showing it?” When that happens, it is time to bring in the cross, for God’s love for you is forever displayed at the cross.
Jesus wore the crown of thorns on His head so that you can have a sound mind free from fears, guilt, depression, anxieties and stress.

Psalm 91:10–11
10“No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”
Listen, when tomorrow comes, the bread, provision and grace will be there. I am not saying be lazy and don’t do anything. By all means, do your homework, but don’t worry about it. Just trust the One who wants you to give Him all your cares (1 Peter 5:7), and enjoy His peace and life today!
“Be anxious for nothing.” The apostle Paul said it. Yet, it was not him — he was prompted by the Holy Spirit. And when Paul wrote that, he was in a pit, literally! He was in a dungeon in Rome, bound by chains to a Roman guard as if he were a criminal, and waiting for his death.

But praise God Jesus wore the thorns on His head to show you that He has borne this curse for you and redeemed you from it. He wore the crown of thorns so that you can work stress-free and yet have the results. You don’t have to toil night and day like the world just to get ahead in life. Your heavenly Father can get you there without the stress. (Matthew 6:32–33)

Beloved, every curse that was supposed to fall on your head fell on Jesus’ head, typified by the crown of thorns. He wore the crown of thorns for you so that you can have peace of mind. He wore the crown of thorns for you and took your curse so that you can wear the crown of glory and take His righteousness, and all the benefits of that righteousness!

God’s Word says that Christ is the head and we the church are His body. So Christ and the church are one. Christ and you are one! You cannot say that God sees Christ the head perfect but His body imperfect. Or that Christ is accepted but His body not accepted. The measure of Jesus’ acceptance with God is the measure of your acceptance with God! In other words, what Jesus is before God, you His body are. As He is, so are you in this world. (1 John 4:17)

In the midst of the trial that you are going through, you praise Him that He is Your righteousness in spite of all the mistakes you have made. You thank Him that He is your Prince of Peace, and that He will bring His peace into you and His calm into your chaotic world.
My friend, God sees and appreciates such times when, despite feeling so discouraged and depressed, you offer a freewill thanksgiving offering to Him. (Leviticus 7:16) In fact, your thanksgiving during such times is more highly prized by Him than your thanksgiving during those times you are feeling joyful because you have just been blessed.

Today, God is not judging us for our sins because He has found the righteousness of the one Man that would allow Him to spare us. So do not let anyone tell you that God judges you for your sins and punishes you with cancer, car accidents, business failures or brokenness. God would be unjust if He punished the same sins twice — in the body of Jesus as well as in your body.

HisStory

2006-08-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

The following was extracted off a forum when i was doing a search on roman history and if it recorded the existence of Jesus. It was in reply to a question if history sources besides the Bible recorded the existence of Him.

in history we have two reliable sources that are classical references to JESUS, independently from what the Holy Bible says.
There were in fact two historians who mention Jesus as a historical personage.
They are the Jewish historian FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS(37 AD - circa 100 AD ) and the great Roman historian Tacitus (AD 55-c.AD 117).
So, the first century Jewish historian Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews 18.3.3 says:
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”

Also, in the book 20, 1, of the same work he mentions “Jesus, who was called Christ”.

Similarly, the Roman historian, TACITUS, wrote in 109 AD of a Christ who “suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus”.
Here is the quote from 'Annals' 15.44, where Jesus and the Christians are mentioned in an account of how the Emperor Nero persecuted the Christians in order to draw attention away from himself after Rome's fire of 64 AD:

“But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration, the fire of Rome. Hence to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished Christians, who were hated for their enormities. CHRISTUS, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind“.

From this evidence it is clear that the Romans knew perfectly well Jesus has been executed by Pontius Pilate who was procurator of Judea from 26-36AD under the emperor Tiberius.
Further, a prominent historical detail in this extra-biblical source – the name of Pontius Pilate – is in full agreement with the gospel accounts.
So it seems quite improbable to argue that there was no historical Jesus; on the contrary we have a solid evidence for the existence of Jesus and for historical data about Jesus' life.

In fact both Josephus and Tacitus are reliable sources so that we can conclude that there is every reason to trust Josephus and overall Tacitus as reliable. Tacitus in fact is a writer whose reliability cannot be seriously questioned.

To conclude, what we know for certain about Jesus in history is that :
1- he was a wise man
2-he was crucified by order of Pontius Pilate ,Roman procurator of Judea, at the suggestion of the principal men of the jewish Sanhedrin.
3- he appeared to his apostles alive again the third day.
4- he gave his name-Christ- to the Christians.

Nothing else we can say from the historical point of view.

Hope this can be helpful to you.
Best regards
Maria
___________________________________
NOTA BENE
-"Antiquities of the Jews" is an account of Jewish history from its early beginnings to the revolt against Rome in AD 66, written in Greek in about AD 93 by Flavius Josephus, a general in the Jewish army who defected to Rome.

-"The Annals" are Tacitus' brilliant account of Roman imperial history from the death of Augustus (14 AD) to the death of Nero (68AD).

My God is good.

2006-08-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's been such a long time since i have written.. partly cause i have had so little time, because of commitments, partly cos i have felt so much like i lack e things to write these days. I still feel quite wierd like there is so little to write after so long out.. so i figured i would write about my Lord. Since i am not doing much now being on this 24 hr standby duty.

See, we all go through history lessons. And at times, it seems easier to envision the existence of Hitler, Churchill, Raffles, the Roman empire and other historical characters and countries then it is to envision the existence of people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Paul, Peter and of course Jesus. Yet Jesus and the people of the Bible were not that far away. They are not some story book characters. The Bible IS a historical record of things past. Think about it. These people are and were as real as our ancestors, our grandparents, and the people we see everyday.

I was worshipping in service the other day when i asked God what was really worship. There are so many books and definitions of what worship is. But i got this very simple answer. Son, if you only believe in Me, I take it as worship. And then i realise how real God is. Sometimes we lose sight and reality of how real Jesus really is. I felt like the crucifixion He suffered on the cross was as real as jus yesterday.

Think about it. If one came to realise how real Jesus really is, then everything in the Bible comes to life. It comes to reality. Truths like He so loved us that He died on the cross. Things like His sacrifice was a one time sacrifice for all sins. That He loves mercy. That He wants to bless us super abudantly beyond all we can ask or think, to the thousandth fold, and that His heart is for us. And what about the truths that through the works of the cross, where the Son of God died for you and me, we have been reconciliated with our God in heaven through the acceptance of Jesus as our Saviour. Where accepting Him as saviour in the most basic meaning actually is jus saying that we believe that His sacrifice on the cross was for us and that we are willing to receive this free gift. If the world would hear and see.

Lord Jesus, You are as real to me right now as the things i touch, taste, smell, feel and see everyday. You said that the things that are not seen are eternal whilst the things that are seen are temporal. You said that i am a spirit being and that the Holy Spirit lives in me and has given me a new heart. Lord as i believe unto Your Reality more and more everyday, so too i believe Your Hand and blessings over my life will become manifested more and more everyday. Until people around me will look at my life and say.. Indeed you have been with Jesus. Your God is good.

Love.

2006-07-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ever loved someone and seemingly not getting the return? I jus had quite a taste of that actually.. but then i realised.. Jesus loves me all the time.. and sometimes i jus don return the passion. And i realised how it must b for God to so love the world, a world that has so neglected Him, so ignored Him. Yet i must never be able to understand the fullness of it all..

So.. bottom line.. Jesus loves me, and loves me unconditionally. And i receive it. Lord make Yourself real in my life. Renew, restore and refresh me. Help me be secure with Your love. That no matter what happens, no matter the circumstances, i have such a revelation that everything is still beautiful, and be made beautiful in time.

Truths I wanna feed on..

2006-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

Joshua 24:1313I have given you a land for which you did not labour, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’

you are not going to be complete in Christ — you are already complete in Christ! And what remains for you is to walk daily in that completeness by believing that it is true and confessing that what you need right now, Jesus is to you. He is your complete forgiveness, complete righteousness, complete favour and complete protection.
So don’t focus on the lack you see in your life. Focus, instead, on how, in Christ, you are complete in everything at this moment! And instead of weaknesses, lack and imperfections, you will see His strength, wholeness, soundness and completeness showing up through you!

When you refuse to worry but choose to rest in the finished work of Christ, you will see the manifestation of your blessing. You will see your miracle.

When the devil says, “You are not righteous enough,” you say, “Look at Jesus. He is my righteousness!”
When the devil says, “You are not holy enough,” you say, “Look at Jesus. He is my sanctification!”
When the devil says, “You don’t deserve to be healed,” you say, “Look at Jesus. By His stripes, I am healed!”
When the devil says, “You don’t qualify for the blessing,” you say, “Look at Jesus. He is my qualification!”
Each time you point everything back to Jesus, the devil has nothing to say because Jesus qualifies you for all of God’s blessings. In and of yourself, you do not qualify. Without Christ, there is nothing good in you which can qualify you.

Ruth trusted in the favour of God, she not only became the wife of Bethlehem’s richest man when Boaz married her, she also became the great-grandmother of David and had her name included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ even though she was not a Jewess!

AB Simpson said that though he believed that Jesus had borne away his sickness, he saw many hindrances which stood between him and his healing. He started removing them one by one until he saw that what stood between him and his healing was actually his preoccupation with his faith! He believed that if only he had the “right” kind of faith, he would receive his healing instantly.
He eventually came to the realisation that he had to remove that last hindrance — his focusing on his faith — and just rest in the finished work of Christ. That revelation marked his complete recovery from his heart condition.

If you say, “My problem is that I am so weak.” God says, “That is not a problem. I am your strength.”
If you say, “Lord, my face is the problem. I am ugly.” God says, “My face will shine on yours. I am your glory.”
If you say, “Lord, I am the problem. I am a nobody.” God says, “I will make you a somebody.”
Unfortunately, many of us are still trying to help ourselves, thinking that for certain matters, we don’t really need God. But God says, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Do we really believe that? Or do we believe that without Him, we still can do some things to help ourselves?

Been a long time..

2006-06-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

been some time since i wrote.. dnuno.. jus no mood to blog recently.. since i got to brunei i guess. haha..

been reading Pastor Prince's book on Right Place Right Time.. Realised that when you read your Pastor's books, it offers lotsa insights as to how he thinks, how and where he got his revelations from, and more details about some teachings that jus keeps you thinking until the truth is revealed..

3 more weeks.. i cant wait to get back.. i miss a lot of things back home..

Jesus Delights in your Drawing from Him

2006-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

John 4:3232But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”

When people draw from you or keep depending on you, you may end up stressed, tired and irritable. But this is not the case with Jesus. When people draw from Him, He is strengthened and refreshed!
Jesus is, after all, God. And you honour God when you take your place as man and let God be God by drawing from Him. The One who said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28) loves it when you allow Him to minister to you! The Bible tells us that when Jesus arrived at Sychar, He rested at a well, wearied from the journey. A sinful Samaritan woman then came to the well to draw water. Jesus ministered to her, and she left rejoicing with the promise of living water. The disciples, having returned with food for Jesus, found Him already strengthened and refreshed. When they wondered who had given Him food while they were away, He told them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” (John 4:1–42) When you draw from Jesus and let Him minister to you, it is “food” for Him that refreshes and strengthens Him.
But it takes humility for us to allow Jesus to minister to us. We take pride in doing things for the Lord. We want to build our businesses, families and ministries for Him. All that is good, but without Jesus, we are spiritually bankrupt! We really have nothing to give to the Lord and His work. What we need to do first is to receive from the Lord because when we freely receive from Him, we are able to freely give. (Matthew 10:8–9)
Today, Jesus wants to minister to you. Don’t try to minister to yourself. That is pride and self-righteousness. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day, who felt that they did not need Him and that they could provide for themselves, were the ones who could not receive from Him.
So allow God to minister to you. Bring to Him your needs and say, “Lord, I need You to give to me. Here are my needs. I present them to You. Minister to me and meet my needs. I cannot, but You can. Thank you, Lord.”

When I don understand...

2006-06-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

When things dont go well... i can think, i can say, i can type or write.. but i really need to believe. And after i believe God's Word, i need the patience to remain in belief. Lord i believe, help my unbelief. Everything is in Your hands. Though i don understand at all sometimes, everything is in Your wonderful and gracious hands.

I believe and I trust You Jesus. You are always with me.

