I am not God’s second choice…

How it all began…

It all began with diligence in seeking understanding of the times we are in. I attempted to study the charts on the 70-weeks prophecy which God gave Daniel in Dan. 9. I seek to be like the sons of Isaachar, understanding the times and knowing what we ought to do. (2Chron. 12:32).

One of the chart traces the events leading up the Jesus’ second coming. It involves 3 prophetic (i.e. future) time frames in the last days – beginning of birth pangs (like how a pregnant woman would feel), the 7-years of the final history of mankind on earth (the final week) and the events leading to the Age-to-come.

I had lost count on the number of times I studied the chart… though I do remember quite vividly that most attempts were pretty technical and somewhat futile (leaving me exasperated) – especially when I just tried to memorize the facts, so I can get it right and well, say it right. On hindsight, they were not wasted attempts. I just had to keep re-visiting it (albeit the anguish and coming to terms with the I-thought-I-knew-it-but-I-really-don’t moments) and keep asking for the spirit of revelation to enlighten my eyes to see and open my heart to understand.


Setting my heart for understanding…
Yes, like Daniel, I set my heart for understanding (Dan. 10:12). When it’s uphill, I will press in till I am maxed out. Then I will take a break and study other topics in the bible, and revisit it (the charts) when I am ready. That’s what a friend taught me. It worked! Well, I’ll leave it to another day to blog about the 70-weeks prophecy. Studying the charts, with the help of our divine Guide – the Holy Spirit, has left me standing in awe of the certainty of God’s plan for mankind, his all-surpassing wisdom and impeccable leadership. In other words, it just means my jaw has dropped. Where's my jaw now? I can’t find it...or rather I have no time to find it because I am still amazed every time I think about it. Save the picking up. I wonder… in heaven, do the saints have their mouths wide open in awe of the beautiful One? I wonder…


Here comes the main part…
So much for the introduction… now moving on to the main gist of why I entitle this post – I am not God’s second choice.

Have you ever read Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

First for the Jew, then for the Gentile… Reading this statement leaves me with two major questions. Firstly, what does this mean? Why first for the Jew (them?), then for the Gentile (me?). Bible study tells me that salvation came to us through a people group that God has chosen. And because of their rejection of the gospel, salvation came to us who believe.

Ouch… Is this...I mean... is this the good news? How come it comes with a feeling of… well… erm... I am... I am the ...‘second choice’… They don’t want it, so here it is, it’s yours if you believe. That’s what my human understanding tells me.

Skip... Next question... So am I, are we Gentiles, thus God’s 'second choice'?

I never had a chance to fully grasp the answers. I think I just glossed over it, thinking even if I am the second choice, God is good and He is God and is ‘kind enough’ to offer me His salvation when I choose to believe, so don’t ‘complain’ or think too much. Sigh… so superficial right? Or maybe I'm too afraid to find out the answers. Or too laid back to press in to know God more. Thank God He never let me go…

When I recently studied the 70-weeks prophecy again in the book of Daniel (remember I mentioned this in my long introduction?), I asked myself, so what is this 70-weeks prophecy about? I found out that it is God’s salvation plan for Israel, where they will once again receive their Messiah into their land and into their hearts. And as I delved deeper into the events in the prophetic time frames, my heart stirred as I understood how God’s salvation plan for Israel and the Gentile nations will unfold. I was astounded and could identify with what Paul said in Romans 11:33,

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
For who has known the mind of the LORD?
Or who has become His counselor?
Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

So I was led to read Romans 9-11 again. I was intrigued and wooed by the Holy Spirit to dig deeper... That’s where the answers to my two questions (which I have long forgotten and placed on the back burner) unfolded. God, mind you, did not forget my questions. He was probably waiting for me to grow in my understanding before He can unravel more truths to me.


The (mind-blowing) answers to my questions…
You see, I have read through Romans 9-11 many times. Yes, even sat under an enlightening teaching of the topic 'Understanding Israel' where Romans 9-11 were extensively covered. I say this to emphasize that what we read, hear, take heed and keep in our hearts, God will give Eureka! moments down the road and help us understand and go deeper. And that just wows our heart, doesn't it?

It is apparent that God's salvation plan for Israel is pivotal in the 70-weeks prophecy. The Mastermind of the whole plan, had it all worked out, yes, right from the beginning. That's why it is called prophecy. The saints of old received the word concerning the future (prophecy). The word is fulfilled in our time. Some have happened, while others have yet to come.

First question answered - As Gentiles, it is critical to re-connect with God's purposes for Israel. Only by understanding and contending for God's purposes for Israel will we ourselves enter in God's purposes. Through Israel's rejection of God, the salvation plan of Gentiles came into effect (Rom. 9:25)!

Though Israel has rejected their Messiah and is subjected to judgment, God has reserved a remnant in Israel so that God will space the world of (more) judgment because of the remnant (Rom.9:28). Thus the current state of Israel's rejection of their Messiah is a picture of a group of people pursuing the law and not seeking God by faith. They have a zeal for God that is not according to knowledge or truth.

Thus God will provoke Israel to jealousy by raising up a nation (who is not a nation) (Rom. 10:19) for God has not given up on Israel. What's more... Rom. 11:12 tells us, "Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more is their fullness!"

Woa... So this is it. Recognise God's way of bringing salvation to all, through a people group. The mystery of Israel is seen here - their rejection of the gospel of salvation has led to salvation coming to the Gentiles who believe. So it explains why 'first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.' It is because of Israel that salvation came to us! This may sound the same as my understanding during bible study, but there's an exclamation mark now, because I encountered this truth in my heart!

Second question answered - The blindness of Israel (from the gospel of salvation), is ordained by God! God planned it! When I internalised this truth, I had a realisation that I am not God's second choice. Not at all! He had me in mind. All the time! He did not leave me out in His plan only to add me in when someone else vacated a space. He planned it all.

Rom. 11:8 "God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."

Rom. 11:25-26, "... that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved.."

And what's more. It's not just about Israel, not just about the Gentile nations... but it's about God and his plan for us to transit us into the Age-to-come. It's all about God! I can't even write anymore (pause) because this understanding surpassed me and blows me away!


My response...
When these truths hit me, I cried hard... I cried long... I said to God, "Can I dwell in this truth longer? Because for so many years I felt I was like a second choice to You, when all along, I am Your choice. I am in your plan. You are thinking about me. You have me in your mind and heart, in a way that I didn't and couldn't understand. I just want to dwell in this truth..."

