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Sunday, July 29, 2007

Japan here Come

Me andMy wife have been blessed by her dad.... we got a free tour to Japan ! Praise God. We are in the midst of planning our trip. Tickets are already bought, now is the anticipation of waiting for the day to arrrive.

I think this is the first time i am going on an actual holiday... i think forthe past 8-9 years its always been thailand, singapore, and other states of australia. Come to think of it, most overseas holidays are to visit parents or go to convention...

This time... its a holiday.

Can't wait to eat the Kobe beef, visit the amusement parks... and of course Tokyo. and hot spring !

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Sowing and Reaping

Everything in life needs hard work to make it work, if we want the farm to be fruitful we need to sow in hours of backbreaking work to plow the soil and plant the seed. Nothing in life comes just because we want it.

Therefore to grow a care group or unit and even our own life, we need to sow into the things we desire, if we do not sow then we cannot reap the rewards of our labor. The amount of effort and time you put in determines the result.

To build a strong group we need to sow - time and love into people's life.

To build strong spiritual life - we need to sow time in devotion, prayer and worship

To build strong relationship - we need to sow love, time, effort into the relationship

Remember what you sow will be what you reap.

Amen

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Testing and Temptation

Gen 2: 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Testing and Temptation

I was wondering why would God plant the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden knowing well that it might be a temptation to Adam and Eve. And why would "Satan" or the serpent be allowed to roam in the garden of God. Its like a mother putting a kid in a room of toys buy and leave a knife, matches and paper for the kids as well to play.

Then as I started to mature, I began to see that God always wanted to give us choice. And choice is what makes us who we really are.

No matter if you overcome an area in your life, the area don't just go away, it will always be there just like the tree and temptation will always be there as the devil will constantly try His best to tempt us.

But life's temptation will strengthen our character and make us who we really are. Those who shy away will never be able to know if they are truly people of character, those who fail the temptation and test will know how strong they truly are.

They key i learned is that life about temptations and test, and as we continue to overcome we become stronger spiritually. But never think for once that once you pass one test the same test will not come again... it will always be around to test you when it needs to. So we have to stay strong and keep watch

The bible reminds us to keep watch and pray least we fall.

Take the test and pass the test.

Amen









Monday, July 23, 2007

Living a Legacy

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Living A legacy

When you mention your name to people, what is the first impression that comes into other head? I know of people, whose mention of their name remind of people – a drug addict, a drunk, a gambler, a good-for nothing cheat, a lazy and spoilt brat.

I know enough people whom I have been known and been called such names, I remember I was called a playboy once during my secondary school days cause I used to date many girls. They say stick and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me…the truth is names do hurt and the legacy of your behaviour often last longer than you hope it would. It took me many years to get people to change their perception of me and it took the grace of God to transform my life.

I learned that if you really want to know what people think of you, ask a third party who don’t know you but only heard about you from someone

Saved by his grace, I choose to walk and humble my life to the God Most High, it was not easy but I wanted to be known more than just a good-for nothing person.

I choose to be a Christian and I choose to be one that pleases God. And one that shines his glory every single day.

I pray that when I die one day, the work that I do for God in this earth, will remain and my legacy could be passed on my children and to my children’s children.

For “The life we live determines the legacy we leave” – Make each day a stepping stone to greatness.

Amen

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Being a far-sighted person

2 Peter 1 : 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Being a far-sighted person
I believe being a christian is not just going to church, singing a few songs and giving offering. I believe God is very much concerned with our way of life and our walk with him.

Just as we come to God through faith, we need to add to the faith qualities that defines us as a Christian. -God desires us not to only have faith but have a good heart. - bible says what is faith without deeds. So i believe the first transformation is our heart. And add to it knowledge, meaning the word of God... so we know whatever we do is right or wrong. Many of us may be sincere in helping but sometimes we can be sincerely wrong.


God wants us to continually change in our character so that we can be more like christ each day.

The key to growth is to allow God to change you

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sick

Been sick these past couple of days... someone is passing on the flu bug... around... the church ..... God bless.


Good thing is i get to rest... the doctors here are also atrocious.. i had a 9.20am appointment but onlny get to see the doctor after more than 3 hours of wait... The doctor took 3 hours plus to see 4 more patient in front of me !

If had known i should have gone home and sleep...first...

Will be posting the devotion later... need to zzzzzz......

Monday, July 16, 2007

God's Timing

I recently watched a documentary on Exodus revealed by James Cameron. It really struck me as to the awesomeness of God.

As i am currently reading the life of Moses, I look back on what the documentary tried to analyze on the crossing of the red sea. If indeed God used climatic events in the world to fulfill his prophecy,then everything Moses say to Pharaoh have to be right on time.

