[Let me indulge. God, you see me? I'll bend over, I'll skip higher, I'll give You the cheekiest grin. I'll wave wildly, recite my favourite psalm aloudly. Hi God, it's me, Your favourite one, checking in... 8-) ]
songs from the house of prayer...
I want to live before Your eyes
I want to stay before Your gaze
Just keep me steady
I want to be found faithful
I want to be found steady
I want to be found faithful
Till the end
You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart With one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace. ~ Song of Solomon 4:9
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Blessed are those who wait...
Blessed are those who wait...
Sometimes I get impatient doing the waiting. I'm sure you know what I mean. I need to chill... just chill... So off I go, watching my favourite TV programme. Eyes on the TV, but my mind is still hanged onto God. I'm sure you know what I mean here too :) God, I'm waiting... still waiting... I'll be back... meanwhile let me...
... and lo and behold, God spoke. Oh my goodness, He did it again. Those times you just KNOW it's God. Then you go like.... you mean that's it? Then you start to 'bargain' with Him... No magnificient appearance of His glory with angels flying around crying holy? No tinkling sensation (ok, there was abit of it) with my body slained and prostrated before His glorious presence? Before I could savour the moment, hoping that it would last longer, it was gone. He came, He spoke, and off He went, or was that His angel? But it was surely Him, for that's His trademark whenever He spoke to me. Wosh it comes and wosh I go saying what was that?!
But the most amazing thing is - what God spoke is what you knew all along (or read and sang umpteen times), but never really knew. You know what I mean? No wonder they say it takes God to love God and do the God-things! It's like He breathed into the words and it came alive to you, like an encounter. Nothing dramatic. Something just hit you like a thunder bolt deep inside of you. Just that. No one's flying. Just cool...
It's going to be ALL about God, less about you... And, yes, there is a reason for that.
I knew you would ask - Does God really care? Will He really take care of you? Why is He asking me to keep looking at Him?
There is a reason...
The bride cried out to the Lord to kiss her with the kisses of His (Jesus') mouth (word). And to draw her away to the secret place (king's chambers), where she can grow in intimacy with God.
I think she prayed that because it was God who gave her a vision for her life. God saw her. He knew her. He answered her prayers even before she could utter it, and gave her a vision of herself before God. Revelation came. It made so much sense that she proclaimed:
Sometimes I get impatient doing the waiting. I'm sure you know what I mean. I need to chill... just chill... So off I go, watching my favourite TV programme. Eyes on the TV, but my mind is still hanged onto God. I'm sure you know what I mean here too :) God, I'm waiting... still waiting... I'll be back... meanwhile let me...
... and lo and behold, God spoke. Oh my goodness, He did it again. Those times you just KNOW it's God. Then you go like.... you mean that's it? Then you start to 'bargain' with Him... No magnificient appearance of His glory with angels flying around crying holy? No tinkling sensation (ok, there was abit of it) with my body slained and prostrated before His glorious presence? Before I could savour the moment, hoping that it would last longer, it was gone. He came, He spoke, and off He went, or was that His angel? But it was surely Him, for that's His trademark whenever He spoke to me. Wosh it comes and wosh I go saying what was that?!
But the most amazing thing is - what God spoke is what you knew all along (or read and sang umpteen times), but never really knew. You know what I mean? No wonder they say it takes God to love God and do the God-things! It's like He breathed into the words and it came alive to you, like an encounter. Nothing dramatic. Something just hit you like a thunder bolt deep inside of you. Just that. No one's flying. Just cool...
It's going to be ALL about God, less about you... And, yes, there is a reason for that.
I knew you would ask - Does God really care? Will He really take care of you? Why is He asking me to keep looking at Him?
There is a reason...
The bride cried out to the Lord to kiss her with the kisses of His (Jesus') mouth (word). And to draw her away to the secret place (king's chambers), where she can grow in intimacy with God.
I think she prayed that because it was God who gave her a vision for her life. God saw her. He knew her. He answered her prayers even before she could utter it, and gave her a vision of herself before God. Revelation came. It made so much sense that she proclaimed:
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth. For your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you. Draw me away! We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers." ~ Song of Songs 1:2-4
So the journey begins...
Blessed are those who wait... for theirs is an answer that God alone can bring.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The Day God called me Names...
When was the last time God called you names? I mean, names... as in hey beautiful, hi lovely one, Good morning my beloved one!
One fine day, He popped in and said, "You are like a cow".
I went like, what do you mean? A cow?!? I responded indignantly, happily chewing away... You see, I was chewing on the meditations in my heart, singing, pondering - one of those things I do while walking, while sitting on the bus, while spacing out etc...
Ok, I get you... I'm like a cow as in I like to chew. Ohhh.... So let's see... Cows have four stomachs!!
The Four Stomach Mystery
The cow has four stomachs and has a special way of eating . Its' digestive system allows it break down the tough food it eats.
HOW COW DIGESTS:
1. cow swallows food
2. unchewed food goes to RUMEN and RETICULUM
3. cow stores food in RUMEN and RETICULUM
4. cow is now tired and rests
5. when she is hungry again she will cough up some unchewed food (called cud!)
6. it will chew it completely and swallow it again
7. the cud goes to OMASUM and ABOMASUM
8. in OMASUM and ABOMASUM food is fully digested
9. some of the digested food goes into blood
10. from blood it gets to the UDDER
11. Yap, that's how we get milk!!!!
See picture here http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01272/id24.htm
My favourite is step 4 :p I sometimes stop short at step 5.5 and forget the next step :p (distracted by the moomoorings around me). My target is step 11!!! Yay!! I mean Moo!!
One fine day, He popped in and said, "You are like a cow".
I went like, what do you mean? A cow?!? I responded indignantly, happily chewing away... You see, I was chewing on the meditations in my heart, singing, pondering - one of those things I do while walking, while sitting on the bus, while spacing out etc...
Ok, I get you... I'm like a cow as in I like to chew. Ohhh.... So let's see... Cows have four stomachs!!
The Four Stomach Mystery
The cow has four stomachs and has a special way of eating . Its' digestive system allows it break down the tough food it eats.
HOW COW DIGESTS:
1. cow swallows food
2. unchewed food goes to RUMEN and RETICULUM
3. cow stores food in RUMEN and RETICULUM
4. cow is now tired and rests
5. when she is hungry again she will cough up some unchewed food (called cud!)
6. it will chew it completely and swallow it again
7. the cud goes to OMASUM and ABOMASUM
8. in OMASUM and ABOMASUM food is fully digested
9. some of the digested food goes into blood
10. from blood it gets to the UDDER
11. Yap, that's how we get milk!!!!
See picture here http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01272/id24.htm
My favourite is step 4 :p I sometimes stop short at step 5.5 and forget the next step :p (distracted by the moomoorings around me). My target is step 11!!! Yay!! I mean Moo!!
Seven Steps to Handling Disappointments
[Ever faced disappointments in life? It's almost a 100% sure thing in this imperfect world. Let me go deeper... Disappointed by people closest to you, by people who ought-to-know-better. Ouch... You have a family who love you on one hand, yet tells you 'I'm the father, all I do is right and you are wrong! Nobody, not you my child, can tell me even if I'm wrong!' while another condemns your ways yet thinks she is giving you the best growing up pills. And the list goes on and on... Sounds familiar?