Leadership

2006-06-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Leadership. There are so many books about this. So many preachers teach about this. The world, teaches on this. And in today's world, there are so many definitions. I guess to me, leadership takes the form of the following...

Leadership is servanthood. Jesus came down from His throne in Heaven to lead, but most of all to serve. To serve a people that in all aspects did not deserve anything, that in all aspects could not live up to their part of the covenant. But He chose to love, to serve His people. That the Father would call Him His Servant.

Leadership is ponting people to Christ. Our lives as Christians have taken on a new meaning. Having been saved from condemnation and ourselves, with eternity in perspective, our real meaning in life has become that of the glorification of Jesus Christ. The telling of His power, the gospel. We don't always do a good job, but we never did before that. The Word defends itself. Everything points to the cross.

Leadership is humility. Pride exists in self. When we look at ourselves, whether in boast or in shyness, we are actually in pride. True humility is allowing God and saying God i cannot but You can. Humility is not being jealous or being high and mighty, thinking of oneself as better than others. But that when good things happen to the prodigal sons in our lives, we say to Him, "Lord i rejoice. Because You celebrate in finding that one lost sheep. Because Lord, whatever You have in Your kingdom, is mine. I have everything."

Leadership can be about keeping quiet. Its not always about havin a say. But sometimes jus staying quiet. Listening, and observing. In proverbs, there are so many verses that describe a fool. Quick to anger, quick to words. But that wise men are gracious in transgression and slow to anger. Nobody knows a fool when he keeps quiet.

Leadership is about making sounds. That good men who say or do nothing are really not worth anything. There's a time and chance for everything. When it comes down to the wire, do we have the courage to speak up? To speak the truth? Indeed, how many of us need to really know, that we should not be ashamed in the gospel of Christ?

Leadership is following. Holy Spirit, You have led me before. You are leading me now. And you will always be leading me from strength to strength in Christ. Let me never forsake Your leading Lord.

They fled in their pride.

2006-06-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

In Isa 43:14, where God says He took down the men of Babylon in their ships, in the NLV, it actually says He caused them to flee in their ships in which were their pride.

All over the Bible, events and prophecies in the old testament keep on repeating in the new, and in times present. And they will continue to repeat like a mirror image of events past until the 2nd coming of the Lord Jesus. I mentioned this cos i know that in the Iraq war, when the US began Desert Storm, the Iraqis were so deperate to save their air force that they fled by flying bee lines to their former arch enemies, Iran.

To me, their combat aircrafts they fled in were the pride of their air force. Remem that in a sense, aircrafts are still ships. And if i was living in a time when airplanes were not present, i would describe planes in the future as ships too... so there...

Isa 43

2006-06-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Isa 43:1 But now so says Jehovah who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame kindle on you.
Isa 43:3 For I am Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for you.
Isa 43:4 Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life.
Isa 43:5 Fear not; for I am with you. I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west.
Isa 43:6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Do not keep back; bring My sons from far and My daughters from the ends of the earth;
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by My name; for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Isa 43:8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.
Isa 43:9 Let all the nations be brought together, and let the people be gathered; who among them can declare this and make us hear former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, It is true.
Isa 43:10 You are My witnesses, says Jehovah, and My servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me no God was formed, nor shall there be after Me.
Isa 43:11 I, I am Jehovah; and there is none to save besides Me.
Isa 43:12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shown, when there was no strange god among you; therefore you are My witnesses, says Jehovah, that I am God.
Isa 43:13 Yea, before the day was, I am He; and no one delivers out of My hand; I will work, and who will reverse it?
Isa 43:14 So says Jehovah, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all of them as fugitives, and the Chaldeans, whose shout is in the ships.
Isa 43:15 I am Jehovah, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.
Isa 43:16 So says Jehovah, who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters;
Isa 43:17 who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise; they are put out, they are snuffed out like a wick.
Isa 43:18 Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Isa 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall sprout; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Isa 42

2006-06-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Isa 42:1 Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; My Elect, in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit on Him; He shall bring out judgment to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 A bruised reed He shall not break, and a smoking wick He shall not quench; He shall bring out judgment to truth.
Isa 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged until He has set judgment in the earth; and the coasts shall wait for His Law.
Isa 42:5 So says Jehovah God, He who created the heavens and stretched them out, spreading out the earth and its offspring; He who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.
Isa 42:6 I Jehovah have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand, and will keep You, and give You for a covenant of the people, for a Light of the nations;
Isa 42:7 to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.
Isa 42:8 I am Jehovah; that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.
Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they happen, I cause you to hear.

Pictures from my grad ceremony

2006-05-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures were from my grad ceremony.. click to enlarge.

2006-05-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

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2006-05-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

a ride home..

2006-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

today i gave a ride to an instructor who has been taking us and wants to take us for our first 10 simulators while my course is in the OCU phase.. basically a phase where we train and get qualified on our aircraft in our new squadron..

thing is.. he has such a life story that i wasnt going to be surprised that this man believed in God. And he does. The things he has went through in life, can really blow you away. But because this is online for all to see, and that my employer should be known by now, i feel i cannot disclose exactly what. But one of the things i can probably say is that he beat cancer. A military pilot then, he was diagnosed with not much time left. He is still around, still a military pilot.

If cancer is not enough to shock you, i think his other story will really weigh down your jaw. Ask me personally.

Through this, i jus wanna remem that its not over till its over. And it will never be over actually.. haha.. No weaponed formed can prosper. Cancer was a weapon formed. But it did not prosper. God rulez. haha..

i even shared with him what i wanna do in life. I think that half my life God has given to me, fulfilled and satisfied me. My other half, or 3/4 remaining if i live till 120, i wanna live for Jesus. I jus feel so great after today..

A Person

2006-05-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Love is a Person. Faith, is a Person. Grace, is a Person. So is Joy. And Peace. And Blessings. And all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, is a Person. I believe. Believe that when i have the Person, i have all these. And i do have the Person of Jesus. For the joy of my salvation, He endured the cross. With all power and authority in heaven and earth, He chose to endure the cross at the hands of His creation. He died. He rose again. And He returned. Now He is at the right hand of the Father, whom He has reconciliated with me, by sending me the Comforter. By whom i call God "Abba, Father."

Lord, you say seek You and Your righteousness, and you will add all these things unto me. I believe. Sometimes, i do not know what to pray, or how to pray. But only to say "Lord, help me". But You hear me. Jesus, be my Wisdom.

I'm amazed by You

2006-05-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

i was amazed when i opened my devotional this morning. If you read the verse quoted and in bold, and my previous blog entry, you will understand why. This was spoken to me as i was talking to God on some stuff. I actually shared it with Kelvin too. Though i am not sure His grace actually lifts, in essence i can flow with what the writer is trying to say. I'm still amazed by You, Lord.

When The Grace Lifts
My grace is sufficient for you.2 Corinthians 12:9 2 Corinthians 12:9 NAS

When God has "graced" you, you can handle just about any situation! Listen to Paul: "Three times I called upon the Lord...begged that it might depart from me; but He said to me, My grace (My favour and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger, enabling you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power...show themselves most effective in [your] weakness...So, for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)" ( 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 AMP). But there's something you should understand: when the grace lifts, it's God's way of getting you to recognise tha! t things are changing, and that it's time to consult Him as to your next move. Pay attention! Why? Because when the grace lifts we tend to become "ungracious" toward others, and risk tearing down valuable relationships we've spent our lives building. Don't let that happen to you. We're not talking about having a bad day in which you're irritable and impatient. We all have those. No, we're talking about reaching the place where your attitudes and actions consistently hurt others; when it's not an occasional thing, but a pattern.So, has the grace you've experienced lifted? Has an old season or relationship ended? Are you now hurting the situation more than helping? Ask God for fresh direction. Search His Word for wisdom as to your future. When the grace lifts, it's time to say, "Lord, what do You have in mind for me now?"
Bible-in-a-year Reading:Numbers 3-4:33,Matthew 5:27-37,Psalm 2, Proverbs 10:30-32

Takeaway

2006-05-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.

Lord, i only know that You died to take away my pain. Any form of pain. Take it away Lord.

i thank you Father, that You hear me.

2006-04-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

Today i made a deposit for my first car.. a second hand 3 year old honda integra. The price was really low, and in addition, it had so many bonuses like a added speaker and woofer system, engine air filters, support bars. It was definitely so much more powerful than another more expensive cleaner model me and my dad went to test drive on the same day. Since we had prayed the previous night that if God wanted me to have the car, He would open doors and the car would still be there, we decided to make the purchase. Though we did have hesitations with regards to the previous owner and whether he would have done any racing, we could not find faults with the car at all.. So, grace grace for my coming car. Great number plate too.. haha.. same number as my new squadron.

Been thinking a little. Cos of stuff that has happened in my life recently. Sometimes in life it is so hard to draw a fine line. There are so many fine lines that cant really be distinguished. Like, where's the line between faith and wisdom? or dreams and idealism? or courage and stupidity? maybe even love, romance or foolishness and possibly sexual harassment? One could say the only definite way is to listen to the Spirit. But sometimes, being real here, we do hear wrongly. Or sometimes we cannot tell at all. I guess many times we will only know when we get to heaven, if we really are still bothered by then.. Even with regards to my previous post, we still have to be careful with our reprimands, still have to consider for the ability of the person to take that criticism. Guess there are many ways to skin a cat so to speak.

I guess that's why i still need God. You hear me Daddy?

Daliy Devotional

2006-04-29T02:49:00.000-07:00

Care Enough To Confront (1)
Speak the truth.Ephesians 4:25 NRS

Even when it's spoken in love, the truth can still create tension. That's why we'll do anything to avoid confrontation. It's also why our relationships die on the vine. Following the path of least resistance makes rivers (and people) lose their way because: (a) the problem always resurfaces; (b) untreated, it gets worse; (c) disappointment infects the relationship; (d) unexpressed anger leads to bitterness; (e) our love grows cold.
Avoiding confrontation means failing to use the tools God's given us to restore harmony. "Peace at any price" is a tactic of Satan. Anytime you care enough to confront somebody, he'll whisper, "Why bother? It'll just make trouble. It'll sort itself out." If you heed Satan's lies you'll kill the relationship for sure. The Bible says, "If your brother sins...show him his fault in private" ( Matthew 18:15 NAS). That can mean saying, "I love you too much to stand by while you work yourself to death, or ruin your health through lack of exercise and bad eating habits, or settle for too little." Or, "I care too much about our relationship to let it fizzle out." Speaking the truth in love means taking a risk. It requires two fundamental convictions. One: that honesty is more important than avoiding conflict. Two: that the other person's well-being is more important than their comfort level. The reason God says, "Speak the truth," is because any other approach just destroys relati! onships. So - is there somebody you need to talk to today? If so, pray, and then do it!
Bible-in-a-year Reading:1-2,Matthew 4:12-25,Psalm 94:1-11,Proverbs 10:24-26

Driving test

2006-04-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

today i took my driving test.. and praise God i passed.. haha.. now time to look for a car! it was quite nervous at the beginning but everything went quite smoothly. Althought the instructor kept on opening the door to see if i had struck the kerb during parallel parking. I managed the circuits uneventfully though.. and it was on to forward driving..

this was where i got all my points. Although i mus say for most of them i didnt know when or where i got them.. haha.. jus went on though.. and guess what. i forgot where the entrance of the test centre was! haha.. When i caught sight of it, it was slightly late and i did not wanna turn into the wrong lane of the two-lane entrance, so i sorta moved past the centreline.. then a car opposite appeared and i suddenly stopped. Subsequently, i dragged the car into the test centre on 2nd gear hoping he didnt realise it.. he did.. haha.. that episode at the end of it earned me 4 or 6 points.. man.. had a total of 12 points.. not bad right.. haha

Thank you Jesus.

Which mountain are Believers at?

2006-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Heb 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he (ESAU) desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he did not find any place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears).

Heb 12:18 For you have not come to the mountain that might be touched and that burned with fire, nor to blackness and darkness and tempest,
Heb 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words (which voice they who heard begged that a word should not be spoken to them any more,
Heb 12:20 for they could not endure the thing commanded, "And if so much as a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned or thrust through with a dart,"
Heb 12:21 and so fearful was the sight that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake).

We have not come to Mount Sinai.. where Moses gave the Law. The Law of which was later instructed by God to be placed in the Ark, under the Mercy seat. God prefers mercy over judgement.

Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Here God is called the Judge. It comforts us that He has judged us righteous in Jesus' blood. We have been made just/righteous men, and made perfect. His blood speaks better things than Abel's. Genesis 4:10

Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven,

Here, what He speaks, is the better things!

