A Beautiful Exchange

Today we continued Part 3 of a 4-part sermon series in church: Song of Songs. Learning about Jesus as the Servant is a humbling experience. And I sometimes wonder if we truly appreciate the significance of this teaching in this season. As some in the days of Jesus were, we come with our own expectations and interpretation of who God should rightfully be.

A triumphant One. A mighty One. Unmatched powers and supernatural abilities. At the first sight of him, his opponents flee beyond the ends of the earth.

Yet in the past three Sundays, a different Jesus was portrayed.
A Jesus more concerned about His Father than His circumstances.
A Jesus desired to testify of His Father's Faithfulness over his own image and reputation.
A Jesus who knew what impact would follow the decisions and actions he made.

A common saying nowadays is Jesus is the Reason for the season. 
And that can't be anymore true. This world may have rode on commercializing the significance of Christmas. Truly a season of giving. Yet, it stems from the very first Divine giving, the birth of Christ. Hence this Christmas, means more than just giving of presents; of writing letters and such. These are just forms and ways of expressing our appreciation for each other which is fine, except that one must never forget the Divine Giver. The Greatest Gift.

And so God, I thank You in this season. Of all the storms and gales I'm experiencing, I can still give You thanks and praise. There are certainly much that I do not deserve and yet You have freely given, so Lord may my heart remain in a posture of thanksgiving and waiting upon You.

The coming few days will be of one major transition, masked by the busyness of exams, of FYP, and of preparation for YAY! Camp. Thinking back how I came to the decision to extend my studies did not exactly find favor with people, yet God so graciously has opened doors and opportunities for me.
The wasted years (months in this case), was never wasted. The Lord is good and His faithfulness truly beyond our comprehension. How He closed the door and opened it only after a season of waiting and looking around. How He put me in a spot of choosing between a job or a commitment to the ministry. How He brought about the various Godly counsel who gave me bits of wisdom and their share of experience. How He ushered in different peoples to come forward and introduced me to various potential positions.

It seemed to be a repeat of how I went through each 'major' transition in the past years. The O's. The Diploma. The NS. The Uni. How in each season God has a vastly unique plan setup for me. And this coming season of transition definitely feels a whole lot more fearful than the previous ones. Perhaps because there are certain junctures of decision that I will have to make and steps of faith that will require me to be placed in a vulnerable position. Maybe it's the fear. Maybe it's the memories that hurt. Maybe it's the uncertainty that lies within.

But if God who has proven to never fail in His promises, perhaps it is also a season of change. A season of trusting wholly. A season of pure waiting and patience. A season of pressing God in prayer for a revelation. And I am excited as I put these thoughts down in writing. In the YESs and NOs, I can still give thanks to God for a gift in every experience. A learning curve and a knowing curve. A knowledge that what I know and how I feel is far from what God has already considered and planned out for me.

A Father's Love that is beyond measure. A Servant who cast aside His rightful position to do the Will of His father. How faithfulness triumphed unwillingness. Yet Christ gave Himself knowing that God would raise him up to glory as the price is paid in full.

Knowing He led a meaningful and purposeful life to impact others, how then shall I live?
Knowing He chose to bear a testimony of the Father's heart, how then shall I live?
Knowing He remained faithful in spite of all the odds against him, how then shall I live?

The end of the journey, the knowing of Christ, is just another step taken towards Him.

Faithfulness is a long obedience in the same direction.
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Certain occurrences in recent weeks have really redefined Church for me.
The coming to service on Sundays. The attending of YAY! on Saturdays. The daily devotions with God. The constant mindfulness of God's presence in our lives.
Church has gone way beyond that, and I thank God for inviting along this journey. The different areas of help. The different situations I am exposed to. The unseen cries and hurts that never reaches the ears and eyes of the Church. As I consider my blessings, I am also prepared of greater things to come. Through ministries, is ultimately the goal of furthering the Kingdom of God, bringing the only true Hope to this World.