First of all, REALISE - that disappointments may not be an all 'bad' thing after all, especially if our God is One who works all, yes, ALL things for our good...be thankful for the opportunity to learn to face disappointments in life - a highly needed life skill! Then REBOUND - learn to pick yourself up by looking at God and be wholeheartedly fixed on the onward path and goal He has for you. Finally, REST and know that He collects your tears (Psalm 56:8) and has a plan for your life! Jer 29:11]
THERE ARE SEVEN STEPS TO HANDLING DISAPPOINTMENTS CORRECTLY: 2 Samuel 11 & 12
http://www.calvarycommission.org/how_to_handle_disappointments.htm
1. Admit Reality.
David said, “The child is dead.”
2. Get right with God.
There are many prayers of repentance as he lay on the ground for six days and nights. He went to the house of the Lord and worshipped.
3. Face the Consequences.
He did not run away…he did not lie to himself or to anyone else.
4. Deal with the disappointment in yourself.
He did all that he could do and he couldn’t bring him back.
5. Get up and start over.
“So David arose”…My, what powerful words. He got back up.
6. Learn your lesson.
Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
7. Rest in God’s love.
He pleaded with God, but anointed himself and accepted God’s decision.
Psalm 51:13 ~ "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."
First of all, REALISE - that disappointments may not be an all 'bad' thing after all, especially if our God is One who works all, yes, ALL things for our good...be thankful for the opportunity to learn to face disappointments in life - a highly needed life skill! Then REBOUND - learn to pick yourself up by looking at God and be wholeheartedly fixed on the onward path and goal He has for you. Finally, REST and know that He collects your tears (Psalm 56:8) and has a plan for your life! Jer 29:11]
THERE ARE SEVEN STEPS TO HANDLING DISAPPOINTMENTS CORRECTLY: 2 Samuel 11 & 12
http://www.calvarycommission.org/how_to_handle_disappointments.htm
1. Admit Reality.
David said, “The child is dead.”
2. Get right with God.
There are many prayers of repentance as he lay on the ground for six days and nights. He went to the house of the Lord and worshipped.
3. Face the Consequences.
He did not run away…he did not lie to himself or to anyone else.
4. Deal with the disappointment in yourself.
He did all that he could do and he couldn’t bring him back.
5. Get up and start over.
“So David arose”…My, what powerful words. He got back up.
6. Learn your lesson.
Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
7. Rest in God’s love.
He pleaded with God, but anointed himself and accepted God’s decision.
Psalm 51:13 ~ "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."
Friday, December 08, 2006
Make ready, make steady...
Is that You calling me?
Is that You beckoning me to come?
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, I pray
Your Presence reveals my heart
My human nature goes against what I longed for deep within
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, O Lord
Come revelation come
I want to see, I want to know
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, Jesus
Your love draws me
My eyes are fixed on You
You will make my heart ready
You will make my feet steady
I am ruined by Your love
I can never be the same again
I give You my heart
I let You guide my steps
In Your house I will be
In Your temple I will wait
To make ready my heart
To make steady my feet, My Love
Is that You beckoning me to come?
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, I pray
Your Presence reveals my heart
My human nature goes against what I longed for deep within
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, O Lord
Come revelation come
I want to see, I want to know
Make ready my heart
Make steady my feet, Jesus
Your love draws me
My eyes are fixed on You
You will make my heart ready
You will make my feet steady
I am ruined by Your love
I can never be the same again
I give You my heart
I let You guide my steps
In Your house I will be
In Your temple I will wait
To make ready my heart
To make steady my feet, My Love
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Quotable Quotes
"If you want to receive God's miracles through His word, and want to keep the miracle, you need to be ruled by God's word. Make God's word the standard in your life. Are you ready?"
"What is your situation? It may be God's way to preserve you for the next position He is leading you to."
"Men tends to shift the blame on others and/or circumstances beyond their control. Eg. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent. 'Conscious sinners' blame others for their cirumstances. Do not be too quick to blame others or find solution in men of God, but to find the cause of the problem, else the healing may not last."
"Sometimes God uses foolish thngs in life, even disappointments, rejections etc, to reveal his purposes in your life."
"Those who are unable to see beyond their immediate situation will murmur and despair. If you are in a hurry, you will waste the opportunity to see what God is doing. The principle of life is that nothing happens for nothing or by chance."
"We should be happy that our names are written in the book of life, rather than rejoicing that the evil spirits submit to us."
"Pray that our faith do not fail..."
"What is your situation? It may be God's way to preserve you for the next position He is leading you to."
"Men tends to shift the blame on others and/or circumstances beyond their control. Eg. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent. 'Conscious sinners' blame others for their cirumstances. Do not be too quick to blame others or find solution in men of God, but to find the cause of the problem, else the healing may not last."
"Sometimes God uses foolish thngs in life, even disappointments, rejections etc, to reveal his purposes in your life."
"Those who are unable to see beyond their immediate situation will murmur and despair. If you are in a hurry, you will waste the opportunity to see what God is doing. The principle of life is that nothing happens for nothing or by chance."
"We should be happy that our names are written in the book of life, rather than rejoicing that the evil spirits submit to us."
"Pray that our faith do not fail..."
Friday, November 24, 2006
What Season are you in?
[Did you notice, in every season, David is challenged through various tests from God. Ouch! God! I want growth! No pain no growth?? Erm... Can we negotiate? :p Gee...ok... Your will, not mine be done.]
KING DAVID’S FIVE PROPHETIC SEASONS
A. David’s life had five prophetic seasons that are easy to define. In each season, David had a specific city and a specific lesson associated with it. The cities are: 1. Bethlehem; 2. Gibeah; 3. Adullam; 4. Hebron; 5. Jerusalem (Zion).
B. Bethlehem: tested with faithfulness in small things. This is when David received his call to be king of Israel. God’s primary earthly goal for David was to make him a worshiping warrior king, being loved by God and being a lover of God.
C. Gibeah: tested with early promotion (1 Sam. 16:19–22). David moved to this city which was the capital of Saul’s government (1 Sam. 15:34; 18:2). He lived there from age 17 until he was approximately 23. In this season, David had his first experiences with earthly success.
D. Adullam: tested with difficulty. David escaped to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1–2) where he was tested with hardship for about 7 long years to establish his identity in God.
E. Hebron: tested with waiting for the fullness God’s promises. This season began with the death of King Saul. David was thirty years old.
F. Zion: Promises fulfilled. David reigned in Jerusalem when he was 37 years old. (2 Sam. 5:1–3)
G. God promised David a role as king in the Millennial Kingdom. [I'm drooling...]
notes extracted from http://www.ihop.org/group/group.aspx?id=1000000378 "David - being as people of one thing"
KING DAVID’S FIVE PROPHETIC SEASONS
A. David’s life had five prophetic seasons that are easy to define. In each season, David had a specific city and a specific lesson associated with it. The cities are: 1. Bethlehem; 2. Gibeah; 3. Adullam; 4. Hebron; 5. Jerusalem (Zion).
B. Bethlehem: tested with faithfulness in small things. This is when David received his call to be king of Israel. God’s primary earthly goal for David was to make him a worshiping warrior king, being loved by God and being a lover of God.
C. Gibeah: tested with early promotion (1 Sam. 16:19–22). David moved to this city which was the capital of Saul’s government (1 Sam. 15:34; 18:2). He lived there from age 17 until he was approximately 23. In this season, David had his first experiences with earthly success.