In recorded history, there indeed was a pharaoh named Pharaoh Ahmoses, whose Hebrew name was - The brother of Moses. I did a search on internet and found the history of the Pharaoh. Looking back, Bible is not just a fictional book but one which is historically accurate, in fact in Egypt's history was recorded in the reign of Ahmoses that he drove out a group of evil people - which I would assume they meant the Hebrews.

If we take time to search the internet we can find the background of the events and the artifacts that are found.

What i am trying to bring across is that the crossing of the red sea and the events that led to Moses crossing the red sea, whatever it was caused by natural climatic events or supernatural events. One thing was certain, every time Moses met with Pharaoh, the events have to be right on time.

I really believe that as we follow God, everything will happen according to the timing of God.

Learning to enjoy life

Matt 6:25-34

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The bible teaches to not worry and trust God. I have learned 4 truths which i hope could bless all of us

Fact 1 – We all desire things in life

Everyone of us wants something in life, everyone desire something.. a partner, riches, good health, etc. No one tell me that they don’t want anything in life.

Fact 2 – Past cannot be changed

Try as you might past never changes. Wallowing over the past only stops you from enjoying the present and see beyond tomorrow.

Fact 3 – I can determine how I will feel today

Today is currently, right now… you can feel excited or not. You can choose to open your hearts or close your heart

Fact 4 – Only God has access to tomorrow.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7)


Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully" (1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Bible).

The key for greater Joy in life, is to understand the God controls tomorrow as long as we follow God and obey God whatever you do in life will be blessed. God wants to bless us and not harm us So what I would do is ask Jesus to take care of my future as I work out my present. I don’t want to worry on things I have no control over.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Kattaning Roadtrip

The roadtrip to Kattaning was pretty fruitful for the fact that we managed to listen to alot of sermons on the way there .... 6 hours worth of sermons...

I find the trip to Kattanning really refreshing because i enjoy the occasional trip to the countryside. sadly though Kattaning has no cinema ... I wonder what the 4000 folks do for entertainment. Propbably counting sheep...

Me and my wife and prossibly andy was thinking of investing in Kattanning... saw a block of land $29K. so cheap...

there is a lot chinese there... the best part of the Sat evening was the delicious steamboat we had at one of the CG member's house.

Sunday service was in the afternoon, so did not have to wake up too early, and best of all after a prayer session we had a nice branch at the daily grind... (the food was not bad)... before proceeeding to have the tax seminar and service.

Mission trip is actually quite fun, i encourage people to give it a go, its not as tough as we think... in fact think of it like a trip to the country...

Will be posting my sermon for sunday in my next blog...

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Stricter Law better country

One of the topics that came up during a dinner conversation during Care group was the protection criminals get in Australia. Somehow many people seems to have an understanding that the law here protects the criminal rather than the victim.

Apparently unlike asian country, if somebody gets hurt trying to break into your house, or if you beat them for coming in, you can get sued. Maybe that is why petty crime is still rampant, because criminals know they can get away with it.

I think police here just give up, I remember once when my housemate got beaten up and his wallet got stolen... the police knew who they were, a bunch of well-known trouble-makers in the area, they caught the person recovered the stolen property... and guess what after 4 years still no court case. Worse still i know of someone who brag that they were caught by police with an illegal gun in the car, but was not even jailed but given a warning. Can you believe it !

If we are not careful, we may become a 1st world country, with a third world system

I think Australia might take a leaf of Singapore's criminal justice system. I believe tough punishment is the way to go, it helps the law-abiding citizen to feel safe. And i think most law-abiding citizen would agree.

On a personal note : People always talk about human rights when sentencing... but i think when a person violates other people 's rights and does something against someone. This person has disqualified himself from his rights and should be judge to the full extent of the law. Just like an athlete who uses steroids to win a race.. case in point Ben johnson....though he won the race in record time beating Carl lewis, he was disqualified and his record wipe out. Therefore when a thief comes into a house and gets hurt in the process of stealing something... he should not have the right to sue the owner, for one fact, the moment he steps into a place not deem by law to be his... he immediately disqualifies himself from his rights. And the the law should not be crazy enough to let a thief sue the owner.

Lets hope the government can amend the law to protect the good citizens of this country

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Something interesting

Was doing accounts today, and found somtehing interesting about banks...

The crazy thing is when you close a bank account, the bank account is never truly close, and people still can deposit money in it... sound wierd huh... but its true...

Somehow i feel the bank is trying to scam our money... how in the world can Banks be so rich yet can't close an account properly.

So guys.... please check your old "closed" accounts.. maybe you will have money in it from people who send money into that account.

Maybe must ask some of my friends working in the bank why is there this issue.