I am touched that God is always there for me in a way that I could not fathom. How did He feel when I couldn't understand His heart for me? Oh how He must have reached out to me and loved me in ways that I didn't know and couldn't understand why He did what He did (the left hand aka invisible activities of God!). I couldn't understand because here I was feeling like 'second choice' when He was treating me like His treasured possession. I cried hard cos I could feel the shame of being a second choice before God, and that was being wiped away in that split second, forever.

"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand'

When I awake, I am still with You." ~ Psalm 139:17-18

God thinks about me... Oh how often He thinks about me... I can't even count how many million billion times... more than a cuppa sand grains I can hold in my hands... My heart just melts in the revelation of this truth...

And now I stand tall, yet humble before the all wise God. I can, like what my friend says, walk around with my chest out (ting xiong zhuo ren) because I am God's choice. It feels great. And I stand with my older brother, Israel, in yearning for and looking forward to greater days ahead, growing in deeper understanding of God's heart in His salvation plan for Israel and the nations as the Day draws nearer, and partnering with God to usher in the finest hour for the saints.

By the way, hope you don't mind my 'drop-jaw' look. It's cool you know =)

Meet Me Halfway

[One of the things I enjoy most when I set my heart to spend time with God, is to listen to Him first, and talk to Him...before I proceed with my plans to read or write. For someone like me, who is totally inclined to do-this-do-that-task-task-task, it is a deliberate restraint to just listen... It turns out that I enjoy such moments of connecting... of gazing into His heart... of devotion... and at times He moves my heart in such a way that I could only express in a poem. So here it is!]

Meet me halfway

Across the road

Lest I grow weary

Lest I grow faint, I pray

I'll come near

Nearer than you thought

Just by your side

And lead you by My right hand, He says

What God is this

That He would come so near

What King of mine

Who stooped so low and lifted me up (Psalm 18:35)

He raises the poor from the dust (1 Sam 1:8)

And lifts the begger from the ash heap

To set them among princes

And make them inherit the throne of glory

I say meet me halfway

He says I'll come just for you

All the way

All for love

He is the wind beneath my wings

He is my strength when I am weak

He is my voice when I couldn't speak

He saw the best there was in me

Till I see Him face to face

Till I join Him in His glory

I will rise

And I will run

Halfway

All the way

Forging ahead, hearts ablaze

For Jesus, my Great Reward

Weak Gaze of a Lovesick Heart

[Are you recently reminded of some-thing/one that meant lots to you, that you threw away from your world… just because of your One true love? While you gaze at your One true love, your First Love, the First and the Last, who walks among the seven golden lampstands and who watches over you, you find that the gaze becomes so weak… because what you threw away tugged at your heart, and is giving you second thoughts… ]

I’m gazing….
Oh but with a gaze so weak…
At the One who has captured my heart
He who holds the seven stars in His hands
And who holds my heart…

I’m hesitating…
And considering the things that hindered and easily entangled
The things that were behind me
That I clung onto
That had my affections and filled my world…

I’m crying out…
Strengthen my resolve!
Give me grace to overcome!
Sustain me O Holy Spirit!
Refresh me with the revelations of my Beloved One!

I’m lovesick…
The more I seek You
The more I find You
The more I find You
The more I love You…

I am the Rose

The joy for which You died

And this I know

I move You with delight

And when my heart condemns on every side

I take refuge in the truth

I am the Rose to You

I am the Rose

I am the Lily

I am Yours

I'm Your beauty

~ Better than ashes (Merchant Band)

Key Verses:

Song of Solomon 2:1 - I am the rose of Sharon (depicts God's inheritance), and the lily of the valleys (depicts a weak plant that is pure and beautiful to God).

Revelation 1 - Attributes of God...

Have I told You lately that I love You?

[May God's love abound in our hearts this Christmas... love for Him and for one another. As we pursue the knowledge of God - who He is and His heart - may we not lose sight of His love...for so what if we have knowledge (only) that puffs up when we have not love that builds up...]

"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." ~ 1Corinthians 13:2

" Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up..." ~ 1Corinthians 8:1

"Ai," the traditional for love (愛) consists of a heart (middle) inside of "accept," "feel," or "perceive," which shows a graceful emotion. It can also be interpreted as a hand offering ones heart to another hand.

In Hebrew, Ahava is the most commonly used term for both interpersonal love and love of God


  
 

New Year Resolution? Take the Litmus Test of Maturity in Christ

Are you looking for and hastening Jesus' second coming?

Jolted up in the middle of the night, I was confronted with this thought. Do I yearn and long for God to come back? Or am I just contended with 'doing church' and getting on with life here on earth?

In my heart, I knew the answer... and I shudder...

A divine revelation... a holy dissatisfaction...

Looking for... a yearning and longing for Jesus. Who? Who is this Jesus? That you so yearn for Him? Who is the object of our affection and all of our love?

"Who do you say that I am?" The Church must once again answer this question. Is He our Shepherd King, Saviour and ...? Peter answered the question correctly, with the right understanding (Matt 16:16) and on this revelation, Jesus built the Church. So even now, the End-Time generation must answer this question to usher in the greatest movement here on earth - His second coming. Who do we say that He is?

This yearning and longing is not something we can make happen. It takes God to love and yearn for God. We can set our heart to love Him, but we need to let Him light the fire in our hearts. That takes time to cultivate - both in our own prayer closet and in corporate settings. (Read the Book of Joel). We must not be mistaken that intimacy with God is something that can be obtained out of a vending machine - go get zapped and tada! Hungering and pressing in for God is not a fashionable posture that fades away. It is here to stay in our lives, if we really want Him, yes, through all seasons of our lives. We are made to love Him, all the time. Period. Some say it's hard. I like what a wise sage says - that's a normal Christian life!

At the back of my mind, is it still surreal that Jesus will return in my lifetime? Or have I awoken to the fact that His coming is very near? Even my neighbour's kid can do the Maths...Matt 24:32. 1948 (birth of Israel) + 100years (~one generation) ~ 2048. And if it is very near, am I prepared for it? Can I stand? More so, am I prepared to rise up in matured love and partnership with Jesus when He returns? Jesus...my Bridegroom! King! and Judge!

Hastening...Wisdom and spiritual understanding of the times and knowing what we ought to do. What is the Holy Spirit saying to the Church? Are we paying attention and thus doing things in God's way? The Holy Spirit is orchestrating a global prayer and worship movement that precedes the great harvest and the glory of His coming. Before His coming, there will be shakings (Read Haggai 2). There is a role for the Church to play and not just stand on the sidelines. Even now, we need to press in for the spiritual understanding of God's will so that we can live our lives worthy of Him.

