I was so distressed coz I haven't even started to write the CONNECT journal (Jeremiah). This process has been delayed for so many times due to various activities, responsibilities and even issues in my life.
Last nite I planned to sleep only for 2 hrs so that I could at least start it. Today I supposed to be the lab demonstrator to replace Sridhar.
Praise God, that this morning Sridhar let me know that he could help with the 4.30 session, so I could go home early to start writing the CONNECT.
Praise God for listening and answering my prayer. I learned and tried to be joyful this morning and trust God by singing "I will rejoice".
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Friday 7 September 2007
Perfect Order, Perfect Timing
Today, I sense God's helping hand in guiding me throughout the day.
Psalm 37 (NKJV)
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD...
Heb 10 (NLT)
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.
It seems that God is ordering my steps. Like the Bible says that God orders/guides the steps a good/righteous man. As usual, I commit my day to God, because often I wonder whether I can make it to finish what I need to do.
This morning, I plan to meet Agus at 11:30 to pass the key for his "Purpose Driven Life" discussion. At 10:30 I started to cook pasta at home for my lunch and dinner as well as prepare few things to bring to uni. Not only that I also boiled 2 eggs for my breakfast : ) I was quite panic coz it seems that I'll be late in meeting Him. Praise God, that Agus sms me to change the meeting time to 12:30...
Then, I modify my plan so that I can arrive city (Melb Ctrl) at 12, quickly pass Alpha DVD to Mark at his home and go to bld 57 (Lygon st) to print "Faith Church conference material" as well as to get a mini speaker for my "Purpose Driven Life" discussion before meeting Agus at 12:30 at RMIT Commonwealth bank. Quite a challenge plan for me : -)
However, the reality was that I met Mark at 12 in his home as planned. However, it's not as quick, coz I remember that I need to ask him something. He explained to me for about 10 mins. Suddenly, Elis came by to pick something from Mark's apartment. Praise God that I can ask her something re: her sheeps.
Then, I thought I just come to RMIT Commonwealth bank earlier to meet Agus, but praise God that on the way I met him as well as Allan. After that I go to my office and on the way, I met my friend John. He's on his way for lunch. Then, I just have lunch with him and providing a listening ear to him.
Now, I'm in my office writing this blog. I don't know what will happen next, but I believe God is with me.
Hope my experience can encourage you that God is with you too. He has the perfect order and timing for everyone, including you as you commit your day to Him.
Psalm 37 (NKJV)
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD...
Heb 10 (NLT)
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.
It seems that God is ordering my steps. Like the Bible says that God orders/guides the steps a good/righteous man. As usual, I commit my day to God, because often I wonder whether I can make it to finish what I need to do.
This morning, I plan to meet Agus at 11:30 to pass the key for his "Purpose Driven Life" discussion. At 10:30 I started to cook pasta at home for my lunch and dinner as well as prepare few things to bring to uni. Not only that I also boiled 2 eggs for my breakfast : ) I was quite panic coz it seems that I'll be late in meeting Him. Praise God, that Agus sms me to change the meeting time to 12:30...
Then, I modify my plan so that I can arrive city (Melb Ctrl) at 12, quickly pass Alpha DVD to Mark at his home and go to bld 57 (Lygon st) to print "Faith Church conference material" as well as to get a mini speaker for my "Purpose Driven Life" discussion before meeting Agus at 12:30 at RMIT Commonwealth bank. Quite a challenge plan for me : -)
However, the reality was that I met Mark at 12 in his home as planned. However, it's not as quick, coz I remember that I need to ask him something. He explained to me for about 10 mins. Suddenly, Elis came by to pick something from Mark's apartment. Praise God that I can ask her something re: her sheeps.
Then, I thought I just come to RMIT Commonwealth bank earlier to meet Agus, but praise God that on the way I met him as well as Allan. After that I go to my office and on the way, I met my friend John. He's on his way for lunch. Then, I just have lunch with him and providing a listening ear to him.