Push While You Pray

 

Having just finished Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick, has been an incredible journey for myself. The essence of his book was really to encourage Christians to take hold of God's promises and vision in their life, regardless of where they are or what they have been doing, and dare to believe while acting upon His faithfulness.

And I'll probably want to remember this quote he shared from Jim Cymbala, 

I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show himself mightily on our behalf.

Reaching a point in my life that I probably have to make a "major" decision such as a starting job. Up till now, I always thought I had a grip, or a little understanding, of what it meant by Faith. And this book which I bought from my Down Under trip, surely didn't come at a time of coincidence. I believe God must have allowed this book to minister to me as I ponder some of the most difficult decisions.

Now that it is less than 2 months from me entering a new chapter of my life, I find myself being caught in the middle. On one hand, I really can't wait to enter the next phase yet at the same, I hold onto doubts and questions.

One thing for sure. Sun Stand Still has helped to with a motto.
Seize the Vision. Activate the Faith. Make the Move.

It has also given me a fresh perspective of Hope and Faith. How closely assimilated these two traits are, yet so vastly different in their nature. One can choose to stand firm on HOPE yet another finds himself choosing to move by FAITH. The very fact that characters from the Bible have lived out by that principle is likely a lesson God would want His people to comprehend. To know that beyond the Promise and Progress,  there is a Process which His people undergoes.

As for myself, I do look forward to that Process.
The first job.
The next relationship.
The Calling in Life.

For sure and for real it may be tough, it may require endurance. But I have a Hope. A Hope given by the Most High. A Promise to those who seek after Him with all their hearts, to live out His Purpose, will find themselves living by it.

I may have little to offer, but God is more concerned about how much I am willing to offer out of the little.

Pray. Pray for a participation in His miracles and not just a speculation. Pray for fresh revelations constantly and as with any intimate relationship, in deeper love. Pray for a renewal of mind and strength as I face each new day's challenges. Pray for not just a changed life, but a channel for life-changing as well. Pray not for my desires alone, but through seeking His portion for me that I find my satisfaction.

What the Lord can do

Joshua 6 (Fall of Jericho):

It only serves to remind me all the more that certain matters only God can deliver since often we try to take things into our own hands. In the case of taking Jericho, the Lord showed Himself strong before Israel. All it was needed on Israel's part was to obey in faith what was told of them to do and the Lord was with them.

The marching around the wall for 6 days.
The marching around the wall for 7 times on the 7th day.
The united shouting at the sound of the ram's horn.
I'm pretty sure the walls would never have collapsed without the intervention of a supernatural power.
Surely Israel had to trust in God again after what they have been through with Him all that years right? Even if those who were brought out of Egypt had died, this new generation had seen how God stopped the Jordan river, how He brought down the walls of Jericho!

*Having personally encountered God in our lives/generation, has there been any transformation in us? Has our faith in Him to do greater things increased?

Got me thinking about Rahab as well. How would she feel when her country is being captured by another? When her fellow countrymen are dying outside, when the fall of her country was solely because of her one lie.

Joshua and the spies remembered Rahab for what she had done for Israel. Likewise, things we do have lasting impact and consequence. In the case of Rahab and the spies, if Rahab chose not to believe in the spies' word of trust to spare her and her family, Joshua may never know the situation within Jericho. Yet the effects of Rahab's one lie and trusting the spies, an entire nation/city falls and burns to the ground.


*Our actions has consequences, perhaps even lasting effect on ourselves and people around us. How are you making decisions in life? Is God in the centre of your decisions?

Joshua 7 (Achan's Sin):

Seems to me the Lord has a perfect track record in winning battles and wars. Why do I say so? When the Israelites were struck down (36 out of 1000), their hearts melted and became like water. Which battle in our history has no casualties? Reading this just sets me thinking beyond the numbers. When the Israelites do not win, they knew immediately that the Lord was not with them. Surely they had sinned against Him in the process.