Titus 2:13

"...looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.."

2 Peter 3:11-13

"...Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God..."

2 Peter 3:13-15

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.Therefore, beloved,looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and considerthat the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—"

So if there must be one thing that I check myself and my ministry - some call it a new year resolution - reflection and projection - this question will be asked - am I looking for and hastening His coming?

If this has set you thinking, read more here...

Prophetic Song - David Brymer, Misty Edwards, and Jacob Hanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1lTJUFHiOE

Us:

Everything I do, I do for You, My Love

I open my heart...

All that I do, I do for You, My Love...

My heart is open to You

My heart is forever open

I will return to My First Love

It was better (for me) there

Jealous... jealousy... come lay hold of me

Jealous... jealousy... come lay hold of me

God:

Mine is a love that will never let you go...

I'm married to a harlot

My love will make her pure

I will beautify her

I will make her all mine

I will make all things news

Beauty for your ashes

Joy for all your mourning

Us:

Love me, wash me, make me new...

Here I am

For I can't get away, can't get away, from Your Love

Beautiful Mercy - by Laura Hackett

There is no pit too deep that Jesus cannot reach

There is no sorrow so strong that would overtake His beloved one

Chorus:

And He’s brought me to the wilderness where I will learn to sing

And He lets me know my barrenness so I will learn to lean

Bridge:

Beautiful Mercy, do what You have to do

Jealous Lover, do what You have to do

Tag:

So I will sing; yes, I will sing

I will sing, even in this brokenness

I will sing, even in this loneliness

When You Called My Name...

[So often we come before God's presence, so un-awaken and un-aware of His deep love and longing for us. We get caught up with the "do-ing" and lost sight of the "be-ing". Thanks be to God! He watches over us and reminds us of who we are, and calls us - the people of One Thing. More than that, the touch and presence of the God who calls us overwhelm us - re-aligning us to what is in His heart and strengthening our resolve to run the race set before us...

It is not about which ministry or church we are in... it's about God's people of One Thing - Psalm 27:4, Luke 10:38-42, Phil 3:7-14 - people who have this DNA and living it out in faith and obedience, wherever they are, whatever God has called them to do...]

This is who I am

This is the reason I live

The reason I breathe

How can I forget?

How can I run away?

You are always watching over me

There is a stirring in my heart

There is a fire burning

My heart awakens... when You called my name

What is this striving, O my soul?

What is this unrest within me?

When all You want is my heart, my love

I am alive! No longer living-dead

I am captivated! No longer going through motion

Stir up a passion for Your Name, I pray

You came and gently touched my heart

You spoke and called my name

Awakening zeal, passion, fire in my heart

Once again I turn to You

Once again I say I am Yours

Falling in love with my Beloved, my Bridegroom King, all over again

When You called my name

When You drew near

Nothing else matters

Everything fades away

Everything pales in comparison

This is who I am... when You call my name

You breathed, and the world came into being

You spoke, and my spirit stirred within me

I will arise, and run with You

Draw me away

Draw me close by Your side

We will remember Your love more than wine...

Among those whom God hears and answers

[There must be something about Noah, Daniel, Job, Moses, Aaron and Samuel... something that they did (and lived) right... that in God's fury, He would relent, that when they spoke, God answered them and showed them wonderful things from His heart...]


Ezk 14:12, 19
The word of the LORD came again to me, saying: "Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness," says the Lord GOD.

"Or if I send a pestilence into that land and pour out My fury on it in blood, and cut off from it man and beast, even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness."

Psalm 99:6
Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
They kept His testimonies and the ordinances He gave them.
You answered them, O LORD our God...

No Lack

[The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want (or I shall have no lack)... what does this mean? The key is when the Lord is the Lord of our lives, we shall have no lack... sounds simple yet profound..]

Word of the Lord on 7-11-2009:

I am Your Good Shepherd
I am Your Great Leader
Do not fear
For I am with you
I'll not leave you nor forsake you

Trust in Me
I'll lead you in the way of everlasting
And in me you will have no lack
And in me surely goodness and mercy
Will follow you all the days of your life

I will kiss your heart
And cause you to experience My great love
And I'll pour out My grace on you
To empower you
For My grace is sufficient


When circumstances in our lives spell a 'lack' - be it a unfufilled dream, a lost child, a sickness or a hope deferred... we press in to God, for He is more than able, and He is our Shepherd. We approach Him in confidence because He is a God we sees us and knows us, even before a word is on our lips, He knows it...

When we lay hold of God, we'll find that.... we have no lack... cos we have Him. We have Him leading us, we have Him watching over us, we have Him with us in our journey... yes, truly, we have no lack, when we put the Lord, the Lord of all!

Up!

[A few weeks ago, I asked my nephew and nieces what they liked best in the movie Up! and they unanimously said they liked the talking dog! hmm... I'm not so much an animal lover, so that's not the part I liked best. The ahh! moment for me was when the old man had to offload all that stuff in his house, so as to get higher. Yes, all that stuff - even those that meant lots to him. Lots lots lots... how was that possible? Definitely not for the faint-hearted...]


The only way is Up!
But.. but... why do I seem to be going down?

Moment of reckoning
Moment of decision

Throw throw throw
Treasured, cherished, part of me!

Turned out to be no sweat
For I discovered that there is only onething I'm after

Hey, remember?
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham... and the list goes on in Hebrews 11

Gulps...
They did not even receive the very promise that was due them in their lifetime!

But they were assured of onething
And they will not be disappointed

Selah
[means pause... to savour the meaning behind the previous two statements]

What's this I'm feeling
What's this I'm seeing

I'm going Up!
Take me higher! Draw me nearer! Closer to Your heart I pray...

I'm singing
I'm rejoicing

If I try and save my life I will lose it
But if I lose my life for Your sake, I'll find it in the end...

Life is found in the letting go
Joy is found in the tearing of the heart


"THEREFORE,
we also,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance
the race that is SET before us,
looking unto JESUS,
the author and finisher of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
~ Hebrews 12:1-2

Acidified!