Now, I'm in my office writing this blog. I don't know what will happen next, but I believe God is with me.
Hope my experience can encourage you that God is with you too. He has the perfect order and timing for everyone, including you as you commit your day to Him.
Sunday 8 July 2007
Day 68 "Mat 19:1-12"
>> Timeless Principles:
v11:
God graces individuals differently, therefore we shouldn't simply make generalisation. Each person should act according to personal conviction and not simply follow blindly.
>> Specific Words:
v11:
I shouldn't judge and compare people, because everyone has different level of faith according to God's grace.
Q1:
God seeks for lasting commitment between married couple (v6).
Q2:
Meditate on God's Words and obey it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Q3:
2 Pet 1:6 says that godliness developed through perseverance. Thus, as we persevere in maintaining commitment in marriage life, we'll grow in godliness.
>> Applications:
- Don't judge and generalise people, each individual is unique.
- Grow in godliness through perseverance in all areas of life.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Praise God that today He assured me again that He is with me from Ps 127:1, so I can be confident in my leadership. Since He's with me, I know that whatever circumstances I'm in, I'm in His will. He confirmed it with 1 salvation in the unit today.
- I planned not to sleep last nite, but couldn't make it. I slept at 4 and praise God that He woke me up at 9.25 so I could be on time to church.
v11:
God graces individuals differently, therefore we shouldn't simply make generalisation. Each person should act according to personal conviction and not simply follow blindly.
>> Specific Words:
v11:
I shouldn't judge and compare people, because everyone has different level of faith according to God's grace.
Q1:
God seeks for lasting commitment between married couple (v6).
Q2:
Meditate on God's Words and obey it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Q3:
2 Pet 1:6 says that godliness developed through perseverance. Thus, as we persevere in maintaining commitment in marriage life, we'll grow in godliness.
>> Applications:
- Don't judge and generalise people, each individual is unique.
- Grow in godliness through perseverance in all areas of life.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Praise God that today He assured me again that He is with me from Ps 127:1, so I can be confident in my leadership. Since He's with me, I know that whatever circumstances I'm in, I'm in His will. He confirmed it with 1 salvation in the unit today.
- I planned not to sleep last nite, but couldn't make it. I slept at 4 and praise God that He woke me up at 9.25 so I could be on time to church.
Thursday 5 July 2007
Day 65 "Mat 18:7-14"
>> Timeless Principles:
v7:
Jesus warns the people who cause other people to sin strongly. The devil is already at work in tempting us to sin, let's not cause additional temptation to others.
>> Specific Words:
v7:
I need to be careful that my life or action doesn't tempt people to sin.
Q1:
- It's better to lose one part of our body (v8-9) that causes us to sin, rather than go into hell.
- Sin can prevent us from entering God's kingdom, hence determine our eternity.
Q2:
Through my own sins and how God is treating me. There are bad habits in my life that are very hard to be given up too and I need His grace. Others also deserved similar grace.
Q3:
Allow me to go through life challenges that enable me to depend on Him more and prune my character.
>> Applications:
- Be careful with my action and life that may stumble others.
- Help others to experience God's grace through personal encounter with God.
v7:
Jesus warns the people who cause other people to sin strongly. The devil is already at work in tempting us to sin, let's not cause additional temptation to others.
>> Specific Words:
v7:
I need to be careful that my life or action doesn't tempt people to sin.
Q1:
- It's better to lose one part of our body (v8-9) that causes us to sin, rather than go into hell.
- Sin can prevent us from entering God's kingdom, hence determine our eternity.
Q2:
Through my own sins and how God is treating me. There are bad habits in my life that are very hard to be given up too and I need His grace. Others also deserved similar grace.
Q3:
Allow me to go through life challenges that enable me to depend on Him more and prune my character.
>> Applications:
- Be careful with my action and life that may stumble others.
- Help others to experience God's grace through personal encounter with God.
