Faith like mustard seed

"To be like Jesus…On earth I long to be like Him. All through life’s journey from earth..."

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:56:58 +0800

“To be like Jesus…On earth I long to be like Him. All through life’s journey from earth to glory, I’ll only ask to be like Him.”

- Rev G.A. Mangun

"…Besides Paul never became, quote-unquote “full time missionary”. He was always..."

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:16:29 +0800

“…Besides Paul never became, quote-unquote “full time missionary”. He was always bi-vocational. That was not on his ministry development plan to be in full time ministry. No for some reason, he thought that making time for others and talking to others about the Lord was ministry. Service ministry style, after all… we are here to serve the world.”

- Dr James Littles

"A little faith may bring your soul to heaven, but greater faith will bring heaven to your soul."

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:11:54 +0800

“A little faith may bring your soul to heaven, but greater faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

- Spiritual Growth 2, Lesson 18, on faith, Living Logos (via loveroflanguages)

Apostolic strategic planning has two steps - what in the world God’s doing and how do I get in...

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:47:00 +0800

Apostolic strategic planning has two steps - what in the world God’s doing and how do I get in on it. Those are the two questions that should be guarding our lives.

My worldview has to be changed by the Gospel.

A story in the scriptures - Jesus comes to the disciples and say, boys, we’re going to the other side. We must leave, we are going to the other side. In the middle of the lake, Jesus takes His snooze, boys get afraid. The storm had a great outcome. It brought their fears to the surface. (Jesus don’t You care we perish?!)

And Jesus calms the storm and says O you of little faith. It takes down that fear. And you know what scriptures say, they were afraid in their hearts. What kind of dude this is that speaks to the weather and it obeys Him? What nature!

One fear went down and it created another fear.

Every storm that we encounter, we need to know that the storm will bring a fear to the surface. Where should you take every anxiety? Cast all your cares on Him. Your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

But be aware that storms are gonna bring up stuff that’s already inside of you that you don’t wanna look at it. The problem of the storm is not the storm. It’s the lack of faith and the fear that is in them.

When the storm was done, they were at the other side. And there, they met a man.

So many times when going through a storm, we think that it has something to do with us when the Master is the one that knew that the storm was coming and He put us in the boat and He told us to get to the other side. The getting rid of some fears and bringing new fears that we can work on next in the middle of the storm is a side benefit of the storm. But the storm was about the man on the other side.

We need to build the relationship in the Spirit with God when God says you’re going to the other side, we’ll say, Lord I don’t care which direction it is, just lead me, I will follow.

And it doesn’t matter to me knowing in ahead of time that there’s gonna be a storm in the middle. So, teach me O Lord, through the storm. Teach me about myself and that I can present that to You. I’m also gonna learn something about You and that’s gonna freak me out. But help me to remember, if you’re sending me across the lake, there’s only one reason - somebody is on the other side

- Dr James Littles on Learner

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart,Make me teachable and mild,Upright, simple, free from art,Make me as a...

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:39:06 +0800

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart,
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weaned child:
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases Thee.

What Thou shalt today provide,
Let me as a child receive;
What tomorrow may betide,
Calmly to Thy wisdom leave:
’Tis enough that Thou wilt care,
Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own;
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone:
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan’s wiles,
Safe from dangers, free from fears;
May I live upon Thy smiles,
Till the promised hour appears;
When the sons of God shall prove
All their Father’s boundless love.

- John Newton

Dear Lord Jesus, I’m really so glad to have You in my life… YOU are my exceedingly great...

Sun, 12 May 2013 21:37:20 +0800

Dear Lord Jesus,
I’m really so glad to have You in my life… YOU are my exceedingly great reward :”)

Attitude behind outward obedience

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:22:44 +0800

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.
Genesis 22:18 NKJV

Because of Abraham’s obedience, many generations down we get to partake the promises that God has promised him.  My obedience today doesn’t just determine tomorrow’s blessing, it may mean someone’s salvation down the road.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
Proverbs 19:20, 21 NKJV

So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
I Samuel 15:22 NKJV

Obedience is bigger than discouragement, and the two cannot live side by side. When you need encouragement, obey. When you are tired, walk. When you feel lost, remember. The more you discipline yourself to overcome discouragement with obedience, the less discouragement there will be to overcome.
- Rachel Jankovic

The joy of the Lord is my strength - the joy that comes when I know I did what God wanted me to do today; not done with my own willpower but by His spirit which transformed my thoughts, attitude and heart. And that joy keeps me going. It is my encouragement and song of praise!

I am learning…

"Hello, my name is child of the One True King"

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:13:31 +0800

“Hello, my name is child of the One True King”

- Matthew West

I Magnify/Amaze

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:40:40 +0800

I Magnify/Amaze

"You are God The only Sovereign God The only living God Everlasting, ever loving, ever giving God"

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:29:13 +0800

“You are God
The only Sovereign God
The only living God
Everlasting, ever loving, ever giving God”

I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself in a spiritually watertight compartment; I cannot say...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:29:00 +0800

I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself in a spiritually watertight compartment;
I cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child;
I cannot say, WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am laying up no treasure there;
I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am not striving for holiness;
I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event;
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am disobedient to His Word;
I cannot say IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I’ll not serve Him here and now;
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or if I am seeking things by subterfuge;
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS if I harbor a grudge against anyone;
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path;
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I do not put on the whole armor of God;
I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give to the King the loyalty due Him as a faithful subject;
I cannot attribute to Him the POWER if I fear what men may do;
I cannot ascribe to Him the GLORY if I’m seeking honor only for myself; and
I cannot say FOREVER if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.

-author unknown

Video

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:27:17 +0800

paintedverses: Painted Verses 34/52 “I am the true vine; you...