D. Adullam: tested with difficulty. David escaped to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1–2) where he was tested with hardship for about 7 long years to establish his identity in God.
E. Hebron: tested with waiting for the fullness God’s promises. This season began with the death of King Saul. David was thirty years old.
F. Zion: Promises fulfilled. David reigned in Jerusalem when he was 37 years old. (2 Sam. 5:1–3)
G. God promised David a role as king in the Millennial Kingdom. [I'm drooling...]
notes extracted from http://www.ihop.org/group/group.aspx?id=1000000378 "David - being as people of one thing"
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Without You...
[Ever thought who you would be without God? I would shiver whenever I think of that. Where would I be?! What would I become? Thankful for His loving grace, I am who I am today because of Him and His leadership in my life. This thought reminds me that He is all I have, all that I live for. I have nothing but Him. What I have, He has given me to be a steward over - possessions, work, ministry and people. May I be found faithful! And like the psalmist, I say again, I have no other desire besides Him... Knowing who I really am, my purposes here on earth, leads me to yearn for Him more and more. Lovesick for Him, longing for His coming, for His glorious return.]
Where will I be
What will I become
If not for Your love filling my heart
If not for Your hand guiding me
I'd be lost without You
I'd be a wandering soul
Chasing after the things of the world
Only to feel empty over and over again
Because you have called me
And made me your own
I yield my life to You
Becoming Yours and Yours alone
I'll walk where You've walked
I'll go where You'll lead
I'll do what you've commanded
Faithful till the end I pray
Without You I am nothing
Without You I am lost
With You I have everything
With You and You alone I can overcome
I am Your bride!
I am Your friend!
You are coming again for me!
You will not abandon me to the grave!
Come Lord Jesus
Come quickly
Come rule and reign among us
Come soon and take your place
Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” "
Where will I be
What will I become
If not for Your love filling my heart
If not for Your hand guiding me
I'd be lost without You
I'd be a wandering soul
Chasing after the things of the world
Only to feel empty over and over again
Because you have called me
And made me your own
I yield my life to You
Becoming Yours and Yours alone
I'll walk where You've walked
I'll go where You'll lead
I'll do what you've commanded
Faithful till the end I pray
Without You I am nothing
Without You I am lost
With You I have everything
With You and You alone I can overcome
I am Your bride!
I am Your friend!
You are coming again for me!
You will not abandon me to the grave!
Come Lord Jesus
Come quickly
Come rule and reign among us
Come soon and take your place
Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” "
Sunday, November 19, 2006
I want to go on loving You...
[ A chorus line from the prayer room in ihop... I just subscribed to the audio streaming! $5 per month... yea, from misty's worship... resonates in me... Yesterday in the House of Prayer, God told me He want to show me a vision. Lovesickly, I responded ok. He showed me and I saw, and I shared. Lovesickly, I returned to gazing... Visions, singing, praying... I just want to gaze 8-) ]
Who can compare to you Lord
You’re everything that I adore
All of my life is in the palm of Your hand
All of heart I give to You
All that I am and all I do
Who can compare to You
Chorus:
This is my prayer
This is my cry
I want to go on loving You...
All through the joy
All through the pain
I want to go on loving You...
Seasons will change
People depart
I want to go on loving You...
In times of pain
When life is hard
And when the journey seems so long
I want to go on loving You...
In everything
In all of life
I want to go on loving You...
This is my prayer
This is my cry
I want to go on loving You...
[mine, cont'd...]
Walking through all the seasons
Walking on untrodden grounds
I want to go on loving You...
Even when all is still
Even when You are my only audience
I want to go on loving You...
Putting my past behind
Pressing on towards the prize
I want to go on loving You...
Serving You
Watching and praying
I want to go on loving You...
SoS 1:4
"Draw me away!
We will run after you.
The king has brought me into his chambers."
Psalm 27:4
"One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple."
Who can compare to you Lord
You’re everything that I adore
All of my life is in the palm of Your hand
All of heart I give to You
All that I am and all I do
Who can compare to You
Chorus:
This is my prayer
This is my cry
I want to go on loving You...
All through the joy
All through the pain
I want to go on loving You...
Seasons will change
People depart
I want to go on loving You...
In times of pain
When life is hard
And when the journey seems so long
I want to go on loving You...
In everything
In all of life
I want to go on loving You...
This is my prayer
This is my cry
I want to go on loving You...
[mine, cont'd...]
Walking through all the seasons
Walking on untrodden grounds
I want to go on loving You...
Even when all is still
Even when You are my only audience
I want to go on loving You...
Putting my past behind
Pressing on towards the prize
I want to go on loving You...
Serving You
Watching and praying
I want to go on loving You...
SoS 1:4
"Draw me away!
We will run after you.
The king has brought me into his chambers."
Psalm 27:4
"One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple."
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why are you so downcast, O my soul?
Sing this to God...
"Put your hand under my chin
and lift up my face to look again
cos You are the glory
and lifter of my head"
Psalm 42:11
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God."
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble."
Psalm 62:8
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
Psalm 141:8
"But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute."
You lift the poor from the ashes
You washed me with the water of Your word
You cause the barren woman to sing
You brought forth fruitfulness and joy
"Put your hand under my chin
and lift up my face to look again
cos You are the glory
and lifter of my head"
Psalm 42:11
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God."
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble."
Psalm 62:8
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
Psalm 141:8
"But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute."
You lift the poor from the ashes
You washed me with the water of Your word
You cause the barren woman to sing
You brought forth fruitfulness and joy
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Do you know...
1) How many people on the surface of the earth will be wiped out when judgement comes?
Revelation 6:7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
Revelation 9:18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.
2) How old you and I will be when the shakings intensify?
3) What do you want to be found doing when these shakings come?
Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming"
=> Develop understanding of the times so that you will not be taken by surprise or be offended.
Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
=> Acquire oil, develop personal history with God, cultivate intimacy with God.
Matthew 26:41"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
=> Areas of compromise and sins in our lives. Throw off things that hinder and sin that entangles. Get rid of bitterness, rage…Persevere till the end.
Also read the parables in Matthew 24 & 25. Then discover what you and I can do now before Jesus comes again...
4) If you need a blessing, read the book of Revelation!
Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
1Cor13:1-3 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,but have not love, it profits me nothing."
Revelation 6:7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
Revelation 9:18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.
2) How old you and I will be when the shakings intensify?
3) What do you want to be found doing when these shakings come?
Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming"
=> Develop understanding of the times so that you will not be taken by surprise or be offended.
Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
=> Acquire oil, develop personal history with God, cultivate intimacy with God.
Matthew 26:41"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
=> Areas of compromise and sins in our lives. Throw off things that hinder and sin that entangles. Get rid of bitterness, rage…Persevere till the end.
Also read the parables in Matthew 24 & 25. Then discover what you and I can do now before Jesus comes again...
4) If you need a blessing, read the book of Revelation!
Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
1Cor13:1-3 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,but have not love, it profits me nothing."
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Power of a Focused Life
http://www.prayerpodcast.com/category/podcast/the-power-of-a-focused-life/
Forerunner Fellowship Meeting Schedule (Aug-Dec 06)
Vision of forerunner fellowship
To be a people of one thing (intimacy), and prepare the bride, ie the church, to be ready, as we see the Day (End-Times) approaching.