Wednesday 4 July 2007
Day 64 "Mat 18:1-6"
>> Timeless Principles:
v4:
Jesus said that in order to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we need to humbe ourselves to learn and be like little children (childlike). God would like us to be childlike, because children are trusting by nature, humble since they are weak and dependent and have sincere hearts.
>> Specific Words:
v4:
God wants me to develop this childlike faith & characteristics in my personal life.
Q1:
Due to the nature of children that God would like to see in the disciples (adults) lives too, such as sincere trust in God, fully reliance on God, and humility.
Q2:
- Some, those who are more mature in faith are more humble (more childlike).
- 1 on 1 discipleship and be brothers & sisters keeper so we have a sense of responsibility of one another's life.
Q3:
My initial motives were not too good in the beginning (desire to be the greatest just like the disciples). But I can sense that God's allowing the trial and challenges in my life to test my heart and my eagerness to serve (1 Pet 5:2) as well as to purify my motives. I praise God for what He's doing in humbling me.
>> Applications:
- Grow in childlike characters
- Allow God to humble me to be childlike and rejoice in it.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Just before I read this passage, I spotted one book in my shelf (gift from a church friend). Then, I just reminded about this person who gave me this gift. This person used to give me bday gift consistently, but it has stopped now. I think when I first met this person, few years ago, this person really admired my zeal for God, and it's probably not anymore today. If it really happen this way, I'll understand. Since that time, I experience so many challenges (still waiting for breakthrough) in my personal lives and ministry, that I myself even lose confidence (self esteem) that outwardly my zeal seems drop (not as gung ho as before). Praise God that He always lift my inward zeal for Him during discouragement. After thinking about it, I praise God that He's pruning my life, help me to be a humble person. Not only that, He confirmed this thought by talking to me through the passage today. Is it a coincidence or destiny?
v4:
Jesus said that in order to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we need to humbe ourselves to learn and be like little children (childlike). God would like us to be childlike, because children are trusting by nature, humble since they are weak and dependent and have sincere hearts.
>> Specific Words:
v4:
God wants me to develop this childlike faith & characteristics in my personal life.
Q1:
Due to the nature of children that God would like to see in the disciples (adults) lives too, such as sincere trust in God, fully reliance on God, and humility.
Q2:
- Some, those who are more mature in faith are more humble (more childlike).
- 1 on 1 discipleship and be brothers & sisters keeper so we have a sense of responsibility of one another's life.
Q3:
My initial motives were not too good in the beginning (desire to be the greatest just like the disciples). But I can sense that God's allowing the trial and challenges in my life to test my heart and my eagerness to serve (1 Pet 5:2) as well as to purify my motives. I praise God for what He's doing in humbling me.
>> Applications:
- Grow in childlike characters
- Allow God to humble me to be childlike and rejoice in it.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Just before I read this passage, I spotted one book in my shelf (gift from a church friend). Then, I just reminded about this person who gave me this gift. This person used to give me bday gift consistently, but it has stopped now. I think when I first met this person, few years ago, this person really admired my zeal for God, and it's probably not anymore today. If it really happen this way, I'll understand. Since that time, I experience so many challenges (still waiting for breakthrough) in my personal lives and ministry, that I myself even lose confidence (self esteem) that outwardly my zeal seems drop (not as gung ho as before). Praise God that He always lift my inward zeal for Him during discouragement. After thinking about it, I praise God that He's pruning my life, help me to be a humble person. Not only that, He confirmed this thought by talking to me through the passage today. Is it a coincidence or destiny?
Friday 15 June 2007
Day 45 "Mat 12:15-21"
>> Timeless Principles:
v20:
Jesus acted instead of reacted. He flowed with God fully according to His timing. No matter what situation He might be in (e.g. danger - v14), He trusted God's leading. We need to grow in our faith in God, so that we can still have peace in a turbulent situation, rather than get anxious.
>> Specific Words:
v20:
I need to grow in my trust in God, so that I can act rather than react when circumstances are challenges.
Q1:
- Jesus' action was according to the prophecy in the Bible (Isa 42:1-4).