Maybe some people will have answers...

The life humbled - Listen to God

Exo 4:10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.13 But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

14 Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it."

Life Humbled - Listening to God

As i was reading the passage, its amazing that even the most humble person and one who is mightily used by God could have made God upset. Its no doubt that Moses was humble, but he also lack self-confidence in making choices that would ultimately please God.

Imagine God speaking to you directly and you ask God to send someone else. In life, God give us many choices, sometimes he tells us directly and all he wants is for us to accept his decision.
Recently, someone made me really upset by the things the ''person'' did and the person must remain nameless.hahaha.... unfortunately this is not gossip blog. I had a choice to choose if I could forgive seriously i never thought it was this hard, sometimes its really hard.... i sat down and prayed and asked God... and then something inside spoke to me... Paul Paul... do you want to be in my presence, do you love me, if you do ..then you have to do the right thing. The bible says love covers over a multitude of sin... so i had to resolve this in my heart.

I asked God to release the forgiveness. and pray to God for strength. And i found out what a great relief. Looking back at Moses, i suppose Moses was humble but sometimes he can be quite stubborn.... and when things gets too difficult he would back down... the bible tells us God's anger burned against Moses, but God relented.... and gave him Aaron . There were times God was really upset with Moses but every time he relents. It was only in the later stage that God banished Moses for his disobedience


Numbers 20
Moses Strikes the Rock
1 In the first month of the year,[a] the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.

2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”

6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle,[b] where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”

9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.

12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them.

I think God knew Moses still had to deal with his own issue and he was still at the infant stage of his calling.... but what i saw in the later stage was his refusal to change and fully obey caused him to be banished from the promise land.It does tells me that there is still limit to God's patience, and we should always be aware of our weakness and make every attempt to change so that we would not loss out on our promise land...

1 Cor 9:24Do 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.

Don't let stubborness and disobedience cause you to loss your promise land

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.

Love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.

1 John 4:12 says, No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. In other words, even though no person has ever actually seen God the Father, we are able to see God's character as we love one another.

Remember that God is love (1 John 4:8); so, when we walk in love, we are like God. Thus, although we can't actually see God, we can see his character in our love for each other (and in his love for us). Indeed, Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates his own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Furthermore, Jesus said that we, his disciples, will be known by our fruit: By their fruit you will recognize them (Matthew 7:16, 20). Galatians 5:22 tells us what that fruit is: The fruit of the Spirit is love ... . Thus, we are known by our love—love for one another and love for God. It is so important to walk in love, because love is the visible attribute of an invisible God. Life transformation is rooted in mind transformation.

Where your mind goes, your actions follow. Whatever you think about will dictate your behavior, your attitude, and (ultimately) your direction in life. Your thoughts are sort of like a rudder—they steer the rest of your body.

Considering the influence of your mind on your life, it's no surprise Paul emphasizes that in order for our lives to be changed by Christ our thoughts must first be changed by Him: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). How are we to be transformed? By renewing (changing, refocusing) our minds so that they reflect the mind of Christ.

If our minds are so important, then it's quite understandable that the devil would fight to gain a foothold in our thoughts. Paul writes, in 2 Corinthians 4:4, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

What better place for the devil to attack people than in their minds? As thunder follows lighting, so actions follow thoughts. And if Satan can turn your thoughts against God, your actions will assuredly follow.

Therefore, it's imperative that you set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). And when you focus your mind on God, it's only a matter of time before your actions, your passions, your attitudes—your whole life—become focused on God.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Some Daily update

For my Singapore friends who find that this seems like a devotion blog... thought i should update you abit about life here in Perth.

We are about to have our annual church camp here and have been waiting for this camp for quite awhile, we got a very good speaker this year. And I can't wait for it. Apparently this camp is going to have lots of games and also lots of spiritual food.

Also this Sunday, I have been asked to go to Hope Kattaning to share the word of God. Its six hours drive from Perth .... hallelujah. This time going with my wife, Andy and Yileen.... Apparently we are going to have 60 chinese attending the service.

Please keep me in prayer. OH by the way.. no i am not preaching in Chinese... as you know my chinese cannot make it.... especially if you want me to preach in Chinese. But you never know.

Ok.... update more with pictures... next round...

The Life Humbled II


Exodus 3

Moses and the Burning Bush
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The life Humbled - Face to face

Whenever I read this story of Moses meeting God and talking to God, sometimes I really envy Moses, how many people can claim to talk with God - not in prayers, dreams, or visions but as one man talks to another. In Exo 33: 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

In fact if we read Numbers 12, you will see again God affirming Moses that he speaks to Moses directly not with riddles, dreams or vision. Wouldn't it be good that God can speak to you, can you imagine, when you ask God a question and God can answer you straight away....