Mission of forerunner fellowship
Raise and send forerunners as a voice, propagating the message of Intimacy and End Times.
Please note that the meeting schedule is subjected to changes. For more information, please write to peopleofonething@hotmail.com
----------------------------------------------
Topics covered (Aug to Dec 06)
1) Why Study End Times (G)
2) The 70 weeks of Daniel (KL)
3) Role of the House of Prayer in the End Times (AK)
4) Tabernacle of David (CH)
5) Understanding the signs, times and events (KL)
6) How then shall we live (G)
7) The Book of Joel (AK)
To be a people of one thing (intimacy), and prepare the bride, ie the church, to be ready, as we see the Day (End-Times) approaching.
Mission of forerunner fellowship
Raise and send forerunners as a voice, propagating the message of Intimacy and End Times.
Please note that the meeting schedule is subjected to changes. For more information, please write to peopleofonething@hotmail.com
----------------------------------------------
Topics covered (Aug to Dec 06)
1) Why Study End Times (G)
2) The 70 weeks of Daniel (KL)
3) Role of the House of Prayer in the End Times (AK)
4) Tabernacle of David (CH)
5) Understanding the signs, times and events (KL)
6) How then shall we live (G)
7) The Book of Joel (AK)
Thursday, September 28, 2006
[I see] Forward Backward, [God sees] Faith Refined
[What did we learn on hindsight? What is ahead of us? We often would ask… But what’s most important, and that we should tirelessly pursue with all might, is what God sees and is doing in and through us. Through it all, He is after us, He is making our faith refined and purified. And we do remember that we are His most treasured possession…Song of Songs 6:3]
If I were to choose to live my life backwards
I would hope things had been different
I would hope that I did not make any mistake
So that I can be happier now
If, I were to choose to live my life backwards
But because I am living my life forward
I turn my mistakes into learning experiences
I live with no regrets
So that I can look forward to the newness that each day brings
If, I choose to live my live forward
Forward, backward
Backward, forward
Learning to let go of the past
Growing wiser as each day unfolds
Pressing on towards the goal I have in Christ Jesus
I throw off every sin that entangles
And every weight that ensnares
I run with perseverance the race that is set out before me
Looking unto Jesus
The Author and Finisher of my faith
Forward Backward
Backward Forward
Faith refined in me, God’s work in the making
Trusting Him, with my life I worship
I am His, He is mine…
Songs 6:3 "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine..."
If I were to choose to live my life backwards
I would hope things had been different
I would hope that I did not make any mistake
So that I can be happier now
If, I were to choose to live my life backwards
But because I am living my life forward
I turn my mistakes into learning experiences
I live with no regrets
So that I can look forward to the newness that each day brings
If, I choose to live my live forward
Forward, backward
Backward, forward
Learning to let go of the past
Growing wiser as each day unfolds
Pressing on towards the goal I have in Christ Jesus
I throw off every sin that entangles
And every weight that ensnares
I run with perseverance the race that is set out before me
Looking unto Jesus
The Author and Finisher of my faith
Forward Backward
Backward Forward
Faith refined in me, God’s work in the making
Trusting Him, with my life I worship
I am His, He is mine…
Songs 6:3 "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine..."
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Give me Oil
[Oil here refers to intimacy with God, our history with Him, our encounter with Him that only we ourselves can acquire individually as we grow in the Lord]
Give me oil in my lamp
I want to burn
For You O Lord my God
Fill my lamp with oil
I want to shine
For You and You alone
The knowledge of You
Fills my soul
Lighting every corner within me
The glory of Your Presence
Fascinates my whole being
Setting my heart aflame once again
More of You
There can never be enough
Come O Lord, give me oil I pray...
Give me oil in my lamp
I want to burn
For You O Lord my God
Fill my lamp with oil
I want to shine
For You and You alone
The knowledge of You
Fills my soul
Lighting every corner within me
The glory of Your Presence
Fascinates my whole being
Setting my heart aflame once again
More of You
There can never be enough
Come O Lord, give me oil I pray...
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Hold on
[Prayer: Dark but lovely am I to You, oh my Bridegroom King. Increase my understanding of You and the days to come. Grant me skill to understand...]
I hold on to You
For You are the Shepherd of my soul
Altogether gentle and pure
I hold on to You
For You are the Anchor of my life
My strong tower and refuge
I hold on to You
For You are the Leader of my path
Bright shinning and victorious
The winds blew
The storms raged
The shakings came
I lost my grip
I lost my focus
I thought I lost it all…
Until… until I realized You are still here
Right beside me
Holding on to me
I hold on to You
You hold on to me
Together in eternity…
Set eternity in my heart O God!
With You I can scale the highest mountain!
With You I can overcome the deepest valley!
So I hold on to You
Knowing that You hold on to me
When I am weak, then You are strong...
I hold on to You
For You are the Shepherd of my soul
Altogether gentle and pure
I hold on to You
For You are the Anchor of my life
My strong tower and refuge
I hold on to You
For You are the Leader of my path
Bright shinning and victorious
The winds blew
The storms raged
The shakings came
I lost my grip
I lost my focus
I thought I lost it all…
Until… until I realized You are still here
Right beside me
Holding on to me
I hold on to You
You hold on to me
Together in eternity…
Set eternity in my heart O God!
With You I can scale the highest mountain!
With You I can overcome the deepest valley!
So I hold on to You
Knowing that You hold on to me
When I am weak, then You are strong...
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
WHAT IS STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND ME
[The heart cry of intercessors in the House of Prayer]
A little bit closer
A little bit nearer
That’s all I desire
That’s all my soul yearns
Why not now
Why not soon
It never felt so long
It never felt so parched and dry
You have stolen my heart
You have ruined me with Your love
You are all that I want now
Nothing else can satisfy
No other loves
No other thrones
Can ever take Your place
Can ever exalt itself against the beautiful One
My eyes gaze in lovesickness
Amazed at Your fascinating beauty
My heart’s ravished
With just one glance of Your eyes
So I run after You
Out of the depths of my heart I cry out to You
Can You hear my desperate plea
Will you turn and show me Your face
What is standing between You and me?
What is standing in the way?
How long more do I have to wait?
How can I reach the place near to Your heart?
I’ll do what it takes
I’ll give all I have
Just to be near
Just to hear You once again
So with clean hands
I come to You
With a pure heart
I seek You
With a heart that says yes
I earnestly seek You
In a dry and weary land
I thirst for You
And You slowly turned
As if You could not hold back any longer
You turned around
And You waited for me
I ran with the fastest speed
I ran with all my might
I threw off everything that hinders
And every sin that entangles
I fell right into Your side
And felt the scars of Your sacrifice
I fell right into your loving embrace
And heard the beat of Your heart
I will never let You go
I will never give You rest
For that’s the place that I seek to dwell
For that’s what I’ve always been longing for
Where you go
I will follow
Where you leap
I will skip with You
Commander of the army
Lord of host
I say yes
Let nothing stand between You and me… ever again…
A little bit closer
A little bit nearer
That’s all I desire
That’s all my soul yearns
Why not now
Why not soon
It never felt so long
It never felt so parched and dry
You have stolen my heart
You have ruined me with Your love
You are all that I want now
Nothing else can satisfy
No other loves
No other thrones
Can ever take Your place
Can ever exalt itself against the beautiful One
My eyes gaze in lovesickness
Amazed at Your fascinating beauty
My heart’s ravished
With just one glance of Your eyes
So I run after You
Out of the depths of my heart I cry out to You
Can You hear my desperate plea
Will you turn and show me Your face
What is standing between You and me?