The 3 acid tests for those in any ministry... especially worship & prayer ministry... from Zechariah 7:1-7

1. Did you really fast (serve, lead, go to church etc) for Me - for Me?

2. Do you have 2 different lifestyles? One in the temple/church, one outside the temple/church.

3. You sure you are ready?

Thoughts on the Book of Isaiah

A Problematic Nation before a Persistent God

The nation of Judah sinned. They "lost their senses" and have forsaken the Lord who has brought them up and nourished them. Their rebellion and wickedness were evident to all the earth – worse than the animals that know their master and home, the nation knew not their Master and turned from the One who cared for them. Yet the Lord calls them children (Isa 1:2). He calls them Israel, My people (Isa 1:3).

“But Israel does not know,
My people do not consider.”

God looks upon the sinful nation that has turned away from the Him - it is sick, faint with open wounds and bruises, desolate and overthrown by strangers. What's left of it is liken to a "booth in a vineyard", a "hut in a garden of cucumbers" and a "besieged city" (Isa 1:8).

Before this very pathetic and desolate sight, Isaiah proclaimed (Isa 1:9):

"Unless the LORD of hosts
Had left to us a very small remnant,
We would have become like Sodom,
We would have been made like Gomorrah.”

There will be a remnant! The Lord Himself will provide. He will not utterly destroy the rebellious nation although that is what they deserve. The merciful God is true to His covenant people. But how will He restore them from the dismal state that they are in? Through His remnant people that is pale in comparison before their countless enemies? Let us read on, feeling the heart of God in drawing them back to Him, grasping the ways of the God of justice and love…

A God Who Reasons and Stoops …

Hear! Give ear! You rulers… you people! God appeals to them to come clean and get right with Him first, then offer sacrifices to Him (Isa 1:18). Can you fathom the sight of a God who stooped to just do that when all the rebellious people deserved were nothing but judgment?

“ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD… "

For offering sacrifices to God, going through the rituals and making prayers while their heart is far away from God, only serves to provoke God to anger even more. Return O Judah! God promises that all He needs is their willingness and obedience and He will cleanse them of their sin and prosper them. But if they refuse and rebel, they shall fall by the sword… (Isa 1:19-20)

If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

When God says “I will”

The faithful city has fallen and become a harlot. Yet God, the Lord of host, the mighty One of Israel, is in control and three times He said “I will” – get rid of their adversaries, purge away sin from His people and restore their land to righteousness. Zion shall be redeemed and no one can quench the fury of God’s fire. Nothing, not even their rebellious and wanton hearts, can thwart God’s destiny for them… (Isa 1:24-26)

“ Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries,
And take vengeance on My enemies.
I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy.
I will restore your judges as at the first,
And your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

So chill…God is in control. What situations and men fail to accomplish in righteousness, God already knows. He speaks through His prophets to woo His people back to Himself. We can put our faith in Him and trust Him. And we can put our hope in what He has in store for us since the beginning of time that He alone shall complete in us. We only need to be willing and obedient and see the loving God move in our lives and be in step with Him.


Prayer

“God, grant us willing and obedient hearts to follow you all the days of our life. Grant us understanding of your heart for us both now and in the days to come, that like what the Psalmist says in Psalm 90:12

“So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

You are once again coming back again to shake the things that can be shaken, purging your people and land from unrighteousness. You alone will restore all things and bring about the very promises You have for us, for You are a faithful God, the Lord of Host.

Lead us O Lord, in Your ways. We acknowledge you and ask for wisdom to not only know Your ways, but also to see Your face. We want to know and feel the heart of the One who stoops to us so that we may be confident to rise again, putting away the shame of our sin. Jesus bore it all for us. When we stumble and fall, we hold on to Your mighty hand and Your undying love for us. Take us higher, take us deeper in You we pray. From strength to strength we will grow, in the light of Your mercy and grace.

We pray too that Your very plan and purposes for the chosen nation, Israel, will come to pass in Your time and might. Even now, let her understand Your heart for her that she may return to You, offering righteous sacrifices that would bring You pleasure. Strengthen, O mighty One of Israel, the ones who stay faithful to You in the midst of persecution. Let them encounter Your right hand leading them through moments of peril. Comfort their hearts O Lord, for You are their Shepherd and they are the sheep of your pen, Your beloved people and nation, destined for Your glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

You Say...

[Songs 4:1-6 - A picture of the one God sees and cherishes... a picture of the cherished heart of our Bridegroom God - Who sees our budding virtues and calls them forth before each of them reach their fullest expression... For He nourishes and cherishes His church, His bride (Eph 5:29) that she may live to the fullest of Her destiny - as a matured Bride of Christ, in full partnership with Him]

(You say) I am fair
I am Your love
You see my heart, filled with emotions for God
No matter how weak this love is

(You say) I am dedicated to You
Committed to You wholeheartedly
Fully Yours... I seek to surrender
All of my heart, my mind, my soul, my strength

(You say) I am skilful in understanding Your word
Rooted in your truth and zealous... passionate
For Your word sustains me and is fruitful within me
Bringing life, bringing light

(You say) The words of my mouth are lovely
Bringing You delight
Speaking aptly in all seasons
Reviving the soul

(You say) I am the one who knows You intimately
For Israel knows Your deeds and Moses knows Your ways
I am one who knows Your ways, Your heart
What You are thinking, what You are feeling

(You say) I am the One who is rich in emotions
For deep calls to deep
Sensitive to the heart of God
Tender-hearted, a precious possession to God

(You say) I am a woman of faith
Strong-willed, steadfast and immovable in the Lord
Tested by fire
Refined pure as gold, made ready for You

(You say) I am fruitful
Bearing fruit in my life, in my ministry
A burning and shining lamp
Calling forth many to love You and make themselves ready

Before You I stand
Amazed by Your love
Astounded by the cherished heart of my Bridegroom God
Pressing in, breaking through

Until the day breaks
And the shadow flees away
I will embrace the cross, whatever the seasons of my life may bring...
And I will offer incense of prayer

In Your House I dwell
Upon Your Promises I stand
In Your Love I revel
I am Yours, I am Yours...

Near or Far

[Many times, we say yes to God. But when God shows up - on His terms not ours, in His ways not our ways, we fizzle out and turn away. Before we feel conflicted within, know that He is our God of love, know that He sees your heart, and He sees you with eyes of love...]

Did I hear you say we are close?
But as I drew nearer
You wanted space
You almost pushed me away

So I watch you from a distance
From time to time
You open your heart
And beckon me to come

Because I love you
I came
Because this is Who I am
I drew near

Not because of what you have done
Or have not done
Or what you are going to do
Or what you are not going to do

But because I am a God of love
And because I see your heart
My love, my fair one
Come away...

When time stood still

[A time of comtemplation... consolidating months of thoughts and word from the Lord - both directly and also through others... A dedication of my heart to the One Who has captured my heart and my all in all..]