Heb 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens."
Heb 12:27 And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Here, when we listen to God, when we flow with Him, He shakes our lives. Shakes us of the things that can be removed, leaving the eternal things. Reminds me of wood, hay, straw, gold, silver, precious stones.

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Heb 12:29 for also, "Our God is a consuming fire."

So let us have grace. It is by grace, that we serve God. Our fear of God should not be one of slavery fear. But of godly fear. It is by grace.

God Calls It Faith

2006-04-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Rom 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Rom 14:23 But, the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and all that is not of faith is sin.

Know what God calls faith? He calls faith as not condemning ourselves. And when we condemn ourselves, we are not of faith, are doubting and are in sin.
So we see that our self works, our condemnation, is really sin. It's when we realise that God is big enough to forgive us, sent His Son on the cross to die for sinners as us. It's when we loose our false prides and accept His forgiveness, realising that nothing we can do can justify ourselves. That's when we are truly humble.

And God calls it faith.

My Graduation Speech

2006-04-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon Comd FTS, Comd SBAB, CO 124 SQN, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to 124 RWC’s graduation ceremony. We would like to thank you for gracing us with your presence. It almost seems surreal as we the graduands arrive at this landmark occasion, an occasion that we have looked fervently to since the first day we signed on the dotted line a few years ago.

These few years have been eventful and fulfilling, not only training us in the professional skills and knowledge of a military pilot, but also molding us in character and personality. Whilst these wings that will be presented represent the culmination of our dreams and hard work, we will not forget that they also represent the invested authority and responsibility of the RSAF.

Perhaps this should really be called an appreciation ceremony as we sought to express our heartfelt appreciation to the people who have made this day possible. Outside the Air Force, we most definitely are indebted to our families and relations who give us their undying support to this day.

We would also like to thank Comd FTS for giving us the opportunity to fulfill our potential. Comd SBAB, for the organizational and command expertise to facilitate our training. CO 124 Sqn Ltc Lee Hock Hua for his continued guidance and decisions that were for our best interests. We will
also not forget his emphasis on looking at the big picture, at the commander’s intent and what we can do to value add to the Air Force.

Last but not least, we would also like to thank the instructors of 124 Sqn who displayed consummate professionalism and passion in their roles as teachers. As they say, if we were their kids, many a times we would already have felt the correction of a rod or a slap. Such was the patience we needed and received from them. Thank you.

We look forward to a most rewarding and exciting career. I remember reading an article once about the aid we gave to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was a lasting impression imprinted on my heart when I read how an American military serviceman looked into the eyes of the Singaporean aircrew. Without a word said, those eyes were of intense
appreciation and gratitude. If that is what wearing our wings upon our hearts is, we would proudly and justly put them on, as we embark on our new journey today.

Without further ado, we would like to invite CO 124 LTC Lee Sir to say a few words.

In Christ

2006-04-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Lincoln, don't let anybody tell you what you are. Don't let anybody tell you who you are. But only One may tell and say what you have become. Jesus bought you everything on the cross. He bought you glory. He bought you wealth, numbers, powers, commerce, wisdom, nobility, valor, stability, promotion, revelation, authority, privileges, advantages and so much more.

He has bought you to be in Him. In Christ. It's time to stand up and speak out what you are in Christ. Enlarge your tents. This year is going to be your year of acceleration, super abundance, and His Spirit filling in you. Glory!

God Has Been Faitful

2006-04-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

God has been faithful in my life. Times we forget the little things, AND the big things that we have been blessed with. Times we forget to slow down and appreciate the goodness in our lives. I was in Bible Study the other day and trying hard not to think of the lousy stuff that got me down when my friend took me aback. He noted my new shoes and he told me, "Wow, new shoes.. you've really been blessed. Do you remember a time when you could not even afford a pair of shoes?" i didnt answer him. Not because i didnt agree, but because it hit me that he was right. A flood of memories went thru my mind about how i used to live off the coins in my drawer i used to keep all the change.

Not too long ago, another friend sent me a sms, telling me that she rejoiced with me when she saw how faithful God has been in my life. Think it was cos she saw how my dream has come true.. Sometimes i even forget it was my dream career. Come to think about it, God is still 100% in His record in my life. One down, two to go. CAN wait for it to come to pass.

Yest sermon was great once again. It's like so specific to our individual experiences. It even liberated me from a certain thinking. Now i understand that the pastors tell to look how we treat a certain relation cos it is in the context that we lived together with them. Living together brings whole new dynamics that would affect any relationship. Also, I realise that sometimes we go thru emotional pain cos we tend to worry too much. Have a poverty mentality. Like we are worried we will miss out on the best and settle for less. In Jesus name i wont.

Tmr my grad ceremony liao.. going to get my wings. Hopefully get leave on Tue. Then Wed go new squadron. Perhaps can take one week leave again? haha.. Pls Jesus. I hope. Hope does not disappoint.

Surrender

2006-04-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today i surrendered myself to God. Jus gave Him every part of me. I gave Him my heart again. This time i am not going to take it back.

Are you going through something today? God is with you right now. Right now He wants to lift you up. Deliver you out of your dead land. And He will make your dry land one that is living. A land that flows with milk and honey. He will make the ground in which you stand into the Promised Land. And your seed will be upon this good ground. He is faithful and unfailing Love.

I asked Him can i love one such that i would hurt that person? What is love? What keeps me in my words and deeds? This is what He told me. He filled me with His Spirit. And from my inside, He shed abroad love. True love. And He asked me this. Now, do you want to hurt anyone? I realised i loved with a different love. That with this love, i knew what to do, what not to do. He then told me. If you would receive this, know this. That I am Love. And I am wisdom. Love is wisdom, my son.

I declare today that i am a different man. That from today i will die to myself, my flesh and everyday i will live Christ in me. By faith i declare my righteousness. I declare my blessings, wisdom, understanding, shalom, prosperity, favor, love, spiritual walk.

I had a revelation as i read Isaiah 66. I once asked a leader. Where in the Bible is slaining? Is it somewhere in the Book? She told me, no. But some things are in the Spirit of God. Now i was reading Isaiah 66:16.For by fire and by His sword, The Lord will judge all flesh, and the slain of the Lord will be many.
As i read it, even though contextually, it was speaking of the Book of Revelation. Spiritually, this was what He told me. When you are slain under the laying of hands, power comes down. And i judge the flesh. Yes. In that moment, your flesh dies totally. In that moment, you rest complete in My Spirit. And many will be slain by Me.

Living death...

2006-04-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

Past few services have really been so good for me.. It's like the pastors have opened up a new door in their teachings.. Like the teachings don jus stop short anymore.. Like they suddenly know that the common members are stuck at some level and they have come down to that level to minister and teach us...

Has not been an easy period for me. Life seemed to be ebbing away. Every other aspect in my life seemed to be falling in pieces. I even felt so far from God. Like i could not sense or hear Him like i usually could anymore. i really believe that during this time i really experienced death. Life is amazing.. the zoe God given life. But death really kills. Kills you from the inside. However i believe God showed me what it is to experience death for many reasons. Maybe one day in the future i can use this experience and help others.

Going thru tough times is never easy. But it builds character. Moulds us. And i believe i have grown. God has brought and is continually bringing me to a higher level. He has made me more desperate for Him. When one seeks and desires Him deep inside. With nothing left of himself. Truly nothing left. At ground zero, where one can go no lower, He reveals Himself and just overwhelms you.

Perhaps times are not right. Perhaps blessings are too great to handle. But i choose to believe in this God of Israel. God is the same God who opened the red sea. He is the same God who died on the cross for me. And He is still the same God who lives right now inside me. And i know that no matter what, He is in control. I can see on my level. He can see my whole life. And i am blessed. I am favored. This is my Jesus bought inheritance. Holy Spirit, i want to know You on a new level of intimacy.

life..

2006-03-28T00:44:00.000-08:00

i guess our experiences teach us things. Opens our eyes to new lessons. Every new person i meet, has a purpose in my life. i guess the past few months has really opened my eyes to people. To a certain extent, i have become more others oriented.

Everyone has insecurities. It's jus how much, and in what area. It's also whether we can see it or not. For some, it's right there for the world to see. Others, it's veiled behind an exterior. Exteriors can be behavior, looks, expressions, conservativeness, extrovertness, optimism, pessimism, even things of God.. confessions, belief systems.. almost anything.

but there's no wrong and no right i think. All things have become permissible. Even acceptable. It's jus a matter of whether it's profitable. seeing two people. They start of differently. But from their roots, they live different lives. Are different products. One beginning may seem better, but both profit in terms of development, character, etc.

i guess there's this is what Christ has bought us in this life.

I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Everything that Christ is, i am. Greater is He that lives in me, than he who is in the world. If God is for me, who can be against me. I have the mind of Christ. I have blessings, health, prosperity, shalom, wholeness. He is my Shepherd, i shall not want. I dont only have enough. I have everything.

The Victory is the Lord's

2006-03-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

Finally i'm back.. what a queer feeling.. You would think that i would feel elated or something getting my wings. But i would say the emotion was more diluted than expected. After the flight, it just felt like any other flight. I jus felt... normal. I guess it could be said the same about people becoming pastors.. haha.. well, that's one dream down, two to go. Though i recognise that this is only the beginning of my career..

Bible Study yesterday was great for me. Three weeks in Pekan Baru, i didnt have any church to go to. There were time i had it rough in PK. The amount of work needed to be done, the work rate that had to be produced. It pushes any man to his limits i think. Some things cannot be said.. Later it jus becomes numb. There was once when i felt down.. and of everything i read, this one verse stood out for me. The victory is the Lord's. Somewhere in Proverbs. When i read that, it was like life rose up within me. Stress left me in that instant. I realised that the work i was doing.. the victory was the Lord's. It was His to sustain, His to achieve.

Yesterday during worship. I broke out in tears. The devil had been knocking me around. When the song began.. My righteousness.. My holiness.. Emmanuel, living in me... i was touched in my heart how Jesus still loves me, still lives in me. And that forevermore, i was His righteousness and holiness.. How He was the keeper of my heart, and still the lover of my soul. The song said.. To You alone i praise.. and make Your glory known. Never have the words taken so much meaning to me. It was like words from my heart. We fight FROM victory ground. The victory is the Lord's.

It gets tougher..

2006-03-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

hey i guess even ladies enjoy the smile and the compliment when in a inoffensive manner.. though sometimes not always the look and wink.. right? haha.. i'll be in indo till the 23th..

Meantime, training is getting more intensive, with the sorties gearing up towards planning for more complex missions like war scenarios. The amount of detail that goes into the planning is tremendous. Not to mention the scenario injects that the instructor "simulates"in flight. That multiplies the stress level during flight and squeezes all the brain juice out of us..

Been reading Romans 8.. I have the Spirit living in me. For those who already have, they dont need to hope for. But in hoping for things i do not yet have, i wait confidently and expectantly. Nothing can separate me from the love of God. Not sin. Not condemnation. He has reunited me with the Spirit by whom i call out Abba Father.

One week in Indonesia

2006-03-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

have been a week and a half in indonesia already.. but it seems like i have been here so long.. so much work to do.. one wouldnt think that one could function with this amount of sleep..

Anyway, hope i can overcome my problems in flying.. once again its nothing to do with handling but processing in flight..

Thankful whenever the weekends come that offer an opportunity to relax and take my mind off work for a while.

One thing i noticed though.. indonesian girls seem braver than Singaporean girls.. haha.. they look you in the eye, smile, wink at you and even tell you that you are handsome.. hahaha..

Audience of One

2006-02-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

I come on my knees
To lay down before you
Bringing all that I am
Longing only to know you
Seeking your face
And not only your hand
I find you embracing me
Just as I am

And I lift these songs
To you and you alone
As I sing to you
In my praises make your home

Chrous:
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord

So what could I bring
To honor your majesty
What song could I sing
That would move the heart of royalty
And all that I have
Is the life that you’ve given me
So Lord let me live for you
My song with humility
And Lord as the love song
Of my life is played
I have one desire
To bring glory to your name

Chorus

And we lift these songs
To you and you alone
As we sing to you
In our praises make your home

Chorus

Worry not..