Well God speaks still even today, though not verbally, or face to face ( if he does you probably be in heaven) But how God speaks, well looking at the life of Moses we know from scripture that

Psalms 24
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. [a]

MAtt 5: 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,for they will see God.

The fact that God met with Moses tells me that even though Moses killed somebody, he must have repented and God must have forgave him. It also tells me that his life in hiding has helped in his walk with God, his heart was humbled and his life was changed.

Therefore for God to speak to us, first and foremost, is our hands clean, is our hearts pure, have we humbled our life and lay it on the altar ?

If you want to see God face to face, make a commitment today to live the life of a righteous man or women


Amen!















Sunday, July 8, 2007

A life Humbled

EXO 2: 11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?"

14 The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known."

15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

The Life Humbled

As I explore the Life of Moses, a man that is so mightily used by God. Here was a man, whom God called one of the most humble in the world, in fact there was only 2 such people God called meek in the bible, one was Jesus, the other Moses.

Born in the house of royalties even though he was a hebrew by birth, he had everything he needed in the world. He was schooled and trained, by the best egypt could offer. everything seem great for him, until he saw an egyption beat up a hebrew. Then in his voilent rage, he killed the egyption in cold blood. What was he thinking ??? In that moment he seem to have destroyed his own life, but God had other ideas. Moses needed to be refined and humbled before God can even consider using him.

I can imagine how Moses would have felt, one day a prince among the royalties of Egypt and the next day fleeing from the people who he once called his own. It relates to me a similar story of Job, one day the wealthiest person in the world and the next the poorest among all his friends.

Rom 8 :29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

I really believe that even though through human eyes Moses seems to be losing it, but God knew all along what he was doing. Moses have to be broken and humbled, before God can contemplate using him,

The funny thing is when a person has been to the highest of high, and sank to the lowest of low and have nothing left, they are often the most vulnerable yet the most willing to listen.

I believe as Moses live a life of a fugitive, his heart must be totally broken, humbled and lost, and when the time was right, God appeared to him to tell him of his purpose. Until he was ready in his spirit and life, God continue to allow situation and circumstances of life to mould him

Count it a blessing if you are struggling in what seem like a deep valley, because out of this valley, I know God is waiting for an opportune time to lift you up abnd to use you mightily

God Bless





God bless you

A life refined IV - Annointed Leader

Gen 39 : 2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5
From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.


A life refined IV - Anointed Leadership

I was asking one question recently, why some people are so fruitful in their ministry while other work so hard yet have not much fruits. I learned from my experience, that many times, when things don't go smoothly as planned, we tend to do more and work harder. But i realise that many times when things don't go smoothly, it is more often than not God wants us to pray more.
I really think, a consistent devotion is a key to continual breakthrough.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9

Joseph's life is a good example, have you ever wondered why God's hand was always on his life? Well, if God blessed those who walk in his way, i can safely assume that Joseph must have found favour with the Lord because of his attitude and his heart

Psalms 37:4 - 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

I can possibly say that he must have been spending time with God, praying and worshiping and asking God to continually strengthen his heart and spirit. And as his heart starts to change and he starts to walk closer with God, blessing starts to flow in his life.

If we want God's hand upon our lives and be blessed abundantly, then we need to spend time with God to allow him to strengthen us.

Amen

Thursday, July 5, 2007

The Life refined III

The Life refined III

Today I would like to share another insight hopefully that will bless you, as I reflected on Joseph life, I began to see similarity between mine and his… of course I don’t have that many brothers nor have been sold into slavery. But I have gone through many issues in my life that many times I had to choose if I should stand strong or fall.

God had great plan for him, but because Joseph needed refining, God had to send him through the fire. It took Joseph almost 20 years for the prophecy to fulfil. The thing is I learned that even though the situation seems dire and bad. It was also God’s planned that he was sold so that God’s prophecy can start to unravel. Of course Joseph would not have known then, but God knew what He was doing….

Let analyse his life more in detail – if he had been sulking and depressed, he would not have been sold to Pothipar, And once a slave if had choose to run, he would have missed God’s ultimate plan, If he had slept with Pothipar’s wife, he would not have been thrown to jail and if had not been in jail he would not have met the cup bearer and bread maker, if had not met them he would not have met Pharaoh and helped to interpret his dreams, and he would not have risen to the position of second to Pharaoh
Life is full of “IF” – If you choose to walk with God, one day when you look back you will see how God have brought you closer and closer to your destiny each time you obey.