What is standing in the way?
How long more do I have to wait?
How can I reach the place near to Your heart?
I’ll do what it takes
I’ll give all I have
Just to be near
Just to hear You once again
So with clean hands
I come to You
With a pure heart
I seek You
With a heart that says yes
I earnestly seek You
In a dry and weary land
I thirst for You
And You slowly turned
As if You could not hold back any longer
You turned around
And You waited for me
I ran with the fastest speed
I ran with all my might
I threw off everything that hinders
And every sin that entangles
I fell right into Your side
And felt the scars of Your sacrifice
I fell right into your loving embrace
And heard the beat of Your heart
I will never let You go
I will never give You rest
For that’s the place that I seek to dwell
For that’s what I’ve always been longing for
Where you go
I will follow
Where you leap
I will skip with You
Commander of the army
Lord of host
I say yes
Let nothing stand between You and me… ever again…
Monday, April 24, 2006
My beloved is to me....To know how God feels and think about me...
It's not about how I feel... not that it's not important... In fact it is. God is so interested in everything about us, and even knows the number of hairs on our head...
Matthew 10:29-31 ~ Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
God wants us to quieten down, and let us really really know that all we NEED to really really know, is how he really really feels and thinks about us.
Ok God... let me throw away the bagful of 'me-first' and a spoonful of 'self-consciousness'. And wait, I think there's another pack of 'does-God-really-care' somewhere out there. Oh well, I think I'm (quite) ready to get a earful from you now...
You are lovely... you are lovely to me. Dark, but oh so lovely... ~ Songs 1:5 (paraphrased)
Gulps. hmm... sorry God, I know I am dark. Can you drop me some whiteners? You see, I need to look good before you (and others). Another bagful of 'self-consciousness' to dump. I thought there was only a spoonful.. Anyway, God knows, and still he says I'm lovely. So I think that's what it really matters.
So I guess I am getting there, getting to understand how God feels about me.. I am dark but lovely to him!!!! I choose to set my mind on how he thinks and feels about me. And let that thought inflitrate every part of my being, till every self-consciousness becomes God-consciousness..
My beloved is to me... ~ Songs 1:14
How He feels (about me) is first. What He thinks (about me) is first. Lord, set me free to revel in the knowledge of this love... God likes me!
A penny for my thoughts now? Find it here http://afteryourheart.blogspot.com/2006/04/my-name.html
Matthew 10:29-31 ~ Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
God wants us to quieten down, and let us really really know that all we NEED to really really know, is how he really really feels and thinks about us.
Ok God... let me throw away the bagful of 'me-first' and a spoonful of 'self-consciousness'. And wait, I think there's another pack of 'does-God-really-care' somewhere out there. Oh well, I think I'm (quite) ready to get a earful from you now...
You are lovely... you are lovely to me. Dark, but oh so lovely... ~ Songs 1:5 (paraphrased)
Gulps. hmm... sorry God, I know I am dark. Can you drop me some whiteners? You see, I need to look good before you (and others). Another bagful of 'self-consciousness' to dump. I thought there was only a spoonful.. Anyway, God knows, and still he says I'm lovely. So I think that's what it really matters.
So I guess I am getting there, getting to understand how God feels about me.. I am dark but lovely to him!!!! I choose to set my mind on how he thinks and feels about me. And let that thought inflitrate every part of my being, till every self-consciousness becomes God-consciousness..
My beloved is to me... ~ Songs 1:14
How He feels (about me) is first. What He thinks (about me) is first. Lord, set me free to revel in the knowledge of this love... God likes me!
A penny for my thoughts now? Find it here http://afteryourheart.blogspot.com/2006/04/my-name.html
David - Faith and Courage, Mighty in Spirit
An article that touched my heart...
http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/davidsfaith_77977.html
Here it is...
The Faith And Courage Of DAVID
What do you do in the heat of battle, when your world seems to be coming apart at all ends? Are you overwhelmed by your circumstances, and want to give up? Or do you stand firm in the faith that God has given you and refuse to buckle under the pressure?
David, the future king of Israel, had every reason to quit and walk away, but he refused to do so. He remained true to His calling even though he spent years wondering if he would ever experience the goodness and the fulfillment of God's blessings.
There was a time in David's life when death stalked him at every turn. Still, he held firm to his faith in God, and the Lord rewarded his obedience and called him, "a man after His own heart." (Acts 13:22) But how did he come to this point, especially when his life was marked by heartache, disappointment, and feelings of extreme loneliness? What molded the heart of David so that his life, even with its flaws, became a symbol of godly devotion?
For one thing, David's heart was undivided before the Lord. (1 Chronicles 12:33) Regardless of the trouble he faced, he decided as a young man to follow God with a whole heart and not to compromise his devotion to the Lord. It was David's faith and love for God that proved to be a leading characteristic of his life. In Psalm 23, David wrote: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me . . ." (v. 4).
In Psalm 18:2 he writes, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. . . He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me" (v. 19). God delighted in David just as He delights in you.
As a young boy, David spent many hours alone taking care of his father's sheep. These were not wasted moments. Many of the psalms we now read, memorize, and enjoy were written by David during this period of his life. This is when God chose to train his young king. Only the Lord has the ability to take a low-end job and use it to prepare one of His servants for a position in life like none other.
Are you weary from waiting on God? Maybe you feel as though you are in a dead-end job, and you want to quit. However, before you do this, ask God to make His direction clear to you. When faced with a decision, David often "inquired of the Lord." He wanted to know God's mind so that He could do the Lord's will. Is this a desire of your heart? Do you want to please God, or are you seeking only to please yourself? If it is the latter, you will experience much heartache and strife. But if you are seeking to please God, even though your pathway darkens at times, you can be sure God will lead you into His blessings.
Be patient and faithful in your waiting on God. He has something good in mind for you. David could never have assumed his role as king of Israel had he not learned to wait for God's perfect timing. Even though God directed the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the future king, his reign would not begin immediately. It would be years before David took the throne. Even after his victory in battle over the Philistine giant, Goliath, David was met with a stark, cold reality: God was not ready to remove Saul from the throne. In fact, Saul, whom David had helped in battle, became his dire enemy.
Instead of devoting his time to ruling Israel, Saul wasted years searching for David in hopes of killing him. Saul knew that his self-promoting actions had caused God to withdraw His anointing. God had chosen another to take his place, and David was God's man.
David never lost sight of His perspective of God. He may have become discouraged, but he never doubted God's goodness toward him. When you find yourself wondering what God is doing in your life, ask Him to help you regain your perspective.
God has not forgotten you. He is in the process of bringing something beautiful to pass in your life. He knows exactly what it takes to make you into the godly man or woman that He has in mind.
Even though David loved God greatly, he was not perfect. He was a warrior and a man easily drawn aside by his passions. Still, he was unflappable in his desire to know and please God. He was a man who was "mighty in spirit" because he did not waiver in his love. Would you like to know David's God? You can. David's closeness to the Lord came as a result of his heart's desire to spend time alone with the Lord. This is where spiritual greatness is born—in the presence of God.
David's commitment to God was based on who God was and not what he could receive from the Lord. He believed God had a plan for his life, and he was determined to see it become a reality.
http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/davidsfaith_77977.html
Here it is...