2006-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

have been reading Kenneth Hagin's book recently. And been enjoying being able to read the book on my way to work as i have been night flying and only reaching work in the early afternoon..

amazing how when God wants to tell me somthing, He will jus fill my senses with what it is. And really it is only when i am looking, seeking or searching that i see and hear it. Like the stars that are always there even in the day sky, God is surely always there with me. He is eternal and His heart is for me. If God is for me, who can be against me? He loves me with the love He loves Jesus. And just as Jesus declared that His Father was with Him, my Abba Father is always with me.

I read in the book.. about Jacob, Joseph and Benjamin. Which was what i wrote in my prev blog.. And i also read verse after verse of not worrying for tomottow, which i have been seeing jus everywhere! In my conversations, in my other readings, even in my friends' msn messages.

So i lay down my life. That my life may be Christ living in me and no longer i who live. Lord, quicken my faith, shower me with your goodness, free my mind unto your truths and revelations, and open my mind with knowledge and understanding. Let Your glory, Your goodness come before me, and my paths be of righteousness, every step being in the kingdom of God, in the Holy of Holies.

new shoes

2006-02-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

today was my birthday. well i started it off not feeling that well. but the day turned out really fruitful...

my cg brought me shopping for a new pair of shoes. Cos apparently a lot of people hate my present pair.. haha.. said its too conservative.

i really had to open my mind to the cg's suggestions.. haha.. so unused to it. I never thought i would wear shoes like that but i trusted them when they said i would get used to it. And it made sense to me i needed to get out of this comfort zone.

in the end, with the help of a lady and a guy from new cre, it was narrowed down to a pair of brown or a pair of white shoes. White leather shoes! cant believe it i settled for that.. haha..

but really thankful to the cg for the gift. well, 5-6 guys cant be wrong right? haha.. i'll find out soon i guess..

Benjamin Generation

2006-02-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

Indeed God turns around all things for our good. Was reading Ben Gen on my way to work yest. And it was giving me life. Giving me wisdom. Then and there.

I read about how Jacob thought that he was about to lose Benjamin. But Joseph was asking for Benjamin not to hurt him but to bless and love him. At that point of time, with what Jacob had lost with Rachel, how much he must have cried out to God to not let him lose Benjamin. To him, how much it must have hurt, how much it must have felt that he was losing everything.

But the grace of God is amazing. Joseph is a picture of Christ. He was betrayed, went to prison, the pits, and ascended the throne to be the Redeemer, the Savior of His family and people. And this Jesus Christ, bore my sins and my shame. He saw me as i am, saw me as who i will be, and took me, accepted me and loved me. He says i am His righteousness! He says i am blessed, favored and loved.

This Joseph called upon Benjamin. Like Jesus calls upon me, calls upon His Benjamin Generation. And i will have 5 times more! This year will be even better! The best year i will experience! A year of acceleration. I believe.

Lord forgive me. And quicken me. Let my faith be of You. Let my focus be on You. Let my mind be simple in the things of Christ, and become the mind of Christ. Thank you Jesus.

The best decision..

2006-02-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the best decision doesnt necessarily mean it's the easiest. Sometimes it can be the hardest and most painful. I think i found that out recently.

Still, i was believing the word of a prophet.. i was believing the sermon preached, and the counsel of godly friends. So i know, the Holy Spirit will come upon me and prosper me. And i will be established. And become another man.

Only God knows the purposes and ends of what we go through. But i believe it is good. And i will stand and see the salvation of my Lord.

I am Loved by God

2006-02-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

Recently i have been bothered by a particular area of my life, not knowing how to approach it, and what to do.. Then yesterday i picked up my mp3 player again and started listening to sermons regarding the issue once more. I had listened to it before but i felt maybe this time things i hear would mean differently. And it did.

It was as if the sermon was talking about my situation exactly. Like PP was using my scenario to teach about the subject. Needless to say it was speaking to me. I only listened halfway before i reached campus.

During campus, the message preached was to only believe. And that all things are made beautiful in their time. To see the things we want in our lives and believe. On my way home, on the bus alone, i picked up my player and continued listening. This time the sermon sounded even more like PP was talkin about me..

At that time, i received a message from my friend. She told me that believing we were loved by God was so important to our receiving. And that i was loved. i thanked her and said it was timely. She replied that it was sent to her friend not too long ago and indeed as per today's message, all things were made beautiful in its time.

Then this morning, gg to my daily devotional, this was the title of it.. "I'm Loved by God"

You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned...For I am the Lord, your God...you are precious and honoured in My sight, and...I love you" ( Isaiah 43:1-4 NIV).

Sacrificial Love

2006-02-01T04:31:00.000-08:00

got my promotion today.. well now my golden bar is not too lonely on my shoulders.. haha..

well i was reading my daily devotional today and it was talkin about love.. reading my blog then, it reminded me of some truths i learned and wrote here in my blog on the 1 nov 2005... what a reminder.. Sacrificial love...

here's the devotional...

Sacrificial Love
Anyone who sacrifices...will get it all back a hundred times over.Matthew 19:29 TM

Sacrificial love is about work, not play; it's about becoming a servant, not a hero. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant" ( Mark 10:43-45 TM). You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving. Real fulfilment can't be found in self-centredness. One Christian leader writes: "When I set about the task of loving, I usually end up giving instead of receiving. Love inevitably costs me three commodities that are most precious - my time, energy and money. I don't part with these easily...because I have them in limited quantities...It's time to strip away the false glamour that the world (and sometimes the church) puts on loving, and tell the truth: true love is sacrificial."
Colette Bocchino says, "When I get up each morning, I remind myself that today I may be called upon to give more love, more care and more patience than I get back. In times of sickness and hardship I'm required to do this for weeks or months on end. But then it's my turn and God gives it back, either through my family or someone else. Either way it always comes back in an amount equal to my need." Peter wondered if it was all worthwhile when he asked Jesus, "'We have left everything and followed You. What do we get out of it?' Jesus replied, 'Anyone who sacrifices...because of Me will get it all back a hundred times over'" ( Matthew 19:29 TM). Furthermore, "God...will not forget...the love you have shown" ( Hebrews 6:10 NIV). Sacrificial love may cost you, but gives back so much more.
Bible-in-a-year Reading:Romans 12-14, Luke 7:24-35,Psalm 107:33-43,Proverbs 3:27-28

dropping it.

2006-01-31T06:46:00.000-08:00

when you're thankful, you're grateful, and living in grace. Grace is unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor. So i wanna live in grace.

The more important something is, the more important it is to commit it unto God, and not pick it up ourselves. Which is so easy. Still, i believe He can change us and mold us, prospering our mistakes along the way.

Thank you Jesus.

Secret Place

2006-01-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

went for the leaders' meeting today. I believe that God is awakenng my dreams and desires once more.. the ones that are truly in my heart, that truly give me joy and peace. What an amazing preaching on digging deep from the well, pressing in.. and the secret place... from the secret place stems forth every external, supernatural blessing.

Today He also showed me His love for me. He gave Kelvin remembrance of me at the same time i was going thru somethin.. I initially didnt see it that way, but He convinced me with another act of love later..

God you know i want only the things You want for me. Guide me in wisdom and truth, Lord. Thank You for resurrecting certain desires in my heart. Now i jus have to wait on You.

Evidence of God

2006-01-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

One said you have to save yourself. Another said He will save you.
One said to attain knowledge. Another said to ask of Him and He will give.
One said do good to go to heaven. Another said He has given done everything for you.
One died for himself. Another died for the sinners.
One attained his anointing under a tree. Another died on His tree to give His anointing to the world.

The world is full of evidences of Jesus Christ, if the world would only open its eyes. Even Chinese practices are seen to originate from Scripture.. written 4000 years ago. The three joss sticks - a picture of the Holy Trinity. The single joss stick - a picture of one God. The manner of moving them - stated as the heave and wave offering in the Bible.
Everything is red. Why? Cos it originated to tell the story of the coming of the shedding of His blood. The couplets on the lamp posts from the application of blood on the door post to save Israel from the plague.
Even Chinese characters show their origin from God.

Thank you Lord for your mercy to me. For being kind to me. Your grace is more than sufficient for all my needs. And i hold on to Your promise.

i believe

2006-01-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

I do not know many things, and how You mean for things to be. Sometimes things jus don seem like they are going well. But i do know that You are good and Your mercies, grace and favor towards me are abounding. Whatever happens, i believe..

favour..

2006-01-01T05:10:00.000-08:00

really have been so favoured by God recently.. i havent flown in a week, but still graded pretty well on my flight on thurs.. plus, i did rather well in my system brief after that.. which really was only so cos God had turned around the bad things i had experienced in the past for good. Time and chance truly happens to all men. If i had known very little, but the instructors only quized me the stuff i knew, i would be seen as good. And if i had known almost everythin, but the instructor asked only the things i didnt know, i would be seen as bad wouldnt i..

2006 is meant to be a year of following the leading of the Holy Spirit, according to PP. I really believe and wanna flow with this. Already i am experiencing more of this end 2005..

Thank you Lord for the experiences You are giving me right now. And the peace and joy i am enjoying..

Christmas

2005-12-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great. The service was superb and reminded me of the reason we live, the reason He died. I was also granted the privilege of seeing Kelvin's new friend got saved. All i did was arrange to sit with him, but God gave me so much joy for that.. Jian Lin is someone who has quite a lot of favour i think, and is seemingly teachable and intelligent. I think he will be quite an interesting friend..

Ehm, went home after that, even took a nap. Thank God for a friend and brother like Joseph. After that we went for dinner with very special company... and i had a great time. Jus enjoyed the company i guess, although we didnt really do anything but eat, drink and talk. Thank you Lord for the experiences You bring me through.

Merry Christmas to everyone, dad, mum and sis especially...

closer to God.

2005-12-23T16:36:00.000-08:00

These days, i feel closer to God than in the past.. It's like.. whatever i am gg thru, it's more natural for me to talk to Him now.. Indeed we do not know how to go in and come out.. but jus know that He is good and faithful.

Trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not in my understanding. In everything, acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight...

2006..

2005-12-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

2006 is coming. And it will be a year of even more. Better, stronger. It will be a year that we can follow His leading in us even more than before. And we will have even more favor.. in front, behind, all around us. The anointing on us will be stronger. And His glory is us will be even greater. Blessings will abound. And it will all be 5 times. We are the Benjamin generation. 5 times more! Favor, blessings, leading, strength, anointing, glory!

relax and enjoy

2005-12-05T04:47:00.000-08:00

today was some day.. considering the quality of rest i had the previous night, i had started off the day thinkin it could end up as one stinking day. I wasnt in very good shape mentally and i still had two flights ahead of me. It was the first time i am flying twice in a heli..

Looking back, i think the turning point was when i declared that the day was going to be good and the flights would be good in Jesus name. I went on to enjoy two really good flights and i felt my instructors were quite impressed..

I feel God has along the way dropped some gift in me.. i dont know exactly when, but my flying had a marked improvement at some point in the last few weeks. And the instructors concured.. maybe it was confidence, maybe a new mentality that has broken me free from certain bondages, whatver it was, i thank God He is always with me. I believe He wants me to find purpose in my career again and enjoy it..

Somewhere along the way i find myself thinkin in a new way i have never b4.. that when somethin happens against my ideal desires, i do somethin about it instead of sitting there and reacting to the problem.. I feel that's helped my flying a whole lot cos i react less to when the aircraft's not behaving as i want it to..

Thank you Jesus. Everyday you remind me that you love me. That you are with me. All things good will happen in Your time and space. If it's not from you, i dont want it. But if it is, You have to be the one to put me in the right places and times. I just want to relax and enjoy!

Devotional 26 nov

2005-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

"In Case I Ever Forget!"

Give thanks in all circumstances.1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

The following story has been reprinted by request; it needs no commentary: "They huddled inside the storm door - two children in ragged over-sized coats. 'Any old papers, lady?' I was busy. I wanted to say no - until I saw their feet. Little sandals sopped with sleet. 'Come in and I'll make you some hot cocoa.' There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks on the hearthstone. I served them cocoa with toast and jam to fortify them against the chill outside. Then I went back to the kitchen to work on my household budget. The silence in the front room struck through me. I looked in. The little girl held the empty cup in her hands looking at it. The boy asked, 'Lady, are you rich?' I looked at my shabby slipcovers. 'Am I rich? Mercy, no!' The girl put the cup in its saucer! - carefully. 'Your cups match your saucers.' Her voice was old, with a hunger not of the stomach. Then they left, holding their bundles of paper against the wind. They hadn't said thank you. They didn't need to - they had done more than that. Much more. Plain blue pottery cups and saucers, but they matched. Potatoes and brown gravy; a roof over our heads; my man with a good steady job - these things matched, too. I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room. The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet upon my hearth. I let them be. I want them there in case I ever forget how rich I am!"