I was caught by verse 10, The Lord said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." 

Joshua could not figure what they had done wrong to lose an 'easy battle' but the Lord clearly knows it all. He instructed Joshua to sieve out the culprit who had sinned against what the Lord had commanded. From tribe by tribe down to man by man, the culprit was pinpointed and there was no second chance. Achan and his children and all that he had was stoned and burned in the valley of Achor, as the Lord had instructed.

...for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought, how important it is for us to remember that nothing is hidden from God. But if we have displeased the Lord in a certain decision or action, then the rightful thing to do is turn back to Him. The Israelites did not have Jesus as their Saviour back then, but they knew very well the need to live transparently before the Lord and in every part of their lives, devote to Him.


*Is there a (dark) area of our lives that we need to surrender to Him? Perhaps it has been hindering us from coming back into His arms?


Joshua 8 (Ai Destroyed):
*Power in raised hands*


The symbolic act of raising hands is traced back to the times of Joshua, even Moses. The more familiar story that we all know is that Moses parted the Red Sea through the raising of his staff (of course we know God was the One who did the parting!), Moses also kept his hands raised during the battles and when his arms were tired and his hands were down, they began to lose the war. So significant is the raising of hands as an outward expression of Faith. Raising of hands is a common sign in this world of Surrender. But as people of God, we surrender not to our enemies but to the Lord our God. We surrender ourselves to Him and allow Him to intervene. 


Verse 18: Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city." So Joshua held out his javelin toward Ai.

When we come together and worship God, often we see some people raising their hands in worship. No doubt it is a symbolic act of surrendering ourselves as a living sacrifice, it is a personal conviction to do so. For myself, it has been helpful because physically raising my hands brings about surrendering inside me. It cannot be described in words but when the Holy Spirit comes and takes over, you know you have entered into His presence with a surrendered heart.


*God desires a surrendered heart in those seek Him with all their heart. Have you surrendered to Him?


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Today marks a 40 day journey for myself even as I prepare myself for the coming Australia trip. I know what I am seeking the Lord about but more importantly, I want to seek Him about what He has for me, what He wish to say to me. Lord the future is uncertain but You are certain.


Your Love is sure. Your Faithfulness is sure. Your Grace is sure.
Let all of my hope be in You and You alone.

Your Love never fails, it never gives up. It never runs out on me.

What is next?

Serving God has never been such faith-raising. I remember how comfortable it was whenever I needed cash for a mission trip or getting some big-ticket item, God always provided from within my home: the Father Fund.

It was really easy and I saw that as His means of providing especially when my dad refuses to accept God in a nice way. It was only last year that I resolved to moving in faith.

So last December for my mission trip to Myanmar, a group of loving brothers and sisters chipped in for my trip though I really really never expected it for my birthday! It was the beginning of something new for me, to learn to operate in complete faith and comprehend just how much love that is around me!

Finance is definitely a big issue in serving God but perhaps, He knows it so well that He assures us of His providence as well as not to serve money but God himself only. Money is only a means of glorifying Him.

So this year, having to scrimp and save for church camp and my upcoming Australia trip to Hillsong/Sisterhood has been a journey on the line of Faith. Seeing how God always came through for me only reminded all the more that I will never be able to outgive Him.

After all, I did pray to God to give me no more or less to what I need, that i may never forget Him in the process. Going by Faith has made me realize so much more life to come and I am only beginning to appreciate and understand how things work and go around me.

And before me, I know there'll be issues and matters way bigger than myself, things that only the sovereignty of God can bring to pass. And the pleasing response to Him is to upkeep a devoted heart to Him regardless and offer ALL of myself to Him, for Him.

Wait upon the Lord

Jesus spent 30 years of His life preparing for 3 years of ministry.
Likewise other bible characters who devoted most or all of their lives to serve God, the challenge came to me "How much preparation have I undergone in serving God?"