The thins is God needed Joseph to obey, and when Joseph obeyed, every step of obedience draws him closer to God’s promises for his life. Joseph knew that, when he met his brother after 20 years, he told them in Gen 45:4-5 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

You know everyone has a choice to choose how they want to respond to adversity and temptations. I think I can safely say the top 3 temptations are lust, power, wealth. I believe everyone of us, will go through this… and of course adversity in life..is another testing. – Are you jobless, are you sick, have you been betrayed, cheated of money, stabbed in the back by friends, feeling life is meaningless…. I guaranteed Joseph at times would have felt this way…the thing was he responded to it. What about us?

Recently, I have to make some difficult choices in life, and what helped me to choose… God was that I know that every time I make a choice to obey, I will draw closer and closer to God’s promise for my life….

I believe you can too…

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Life refined II

Gen 37:2 Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.

Gen 37: 26 Judah said to his brothers, "What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood." His brothers agreed. 28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels [b] of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Gen 37: 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." 41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, [c] and men shouted before him, "Make way [d] !" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

Life Refined part 2 – From 17 to 37

Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold as a slave and only at around 37 years old did he met his brother who sold him as slave. God took 20 years to fulfill the prophecy given to Joseph or on a flip side, it took God 20 years to refine Joseph. Though it took a long time, God eventually fulfilled what he had promised to Joseph when he was 17.


The thing about Joseph was he never once gave up on God no matter the situation, he remained upright , righteous, faithful. He refused to be tempted instead ran away from Potiphar’s wife. He never once complained and remained faithful even when thrown to prison. And in prison he was put in charge of the prison cells. Clearly the hand of God was with him.

The thing that stood out for me for Joseph was that he was a responsible and hardworking person. He spoke this very well in Gen 39: 8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. Here we catch a glimpse of the type of men Joseph was - trustable, full of integrity and righteous.

The character of Joseph reminds me of the man in Psalm 1:1-3.
1. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, not sits in the seat of scoffers;
2. but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.
3. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

But what kept him going was his hope in God. and Joseph is going to need those deep roots of faith to get him through the harsh winds of strife that lie ahead. And the most important thing was his close relationship with God. How do I know, well he was able to interpret the dreams of the baker and cupbearer and as well that of pharaoh and as he said only God could give such interpretation not him.

Therefore I come to a conclusion during more than 10 years of hardship, he stood firm in the Lord. Choosing to walk in God’s path rather than his own, what about us, would we remain faithful to the one and only true God?

Remember God may never be early in his promise but he is never late. God is always right on time.

A quick word

Just in case, anyone things i am too holy and start doing like so many devotions in one day... this was the devotions i deleted... the latest ones is called Life defined....

One thing i learned - when you delete something make sure you know what you are doing

The symptoms of sin

The Symptoms of Sin

Rom 7: 23-25 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin

The symptoms of sin

For friends reading the devotion, this week I am trying to deal with the power of the mind and how to breakthrough one of the toughest area in our life. Someone once said “As a Man thinks, so is He.” – aptly put, we are who we are is all how we think, what we think. Once sin is conceived in the mind or we chose to disobey God. Death comes into our spiritual life The bible says in Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Why can someone breakthrough and give their life totally to God, while some people constantly struggle? Why some people can cry when they worship, while others stand there like a rock? Everything conceived comes first from the mind… ask David… when he saw Bathsheba bathing… everything is conceived in the mind…Jame1:14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death… If you have committed sin .. in your life.. which I am sure many of us have.. how many times we think of it, dwell on it , then acted on it ? Ask people who have committed adultery, cheated in exam or in business, gone on Internet sites we are not suppose to go.… its is always a premeditated act…. It doesn’t happen all of a sudden… somewhere in their mind.. they lowered their guard, thought of it, dwell on the idea and then acted on it.

Someone told me that they love God but cannot obey some of the teachings because it is too hard… actually it is never too hard.. Romans 8:7 -the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. I think my friend was right… the sinful mind is often hostile to God, it will never obey God

SO THE BIG QUESTION ---- HOW IN THE WORLD DO I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING OR THINKING IS SIN…. OK HERE IS THE KEY
W
hen we commit a sin or have unconfessed sin before God. There will always be certain reaction we can see physically.

1. Disinterest in coming to church or fellowship – when you start to not enjoy coming to church or fellowship, or be in presence of God… you know that something somewhere is wrong. When adam and eve sinned… they hid when they heard God walking in the garden
(Gen 1)

2. Inability to do devotion with God – People who are dwelling on things not godly or is sinning or have unconfessed sin, will never want to do devotion. If you find yourself starting to not want to do devotion. Or someone you know struggling .. many times..there is something that is bothering them to come before God.

3. Do not want to see Godly people
– I have seen many times in my years as a Christian, people who are sinning or have unconfessed sin or know that something is not right in their life… often shy away from godly people. They often cannot communicate with Godly people especially leaders. Are you like that ? Because like the saying goes… birds of a feather flock together… darkness and light cannot come together.