Bible-in-a-year Reading:Joshua 4-6, Mark 9:1-13,Psalm 114, Proverbs 27:20-22

Sensitivity?

2005-11-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

Jesus i pray you prosper my mistakes.

Had a wierd dream last night.. i was training or somethin, and war suddenly set upon the country. I then found myself flying in aircrafts and even on occasions shooting enemies down. The wierd thing? All those aircraft platforms are not going to be my future platforms at all. Plus, for various reasons, 3 times i went up, 3 times my aircraft crashed. I survived all three but i really wonder if this dream has any significance.. esp since i am in my line of career..

Today's devotional by Kenneth Copeland surprised me somewhat.. It taught to regain my sensitivity. Cos i have always been told and have the impression that i am a sensitive person, or even a snag. And i had for some reasons gained the impression that it wasn't entirely a good thing. But i guess the scriptures shown in the devotional has really changed my perspective again..

Daily Devotional 22 nov

2005-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Working In A Difficult Environment (4)
God...put him in the garden...to tend and keep it.Genesis 2:15 AMP

While David was out in the pasture tending sheep, everyone's eyes were on Saul. But not God's: His eyes were on David watching how he worshipped, how his character was coming along, his relationship with and fear of God, and how he confronted evil. Would he be easily intimidated, or did he have the stuff kings were made of? How would he fare in battle? Would he see a giant, or a giant God standing behind him? Was he proud and self-sufficient, running ahead of God, or did he rely solely on God? Would he be fair with people? How would he handle authority? Would he speak evil of those placed over him? Or would he respect those in authority, regardless of their personal shortcomings?
David wasn't fully aware of what God had planned for him, but he acknowledged God in all his ways. Someone once said, "Character is what you are when nobody is watching." Well, God is always watching! He was watching David - and He's watching you!
Most of us do not work as though God is watching, or even cares about the job we're doing. We fail to realise that promotion doesn't come "from the east or the west... but [from] God" ( Psalm 75:6-7 NIV). Do you understand that as difficult as your current job may be, God has placed you there for a purpose? He has deposited you there so that you can learn how to deal with the enemy, grow in grace and maturity, and be trained for better things. Think about it!
Bible-in-a-year Reading:2 Chronicles 32-34, Mark 6:45-56,Psalm 76, Proverbs 27:4-6

Stress..

2005-11-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

i was quite stressed at work today.. perhaps cos i was worrying too much.. perhaps cos i had not flown for 10 days and knew i had done little in the way of preparation. Regardless, i only knew that i was stressed, and i was desperate for it to go away. I began to think to myself what Pastor ever thought about stressed. What ways were there to get rid of it? What consciousness did i have to awake to? Then i realised that what i needed to do was simply ask God. i beseeched God to take it away from me. And in my spirit He reminded me that He was always with me.

I then opened my bible and flipped not knowing where to flip to. Somehow 2 Cor caught my eye. and the following goes:

2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.

God is so good. And He loves me so. I susequently went for the flight.. but the instructor had already decided to use the sortie as a free ungraded refresher for me due to the bad weather.. It was indeed better than anything i could ask or think of.. for i had indeed asked my brother to agree with me in prayer that i would have a good flight or wouldnt fly due to bad weather.. haha.. Thank You Jesus.

My Shield

2005-11-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Jesus you are my vindication. My Rock, Fortress and Strong Tower, in whom i can trust. You lead me beside green pastures and still waters. Thank you Lord for who knows me better than you.

the Power of God

2005-11-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday’s service was awesome for me.. in that it was the revealing of the power of God. God who created everything. In the perfection and harmony of creation, the perfection of God is shown. This God who is so powerful, who created the air i breathe, also came down to die for me. I guess to come to any understanding of the magnitude of the power of God, we have to know the magnitude of our God.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The Gospel of Christ, IS the power of God, unto SALVATION! It is not the faith of the one praying but the preached good news that is the power! I guess it is when we realize this, that we become truly unashamed of the Gospel of Christ, preaching and praying!

Abba, I want to be the 200 men at the Brook Bensor. Sitting and drinking of the good news. And the free gift of grace and mercy!
Teach me Lord, in Your ways and wisdom. Give me Your wisdom, understanding and a kind heart. That everything I do would be out of Your guidance and infinite wisdom.
I have been forgiven not out of mercy but out of Your Righteousness! Your righteousness demands my success!

Online Devotional 19 nov

2005-11-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Working In A Difficult Environment
(1)God...put him in the garden...to tend and keep it.Genesis 2:15 AMP

Reject any notion of victim-hood that's laying claim to your peace and robbing you of contentment. Your job, in spite of its challenges, would have been the dream of your forefathers. Hey, didn't you pray to get this job that you now complain about? As difficult as it may be to accept, you are in your present position for a reason; you are also there for a season. Study the course, take the tests, graduate and move on to what God has for you next. There's something you need to learn and take with you from your present position into your next one. Like what? (a) Skill building. (b) Character building. You may need to learn computer skills such as Excel and Microsoft Word - plus patience and gratitude. You may need to learn how to manage an office -plus manage your moods. For those ! who love the Lord, no experience is ever wasted. Listen: "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" ( Romans 8:28 NKJV). Sometimes it's difficult to see this in the moment. When Joseph was in the pit and the prison, it was hard to see how this road would lead to the palace, but it did. God has a master plan for your life. Your current job may well be preparation for the job God has in mind for you. Look back at the steps that have moved you in your present direction. Then trust that God is using each experience to bring about His will - and your joy.
Bible-in-a-year Reading:2 Chronicles 25-28, Mark 6:14-29,Psalm 50, Proverbs 26:27-28

busy busy

2005-11-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

Been really busy lately.. busy like i have never been before in my life.. Flying's been exceptionally successful.. maybe unexpected..

Saw a show recently where a father and daughter were reconcilled through rock climbing. A flood of emotions came over me as i watched the show. As i watched it i realised i wanted to be able to trust God too, that whenever i fell, He would be there to catch me.

And He is always there. We are jus so quick to forget His love, His promises. But He always comes back and tells us He still loves us. Still forgives us.

Love

2005-11-01T04:04:00.000-08:00

Someone taught me about love quite some time back. For sensitivity reasons, i decided not to put his/her name here. But don't speculate ok.

Yes yes, love is exactly like what the Bible says about it in 1 Cor 13. But this person summed it up to me in one word. Sacrifice. Said that when you love someone, you would sacrifice for that someone. And i asked, whether it was possible to love someone too much that it hurt the other person?

No, was the answer. Cos when that happens, in actual fact, you have already loved yourself more than that someone. Sometimes loving involves letting go of the person too. It all depends on the time and circumstances i guess. As i was told these things, i felt the Spirit raise up inside of me and say "There's no greater love than this, that a man would give up His life..."

Well this was actually sometime back. But for some reason i keep meeting situations in my life that remind me of that conversation and the truths in it.

Worship

2005-10-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Had quite a tough day at work. Everyday i go to work, i get a little discouraged. More often than not, it is my inadequacies that lead to it. I seem to be limited in my mental capacity to absorb things as fast as others. I feel it especially when it comes to doing daily routine tasks - like admin stuff and such. I was also told that in flight, it was not my handling that was the problem, but my mental spare capacity. I never thought i was stupid but i never thought i would struggle with something i feel i can do nothing about.

In the past weeks i realized that since my return from Australia, i had not spent as much time in the Word as i had been. Maybe it was because i had so little time left due to the travelling time. But i have decided that Jesus is going to be my first priority as it should have been since the beginning. Somewhere along the way, my behaviour had indicated that i lost sight of that.

Today i came home and worshipped God. Did it on Sunday too. As i was worshipping today, i asked for His presence. And He spoke this verse to me "How much more would your Father in Heaven give good gifts to His children?" And i remembered that good gifts in another chapter was recorded as the Holy Spirit. In an instant i was dwelling in His unmistakable presence.

I also received some revelations. Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be made perfect. Just as your Father in Heaven is perfect. I have been made perfect in His blood! Perfect in His eyes!
Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 5:17 Do not think that i came to destroy the Law or Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Jesus was telling them to do what they wanted men to do to them. But i believed this was to show them that it was quite difficult living a life trying to fulfill the Law. But now, Jesus has fulfilled the Law and the Prophets! This means that people will show favour to me! I believe this in spite of my circumstaces.
Matthew 8:23-27 I am in the boat! My body, soul and spirit is in the boat, rocked by the issues of life around me. And Jesus is in my boat!! Shalom will reign because as i speak, He speaks! At the word of a king and a priest, all controversies are settled!

I really need Jesus. He gives me the strength to carry on where i would otherwise have given up. In career, relationships, family, friends, life. He is the vine. My well from which i need a constant drink from to last this life.

I am a Donkey.

2005-10-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

been down with the flu.. took medical leave on wed, then went to see the MO again today. Well, he gave me mc for tmr and a medical status for tmr meaning that i wont be flying tmr. My course commander decided for me to stay home on fri too since i had the flu! Haha.. so this week really is like a long break for me..

Anyways, i hope my niece is doing fine cos she had to be hospitalized recently from fever. I believe she's healed. God loves her too.

I like this illustration. I am a donkey. haha.. When Jesus rode the donkey amidst all the cheers and praises, the donkey had better know that the praises are for Jesus, not it! I am a donkey..

Kelvin coming back soon liao.. i think he'll pass lah. Maybe he'll come same sqn as me? haha.. then i'll call him junior.. hehe.. anyway it's good he's comin back.. then i no need entertain his fans liao.. so many of them enquiring when Mr Universe will be back.. haha..

Thank You

2005-10-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jesus for my life. Sometimes i forget that i have a beautiful life. At times i magnify issues and make them problems, when these things are actually "good headaches" to have. I thank You that You have redeemed me this wonderful life. I thank you for my family and friends. For my career, and for my emotions and thoughts.

work work work..

2005-10-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

hmm.. been super busy recently. Yesterday i went to work at 6.. cos my work place is so far, i had to wake at 4 plus.. and that was with my dad fetching me.. ended work at 6.. against regulations actually i think. Simply absurd. Guess what.. tmr i gotta reach work by 530. to prepare for flight. Official work end time tmr is 1530. So if we end earlier than usual, it would stil be good for me to go bs.

Quite apprehensive about blogging some stuff. Since there are people looking around for things to report.. haha.

Anyways i have been looking at cars.. though i in the midst of taking my license. Only took 2 lessons so far. been looking at second hand cars that are only a year or two old. Thinking that if i can knock off thirty plus grandfrom the new car cost for the same model, it would make a good deal.. Not sure what car to buy though.. I'm sure God will lead me to the best deal when the time comes. He always has helped me when it comes to buyng stuff..

Got work to do. Well, if it rains heavily tmr morning and stops my flying, i am gonna have a little miracle to share.. haha..

Glimpses

2005-10-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

attended campus today.. and praise God for anointed preachers. P. Darren talked about seeing Jesus. That when we see Jesus in every situation, in every circumstance, we shall not be shaken. It is when we gain a revelation of His blood. The value, the price. And when that revelation comes into our reality, our relationship with Him jus grows stronger. I don wanna give up knowing Jesus for anything in this world.

Even amidst such a non relational subject. i believe He gave me glimpses of truth in this area of my life. It was in recent times that got me wondering if i should be looking to get into a relationship. Whereas it was clear cut in the past, the recent months have been quite blurry for me in this aspect. Lost, is really what i would use to describe myself.

I realize that what i really want, and need, is to rest in God. And simply wait. Some would say i would get nothing done this way. But i believe that God is more than my inadequacies. He can put me in the right place and the right time, and cause me to act. Well one thing i know. If i do approach a girl, i do not want it to be out of a fear of wondering what i would miss if i didnt. And if i did not approach a girl, i do not want it to be out of a fear of rejection.

I also realize this. That even if i got rejected or have a bad relationship, i know that i will surely be alright. Cause Jesus is always with me. I think He means to liberate me with this truth.

In any case, i hope that whoever reads this doesnt speculate on anything. Jus take anything i type on face value. I am who i am by His grace. And i will embrace myself, even my weaknesses, because Jesus embraces every inch of me.

right place right time

2005-09-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

supposed to fly today.. but weather held me up fromthe early afternoon all the way till four plus pm! At half past four, i was still waiting to see if i had to fly! Well, if i did, i would never have made it for bs. And i am so glad i did.