The Faith And Courage Of DAVID
What do you do in the heat of battle, when your world seems to be coming apart at all ends? Are you overwhelmed by your circumstances, and want to give up? Or do you stand firm in the faith that God has given you and refuse to buckle under the pressure?
David, the future king of Israel, had every reason to quit and walk away, but he refused to do so. He remained true to His calling even though he spent years wondering if he would ever experience the goodness and the fulfillment of God's blessings.
There was a time in David's life when death stalked him at every turn. Still, he held firm to his faith in God, and the Lord rewarded his obedience and called him, "a man after His own heart." (Acts 13:22) But how did he come to this point, especially when his life was marked by heartache, disappointment, and feelings of extreme loneliness? What molded the heart of David so that his life, even with its flaws, became a symbol of godly devotion?
For one thing, David's heart was undivided before the Lord. (1 Chronicles 12:33) Regardless of the trouble he faced, he decided as a young man to follow God with a whole heart and not to compromise his devotion to the Lord. It was David's faith and love for God that proved to be a leading characteristic of his life. In Psalm 23, David wrote: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me . . ." (v. 4).
In Psalm 18:2 he writes, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. . . He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me" (v. 19). God delighted in David just as He delights in you.
As a young boy, David spent many hours alone taking care of his father's sheep. These were not wasted moments. Many of the psalms we now read, memorize, and enjoy were written by David during this period of his life. This is when God chose to train his young king. Only the Lord has the ability to take a low-end job and use it to prepare one of His servants for a position in life like none other.
Are you weary from waiting on God? Maybe you feel as though you are in a dead-end job, and you want to quit. However, before you do this, ask God to make His direction clear to you. When faced with a decision, David often "inquired of the Lord." He wanted to know God's mind so that He could do the Lord's will. Is this a desire of your heart? Do you want to please God, or are you seeking only to please yourself? If it is the latter, you will experience much heartache and strife. But if you are seeking to please God, even though your pathway darkens at times, you can be sure God will lead you into His blessings.
Be patient and faithful in your waiting on God. He has something good in mind for you. David could never have assumed his role as king of Israel had he not learned to wait for God's perfect timing. Even though God directed the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the future king, his reign would not begin immediately. It would be years before David took the throne. Even after his victory in battle over the Philistine giant, Goliath, David was met with a stark, cold reality: God was not ready to remove Saul from the throne. In fact, Saul, whom David had helped in battle, became his dire enemy.
Instead of devoting his time to ruling Israel, Saul wasted years searching for David in hopes of killing him. Saul knew that his self-promoting actions had caused God to withdraw His anointing. God had chosen another to take his place, and David was God's man.
David never lost sight of His perspective of God. He may have become discouraged, but he never doubted God's goodness toward him. When you find yourself wondering what God is doing in your life, ask Him to help you regain your perspective.
God has not forgotten you. He is in the process of bringing something beautiful to pass in your life. He knows exactly what it takes to make you into the godly man or woman that He has in mind.
Even though David loved God greatly, he was not perfect. He was a warrior and a man easily drawn aside by his passions. Still, he was unflappable in his desire to know and please God. He was a man who was "mighty in spirit" because he did not waiver in his love. Would you like to know David's God? You can. David's closeness to the Lord came as a result of his heart's desire to spend time alone with the Lord. This is where spiritual greatness is born—in the presence of God.
David's commitment to God was based on who God was and not what he could receive from the Lord. He believed God had a plan for his life, and he was determined to see it become a reality.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Forerunner Ministry
1Chronicles 12:32
“... the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do...”
Jeremiah 3:15
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart,
who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
(A) Understanding the Times
Seven Theological Premises of the Forerunner Ministry
- the uniqueness of the generation when Jesus returns.
- the Father heart of God is going to be fully revealed and restored.
- three unprecedented activities of the Holy Spirit.
- revelation of three faces of the beauty of Jesus. (Isa 4:2)
- the primary focus of the Father’s labor is the poor.
- the strategy of God is to shake everything that can be shaken. (Hag 2:6-8)
- God will raise up the forerunner ministries to prepare the church.
(B) What is the Forerunner Ministry all about?
- Whenever God is about to do something “new” or “unprecedented”, he will raise a VOICE to announce, declare or to make sense of it. Amos 3:7 ~ “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
- The forerunner ministries are “proclamation ministries” and consist of people (forerunners) whom God will raise, to propagate / declare the message on his heart (trumpet His call), to prepare the church (His Bride) for his coming.
- The spirit of the forerunner is the Spirit that prepares the Bride for the End-Times.
The bible is clear that the forerunner ministry is specifically described at the end of the age. Most of the forerunner prophecies refer to the glory of God being released in a global dimension. The context of the forerunner ministry is to touch all the nations of the earth. Isaiah 40:1-5
(C) The motivation of the forerunner ministry ~John 3:27-29
(D) Biblical Models - Noah, John the Baptist
It is not about being a pioneer nor anything to do with temperaments. God will raise up the new generation of the Daniel People, David Generation, the 'John the Baptist's (burning and shining lamps), 'Anna & Mary's and Joel’s Army who operate in the Spirit of the Forerunner.
Daniel People
Dan 1:8; Dan 3:17-18; Dan 10:12; Dan 11:32b
Made up their minds to know God; fasted lifestyle and prayer; loved not their lives unto death.
David Generation
Jer 3:15; John 3:27-30
After God’s heart and lead many in the knowledge and understanding of God. One thing.
John the Baptist’s
John 5:35; Isa 40:3-5
Burning and shining lamps, voice in the desert
The Anna’s
Luke 2:36-38
Prayed and fasted in the temple. Saw the fullness of the Messiah through the boy Jesus, and bore witness to the Redeemer.
The Mary’s
Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8
Recognized the time for Jesus’ death and anointed Him with the alabaster jar of perfume. Sat at Jesus’ feet.
Joel’s Army
Joel 27-32
Operate in supernatural power; Great Harvest
(E) KNOWING WHAT TO DO
What is the Purpose of the Forerunner Ministry?
1. To ANNOUNCE ahead of time what God is about to do.
2. To DECLARE what is unprecedented & uncommon in his/her generation.
3. To MAKE SENSE of what is happening & the heartbeat of God.
4. To PREPARE the Church to be in agreement with God.
(F) What does the Forerunner do?
4 unique functions of the forerunner ministry as seen in Isaiah 40:1-5
“... the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do...”
Jeremiah 3:15
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart,
who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
(A) Understanding the Times
Seven Theological Premises of the Forerunner Ministry
- the uniqueness of the generation when Jesus returns.
- the Father heart of God is going to be fully revealed and restored.
- three unprecedented activities of the Holy Spirit.
- revelation of three faces of the beauty of Jesus. (Isa 4:2)
- the primary focus of the Father’s labor is the poor.
- the strategy of God is to shake everything that can be shaken. (Hag 2:6-8)
- God will raise up the forerunner ministries to prepare the church.
(B) What is the Forerunner Ministry all about?
- Whenever God is about to do something “new” or “unprecedented”, he will raise a VOICE to announce, declare or to make sense of it. Amos 3:7 ~ “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
- The forerunner ministries are “proclamation ministries” and consist of people (forerunners) whom God will raise, to propagate / declare the message on his heart (trumpet His call), to prepare the church (His Bride) for his coming.