4. Physical symptoms starts to appear due to stress – Emotional and physical symptoms start to appear…. Loss or gain of appetite, inability to make decision, tiredness, sickness start to appear – pain, cramps. ( Google – Symptoms of stress ) and you will find some interesting side effect… This is because even though we can lie to the world we cannot lie to our body.. when our mind is battling – when your good conscience is battling the sinful side… stress starts to appear. And symptoms appear.

In conclusion

I hope we can do our own spiritual medical prognosis and ask ourselves some tough questions about our life. If you find symptom like these 4 mentioned above in your life.. maybe its time to come before God and make confession to Him. Don’t let you spiritual die, keep watch over it.

Breaking the mindset

Eph 4: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

BREAKING THE MINDSET

I always wonder if people want to live their life in mediocrity? Sometimes I hear people saying that they do not want to change because that is the way God made them. Some even say that this is how I am and cannot change. Well if you have been thinking such thoughts let me help you to bring it into perspective.

Ask yourself one question- Do you think that you are perfect? Do you think that at this moment in life you are truly happy and blessed by God? Do you think that right now your life is an envy of everyone or do you think that at this moment you are a great person?

The problem I have learned is that no one is perfect and everyone is still trying to attain perfection. Paul in bible says 2 Cor 13: 11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Therefore we should aim to be a better person

The fact is nobody wants to be a loser in life, nobody wants to study and aim to just pass, nobody wants to work in a position and would be happy in it without pay rise for the rest of their life. We have to recognise that the devil always trick us into a lull sense of satisfaction but God wants more for us.. he wants us to be the head and not the tail.

The issues has not been that we can’t do it, most of the time it is because we don’t want to do it. Maybe because we know it is not easy to change. The bible says in 1 Cor 9:27 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. Maybe some of us are afraid of the bruises that comes with beating ones body, but the fact remain if we don’t strive to be better people then we will never be truly happy and sin often comes into our life binding us and stopping us from living our life God intended

If you want to marry … why not be the best wife a man can ever have, If you want to be a friend to someone why not be the best friend you can ever be, If you want to serve God, why not be the best Christian we can ever know. Why not breakthrough the stubborn mindset and say to yourself, I want to be the best I can ever be..

Where I used to study we have a great school motto –“The best is yet to come”. Isn’t it great if you can tell people… you know the best is yet to come from me. I sincerely hope its not the other way – “The worst is yet to come

The bible challenges us --- put off your former way of life… and be made new in the attitude of your mind. Eph 4: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Remember your attitude determines your altitude in life.

So what attitude we need to have – Simple tell yourselves – “I WANT TO BE THE BEST IN EVERYTHING I DO” then tell yourself – “I WANT TO HAVE THE MOST TEACHABLE HEART IN THE WORLD”

Remember unless we are willing to be teachable and learn from God and put into practice the teaching from the bible, and also learn from Godly people. Many times we will not be able to achieve something great in life. Stubbornness only seek to hinder our own personal life.

Renew your mind… tell yourself today… I want to be the best in everything I do.. the best wife, the best husband, the best friend, the best Christian…. The best father, the best mother…

Then … challenge yourself to be teachable…. And learn from people with wisdom and also from God.

THEN FINALLY YOU CAN TELL GOD AND THE WORLD 2Tim 4: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

May God bless you to be the best in everything you do

Acknowledging our weakness

Col 1 :21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[f] your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel

Titus 4: 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR WEAKNESS

I have always wanted to be the best that I can be in everything that I do, but yet many times I fail. There was success sometimes, I made captain of my basketball team, was made Senior leader of the scout troop, I have done all I wanted to try in church, but though there are dreams being fulfilled there are also dreams that never did… I wasn’t the best swimmer in Singapore, though I tried. I couldn’t get honours in my bachelor, I wasn’t the best. There was many failures just as there are many success.

Then I learned something from life lessons, it is not the ability to become the best that is important but the attitude of trying and wanting to be the best. How true it is also spiritually. God died for our sins so we can be reconciled to him, we were once evil because of our behaviour but God wants us to be with him. He challenges us to continue in our faith and keeping hoping. ( COL 1:21-23) Why?

Well the fact of life is this, once you have been saved, you are not perfect… there are still many issues we need to clean and fight through in our life so that FINALLY when we meet God we can say we have tried our best to be the best Christian.

Now to truly breakthrough in our mind, we do not only need to try to be the best, but we must also acknowledge our weakness. Why was Paul great? well I submit to you that He knew his weakness, he knew that there are issues he have to deal with. 2 Cor 11: 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. He recognise his area of weakness and he dealt with it so he can be strong

What do you struggle with? Lust? Honesty? Discipline? … we need to know our weakness and do something to strengthen it.