Everything around me hushes...
Only one pre-occupation on my mind
Only One captured my gaze

The grass withers and the flowers fall
But the word of the Lord
Stands firm forever

I do... I do love You
And go on loving You
Is what I want to do

In Your presence
It is as if time stood still
Be still and know that I am God...

As I turn my gaze
My heart stays resolute
More of You, less of me (I pray)

Till the day breaks
And the shadows flee away...
I will wait upon You, O my Strength, my Hope...

~ 19 July 2009


Scripture References:
Psalm 27:4
Isaiah 40:7
Matthew 22:37
Psalm 46:10
Songs 4:6

A Heart Response

[Day One... and so I dedicate my heart response to Him...]

"... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." ~ Phil 1:6

God, You're not done with us yet.

Not a chance. *grins* Never been so happy to know that... surprisingly...

Surprising... coz it's not about not being good enough or having failed. But it's about God being the One who is at work in our lives, and you bet He's going to do His part 100% to complete the work He has begun in each of us...

We will make you ornaments of gold
With studs of silver. ~ Songs 1:11

God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is commited to my success - our lives, our ministries... Hands down... (aka win already =)

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. ~ Psalm 139:16

Your eyes are still on us, the one that You have planted. And You have a destiny for us. You've written all about us, on the tablet of Your heart. You think about us...

God, You are at our head, and You are beckoning us to rise up and come away...

But we are still immature and weak. And so You spoke to our hearts - to go back to the basics (deeper yet), to take heed what we hear and how we hear, and yes, You who are at our Head, You will lead us in triumphant procession! (2Cor 2:14)

There is more... when human touches divine, we need strength in our inner man - to receive and to encounter and to be transformed into His likeness. Father! According to the riches of Your glory, strengthen us! (Eph 3:16-19) We want more! It is ours to lay hold of! Give it to us!

Poor in the spirit we come... a realization of our deep poverty - that we have settled for less when we could have more. Turning to the One who alone can satisfy, we press in... till the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matt 11:12). It is our inheritance and portion - to know You deeper, what is in Your will, and our destiny in You...

And so we press in... with eyes of confidence, affection and lovesickness, on You, the One at our Head, seeking for a breaking in and breaking through of God in our lives. (Micah 2:13)

Contend O Bride of Christ! That you may count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord... and count them as rubbish, that you may gain Christ...

We will remember Your love, that is better than wine, better than life... We will remember that it is in Your heart to build the House of Prayer here in Singapore. What an honor! You have chosen us to lay the foundation in this time, to be that flickering flame that You will sustain, to be the voice in the wilderness, preparing the way. Most of all, we have uncovered a treasure in the midst of it all... that You O God, are our shield and exceedingly great reward... (Gen 15:1) You O Lord, are our portion and our inheritance... (Num 18:20)

God is shaking, what is He saying? Hear!

[Red alert! Going deep in God is not an option!]

Looking around us, it does not take much wisdom or PhD to tell that God is shaking...

Global economic crisis -- Big brothers in the financial sector declaring bankruptcy that made impact on the world economy... Swine flu (or recently re-named Influenza A... means there just could be Influenza B, C and so on?!? or just giving the birds and pigs a break...) leaving the world sitting up and ready for an impending pandemic...

And if your memory does not fail you, here are some major catastrophe that hit Asia in recent years, just to name a few, that took away many lives:
* the cyclone in Myanmar
* the earthquake that shook Sichuan (China)
* the Tsunami in Thailand in Dec 2004

So what about this series of events? What does it tell us? More so, as children of the living God, what should we do in response to these events?

In the bible, we learn that there are seven elements that God is shaking: Heaven, Earth, Sea, Dry land, All nations, Gold & silver (economy) and the temple (church). Haggai 2:7 reveals the purpose of the shaking -- that all will turn to Him...

In the light of the things happening around us, we must not adopt the ostrich mentality as if everything will be better, neglecting what the Word of God says about what is happening and our role in the midst of it! We also need to carry our hearts right and not be offended or fearful.

We need to turn to God, grow in our understanding of what He is saying/doing and know our role, we can be confident and rise up in such a time as this! Like the sons of Isaachar, 1Chron12:32 -- we need to have 'understanding of the times', and 'know what we ought to do'!


Why is it important WHAT you hear?
Matt 24:4-5 says "Take heed that no one deceives you"... dude, you got to hear the right stuff! "Many will come in Jesus' name, saying "I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." It will happen, and will you hear the right things? In the face of so many voices, we need to know what God is saying!

Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

In Mark 4:9-11, after Jesus has told the parable of the sower to his disciples, He says "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." God is speaking and we are the ones hearing... This is the context. We can know the mystery of the kingdom!

Jesus then goes on in verses 13-20 to explain the parable, ending with verses 21-23, exhorting those who hear to be a voice of God.

Through the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks of the way the word (seed) was received, it's corresponding end result, what we hear and 3 warnings + 1 blessing.

Why is it important HOW you hear?

Luke 8:18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

Very often, the condition of our heart determines what we hear. What is the condition of your heart right now? That will determine how you hear what God is saying!






















Going deep... What you should read / hear now...

























If you would like to purchase a voice recording of the above topic, check out here!

LEANing Bride

[When confusion sets in and frustrations overwhelm you, who do you run to? Who do you turn your thoughts to? Come before the magnificent One… Lean on Him and be lifted up…For a moment He shakes, but He will mold you and show you what remains in you that is precious in His sight…]

I am logical
But I’m also illogical
I am organized
But I’m also disorganized

What I think
What I see
Is imperfection
Is inconsistency

What do I uphold?
What do I stand for?
Only time can tell
Only wisdom can discern

Casting off remarks
Putting aside what I do not fully understand
One Audience remains
One Person I stand before
Selah
His searching eyes
His blazing gaze
Silenced my fretting
Melting away the confusion within
Selah
I will live to please Him
I will live to honor Him
Thanking Him for His grace
Praising Him for His ways

This is my cry
This is my prayer
To love as He love
To walk as He walk

To be close to Him
Near to His courts
To hear His heart’s cry
To see His power and His glory

A bride leaning on her bridegroom King
Overcoming goliaths
Leaping over the mountains
Tried and tested

Dark but lovely
Eyes on Him
There’s no other place I’d rather be
There’s no other Name I will praise

Breaking the silence

[Haven't blogged for quite a while... Got to start digging out my hand-written notes and translate them over here...]