PP preached about positive confession and the bridling of our tongues, the gift of tongues, etc. I sometimes am amazed at his wisdom. When he expounds on the Word, i just know it must be God cos it jus isnt the wisdom of man speaking.

Chopper flying's been quite fun so far. Maybe cos i have been flying with quite a "love" instructor.. haha.. Duties gonna start coming in.. His grace is gonna see me thru.

i am a king and priest and my words will straighten all controversies and has power. A double portion power. Jesus, even as you put me in the right place and the right time, help me see it and have the courage to receive your blessings.

Jesus.

2005-09-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jesus. I wanna know more of Jesus.

help me Jesus

2005-09-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

had a friend pass away recently.. not sure about the cause, only know that he fell. Met him and talked to him a couple of times. He seemed such an innocent fellow. Now he is with the Lord.

Starting my first sortie tmr.. more to come during the week..

Need more focus in the things i do. Abba, help me through my life. Sometimes i really dont know what to do. Sometimes fear and worry set in. At times i feel quite helpless. But being courageous is about doing things even amidst the fears isnt it? Give me the courage Lord.

Glorification of Your name is ultimately still Your responsibility, and i believe You'll use me in ways beyond my imagination.

God loves me

2005-09-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

God loves me. Regardless of my circumstances and my deeds, He loves me. His love was shown to me on the cross, when God came down from His heavely place to face and endure persecution, torment, humiliation and the cross. All at the hand of His creation. He came to love me with an everlasting love. And He gave me the Spirit of adoption, by whom i call Him Abba Father. His name is Love and His perfect love casts out all fears.

busy busy,,

2005-09-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

been quite a busy week.. even though we've really only started the sims... Gotta say that i am a bit discouraged by the very high work rate of my colleagues.. But somewhere along the way i believe God was asking me why i was working according to people's expectations and performances...
Guess í've got a lot to learn...

i must say that trying to overcome the aircraft in the sim is quite challenging and fun. Helicopters are definitely the hardest aircrafts to fly. Guess i've always liked e challenge of controlling a machine, esp when it's difficult. I hope i find the same positive excitement from the real thing.

funny thing, this coming weeks.. Kelvin and Joseph are both away for at least another month... Guess it's good and i feel i can get closer to e NS care group...

God is faithful and He calls me friend.. His favour is upon me and He wants me to embrace who and what i am, including my weaknesses. My weaknesses will become His strengths.

man's foolishness

2005-09-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

gg thru a testing period now.. But my life is really meant for Jesus. It makes it easier when we remember that our lives are lived for Jesus. We dont always make the right decisions, do the right things. But it is God who vindicates and justifies, and it is Him who gives favour to the undeserved - me. God will see me through every trial and tribulation, and will bring me out for the glorification of Him and the truth He brings.

The wisdom of man is truly foolishness to God. Sometimes i get distressed how the devil can use lies to bring people away from the truth. Man can always come up with his own sayings and principles to live by. But who better knows the truth than the Creator? Isnt it amusing how the creations think they know better than Him? How is it people can judge Christians for their lives and people of other religions dont get judged at all? When people do that it is just blatant that they do not know a single thing about what being a Christian is about...

God is most griefed when we do not believe He loves us and has forgiven us. When we do special things for someone we love, and that person rejects it or refuses to believe we did it for them, we ourselves get hurt. How much more God. How much more for a God who chose to come down as a human being and die for us..

God i pray you break every bondage the devil has on my family. I pray that You will reveal Your truths to them, that Your shalom peace will reign and crush every bondage.

Today's Devotional!!

2005-09-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

I opened today's devotional and the following popped up, confirming with the revelation i had received and blogged on July 10th..

Get Back Up!David arose from the ground.2 Samuel 12:20 NAS

Look at David: standing on his balcony looking the wrong way at another man's wife. Then follows a night of sin, an unplanned pregnancy, a failed cover up, a pre-meditated murder, a royal wedding, a public exposure and a dying child. It doesn't get much worse. Covered in sackcloth and ashes he lies on the palace floor pleading for the life of the newborn child. For a whole week he cries, then it's over. "Is the child dead?" he asks. Yes. Listen: "David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; then he came into the house of the Lord and worshipped." Facing circumstances he couldn't change, receiving forgiveness he couldn't earn, learning a lesson he'd never forget, David closed the book and moved on. In Psalm 51 he prays, "Hide your face from my sin! s and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God" ( Psalm 51:9-10 NIV). And God answered his prayer. Listen: "I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" ( Psalm 59:16 NIV).
No doubt about it, our sin offends God. But our unwillingness to repent and receive His forgiveness offends Him even more! And that's what we do when we remain stuck in our failures. God never intended such a waste of life! The way to honour God after any failure is to get back up, corrected and redirected, and carry the message of His grace to others who've failed!

Underwater...

2005-09-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

starting work tmr and this week will include our first simulator sorties... not prepared at all for them but i know God's grace is more than sufficient for all my needs. Whatever happens will be for good.

Anyway, the weekend proved really eventful. Cos i had to go for this Helicopter Underwater Egress Training... Where i got put in a fake helicopter body which was then lowered into water. I then had to complete certain actions and safely make my egress from the sinking "aircraft". There were a couple of profiles which included some which involved the helicopter turning upside down in water... Considering i am absolutely not the most comfortable person in water, i felt that it really boosted my confidence about gg underwater... Praise Jesus He gave me the courage to go through it... Though i did drink lots of water.. haha..

I would like to proclaim also that i am healed! haha.. from the flu i suffered from not too long ago.. i got really frustated at my medicine and decided to stop taking it totally. Well in case i wasnt really doing it out of faith, i actually kept the medicine aside instead of throwing it away.. well, God blessed me and i am feeling fine and dandy!

God i really need your grace in my life. My weaknesses will become your strengths. And let my life be for the glorification of Your name, not mine.

thanksgiving

2005-09-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

The love of God is amazing. It is bursting forth from within me. Funny how life is.. when we become still and believe God, we get in a cycle that keeps on getting more and more amazing. But when we lose our focus and start looking to ourselves, we get trapped into a vicious cycle of works and maybe even depression. But i am convinced that God turns around even this into good for His works. In other words, as a Christian, i cant lose!

I guess God has spoken to me about having a thankful attitude, but the book i am reading by Joyce Meyer jus confirmed everything and made it straight forward for me. Having a a thankful attitude is different from thanking to get our blessings. A thankful attitude gives thanks continuously for what He has already done. For who He is, and who He has made me in His grace. I am who i am by His grace. And we thank God because He hears us. And when He hears us, He grants our requests. It is all done!

consciousness

2005-09-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Been receiving about consciousness recently. About being righteousness conscious. That instead of staying in the realm of saying there is therefore now no condemnation, i need to look further and say i am the righteousness of God in Christ. The former brings me into neutrality but the latter brings me into blessings and favour.

Seems to me that ever since i have understood what grace was a little more, it has been easier to understand the Word when i read it. But that's to be expected according to the Word. For when we understand grace, we are unveiled in our understanding of the Word. (2 cor 3:14)

With regards to a relationship, God has simply this to say, "Trust Me with it son, just rest. I love you".

i am healED

2005-08-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

haiz.. fell sick on sunday and it followed thru til today, climaxing with a stomachache so bad i instinctively called out to Jesus. Decided not to go to work, but tmr will prove to be a really busy day. Still pondering how to get into the base from the entrance..

Jus so pissed at falling sick... really hate these lies of the devil. I AM HEALED! SICKNESS AND PAIN HAS PASSED AWAY! i AM THE LORD'S REDEEMED!

anyway, i'm gonna believe that i will wake up tmr morning feeling refreshed and good. And the first day in my new squadron will be a blessed one! The beginning of this new course signifies more hard work again. But i pray that my work will be commited to Him and His grace will abound in me. Hmmm... helicopters are flying past my home as i type this.. haha..

New Creation

2005-08-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Officially finished Ground School today... and it ended off with a course lunch and the presentation of the top in ground school. Well, i didnt get it, but i dont feel all that disappointed at all. I cant explain it but since my return to my church, it's like i have found it much easier to listen and believe the message preached. Where i have not been able to receive being in God's favour and righteousness in the past, it seems like now i can truly believe and flow with what i hear...

I feel that the reason is quite simple. Whereas i had a shallow revelation of grace in the past, God has revealed to me to some length what grace is. And no matter how shallow my understanding still is, i know that He has dropped it a bit more into my heart. And that's what really matters to me. I rejoice when problems and worries do come my way and i find it so much easier to say, "Lord, you take care of it. I can't, You can."

Right now i jus want deeper and deeper revelations that God loves me. His love is there. I just need my lightning fast mind to come into line with that thru realisation. I believe His love will cast out my fears, and make me a better man - as a son, friend, boyfriend, husband and father. I don wanna fear failing, don wanna fear the future. I gotta embrace it with grace and the knowledge that He is with and for me. His favour surrounds me. The old things have passed away, and i am made new. I am a new creation!

rest

2005-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

got my internet connection today! and it's fast! compared to the 5 pple sharing 28.8kb i had in australia, 2000kbp is fast! finally i get my own access to the internet...

been in ground school lately... studying everything to do with flying helicopters. The more i learn about it, the more i am amazed that thing can actually fly. Recently had a visit to Sembawang AB too... spoke a little to our seniors and course commander there. At least we got a glimpse of the place and stuff...

been thinking a lot about my future recently. Stuff like how i would do in the coming course, what comes after that - how much overseas time i will get - and also stuff about settling down... Been attracted to this girl recently (take a bit of boldness to type this down). She first caught my eye a long time back. And when i return it seems the same... Jus cant seem to get near her though.. too shy... bleh. But i have also been reminded consistently to rest in His finished work. Though getting to know her seems gd to God, i feel like He wants me to stay off one for a while. Dunno how long, but i know that He is preparing me. Speaking to me a lot about this subject.

Anyway jus gotta rest. ok gotta study liao...

Without problems, what is faith?

2005-07-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

I always wondered why I seem to be on a spiritual high when there is no stress. And I seem to be so affected when trying times come.

I see that it’s not about the lack of testing that gives us the ability to remain “spiritual”. Without problems, we don’t need faith. But it’s about God wanting us to be in a place where through our tribulations, testing or even daily work, our minds are so firmly fixed on the foundation of His love and saving grace that we are emotionally immune… where our belief system is so in line with God that our emotions come in line with it…

Note that people always preach about that place. The place in the Holy Spirit. Saying that if only people would go into that place. But people never say how to get into that place. You know why? Simply because there isn’t a how. We get into that place not by works, not even by how well we can keep our minds on Him. But simply by believing. Believing that God is for us, and He loves us, and has died for us.

Is believing so hard? Sometimes I think that I just cant believe it. Then my mind starts to think it is because I have no faith. But then I remember that God has given us a measure of faith. I think then that it must be a choice. We have to make that choice to believe God. We have to take the authority and stand. That conscious choice and decision to believe is ours to make.