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:14:03 +0800

paintedverses:

Painted Verses 34/52 “I am the true vine; you are the branches...remain in me, and I will remain in you…If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” John 15

Buy print on Etsy →

Chris Tomlin - Lord I need You Lord I come, I confess Bowing...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:11:00 +0800

Chris Tomlin - Lord I need You

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My One defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay

“Moderation isn’t being bland and lifeless; it’s being wise, temperate, and measured in all we do....

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:24:15 +0800

“Moderation isn’t being bland and lifeless; it’s being wise, temperate, and measured in all we do. Why do we make choices to do the right thing for the right reasons? Because we live each moment in the presence of the God of the universe. He’s watching, and He’s rooting for us to respond to His grace with glad obedience. When we try to get our identity from our talents, we compare and feel inferior or superior. If people give us the applause we want, we appreciate them. If they don’t, we resent them or ignore them. But when our identity is deeply rooted in the mercy of God, we find security, peace, joy, and wisdom. And we want to please Him with all our hearts.”

Excerpt From: Brian Dollar, “I Blew It!”

"An African pastor was overwhelmed by rebels who demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. ..."

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:08:34 +0800

“

An African pastor was overwhelmed by rebels who demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. The night before they took his life, he wrote the following lines on a scrap of paper:

I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.” I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

”

- Daily in Christ: A Devotional by Neil Anderson (via joyaftermourning)

Before the morning

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:03:10 +0800

2013.

I was suppose to “graduate” this year.

Looking forward and into the new year, I’m really starting to see how God’s ways are always right…And He is there through it all.

It definitely wasn’t easy to face reality of failing 3 out of 4 modules last semester.

So many thoughts ran through my mind.

“I gave my best, I thought I did live out Matthew 6:33…Has He forsaken me? Why did He allow this to happen? Did I do something wrong? How am I going to face my family? Will anyone even believe that I tried my best?”

My mind was in a mess, all I could feel was fear. All I could hear was, “You’re such a failure.” Flashbacks of my ‘A’ level results came rushing back. Shame, condemnation, hopelessness… It only worsened after informing my parents about the results.

I remember as I was on the way to HQ, I sobbed and gripped onto my Bible. I needed a Rhema from God desperately.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

I thank God for giving favour with my family. Things could have turned out worst. I thought I wasn’t going to make it through that night. Prayer changes things.

It was also that night when His still small voice said, “I believe in you.”

I had to make a decision with my course of study. Many opinions - some uplifting, some demoralising. Majority of them made me think that my decision of changing to a business course was downright silly and a waste of time as I need to extend one more year. Rationally, I should switch to another course which would still allow me to graduate by 2013. This was when I had to be mindful about whose voice I am hearing - the voice of Truth or the voice of this world?

This worldly system tells me that if I don’t do well in my exams, I am a failure. It says that if I fail to graduate in 3 years like everyone else, I am a loser. It says that passion doesn’t matter in the long run, what matters is going into an industry that can churn out big bucks. This world view me with eyes of scrutiny and judgmentalism.

But the voice of Truth tells me that He has a plan for me, one that prospers and gives me a future and hope. It tells me that what is more important is who I am becoming than what I can achieve. It reminds me that I am God’s masterpiece and created for great works.

As I chose to listen to the voice of Truth and people I am accountable to, I begin to step into a route that was deemed as “irrational” and “unconventional”.

It wasn’t easy having to face people when they asked about my decision… After all, I had no tangible evidence of how this was all going to work out. All I knew and believed is that God will never fail us. It might have been more “comfortable” at that point of time if I chose to compromise and just go along with the norm.

But, I chose His way that seemed foolish and incomprehensible. It was hurtful to my pride that’s for sure. I lost my self-confidence, but gained holy-confidence - confidence in what He can do through me.

As I reflect upon how God has brought me through this, I’m thankful…

Thankful that He allowed me to fail at that point of time when I needed to, even at the “risk” of me losing faith and giving up.

Yes, I felt pain… But it was so needful for God to soften my heart, to break apart the identity that this world has masked on me and replaced it with the identity He has ordained from the start - A child of God.

A child of God that is not afraid of failure and what this world might say about her because she knows that she was not made for this world. She was destined for great things… Things that matter and remain after death, things of eternal value and cannot be measured with worldly terms.

I may not see how the things I do or the things that happen are going to all fit into the bigger picture that God is working at… and truth is, people will scoff. They will mock. That I can’t change. The pressure of this life will always be there, sometimes even crushing us wave after wave. I might only be at the first wave but I will strive to change my response and allow God to mould, shape and use my life as a part of that jigsaw piece which will make up the bigger picture.

“Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].”

2 Corinthians 9:7(AMP)

Teach me Lord, to be a cheerful giver in 2013.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). I don’t..."

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:36:00 +0800

““Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). I don’t think this is a formula to get whatever we want. In fact, I think it means that when we delight in God’s love, presence, and power, He radically changes our desires. Gradually, we love what He loves, are hurt by what hurts Him, and care about the things that are most on His heart. It won’t happen by magic, but only by tenaciously staying on God’s path and walking arm in arm with Him. To stay on God’s path, ask, listen, and obey.”

- Brian Dollar, “I Blew it!”

read this please: A father's love

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:41:53 +0800

read this please: A father's love:

readthisplease:

Watch this if you’ve 12 mins to spare. heart-breaking yet heart-warming.

http://nyti.ms/VrUccz

Jeffrey Wright is well known around his high school in Louisville, Ky., for his antics as a physics teacher, which include exploding pumpkins, hovercraft and a scary experiment that…

Follow the star to a place unexpected Would you believe after...

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:09:16 +0800

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in His mothers shawl
Just a Child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons(flesh) for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Saviour
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for His honor and frankincense for His pleasure
And myrrh for the cross He’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons (flesh) for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you