Your life is shaped by the words you speak
The books you read
And the people you associated with

Overwhelmed, Addicted, Messed Up...

[Sometimes seeking the Lord can be a delightful experience, yet sometimes it can be a 'painful' one. Delightful when his tangible presence can be felt and enjoyed. Painful when you are pressing in despite not understanding, not knowing, but pressing in cos you just want to pursue Him and know Him more. .. But you know what, if you seek Him, He will surely come...]

"Let us know,

Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD.

His going forth is established as the morning;

He will come to us like the rain,

Like the latter and former rain to the earth."

~ Hosea 6:3

The More I Seek You

The more I seek You
The more I find You
The more I find You
The more I love You

I want to sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hand
Lay back against You and breathe
Feel Your heart beat

This love is so deep
It’s more than I can stand
I melt at Your peace
It’s overwhelming

Hear the song by Kari Jobe here http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=60769488

Men who saw God

[In the house of prayer, we pray quite a bit using Eph 1:17-19 - that we will have the wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God... When God answers this prayer, His ways have often been that of self-revelation (of ourselves) => end of self (a response to the holiness of God) => entrusted with deep things of God. May we keep our eyes on the Author and Perfector of our faith, for truly His ways are better!]


[The following is extracted from the book “Spiritual Maturity” by J. Oswald Sanders]


Job – God calls him a perfect and upright man, one that feared God and shunned evil. When confronted with the vision of God, the perfect man is reduced to abject self-abhorrence. “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye has seen thee: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 33:9; Job 1:8; Job 42:5-6 Collapse of Job’s self-righteousness was quickly followed by the bestowal of double what he had lost, and the turning of his captivity through his intercessions for his friends.

Isaiah – one that presented lofty prophecy, calling down woes on his contemporaries. After the radiant vision of God, he called woe upon himself…Lips which had mediated the divine message were foul and unclean in the light of the holiness of God. Not only were Isaiah’s unclean lips purged and his iniquity removed, but he received an enlarged commission. Isa 3:9, 11: 5:8, 11, 20; 6:1-5

Daniel - One of the most blameless of saints when confronted with the divine glory is prostrated at the corruption, not of his vices but of his virtues! “for my comeliness (beauty) was turned into corruption”. Dan 10:7-9 To Daniel, the sense of corruption gave place to joy in the privilege of being the vehicle of Divine revelation.

Men who saw God - Joshua the High Priest, Job, Jacob, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Peter, Paul, John... A consistent pattern appears throughout these visions. First the vision, then self-abhorrence, self-abasement, the averted face, the sense of uncleanness, blindness, prostration, comeliness turned into corruption, self-banishment, falling as dead. Do we still desire to pray for a vision of God?

But there is still another side to the picture. God takes no pleasure in seeing His children lie in the dust. If He abases and humbles them, it is only that He may exalt them in due season. Humiliation is not an end in itself - it merely prepares the way for blessing.

The open lesson of these visions surely is that God cannot entrust a man with any deep blessing, any important spiritual ministry, until there has come a complete collapse of self.

True, the vision of God inevitably leads to self-revelation, but always with a beneficent end in view. God does not aim merely to humiliate us. There is no need to fear being brought to an end of ourselves for “the end of self is the beginning of God.” Indeed we may welcome the vision of God if our deepest desire is to advance in holiness and to be of the greatest use to Him.


Prov 29:18 - "Where there is no vision (revelation from God, of God), the people perish (die spiritually prematurely): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

You are Faithful God

[Many emotions and thoughts come when the time draws near to moving to a new place for the House of Prayer. God is doing something! We have all grown. As we look back with gratitude and ahead in anticipation, it helps to remind ourselves that God is truly faithful, He really is! What He said, He will do...]

John 3:27-30

John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."

Father, thank You for giving us this ministry - to build the House of Prayer for You in Singapore. This ministry is from You!! Wow!! That You would entrust us to do what is on Your heart. Thank You God! No words can describe just how we feel, just knowing that an Almighty God, so divine and perfect, would give us a gift, and such a precious one - to do the very thing on Your heart! That You would choose us, because You saw that we are sincere, even though we are weak..

Your heart's cry in Isa 66:1 is to look for a dwelling place among men. You showed us the pattern of the tabernacle You desire to dwell in - a place where night and day worship and prayer goes on. A House of Prayer just for You and where worshippers can come anytime to burn, as they watch and pray...

Over the four years, You led us to grow in the message of Intimacy with God and Understanding the Times. You taught us that gazing at You, growing in intimacy with You is to take priority. You let us hear Your call to intimacy with God, even in such a time as this. You reminded us that we are called One Thing Ministries - to do the One Thing - to acquire the oil of intimacy by gazing at Your beauty in Your temple, to sit at Your feet, to count all things loss for the sake of laying hold of You, forgetting what is behind.

So we did. We said yes. We fumbled, we tumbled as we moved along. In Your eyes, we are beautiful. You saw our hearts that say yes, You saw what no men saw... You saw what was in our hearts. There were good times, there were 'bad' times, there were mundane times. You allowed it all, to let us learn to do the House of Prayer before the Audience of One. We ceased striving by our own flesh, we decreased, and let You increase within us. We learnt to live before Your very eyes, we learnt to live before Your very gaze. We pray that You'll keep us steady, as you promised that You would.

Father, stir the hearts of many to come and build the House! People who have the hearts of David, who are after Your own heart. People who are like Mary and Anna, who would pour forth their lives, burning in Your House, so that worship and prayer can continually go on. Worship leaders, Intercessors, Musicians, Singers! Come! That You would bring them in, as You have said in Your word in Isa 56:7. Let them hear and rise up. Let them come and understand what is on Your heart. Your ways, not our ways...

Father, like Abraham, we say that You are our shield and exceedingly great reward! The inheritance of the Levites, those who burn in Your House, is the Lord! Deu 10:9. You are all that we want, You are all that we desire...

I want to be found faithful, I want to be found steady... until the end. Keep me faithful, keep me steady... I say yes! I just want to be Your friend. I just want to hear Your voice! To know what's on Your heart, and to do Your will!

You are still with me

[Often times, we have the faulty impression that being spiritual or having an encounter with God will 'solve it all'. Having an encounter with God (so divine) and an encounter with the frailty of human flesh (so earthly), gave me a such an awakening - to my own perspective of being a christian. Is it my way (God-for-me: expecting God to help me to be better, make things better, bless something I'm doing etc), or is it all about His way (me-for-God)... It's a journey!]