There is therefore now no condemnation

2005-07-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Rom 6:18 Then being made free from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness.
Rom 6:19 I speak in the manner of men because of the weakness of your flesh; for as you have yielded your members as slaves to uncleanness, and to lawless act unto lawless act, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom 6:20 For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21 What fruit did you have then in those things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
Rom 6:22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become slaves to God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
↓
Rom 6:18 We have become slaves of righteousness! Slaves can’t shake away their status
of slavery. It is stuck on them!
Rom 6:19 Here, Paul is speaking to people who sin. Why do we know that? Because he
refers to them as weak in the flesh, yielding themselves as slaves to
uncleaness, lawless acts, asking them to yield their members as slaves to
righteousness unto holiness.
Rom 6:22 And now Christ has made us free from sin, we already have our fruit to
holiness! To everlasting life!
Why? Because it was the gift of God! Gifts are free! This gift is eternal life!
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Rom 7:1 Or are you ignorant, brothers; for I speak to those who know the Law; that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?
Rom 7:2 For the married woman was bound by law to the living husband. But if the husband is dead, she is set free from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband lives, she is married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress by becoming another man's wife.
Rom 7:4 So, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ so that you should be married to Another, even to Him raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sin worked in our members through the law to bring forth fruit to death.
Rom 7:6 But now we having been set free from the Law, having died to that in which we were held, so that we serve in newness of spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
↓
Rom 7:2 Here the married woman is the church. And we and all were bound by His law. So, to free us from this law, our Husband had to die.
Rom 7:3 I see the marrying of another man here as disobedience to God. We marry other husbands like sins, lust, etc.
But if our Husband dies, we are no adulteress even when we become another man’s wife! Even if we sin!
Rom 7:4 And this is how Christ brought about our death to the law, by His body! So that we might be married to Another – the Risen Christ! Why? To sin? No!
Rom 7:5 To bring forth fruit to God! What is this fruit? Romans 6:22 says that it is fruit to holiness! Everlasting life!
Rom 7:6 And now we serve in newness/renewal of spirit, not oldness of the Law!
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Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Let it not be said! But I did not know sin except through the law. For also I did not know lust except the law said, You shall not lust.
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, worked in me all kinds of lust. For apart from law sin was dead.
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once. But when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was to life, was found to be death to me.
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.
Rom 7:12 So indeed the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.
Rom 7:13 Then has that which is good become death to me? Let it not be! But sin, that it might appear to be sin, working death in me by that which is good; in order that sin might become exceedingly sinful by the commandment.
↓
Rom 7:7 Here goes on to answer what most people are thinking right now – so you can sin all you like and still go to heaven/not be called adulteress/attain the fruit of God?! What shall we say then?
From what’s written, it’s quite self explanatory. The Law was not sin, but it gave the knowledge of what was right and wrong, like the apple adam ate. That sin took advantage of the Law which is holy and good.
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Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15 For that which I do, I know not. For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I do not desire, I consent to the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find.
Rom 7:19 For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do.
Rom 7:20 But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man;
Rom 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
↓
Rom 7:14 For the Law is spiritual, but it is our flesh and nature that is carnal, that even when in our inner man, our spirit, we do not wish to sin against God, but sin has always dwelled within us! Remember we were born sinners for this reason. Through the knowledge of good and evil, sin was born in us!
Rom 7:20 And though we will to do good, we do evil, the workings of this sin dwelling within us!

Rom 7:25 Who shall deliver us then? Save us from our own bodies? Jesus Christ!

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Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 But the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh;
Rom 8:4 so that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
↓
Finally the conclusion? There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit!

We that believe in Jesus are no longer condemned! And how do we walk in the Spirit? There is no how! It is our inheritance! We are in Christ Jesus, and we walk in the Spirit!
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Zion Praise Harvest

2005-07-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a new church. On the invite of my friend, I decided to go there which my friend described as “quite happening”. Well, since he said it was charismatic and “quite happening” sounds like what someone would describe my church, I decided to go.
Along the way, self-conscious me was struggling against going to this place. What if this place was like the church I ran away from afraid in the past? What if I got spooked again? Knowing how enthusiastic and spiritual charismatic churches can be…

But I remembered the journey Christ took me through, even through that church which I ran from, refused to answer calls to… And reminded myself that I was going to church to meet God, not anyone or anything else. Wasn’t going to be anti social, just wanted to be clear that I did not have to live to people’s expectations…

Got there slightly late, and worshipped had already started in this auditorium (in a Poly/Uni-like complex). People were so eager to shake our hands it reminded me of NCC. And then we got to our seats. And the next song began. As it begun, it brought a smile to my face, hearing a song I knew, and seeing the people worship God like it was campus! My friend’s friend immediately remarked to him that she could see I was so happy! Haha…

Worship was amazing for me. Knowing the songs definitely didn’t harm either.. and the atmosphere, and I could just feel the Spirit. Today I worshipped like I have not for months! Not even in Riverview.. I found myself singing at the top of my voice (off key it might have been) and it was like I was in campus all over again!

After service, my friend started asking me about what the differences were between roman catholics and Christians. He was a Catholic. So I offered my explanations and whatever little I knew. He seems to receive quite well. I believe he will eventually believe right. Maybe he would agree to go to New Cre when he returns to Singapore..

Then we had lunch, with some other members, and they were also in cgs. One guy remarked about how he liked it in New Cre. Saying it was different, like it had something more… and how he missed it.. he stays in Perth. God! I miss New Cre so much I cant wait to go back. Anyway, I cant wait to go back to Zion Praise Harvest as well!

Two Voices

2005-07-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

I always hear two voices. Both claiming to be the truth. One bases its foundation on the Word. What people call the Bible. And my fellow Christians call it the Word of God. Some say its Jesus. Some say it lives. Others say it’s the Holy Spirit. And even some say it’s peace. In this book are the promises of God, who claims to be Love. Who says He is faithful and always with me, loving me, showing me His grace and waiting for the time I join Him in Heaven.

When I follow this voice, it promises supernatural peace, grace and blessings. And the joy it brings. But in the circumstances, this voice seems so hard to believe, so hard to follow. Yet there’s always a part of me, or inside me that is gentle, and keeps on saying, ”This is the truth. Believe it.”

The other voice. It’s louder than the other. And in most times when there are hard times, this voice fights to be even louder. It likes to follow the things the eyes see, and the things the body feels. It promises self satisfaction, a type of joy that comes from myself. Created by myself, in a world of myself. It also keeps repeating “me, me, me, me”. Everything centers around self. Then there’s the what ifs, and the if onlys. This voice likes to use the science of the world too, staking its own claim to be the truth.

When I follow this voice, it promises joy too. Self satisfaction. It’s in a way easier to follow. Just act naturally, the way the body wants to. And to follow this voice, I’ll have to ignore the other. But in the process, even if I follow this route only mid way, every part of me just wants to erupt. Just wants to rebel. From the inside, I suddenly hear one voice and cry only. It says, “God, save me!”

So this is the path. That in this life, I have to choose one voice to follow. And one will grow stronger. The other one, will eventually die. Lord, help me. I wanna hear Your voice and Yours only. And when I hear it Lord, give me the grace, strength, power and courage to follow it and follow through. Open my ears Lord.

Part 2

2005-07-10T03:54:00.000-07:00

This blog's titled part 2 cos it's the 2nd for tonight, and it's about an event called Part 2.

Got a lot to reflect about my time here. I know myself. I have thought some bad thoughts. done some bad things. And not been near a faithful servant at all.. Yet every disappointment with myself is only self righteousness. And God know He has bestowed upon me such grace and mercy. In a time of self perceived darkness, He has brought me up, and embraced me, used me.

Saturday night was our Basic Handling Test Dinner. Meant to commemorate our successful passing the BHT. THe final exam before we leave here. Though technically we have not even taken it, but it has to be arranged as a course. And after the dinner, there was the unofficial Part 2. And we proceeded to this strip club. Having nowhere else to go, and no driving license, and being part of the course, i had to go.

Well, one by one my coursemates were sat down below the stage upon which the girls danced. And they got their lap dances one by one. Me? i sat down initially. But found myself walkin away soon after. So i stood at the back watching. I didnt want to seem self righteous, nor did i want to spoil the mood, but i found myself strangely submitted to God. It even reached a point where one of my course mates started shouting my name. And my course mates all followed that up! i gripped a table with an iron grip and simply refused to go. And some instructors kinda looked at me "one kind".

I had been listening to this CD about evangelism. Lost people were everywhere. We didnt have to look for them, cos they were everywhere! And evangelism was something as simple as a mention of God, of Jesus. It was still a seed sowned! And for months, when i have been nowhere near a testimony for Him, amidst the pressures to behave in a "Christian" manner. But here because of this strip club, God was going to use me four times in 2 nights.

One instructor started talking to me. And i began a little slowly, questioning in my mind if i was really going to start talkin about Him to this instructor. Somethin i have not done in months. Then i remembered the CD, and began sharing my thoughts and beliefs. I was sharing about Christ in a strip club! It came to a point where he had no answers to me. And i believe that moment will serve to be a seed sown. Then came the next instructor. About 40-50 years of age maybe? But i saw a lack of wisdom. God's wisdom. And to him too i mentioned God. Saying i saw no reason to be "with the flow". Then came another instructor, and the same mention. Finally, whilst we were driving back to base the following night, my coursemate started talking about his gf being a christian and stuff. And he asked me if i really could hear Him! That started me sharing again.

Looking back i think He wants to show me that of my efforts i could and would end up nowhere. But only through Him. I am desperate for Him. I need to be even more.

Here's somethin to share. David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants od David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was alive we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!" When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, "Is this child dead?" and they said, "He is dead."
So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and WORSHIPED. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate... ..."Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?"

That is grace. Even when the child died, David wasnt disappointed, wasn't mourning. He worshiped! He ate! Because he had a revelation of what grace is! That he did not deserve it. But totally relied on the Lord's mercy. How many times have i been disappointed and sad?

apaches?

2005-07-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

Looks like it's more or less confirmed.. i should be going to helis.. Well according to the instructors, it's not so much about my flying. My course commander says that my flying might be even better than my coursemates, but my scores just dont reflect it. And they cant justify sending me to fighters with my kind of scores. It gives me pain though that scores are sometimes instructor dependent.. Another instructor told me that after my close form sorties, some instructors kinda tagged me with the label "black knight". I guess i wont be going there though... He also told me that heli flying (he was a heli pilot) should be a walk in the park for me.. haha.. And they are sending me in the hope that i can make it to apaches... He said this to me: that if i had went to fighters, he knew i would be 'shit hot' but, which type of lifestyle would i enjoy more?

There's the disappointment of not being able to go fly fighters... somethin i looked to as a kid. But perhaps my experience here has led me to feel that this is more than just about a dream coming true. But what's best for me. Somehow when i got the news that i was going to helis, i felt more relieved than disappointed. And i think it stemmed from the fact that deep inside i knew i wouldn't enjoy a fighter lifestyle. Certainly one reason why they didnt send me there has to be my personality. Where fighter pilots tend to be more extroverted, aggressive and individualistic. My former instructor (now left the air force) actually called the squadron looking for me and talked to me a little, saying that he had wished i was going to helis. Cos he had seen many people go to fighter squadrons and change drastically. With the things i have seen here, i think it must be true... i can only say that going to places they enjoy isnt healthy at all.. Esp for my spiritual life.

They gonna plan the fighter guys to finish by 15 of this month. And the rest of us should go back latest by national day. I think maybe a week earlier than that. i got about 20+ sorties left in my syllabus. Looking forward to going back home. And spending the next 9 months in sweet Singapore! Cos my rotary training should be in sembawang... Family, church, char kway teow, satay, friends, maybe a driving license, here i come! (no order in priority.. hehe)

Gg home!

2005-07-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Streaming for my course has just ended... And choices have already been made about who are to go to fighters, helis or transport. But the results werent given to us. Not sure if i am going to be posted to fighters or helis... Guess i would be disappointed if i dun make it to fighters, but even if it were so, i got to remind myself that God would have my best interests at heart.

Seems so near to going home, and at the same time, it seems so far away cos of the flights that we still have to complete... Approaching the winter season, the weather gets showery and cold, at times leaving us grounded. Got about slightly less than 30 sorties to go i think. and even given a month, that would amount to a whopping 7 sorties a week. Packed a little of my obsolete stuff today... Think i gonna have an overloaded luggage gg back home!

Night flying's begun too.. Tmr, i gotta fly a navigation sortie in the afternoon, then do a night one.. If the weather stands. Anyway, i just cant wait to get home!

36 Pieces

2005-06-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

What an embarassing experience yesterday... we went to this japanese restaurant to get some food to buy back to base. I looked at the menu, and selected my choice.. a meal, and an extra pack of sushi that my friend told me included 6 pieces. So i ordered 2 eel, 2 crab and 2 salmons. Here comes the interesting part.. my fren had mentioned that he was short on cash and so i thought i would just buy a pack of 6 sushi pieces for him...

There was this japanese girl serving us when the orders were ready. Well, i gotta say that she was quite attractive. But that's besides the point. haha... we had this pagers you see, which rang upon activation when the order was ready. Well, i thought, since i was within sight, surely i didnt need it to ring to go get my food? And when this girl had packed a plastic bag of food, i thought that it was mine... cos she did look at me and her body language indicated (or at least i thought) so. So i went up before waiting for the device at all...

As i was taking the pack, i was thinking to myself "how come so many packages?" but dismissed it as i thought they would pack each individual ingredient in a pack. However, as i was walking out of the shop with my friends, she came running after from behind and apologised, saying that the food wasnt mine... "Oh it isnt?"i said.. haha... well that was embarassing for us both right? there's more...

i went back to the counter to get my food and this time i took a single plastic bag she handed to me. So without checking the contents, i went off with my friends. A minute later when i was in the car, i checked the contents and saw about three boxes of 36 pieces of sushi and realised i must have gotten the wrong pack again! so i went back again!

