THE JOY OF THE LORD

We had our first Australia day celebration service in Brisbane. Chris Bee and the team did a great job organising this event. We had a sausage sizzle before the event and everyone had a great time of fellowship. Pastor Lance amused everyone with his wonderful sense of humour. with his humor. I thank God for his life; he is my spiritual mentor. Pastor Wilson gave a wonderful message about Australia and its history and how God wants to bring His blessings to this nation.

Some photos with my friends

Photo: Holding the Australian flag (above)

Photo: Having BBQ before the service (above)

Photo: Group photo with working adults (above)

Photo: Group photo of youth group (above)

Photo: A beautiful day in Brisbane (above)

Photo: With my African friends (above)

Photo: With my Australian friends (above)

In 2009, I desire to have more "Joy of the Lord". I am learning about the "Joy of the Lord" from my online bible college course. Joy is not based on the things happening about us but base on knowing and trusting in God. Here are some of the ways we can receive joy

• We receive joy by abiding in God and the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17

• We receive joy by the Word of God (Psalm 19:8)

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8

• We receive joy by trusting God (Psalm 5:11)

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

• We receive joy by serving others (Luke 10:17)

I received a wonderful news this week that bring joy to my heart from a friend. God answered her prayer to have baby after trying for a few years. This news brought joy to my heart because I was a part of praying for this miracle. I want to encourage everyone to serve God with great faith because we have a miracle working God.

He wants to bring joy to everyone through His love and power.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR IN AUSTRALIA

My new year's resolution was to start and complete a "Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology at an online bible college. After much encouragement from Pastor Wilson and friends, I decided to apply for bible college study in 2009. I thank God for my church friends who really motivated me to do this course. I have completed one module called "Focus on God" and almost finish the next module "Evangelism". I am learning and growing in God through this adventure. If you ever get a chance to study at an online bible college, I highly recommend it.

I really want to be adventurous and daring in 2009. I want to attempt new things for God that go beyond my limitations and fear. I guess life is too short to live within our comfort zones. We need to step out into the unknown and see God move in our lives.

Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)

13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Below are photos of my Christmas and New Year

[Above: Photo at lunch after church service]

[Above: Photo of friends wearing pink - coloured clothes]

[Above: Photo with Ps Lance & Belle]

[Above: Photo of Hope Gold Coast at New Years Celebration]

[Above: Photo of Christmas Eve party with Judah students]

[Above: Photo of our Christmas Party]

[Above: Friends and I have a fun time singing carols]

[Above: Photo of Christmas Dinner Party]

I went to Gold Coast for five days over the New Year period to seek God. I thank Tom and the brothers at ministry house for their hospitality. One thing that God spoke to me the most was to believe Him for greater personal victory and anointing in healing ministry for 2009. I was desperate before God in prayer. I asked Him to use me as a channel of His blessing to the nations like Abraham in the bible.

Genesis 12:2 (Amplified Bible)

2And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].

My prayer is for all of us to receive great blessings from God: an abundant increase of God's favour so that we can be a great blessing to our family, friends, community and to the world.