YOU ARE STILL WITH ME

I thought I just met You
I thought You just touched me
But at the next breath,
I faced the giants in my life, and fell

Isn't that encounter with You
Supposed to make me strong(er)?
So that I can overcome?
So that I can be stand?

God for me?
Or me for God?
A journey of me decreasing...
A journey of God increasing...

Yet I am always with You
You hold me by my right hand.
You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I'll keep walking
I'll keep leaning
I'll keep gazing
I'll keep my heart ever before You

Seeking You in Your House
Worshipping You
Loving You
With all my heart, my mind, my soul and strength

Song of Songs 2:16
"My beloved is mine, and I am his."

[a statement of a believer saying to God that while she recognises that God is hers, she also belongs to Him. She realises it's not all about herself but that she belongs to God. That it's not all about her needs and her struggles or her sins. The fact that we know that we belong to an Almighty God who loves us, changes the very way we feel, think and see ourselves, people and things around us. Most of all, it impacts how we see and feel about ourselves! I belong to.... God! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Gift of God

[I just can't get over this song and these verses! By Justin Rizzo from IHOP! Hear it here http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=147442388]

1Sam 2:8
"He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the beggar from the ash heap,
To set them among princes
And make them inherit the throne of glory. "

Romans 5:10
"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."


GIFT OF GOD

As for me
I was dead in my transgressions
I was bound to my sin
And (I was) bound to condemnation

As for me
I was an object of His wrath
And fully deserving of death
(I was) Fully deservating of death

But You saw me there
Because of Your great love
You saw me there
Because You're rich in mercy


Chorus
And You made me alive
When I was dead
You raised me up
And seated me with Christ
And it's by Your grace
That I am saved
And it's through faith
It's the very gift of God

Bridge
Eternally
I've been bought with blood
There will never be another sacrifice


Eph 2:4-7
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 61:3
"... To give them beauty for ashes, "

ps: I love You (back), Lord

Isaiah 43:18

“Do not remember the former things,

Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing,

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert.

[This verse strikes a familiar chord in many hearts as we usher in a yet another new year... too familiar indeed, until it becomes a cliche? However, it never fails to speak to me, well, seldom, for there's much to put behind us, and much more in Christ that is ahead of us to lay hold of -- that which Christ has first laid hold for us.

May we relentlessly press in, knowing that God takes delight in making known to us His will and face. So we come before Him, having the confidence that He wants to show us more of Himself. And we come boldly, not by our own merit or strength... For He alone is the One who first loved us, and is able to keep us steady and faithful. Through it all, keep within me dear Lord, the heart that responds, ps: I love You (back), Lord...]


Old has gone
Putting the past behind
Memories linger as I inched forward
................................................................I love You, Lord

Eyes (fixed) on You
Hope (evermore) in You
What is this You are doing within me?
................................................................I love You, Lord

I yield to the work of Your gentle hand
Give me revelation
Give me wisdom to understand
................................................................I love You, Lord

According to Your good pleasure
Make known to me the mystery of Your will
What is upon Your heart regarding the fullness of the times
................................................................I love You, Lord

According to the riches of Your grace
Blot out my transgressions
That I may come boldly before You
................................................................I love You, Lord

Early will I seek You
Early will I rise
My love, my God, draw me away...
................................................................I love You, Lord

Methuselah!

[Methuselah, son of Enoch, lived 969 years and his name means "When he dies, judgment will come." Which it did with the great flood... Methuselah died about a month before the flood. God spared him from the flood!

It also tells us something about God who told Enoch to give him that name. It means God is VERY patient when He comes to judging people. He's not quick to do it and hopes that they will repent. Our God is long suffering! Wow!]


From http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/methuselah.html

Methuselah

Exact meaning is somewhat uncertain: Dr. Henry Morris says it may mean, "When he dies, judgment." Others say: "When he is dead it shall be sent" ("it" refers to the Deluge) (Cornwall and Smith, Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names).

the son of Enoch, father of Lamech, and grandfather of Noah

He was the oldest man of whom we have any record. This very ancient man lived before the Flood, and died at the age of 969 years, in the year of the Flood (Gen. 5:21-27; 1 Chr. 1:3).

This fact, plus the former possible meaning of his name, suggests that Methuselah's very godly father, Enoch, received a prophecy from God when his son was born, thus the name.

Methuselah's great age may be further evidence of God's "long-suffering… in the days of Noah" (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9).

Methuselah's name is mentioned seven times in the Bible: Genesis 5:21,22, 25,26,27; 1 Chronicles 1:3; Luke 3:37.

You like, I become!

[Whenever I hear someone say, "We come to the House of Prayer to make God happy", there'll be some goosebumps on me. Goosebumps cos that's not my 'second nature'... yet. I mean, 'make God happy' sounds foreign to me, kindof... Over time, however, I realised that doing what pleases God, becoming what God likes, bring indescribable delight within me. Now, I just like to make God happy! And what He delights in, I seek to become. And boy, am I happy just to hang around the Father's house! I'm a happy being wannabe! =)]

Eph 5:8-10 ~ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

Colossians 1:10 ~ And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...

1 Thessalonians 4:1 ~ Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

THE TYPE OF PEOPLE GOD LOOKS FOR...

1) People after God’s own HEART

What about them ==> They position their hearts (in ALL seasons and situations), to pursue God's heart - to seek to know what God wants, and yield to it. To recognise fleshly un-crucified old-self that's still alive, subject them to God's sovereignty (His timing and ability to help them die to it), and lean on God to see them through the journey.


As a result, when God's word and ways become flesh in them, they will grow to also feed others with knowledge and understanding of God, ie lead them to intimacy with God.

Who it reminds me of ==> King David

Verse to pray ==> Jer 3:15 "And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."

2) People who seek to understand and know God

What about them ==> They fill their minds with things of God, they seek to understand the why's and what's of God's mind, His attributes etc, and to know Him deeply and intimately.

Who it reminds me of ==> Daniel (Daniel 10:12 ~ “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words."

Verses to pray==> Jer 9:23-24 ~ But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

Psalm 53:2 ~ God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

3) People who set their hearts to be voluntary lovers of God

What about them ==> love is not love if it is programmed, or forced. Which means we are all given a choice to love or not love. So it's the same with loving God. He gives us free will to choose to love Him. He is looking for voluntary lovers!

What happens when we love God ==> God is totally overcome with emotions of joy & delight; fascinated and captivated by a believer who turn their eyes/hearts towards Him in love.