But once you recognise your weakness what should you do ? Someone told me jokingly,” do nothing, its me I can’t change…. “ But truly, I know too its never easy to change something that is truly ingrained in our life. What should you do

THE SECRET TO BREAKTHROUGH

One secret I learned was not to sweep it under the carpet but to put it before God, and to actively fight the weakness. What do I do?

  1. I write it down in my journal and remind myself everyday to be careful in that particular area
  2. I submit that area to God daily and ask him to strengthen me – pray constantly in spirit
  3. I ask God for practical ways not to fall into the same area of sin
  • To elaborate further, ask what is your trigger point.. meaning circumstances that triggers the sin. Is it tiredness, when we have too much work, when we are sick, then ask ourself how to prevent sin from happening
  • If you struggle in lust, there is always a trigger point.. find out.

But most of all I learned there is no substitute with having a closer relationship with God. By praying and asking God for strength.

The key thing is never allow your heart to be hardened so that we refuse to change, continually allow the holy spirit to fill your life and your heart. Work out the area of your weakness.

IN CONCLUSION

I suppose the 2 main thing I can give is that

  1. Recognise our weakness
  2. Be proactive in building it up

Remember as a man thinks so is he………

Have a blessed day

The power of the holy spirit

ROM 8: 5-8 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Today is the last day of the week and weekend is around the corner. And weekend is the best time to spend more time with God. Wouldn’t you agree? I believe that man has 2 choices in life to live by the nature of the sinful mind or by the spirit of God. Rom 8:5-8 clearly defines the 2 nature for us.

I believe that often times though we know the right from the wrong, the good from the bad. Our mind is weak. If you can imagine with me… everyday there is a frontline battle between good and Bad in your mind. The problem is by nature man is sinful, and many times the evilness is being reinforced daily, but not so on the other side. Therefore I am always reminded that unless I reinforce the side of God daily through constant prayer and send reinforcements as well as send in God’s word on a daily basis, we will sometimes loss the battle. And do things not of God.

The good thing is though the battle is lost some days, the war is not . We just need to keep plugging into God’s spirit and pray constantly. God gave us a hint what we need to do in 1 Cor 14: 14-15 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 15 God challenge us to pray and challenge our mind to intercede.

Jesus set us a good example on the night before he went to the cross. He spend more than an hour praying for strength so that his fleshly body could take the punishment and fulfil his purpose in life. Even God himself had to do that, what more us.

Therefore one of the best way to breakthrough the mind, and to live a live of constant victory is not only understanding the word and knowing our weakness but…. Most of all we need the power from God to fight some of the hardest battles in our mind.

The truth is there is no substitute for prayer, worship and word of God. If you want to win the war, you need to reinforce your live with the spirit and be filled constantly in the spirit of God.

Make prayer and devotion a daily part of your life.

Amen!

What does your mind say ?

What does your mind say ?

Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The decree stands—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."

13 Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

Yesterday I had to make decision if I wanted eat home or eat out. The choice was easy, save money and eat at home. I realise that we have to constantly make decisions everyday. And everyday the decisions we make, often decide how real God is in our life. Especially those concerning your faith.

Recently I had to make a choice about an issue concerning people, which I have been praying about. God put a word in my heart - "We need to trust God and Love the people." Isn't it so true, many times we can't see beyond today nor can we change yesterday. We don't know what the future holds, and how the wheel of life will turn.

Like Daniel even in the midst of certain death, he defied the King and continued to pray with his window open to the king of kings. Like his companion, they rather choose the furnace then bow down to idols. And though they don't know what the future will bring, they choose to trust God.
Daniel 3:16 "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Seriously, when we read this, have we thought about it ourselves? What happen if you are in their shoes? You know, you will be.... you don't have to worry about that, the principles will stay the same maybe just the circumstances. The decision you choose will determine if God is really real in your life.

When God ask you to forgive your "enemy", would you? If God ask you to endure hardship for him would you? IF faced with certain death, would you still acknowledge God?

Your decision ... will determine the reality of God in your life

Amen

Is God your first love ?

Is God your first love?

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Is God your first love?

This verse is one of the most popular verse among many Christians. We all know we must love the Lord but recently I gained a deeper understanding of this verse in my life.

I used to only think that i have to love God because he first love me and that if I walk in his ways, God will bless my life.
Jos 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. also in Deut 30:16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Then I finally understand why God have to be your first love, I recently have to make some choices in life, which i know if God is not my first love, it would have been difficult to make.
Many times you will not understand situations or circumstances but you just have to trust God and his eternal plan.