- The spirit of the forerunner is the Spirit that prepares the Bride for the End-Times.
The bible is clear that the forerunner ministry is specifically described at the end of the age. Most of the forerunner prophecies refer to the glory of God being released in a global dimension. The context of the forerunner ministry is to touch all the nations of the earth. Isaiah 40:1-5
(C) The motivation of the forerunner ministry ~John 3:27-29
(D) Biblical Models - Noah, John the Baptist
It is not about being a pioneer nor anything to do with temperaments. God will raise up the new generation of the Daniel People, David Generation, the 'John the Baptist's (burning and shining lamps), 'Anna & Mary's and Joel’s Army who operate in the Spirit of the Forerunner.
Daniel People
Dan 1:8; Dan 3:17-18; Dan 10:12; Dan 11:32b
Made up their minds to know God; fasted lifestyle and prayer; loved not their lives unto death.
David Generation
Jer 3:15; John 3:27-30
After God’s heart and lead many in the knowledge and understanding of God. One thing.
John the Baptist’s
John 5:35; Isa 40:3-5
Burning and shining lamps, voice in the desert
The Anna’s
Luke 2:36-38
Prayed and fasted in the temple. Saw the fullness of the Messiah through the boy Jesus, and bore witness to the Redeemer.
The Mary’s
Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8
Recognized the time for Jesus’ death and anointed Him with the alabaster jar of perfume. Sat at Jesus’ feet.
Joel’s Army
Joel 27-32
Operate in supernatural power; Great Harvest
(E) KNOWING WHAT TO DO
What is the Purpose of the Forerunner Ministry?
1. To ANNOUNCE ahead of time what God is about to do.
2. To DECLARE what is unprecedented & uncommon in his/her generation.
3. To MAKE SENSE of what is happening & the heartbeat of God.
4. To PREPARE the Church to be in agreement with God.
(F) What does the Forerunner do?
4 unique functions of the forerunner ministry as seen in Isaiah 40:1-5
Sunday, February 12, 2006
ABG!! - Ambushed by the Bridegroom God
"ABG! ABG! Now that was what happened... If You don't mind dear God, could You please tell me that earlier? Save the struggle on my part? Ok, I get it, I needed that. Besides, it would not have been called an ambush if You have told me everything earlier.." She recalled what happened to her months ago...
"Where are You God, Your manifested presence, that tangible presence that I used to feel? Why are my times spent with you so... so... unfruitful? I mean I did the usual thing, prayed the usual way, but it's different.. what's happening to me? Have I been faithless?"
She was doing her own thing. Caught up (with the secular needful duties and stuff). And subconsciously she began to also 'do' the 'God things'. God watched. When has He ever slept or slumbered? Psalm121. He watched. His heart was burning passionately for His beloved as He watched.
He decided to launch an ambush. He will have to withdraw to launch the ambush. He will have to be 'invisible' for a while. He has to do this, as He knew just how she is. He sees and hears the cries of her heart for more of God, even before she knew it herself. He springs into action to a heart that says yes. But can His beloved understand? Can His beloved endure? Will His beloved seek Him? Will His beloved run to Him?
"I sleep, but my heart is awake.." ~ Songs5:2
What was that she heard? Accusations. 'So you are checking in on God now. You think He'll hear you? Where were you the whole week?' And the guilt talk went on and on... The beloved's heart was awake, awake to lovesickness... "Where is my lover, where is my Bridegroom God? The accusations are from the pits of hell... help!"
The One in ambush sent His word to His beloved.. "His understanding no one can fathom.." ~ Isa40:28
His beloved lifted up the word, without even knowing God was near. His left hand is under her head (Songs2:6). He has never left her, although she felt as though He did. With the word, she sent the accusation out of sight and out of mind.
"And my heart yearned for him. I arose..." ~ Songs5:4
But His beloved was alone, and lonely. What's happening? How to even begin to tell another what was happening when she herself knew not what was going on? She broke down in tears and exasperation...
But she decided to press in and seek God. Faint with love, eyes squinting with mustard seed faith, she arose as she looked to God. She thought, whom have I in heaven but You? Surely Jesus understands, and too, went through lonely moments of alone-ness. Her thoughts were drawn to the cross. To the garden of Gethsemane... Her tears slowly dried up as the scene and emotions of Jesus at the garden of Gethsemane filled her mind and whole being. Yes, God understands... He went through the loneliest moments on earth.
She fell asleep in weariness and slept soundly... She fell right into the arms of her bridegroom God who loves her and pursues her passionately, even when He had to withdraw His manifest presence to cause her to...
... to cause her to see her own heart that wants more of God! To cause her to realise how much God loves with a deep passion, even in her weakness, and not just 'do' more of the God things to 'earn' back His favour. To cause her to yearn for more of God in response! She exclaimed, "I am dark, but lovely!" Songs1:5. Her heart yearned and longed for more of God... Such love, such God!
"My heart leaped up when he spoke..." ~ Songs5:6
Now everything made sense... "God, you ambushed me! You set me up!" Now she truly KNOWS that He understands, and that He LOVES her unreservedly and passionately even in her weakness. Oh how God answers the prayers of her heart. His ways are not our ways... His thoughts are not our thoughts... they are higher! Isa55:8-9.
"Tell me God," her heart leaping at the revelation of His divine ambush, "tell me, what do I do now? Shall I give up everything to follow you? If you say so!" she exclaims, as her heart responded in passionate lovesickness, mixed with the human fears of needing to give all up, to give up the things she enjoys and loves doing...
And like Abraham, she passed the test. She was willing to give it all. But that was not what God wanted. He wanted to test her heart. Yes, He already knows her heart. He says behold...
And the beloved's journey continued. God sent many angels to refresh her along the way. Angels whose reward are in the hands of God, because of their hearts of love... He also gave her some gifts. Gifts that she knew were from God, and she cherished them. But the greatest reward for the beloved, was the unveiling of God himself to her through this divine ambush. Who is this God? What is His Name? Songs5:10-16...
Indeed, our Bridegroom God is our Joy and Great Reward...
Gen15:1 ~ After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
"Where are You God, Your manifested presence, that tangible presence that I used to feel? Why are my times spent with you so... so... unfruitful? I mean I did the usual thing, prayed the usual way, but it's different.. what's happening to me? Have I been faithless?"
She was doing her own thing. Caught up (with the secular needful duties and stuff). And subconsciously she began to also 'do' the 'God things'. God watched. When has He ever slept or slumbered? Psalm121. He watched. His heart was burning passionately for His beloved as He watched.
He decided to launch an ambush. He will have to withdraw to launch the ambush. He will have to be 'invisible' for a while. He has to do this, as He knew just how she is. He sees and hears the cries of her heart for more of God, even before she knew it herself. He springs into action to a heart that says yes. But can His beloved understand? Can His beloved endure? Will His beloved seek Him? Will His beloved run to Him?
"I sleep, but my heart is awake.." ~ Songs5:2
What was that she heard? Accusations. 'So you are checking in on God now. You think He'll hear you? Where were you the whole week?' And the guilt talk went on and on... The beloved's heart was awake, awake to lovesickness... "Where is my lover, where is my Bridegroom God? The accusations are from the pits of hell... help!"
The One in ambush sent His word to His beloved.. "His understanding no one can fathom.." ~ Isa40:28
His beloved lifted up the word, without even knowing God was near. His left hand is under her head (Songs2:6). He has never left her, although she felt as though He did. With the word, she sent the accusation out of sight and out of mind.