Yesterday's meeting was meant to be a walkathon meeting but somehow at the start of the meeting, no one turned up except Pastor himself and I. We ended up with a good hour chatting about ministry and full-time calling. He had been asking me to think about it and he wasn't even subtly hinting!
I did pour out my concerns to him despite the desire, and he was really sensitive and gentle to hear me out and gave his counsel.

In the recent spate of events, I figure there is still a looong process of transformation within me. I experienced what the Bible meant "doing things yet without love"; bearing a teachable and humble heart; and so much more.I've always considered myself "young" when I look at my fellow leaders but I have to acknowledge that continual learning must be in place. I must see beyond being the 'young one' and work on my faith through His grace, in whichever areas I'm lacking in especially.

One of the precious counsel I've received is being mindful of the presence of God, and this applies beyond my current state. I suppose it's one of the hardest disciplines to maintain but when one has consistently practiced it, one can discern His leading quite clearly and walk in the centre of His will.

God I want to do things Your way, even if it means praying and waiting on You. To trust You in this season of waiting, to open the door of opportunity in Your timing according to Your perfect will, simply because You are my Creator and You know best. I offer myself to You for Your shaping of myself because there is just so much in me to be worked on. The best gift I can offer to another child of God is not things of this world but my Love for You, so here I am availed to You. In this season, teach me; lead me and guide me to delight in You and surrender the desires of my heart to You.

Early next morning...

Jesus spent a good deal of His time by Himself and seeking the Father.

'Timeout'.

Perhaps this coming 3 weeks 'by myself' is God's timely answer.
So much to hear from Him about, to ask of Him yet only one thing is really needed.

Jesus, be that one thing I need. That will never be replaced.

UN - expected

These few days been an emotional roller coaster and has got me thinking about my future.

Also, the challenge was brought up.

Do you want a good life?


So I thought to myself, what is my definition of a good life.

Well I'm still learning to take things positively and learn as much as I can out of every experience.
Because of Jerm. 29:11, I can rejoice and hope in the Lord.
Because of John 3:16, I am reassured in the Lord.

Simply because of who He is, I can rely on Him to lord over my life.

On a side note, I re-contacted a dear friend who went MIA for some time.
I'm glad we talked; I'm glad we'll get to meet up soon; I'm grateful for this opportunity.

Lord, use me. Amen.

More is less, or less is more?

Sometimes I really wonder, why am I piled with more when I desire for less.

And if you're wondering what I'm talking about, you're probably not in contact with me for quite some time. But everyone is busy running around with their own lives, thank you for reading my post though. =)

I'm referring to the ministries I'm in.

Not that I want to "build a portfolio", but somehow I always end up serving.

But thank God for the timely revamp, changes are coming up around the corner.

In May when the IS launches together with the new youth cell groupings, I really look forward to it.

A whole new chapter.

A whole different group of sheep. Mostly 17-19 yrs old.

Sarah - we must start praying and seeking for the direction for cell =)

This current youth cell has undergone a major change, merging with another youth cell for only months. Yet, change is coming again. Some of the youth have given negative responses regards to the IS and there are those excited about the new cell groupings.

Mixed feelings.

It's in me too...

I can only hope and pray for God to give us the best, simply because He loves us.

This cell is not mine nor anyone's, it's His.

This group of younger lives are in my hands, and I ought to give my all to shepherding them.

Teaching them to love; to be faithful; to rise up against circumstances and trusting God.

Seems like the key issue in church these days is Integrate.

A timely reminder for me...To integrate my Christian life fully into my school/personal life.

It should never be a compartmentalized living.

That's not living by faith.

Looking ahead! =)

Lord, I commit into Your loving Hands.

All that we have, all that we plan.

It is Yours and Yours alone.

2 times 2 equals?

Now that I'm a week from turning 22 years old on earth.

I really wonder what is in store for me in the future...

What does God have in mind?

I wonder...