When i was in the midst of having to make some important decisions in my life. I asked myself in my mind - "How real is God to me, Do you really love God, Do you trust him?" And as I started to pray, God gave me a real peace and I know that my life belongs to God and God alone, that even if the world was to turn from me... God will always be my first love. And on that very day, i resolve in my mind and my heart that God will always be my first and only true love. Because He is worthy to be loved.

My friends, one day you might one day face the "Daniel situation" as mentioned in my blog yesterday, where your love will be tested and you have to make a choices in life which will determine the extent of your love and trust in God.

The truth is no one will escape this fact, we face daily decisions and the decisions in life often reflect the depth of your love for God.... Ask yourself today Is God truly the love of your life?

Have a blessed Day

God's ultimate desire

God's ultimate desire

Matt 5:13-15 - Salt and Light
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

God's ultimate desire
I have been thinking recently why people burn out and lose their joy in serving God and some who are continually stuck in the cycle of sin.

Many of us know that we should the light of the world but yet many times we seem to be stuck in a rut. I believe right now, we may even know people who are in this situation, their life seem to be going round in circles or they never seem to break out of the cycle of life.

You know serving God and doing many things in ministry does not mean that you love God, But if you love God you will serve God. - The question is how can you tell a person's heart?

Then i discovered one important truth... its the inner spirit and character God wants to deal with all along. Jesus did not train his disciples in abilities or talents, instead he dealt mainly in their attitude, their mind, their character, their spirit and their relationship with God. The sermon on the mount was one such sermon. ( Matt 5)

If you want to live a life truly living to your potential then the tree of life in your heart has to be planted by streams of living water. Psalms 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Now simply put -

WORK ON YOUR DEVOTION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (Prayer Worship, Word of God), Remember that devotion is not bible study... ask God to speak to you in regards to certain area in your life. Ask some hard questions - How's the fruit of the spirit in your life ? Have you been obedient to the commandment of God?

If God had 3 years with you like what he has with his disciples what do you think he will want to change in your life ?

Dear friends if you are stuck in a rut and have been for so long... build the inner man ......within you.

In the next 20 days or so before our church camp... i will share some thought on some Godly characters God taught while he is teaching his disciples.

A life refined I

A life refined. (Devotion)

Paul's Amplified version of the life of Joseph

From the day he was born, Joseph knew he was someone special. Being the youngest in the family of 10 children, Joseph could talk by the age of 1, by 3 he could play a string instrument. By 5 years old, he was amazing people with his understanding of philosophy. Growing up, he was the apple of his parents eyes, everything he needed he got. He accepted the Lord at age 11 and at age 13 completed a bible study degree at the temple.

Of course being so gifted with abilities, his brothers and sisters often cast jealous eyes over him. To make matter worse, he sometimes told them how he would one day rule over them, even his father thought he went overboard. He was young, brash and rash, but there is no denying that Joseph was talented. He loved God, he was gifted, the whole world was in front of him. But God had other ideas, God needed to refine him, to allow him to go through fire to be truly tested and see if he will be faithful.

1 Cor 3:12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flam es.

Many of us knew Joseph in the bible, but recently I began to understand why maybe God had to send him through so many hardships. He was gifted, talented but with talents comes pride and arrogance. And to help Joseph God had to refine him. That is why Paul also had to have his thorn in the flesh.. ( not this paul.. but paul in the bible)

Man is never perfect and many times we need refining by God. I believe Joseph understood, he never blamed God for all his sufferings. I can imagine, what he was thinking when he was betrayed by his own brothers, sold as a slave, framed by his master’s wife, thrown into prison. He could have been bitter, faithless and angry, yet he never once did, in fact I see God’s hand upon his life, everything he did was blessed. So I come to a conclusion, he must have a right spirit before God, he must have prayed and trusted in God, even though he did not understand the situation, he knew God had a plan for him.

The situation taught him about faith, humility, brokenness, that there are circumstances in life beyond our control or understanding, and we need to trust in God no matter the situation. I like Joseph because he had a sweet spirit no matter what happen in his life. And God’s hand was always there to guide him.

Psalms 37: 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

To be who God wants you to be… you first need to understand that every circumstances and situation is there to help you draw closer to God, that there is a reason why God allowed the situation to happen. And instead of feeling bitter, follow Joseph example and in the end God will prove that He is faithful.

TO BUILD GODLY CHARACTER WE NEED CONSTANT REFINING THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Thousand Apologises

My My... what a boo boo i made.. i accidentally deleted my own blog when i was suppose to delete the other blogs i created...

I am not sure how to retrive all the blogs... i made but i am sure I can upload all... my deovtions..

unless someone knows what to do.....Save me!