- The King ensures justice (v20) and provides security for the nations (v21).
Q2:
- Yes, with gentleness and compassion (Gal 6:1).
- Firstly, show the principles from God's Words and the practical application. Secondly, help the person to see how his action is not according to godly principles. Thirdly, give direction of how to overcome or change.
Q3:
God loves us very much, so He'll certainly guide and protect us. However, we must be willing to listen and obey to experience the deliverance (Rom 8:14).
>> Applications:
- Grow in faith to avoid being reactive over a difficult circumstances.
- Walk closely with God to allow Him to bring deliverance in danger situations.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Seeking God almost the whole night to help me to set goal for the 40 days purpose, yet not response yet. However, I was really encouraged by the perseverance of Jacob when wrestling with God, the patience of Habakkuk in waiting upon God and lastly the faith of Enoch in earnestly seeking God.
- This morning during shphd w Mark, I asked him Qs abt my career opportunity. I believe that I asked out of fear. Praise God that He encr me to trust God daily and focus more building His Kingdom. Moreover, even today passage is also very relevant for my situation. Praise God too that God speak daily in my life. Praise God that indeed He knows and understands. I just have to trust Him daily.
v20:
Jesus acted instead of reacted. He flowed with God fully according to His timing. No matter what situation He might be in (e.g. danger - v14), He trusted God's leading. We need to grow in our faith in God, so that we can still have peace in a turbulent situation, rather than get anxious.
>> Specific Words:
v20:
I need to grow in my trust in God, so that I can act rather than react when circumstances are challenges.
Q1:
- Jesus' action was according to the prophecy in the Bible (Isa 42:1-4).
- The King ensures justice (v20) and provides security for the nations (v21).
Q2:
- Yes, with gentleness and compassion (Gal 6:1).
- Firstly, show the principles from God's Words and the practical application. Secondly, help the person to see how his action is not according to godly principles. Thirdly, give direction of how to overcome or change.
Q3:
God loves us very much, so He'll certainly guide and protect us. However, we must be willing to listen and obey to experience the deliverance (Rom 8:14).
>> Applications:
- Grow in faith to avoid being reactive over a difficult circumstances.
- Walk closely with God to allow Him to bring deliverance in danger situations.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- Seeking God almost the whole night to help me to set goal for the 40 days purpose, yet not response yet. However, I was really encouraged by the perseverance of Jacob when wrestling with God, the patience of Habakkuk in waiting upon God and lastly the faith of Enoch in earnestly seeking God.
- This morning during shphd w Mark, I asked him Qs abt my career opportunity. I believe that I asked out of fear. Praise God that He encr me to trust God daily and focus more building His Kingdom. Moreover, even today passage is also very relevant for my situation. Praise God too that God speak daily in my life. Praise God that indeed He knows and understands. I just have to trust Him daily.
Friday 8 June 2007
Day 38 "Mat 10:32-42"
>> Timeless Principles:
v39:
Jesus said that the true meaning of life will be found when we give our lives up for Him. Focusing only on earthly living may cause us to miss God's best plan for our lives. Not only that, many people have realised (sadly, often it's only happen when they're on their death bed) that the earthly rewards only satisfy them temporary, the more they have it, the more empty they feel. Indeed, the true meaning of life should come from God, the Author of life Himself and we need to come to Him in order to find out the meaning & purpose of our lives.
>> Specific Words:
v39:
It's a simple concept, yet very hard to act. I need to continually draw near to God and ask for His help that I can be willing to give my life up more for Him, so that I may find and experience the true meaning of life.
Q1:
- Jesus wants His disciples to be fully committed to Him.
- He implied to the hearer that He is God. Putting Jesus above everything else in our lives is an expression of our worship to Him.