Another lady there was like "oh there he is" and told me that i had forgotten to take my other bag as well! "The other bag?" i thought to myself. So i asked,"you mean this one (the one with 36 sushis in it) is mine as well?" and the reply was yes. My next question,"how come so many?"
The first girl then replied,"but you ordered that many.." It was then that it dawned upon me that when i ordered 2 eel, 2 crabs and 2 salmons, it translated to 2 boxes of 6 eel sushi, 2 boxes of 6 pcs of crab and 2 boxes of salmons. I had effectively bought 36 sushi pieces!

i smiled back nodding in understanding and said "i see, thanks"... Urrgghh!
Well, i ended up sharing those 36 pieces within four of us. At least i think they'll recognise me next time i go there! haha...

rainbows

2005-06-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

well, i wrote a whole lot actually, but somehow i lost the stuff i wrote so i kinda gonna cut this short...
11 of us left in the course, 9 of us going to be accelerated in flyin as these 9 have been shortlisted as possible fighter course candidates... So despite the recent bad weather, due to the winter season, they have pushed us to fly anyway... but it's safe so no worries...

Just a few days ago, during my flights, i have been seeing lots of rainbows... And once while on the way to squadron, i even saw 4 rainbows in the sky! Reminds me of God and His covenant promises, forgiveness...

Been flying formations recently, and apparently the instructors think i am good at it.. Sometimes i feel proud about it, even want to boast. Then i remember that it is by God's grace that i can do what i do...

To mum, i love you. Sorry if i have been rude , just been quite impatient recently. To sis, dont think of the problems. Focus on His grace and love for you. As you receive His love, He will give you the desire, overflow and strength to go to church, read the bible, etc. So simply receive His grace ok. To dad, thanks for your love and the trouble you take.. especially for my name tag, socks, etc...

Your grace, more than enough for Lincoln Joshua

2005-06-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

just moved into a new module recently... formation stuff... my first time trying to formate on another a/c was exciting and fun! Initially it was a little challenging, but it seems formation flying is a bit like the life we are supposed to lead. I have to consciously force myself to relax and not tense up in order to formate well. When we get tensed and grip the controls too hard, we lose the "feel"of the aircraft and tend to be unable impute minute forces into the controls. When we input too heavily, we tend to induce our own oscillations...

The Boss spoke to us recently. It seems we might be accelerated. Especially those selected for fighters. Then rush back Spore, finish ground school, then rush off to maybe France again.. Reach there, rush to finish e syllabus earlier again! Why is my course always rushed?! haha.. bad thing is, very pressured lei, the pace of flyin, etc. Also, wont get to relax for a while in Spore.. Good thing is, maybe as early as March can get wings liao...
But i think i gotta learn to say 'Lord, i trust in You. My future is in Your hands, and it is blessed!'

To dad, i understand your concern regardin my name. I really rather not have all this trouble but i am trying to get it settled anyway. So just leave everything to me ok. No, leave everything to God. Perhaps i need to say that our family names have all been changed to Christ's.

Well, long weekend this week with a holiday on monday. But i have to get some maps drawn and stuff like that... but v thankful for the monday! haha...

Everyday, i see myself and my weaknesses. I see my reactions, my selfishness, folishness. But what Jesus wants me to do is not look at them but focus on Him, knowing that i have been forgiven. I am human, and my weakness wil become His strength.
For my selfishness, His grace is sufficient for all my needs. He is my Provider. Worry not, and He will feed me, clothe me.
For my foolishness, greater is He that lives in me, than He who is in the world. And He has become my wisdom. And He will lead me in the paths that i take, making them straight, lifting my feet, lest i stumble over stones.
For the times when i judge, He has forgiven me. And by His cross He has judged me and the world. That now, what i really need to know, is that His love and compassion reaches out to the world. Jus like He reached out to me when i was lost and unworthy, He is reaching out, even to the people i dislike. Love, You live in me. Change me.

Point of Grace

2005-05-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Today in the mess, i talked to a Christian brother... He seemed to be in some kind of fix, saying he cant bring himself to believe God, that everytime it comes to some Christian thing, he just rejects it... saying he rejects God's will so and so on... He worried that he had fought off His will so much he was unacceptable to God anymore... He wasnt sure how far eternal salvation would last... nor to believe God or the devil...

so i told him about grace, about God. About the Christian life being simply one thing... receiving His grace. That receiving involved just opening one's hand. No stretching out, no taking. But simply resting. That some of his misconceptions came as a result of insufficient knowledge of God. About His will, love and grace. That at the point of his salvation, he was as a sheep. And even if he gets lost, Jesus, the gate and shepherd, would rejoice more over finding him than the 99.

I was amazed at the words coming out of my mouth, and with the confidence i spoke with. I found myself speaking life into myself. Everything i had been reading, listening to and even questioning had at that point come out of my mouth as one perfect sense.

If i offered him a 100 bucks for him to receive at any time of his liking in an account in which he had the card and pin. He might reject it the 1st, 2nd, 3rd day, week, month, year. But 20 yrs down the road when 100 bucks lie the difference between freedom and bankruptcy, he would still take and use it. In the same way, God's grace is always there, at any time and place, waiting for us to receive it!

I could even make sense of a sermon of PP's near admission into a mental institution in the past. I refered him to saul, who out of zeal persecuted and murdered the children of God, but when he believed unto Jesus, God saw him a new man - Paul, in Christ. Who God used to move mightily in His kingdom. And surely he could do no worse than Paul had.

He said i was so holy. Yet i remembered Jesus asking why they called him good. Becos only God was good. He was God! And i told him i was not holy, nor good. For if i were to state out my sins daily before him, he would be shocked. But that He has led me to a point of grace. A stage of realisation of what grace is, and just one of many ahead. That what He shown and did with me, He could do the same for him.

Christian life isnt about what we can do or how well we can do things. Not even how moral we are. It has one mission, role and responsibility - to receive from God His grace. Knowing nothing, doing nothing and deserving nothing, we simply believed unto salvation. Suddenly after our salvation, becos of this new nature given to us, we form little laws in our minds about how we mus live our lives. And work ourselves beyond exhaustion to get to a place we could never have reached anyway...

But it is an onward and upward receiving of grace. Stumbling or not, still perfect in His will and plan. Our final destination is still the Promised Land. Becos we believed God, believed Jesus. Everyday i am learning His grace. And how wonderful and beautiful it is! Lord the revelation is amazing. Let it burst forth! I wanna see and reach your point of grace.

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Father, give me Grace

2005-05-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

Been reading a book by Joyce Meyer about the Grace of God. Same book i bought for my instructor as a traditional gift we give to those who sent us solo.

It says that Grace is not only unmerited favour, it is also the power of God available to meet our needs. And that it is received by believing rather than through human effort. Blessings cannot be bought by faith, but only received.
It speaks also of frustration. That when we get frustrated it is because we are trying to achieve something by our self efforts. But to receive from God, i need to humble myself, ask and trust God that He knows the situation i am in, and will deliver me. To be still and know that He is God, and that He knows what's best for me in every situation. Worrying is a form of fleshly work, trying to figure out how to save myself than trusting in Him for deliverance.
Just as perfect love casts out fear, so God's grace expels all traces of anxiety.
It seems to me that love and grace are so intertwined, as is fear and anxiety. I pray that i will be able to repent, humble myself, and truly live in the grace of God. My future and identity is in Christ!

Recently, some complications about my surname cropped up. Apparently, my employer doesn't have my records as Chua but only as Cai. Hmm.. Even got a pink slip (discipline thing) because of not changing my name on the flying boards given time.. Well, my name went from the initials Chua L to Cai L. Actually, Cail sounds pretty cool... haha...

One of my friends in the new junior course talked to me today, asking my opinion of Calvanism? Somethin like new doctrines or somethin... Well i shared my part and trust that God really spoke through me to him. I hope he can get sermon cds from NCC soon... I think he needs it some...

To end, i just wanna remind myself now and whenever i read this, that Grace is to be received, not earned. And that whenever i get frustrated, i can just say "Father, give me grace."

Embrace

2005-05-16T04:18:00.000-07:00

Feel that i'm in the midst of change... i cant explain it, but i just know it on the inside. And i realise i hold a different thought process from before. It seems like i dont fear flying as much as before. And i do enjoy this state of mind. I pray to God it's not my imagination but a real and permanent change by Him.

Surely the recent spate of conversations and daily devotionals i have read, are not coincidental in subject. They speak of embracing what i have, living in joy and rejoicing in the Lord. And also living a worryless life in Christ. Playing out our responsibilities, but leaving the outcome in the hands of Christ.

Well i am flying tmr.. with an instructor i don particularly like.. hmm.. but i thank God He has given me the victory.

God's way.

2005-05-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Looks like i only have 5 min to write this blog... hmm.. where to start...

Have not been doing well recently in flying. I think it's cos if my long lay off when i went back to Singapore. When i came back to Aus, it seemed like my instrument flying was worse then when it first started. Got quite distressed when my sorties didnt turn out good. Today i tried to fly one particular sortie again.

Something different about today's flight though... Everytime i stepped out onto the apron, and everytime i breathed the words "Thank you Jesus", i somehow didnt feel the peace. But today, i looked to the sky and said, "Lord, i trust in You. Thank you Jesus.", it was like a peace gripped me from within. And when i looked at my aircraft, it was like a turn back through time to my Youth Flying Club days. When i actually felt excited about flying. When i actually enjoyed it. It was a special thing that had been missing since i came here. I pray that today would just be the beginning of many days when i would look at the day ahead get excited about it, if this is truly where God wants me to be.

Another new course came in today, and in a week or two, my course would be the senior course... Months ago i never thought of this... Met Weiming too, from my church. I told him the same things i told other brothers who came to me, that the only thing i knew was that God's way wasnt quitting, and that we needed to trust Him that if this is where He wants us, He would give us the grace to fly. And if He wanted us out of here, He would open the way too...

Well i think i better go rest soon.
Thank you Lord. I believe You are my Lord and Saviour. You are my God, and i am your child. A child of God, that's what i am.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ. And i will always praise your name!

By Smith Wigglesworth...

2005-04-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

People get a wrong idea of mourning. In Switzerland, they have set apart to take wreaths to graves. I questioned the people’s ignorance and said, “Why are you spending time around graves? The people you love are not there. All that taking of flowers to the graves is not faith at all. Those who died in Christ are gone to be with Him, ‘which’, Paul said, ‘is for better’ (Phil 1:23).”

My wife once said to me, “Watch me when I’m preaching. I get so near heaven when I’m preaching that some day I’ll be off.” One night she was preaching, and when she had finished, off she went. I was going to Glasgow and had said goodbye to her before she went to the meeting. As I was leaving the house, the doctor and policeman met me at the door and told me that she had fallen dead at the church floor. I knew she had gotten what she wanted. I could not weep, but I was in tongues, praising the Lord. Humanly, she was everything to me; but I could not mourn on natural lines, and I just laughed in the Spirit. The house was soon filled with people. The doctor said, “She was dead, and we can do no more for her.” I went up to her lifeless corpse and commanded death to give her up, and she came back to me for a moment. Then God said to me, “She is Mine; her work is done.” I knew what He meant.

They laid her in the coffin, and I brought my sons and my daughter into the room and said, “is she there?” They said, “No, Father.” I said, “We will cover her up.” If you go mourning the loss of loved ones who have gone to be with Christ – I say this to you out of love – you have never had the revelation of what Paul spoke when he showed us that it is better to go than to stay. (See 2 Cor 5:8) We read this in Scripture, but the trouble is that people will not believe it. When you believe God, you will say, “Whatever it is, it is all right. If You want to take the one I love, it is all right, Lord.”

But the mourning that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5 is a mourning in the Spirit. God will bring you to a place where things must be changed, and there is a mourning, an unutterable groaning until God comes. Jesus mourned over Jerusalem. He saw the conditions; He saw the unbelief; He saw the end of those who closed their ears to the Gospel. But God gave a promise that He would see “the labor of His soul, and be satisfied” (Isa 53:11) and that He would “see His seed” (v10).

What happened on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem was a promise of what would be the results of His Travail, to be multiplied a billionfold all down the ages in all the world. And as we enter in the Spirit into travail over conditions that are wrong, such mourning will always bring results for God, and our joy will be complete in the satisfaction that is thereby brought to Christ.