"And my heart yearned for him. I arose..." ~ Songs5:4
But His beloved was alone, and lonely. What's happening? How to even begin to tell another what was happening when she herself knew not what was going on? She broke down in tears and exasperation...
But she decided to press in and seek God. Faint with love, eyes squinting with mustard seed faith, she arose as she looked to God. She thought, whom have I in heaven but You? Surely Jesus understands, and too, went through lonely moments of alone-ness. Her thoughts were drawn to the cross. To the garden of Gethsemane... Her tears slowly dried up as the scene and emotions of Jesus at the garden of Gethsemane filled her mind and whole being. Yes, God understands... He went through the loneliest moments on earth.
She fell asleep in weariness and slept soundly... She fell right into the arms of her bridegroom God who loves her and pursues her passionately, even when He had to withdraw His manifest presence to cause her to...
... to cause her to see her own heart that wants more of God! To cause her to realise how much God loves with a deep passion, even in her weakness, and not just 'do' more of the God things to 'earn' back His favour. To cause her to yearn for more of God in response! She exclaimed, "I am dark, but lovely!" Songs1:5. Her heart yearned and longed for more of God... Such love, such God!
"My heart leaped up when he spoke..." ~ Songs5:6
Now everything made sense... "God, you ambushed me! You set me up!" Now she truly KNOWS that He understands, and that He LOVES her unreservedly and passionately even in her weakness. Oh how God answers the prayers of her heart. His ways are not our ways... His thoughts are not our thoughts... they are higher! Isa55:8-9.
"Tell me God," her heart leaping at the revelation of His divine ambush, "tell me, what do I do now? Shall I give up everything to follow you? If you say so!" she exclaims, as her heart responded in passionate lovesickness, mixed with the human fears of needing to give all up, to give up the things she enjoys and loves doing...
And like Abraham, she passed the test. She was willing to give it all. But that was not what God wanted. He wanted to test her heart. Yes, He already knows her heart. He says behold...
And the beloved's journey continued. God sent many angels to refresh her along the way. Angels whose reward are in the hands of God, because of their hearts of love... He also gave her some gifts. Gifts that she knew were from God, and she cherished them. But the greatest reward for the beloved, was the unveiling of God himself to her through this divine ambush. Who is this God? What is His Name? Songs5:10-16...
Indeed, our Bridegroom God is our Joy and Great Reward...
Gen15:1 ~ After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Reflections and Projections...
Ahh… finally found this article. Reproduced from the good old TOUCH NUS Connexion, a quarterly production by TOUCH NUS ISN 4/94…. Gee… more than 10 years ago!! But the message still resonates in my heart, and I hope yours too… It’s written by a dear brother-in-Christ, whom I had a pact with - to continue to spur one another in Christ (includes knocking the head, slapping the shoulder etc) if either of us dare stray off from God, whom we dearly love and serve with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We all have a debt to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ… a debt to continue to love one another… don’t we? Rom13:8
Reflections & Projections
It is the time of the year again when the world talks (and jokes) about making (and inevitably breaking) New Year resolutions… For us, however, it must necessarily be different. As God’s chosen people, beloved children and soldiers of His mighty army called to serve Him alone, I believe that each New Year is an important landmark for look back (in evaluation and thanksgiving) as well as forward (in terms of vision, goals and plans).
When the nation of Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering, Moses’ injunction to them not to forget the Lord (in Deu 8) included the important command to remember (v2, 11) all that God has done, and to hope in anticipation of the land promised to their forefathers (v1, 7-9). It was Israel’s failure to obey that led to her sin and suffering. Indeed, a clear command to ‘watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live’ is recorded in Deu 4:9.
I believe nothing streamlines our walk as much as knowing where we came from and where we are going. It is in remembrance and thanksgiving that faith arises ( 1Sam 12:24 – ‘Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all of your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.’) And with rising faith and commitment, we face the challenges of the new year ahead – things that our Father will bring into our lives to teach and mold us, and promises to be fulfilled.
It is important to note that the difference between this and a ‘New Year Resolution’ is that – we are not our own! It is our dear Master and Commander who sits with us both in planning and execution. And He says, “My word that goes out of My mouth (to you)… will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purposes for which I sent it.” Isa55:11
Let us at the beginning and end of this year, and every year of our lives, be able to say with Paul:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it for a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1Cor 9:24-27
Guidelines for Reflection and Projection
- Find a quiet place and set aside at least an hour or two. Bring along a notebook!
- Ask God to bring you back through the past year (like a motion picture!) – its significant events and lessons learnt / thanksgiving items (you’ll be surprised how much the Spirit helps you to remember!)
- Prayfully ask – and listen – for God’s direction and vision for you in the new year.
SUGGESTIONS for Areas of Life to Consider
* Reflection * – significant events of the past year; new experiences; special areas of growth; other blessings and victories etc
* Projection * – Personal life: areas that God wants to deal with; level of walk / personal devotion / area of service. Ministry: new areas; visions; goals for the new year.
General (The Whole Person)- evaluation and goal setting in the areas of : Spiritual, Social, Physical, Mental, Emotional and Career.
Reflections & Projections
It is the time of the year again when the world talks (and jokes) about making (and inevitably breaking) New Year resolutions… For us, however, it must necessarily be different. As God’s chosen people, beloved children and soldiers of His mighty army called to serve Him alone, I believe that each New Year is an important landmark for look back (in evaluation and thanksgiving) as well as forward (in terms of vision, goals and plans).
When the nation of Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering, Moses’ injunction to them not to forget the Lord (in Deu 8) included the important command to remember (v2, 11) all that God has done, and to hope in anticipation of the land promised to their forefathers (v1, 7-9). It was Israel’s failure to obey that led to her sin and suffering. Indeed, a clear command to ‘watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live’ is recorded in Deu 4:9.
I believe nothing streamlines our walk as much as knowing where we came from and where we are going. It is in remembrance and thanksgiving that faith arises ( 1Sam 12:24 – ‘Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all of your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.’) And with rising faith and commitment, we face the challenges of the new year ahead – things that our Father will bring into our lives to teach and mold us, and promises to be fulfilled.
It is important to note that the difference between this and a ‘New Year Resolution’ is that – we are not our own! It is our dear Master and Commander who sits with us both in planning and execution. And He says, “My word that goes out of My mouth (to you)… will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purposes for which I sent it.” Isa55:11
Let us at the beginning and end of this year, and every year of our lives, be able to say with Paul:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it for a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1Cor 9:24-27
Guidelines for Reflection and Projection
- Find a quiet place and set aside at least an hour or two. Bring along a notebook!
- Ask God to bring you back through the past year (like a motion picture!) – its significant events and lessons learnt / thanksgiving items (you’ll be surprised how much the Spirit helps you to remember!)
- Prayfully ask – and listen – for God’s direction and vision for you in the new year.
SUGGESTIONS for Areas of Life to Consider
* Reflection * – significant events of the past year; new experiences; special areas of growth; other blessings and victories etc
* Projection * – Personal life: areas that God wants to deal with; level of walk / personal devotion / area of service. Ministry: new areas; visions; goals for the new year.
General (The Whole Person)- evaluation and goal setting in the areas of : Spiritual, Social, Physical, Mental, Emotional and Career.
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