Q2:
- God's Words is like a mirror for me (Jam 1:23-25). Whenever I read it, I reflect on myself whether I've been obedience to it. Furthermore, it's only by the power of Holy Spirit we can obey God's Words in its entirety. Therefore, I need to always come to His Words with humility, fear and trembling. In humility means knowing how I am according to God's standard and it always help me not to be proud of myself or to judge/look down on others. After looking at God's Words, I realised how much I need to change to be like Him and how much I need the power of the Holy Spirit to help me to change. In fear and trembling means knowing that God has the power to judge those who rebel or are disobedient to Him. It helps me realise that I have to obey His Words, not legalistically to attain salvation, but out of my knowledge of Him, the Judge and King of this world.
- A humble attitude helps me to realise how much I need Him to help me and prevent me to have pride and judge others.
Q3:
I believe God wants me to grow more in commitment to Him. Even, two weeks ago I received a prophecy from Jn 12:24-25 -> I need to be like a kernel of wheat who fall to the ground and die in order to bear fruits.
>> Applications:
- Draw near to God and rely on Holy Spirit to be able to give my life more to Him, so that I can experience and discover the true meaning of my life.
- Come to God with humility, fear and trembling to be changed more.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- This morning I was a bit worried with many things, e.g. wet clothes due to cold weather, budgeting contingency plan, not promising results for my thesis, etc.... At the end, I felt that my joy and peace were robbed from me. It makes me realise that it's my right to have that peace, joy, love, kindness, etc.. (Gal 5:22-23) but I can allow them to leave me if I'm worry, i.e. not careful with my thoughts.. Praise God that as I commit every matter to Him, His presence is filling my life again.
v39:
Jesus said that the true meaning of life will be found when we give our lives up for Him. Focusing only on earthly living may cause us to miss God's best plan for our lives. Not only that, many people have realised (sadly, often it's only happen when they're on their death bed) that the earthly rewards only satisfy them temporary, the more they have it, the more empty they feel. Indeed, the true meaning of life should come from God, the Author of life Himself and we need to come to Him in order to find out the meaning & purpose of our lives.
>> Specific Words:
v39:
It's a simple concept, yet very hard to act. I need to continually draw near to God and ask for His help that I can be willing to give my life up more for Him, so that I may find and experience the true meaning of life.
Q1:
- Jesus wants His disciples to be fully committed to Him.
- He implied to the hearer that He is God. Putting Jesus above everything else in our lives is an expression of our worship to Him.
Q2:
- God's Words is like a mirror for me (Jam 1:23-25). Whenever I read it, I reflect on myself whether I've been obedience to it. Furthermore, it's only by the power of Holy Spirit we can obey God's Words in its entirety. Therefore, I need to always come to His Words with humility, fear and trembling. In humility means knowing how I am according to God's standard and it always help me not to be proud of myself or to judge/look down on others. After looking at God's Words, I realised how much I need to change to be like Him and how much I need the power of the Holy Spirit to help me to change. In fear and trembling means knowing that God has the power to judge those who rebel or are disobedient to Him. It helps me realise that I have to obey His Words, not legalistically to attain salvation, but out of my knowledge of Him, the Judge and King of this world.
- A humble attitude helps me to realise how much I need Him to help me and prevent me to have pride and judge others.
Q3:
I believe God wants me to grow more in commitment to Him. Even, two weeks ago I received a prophecy from Jn 12:24-25 -> I need to be like a kernel of wheat who fall to the ground and die in order to bear fruits.
>> Applications:
- Draw near to God and rely on Holy Spirit to be able to give my life more to Him, so that I can experience and discover the true meaning of my life.
- Come to God with humility, fear and trembling to be changed more.
>> Spiritual Experiences:
- This morning I was a bit worried with many things, e.g. wet clothes due to cold weather, budgeting contingency plan, not promising results for my thesis, etc.... At the end, I felt that my joy and peace were robbed from me. It makes me realise that it's my right to have that peace, joy, love, kindness, etc.. (Gal 5:22-23) but I can allow them to leave me if I'm worry, i.e. not careful with my thoughts.. Praise God that as I commit every matter to Him, His presence is filling my life again.
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