SoS 4:9 ~ "You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart. With one look of your eyes (desire), With one link of your necklace (will)."

SoS 6:5 turn your eyes away from me for they have overcome me.

In our own human ability, we are unable to love God automatically. God already knows that, and has provided the way!

Rom 5:5 ~ "because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Jesus is saying that there will be people who will love Himself (Jesus) the way God the Father loved Jesus. Jn 17:26 ~ "And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”



4) People who are whole-hearted towards God

What about them ==> Whole-heartedness is not an attainment or achievement. Rather, it is the pursue and posture of the heart, to seek God diligently, with ALL their hearts... As a result, we can see good fruits in their lives! God IS priority and everything and central in their lives!

Verse to pray ==> 2Chron 16:9 ~ "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."



5) People who are poor and of a contrite spirit

What about them ==> Blessed are the poor in the spirit (realised that there's so much more they want from God, hungry & thirsty to be right before God, meek, merciful, pure in heart, persecuted for God's sake, those who mourn..., those who has the fear of the Lord - they cherish and take God (and His word) seriously!

Verses to pray ==> Matt 5: Beattitudes; Isaiah 66:2 “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word."



6) People who put their faith in the Lord

What about them ==> They walk by faith, not by sight. They choose to put their unwavering confidence and trust in the Lord in the face of difficult circumstances -- for God to deliver them or press in for an eternal reward.

Verses to pray ==> Hebrews 11:6 ~ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.



7) People who live their lives in godliness and holiness, with a knowledge of truth

Verses to pray ==> 1Tim2:1-4 ~ "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Paul urges Timothy in 1Tim1 to stay in Ephesus to "charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. " Paul is concerned that some have strayed from the knowledge of truth - that teaches them to have a pure heart and sincere faith, and "have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm." Paul thus emphasises in 1Tim2 to call the people back to a life of godliness and holiness, with a knowledge of truth.

I Come Before You

[from ihop interns]

C G
I come before You
F C
Simply to adore You
C G
And I lay down my heart
F C
And choose the good part

C
To know I am Yours
G
To sit at Your feet
F
To give You my heart
G
And all of me

C
To see You face to face
G
And stand as Your friend
F
To know Your embrace
G
A love without end
C G F G
I come before You


I come before You
Knowing that I love You
And I lay down my plans
And come just as I am

Be Near

[When all came crashing down on us.. when all seemed dark and bleak... Take heart, my friend, and find strength and comfort in the Lord! This poem depicts the journey of one who went through the storms in life, emerging as one who brings the comfort and strength received from God to others...]

BE NEAR

It's so dark here...
I can't see what is ahead of me
I can't feel what is inside of me

Where are You?
My love, the One who loves me so
I cried out to You, from the depths of my heart

Is there any life here?
Is there any movement in my heart?
Is there any song I can sing to my Beloved?

So I go about my life
Not feeling, not seeing
Yet faintly hoping all these will change...

My times are in Your hands
My hope is in You
In You alone, I put my trust

And I open my heart to You
No matter how much it hurts
No matter how long it takes

Letting Your love wash over me, completely
Letting Your blood cleanse me, deep within
Letting Your strength empower me, even in my weakness

Be Near O Lord my Strength! (I have none left)
Be Near O Lord my Light! (and shine upon my path)
Be Near O God! (You are all I need)

Come to the Lord
And rest in His strong embrace
For this is Your salvation
For this is Your deliverance


2Cor1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Breakthrough!

[Expressing hearts, expressing prayers, of breakthrough and breaking forth within and without…]

John 5:35
“He (John the Baptist) was the burning (running with hearts burning with love of God) and shining lamp (running in ministry)…”

Micah 2:13
“The one who breaks open will come up before them; They will break out, Pass through the gate, And go out by it; Their king will pass before them, With the LORD at their head.”

Breakthrough!

Going about busy
To and fro
Learning to make sense
Learning to give You my all

I stumble and fall
I made a mess of it
Gently You came
Gently You lifted me up

I knew I made a mess
I knew things went wrong
Sometimes people understand
Sometimes they don’t…

I don’t need the counsel (for now)
I’m trying to make it work (can’t you see?)
I don’t wana talk about it (for now)
I don’t wana think about it (for now)

What do I do?
When all seems so topsy turvy
I just want to run away
I just want to be free

Where can I go?
‘Cos I just want to find You
Your presence is all I want
Your presence is all I need

Speak to me O Lord
Tell me what’s on Your heart
I will hear and obey
I will walk and trust

For You have been my Guide
For You have been my Strength of my heart
Face the giants?
Face the goliaths in my life?

Courage I need (from You)
Confidence I lean (on You)
To break out
To break forth

Help me to express the words
Deep within my heart
To You
And to the ones who love me so

Do they love me?
Or do they love me not?
Let not love grow cold within me
Let me burn and shine, I pray

Loving You
Loving one another
Is what You desire
Is when all will see and know You are God

My times are in Your hands
Strengthen me to run the race
Steady and faithful
Pressing on, breaking forth

I will face the giants
I will face the goliaths
In the Name of the Lord of host
And carry my heart right, ever before You

I will return to the flock
I will return to the fold
Leaning on You
Never alone…

You see me
You see my heart
Lifter of my head
Break out, break within, break forth I pray…


Song of Solomon 1:7
"Tell me, You whom I love, where you graze your flock and where you rest your sheep at midday. Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your friends?" [depicts God leading a believer back to the flock, where one can find Him]

One Thing...

source: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ef39e24b2d88e1dc7b5d

Lyrics for One Thing

Verse 1
One thing I desire
One thing I seek
To gaze upon Your beauty
Your Majesty

Verse 2
God of my salvation
Lifter of my head
Teach me how to live O Lord
Your righteousness

Pre Chorus
So I pray to You
So I pray to You

Chorus
Lord Your name
Is higher than the heavens
Lord Your nameIs higher than all created things
Higher than hope
Higher than dreams
The name of the Lord

Verse3
In the days of trouble
You cover me
In the secret place of refuge
Lord I will sing

Bridge
I will seek Your face
Call upon Your Name Jesus
All I want is You Jesus

Team Hoyt - Dick and Rick Hoyt

The father's love for his son reminds me of God's love for us. We say (pray), He acts. He does not give up on us when the world says we are nothing...

Come!

Come be the fire inside of me

Come and be the flame upon my heart

Come and be the fire inside of me

Until You and I are one

That SETTLES it!

I'm in love with God

And God's in love with me

This is who I am

And this is who I'll be

And that settles it

Completely