THE PROMISE CLAIMER

I had the privilege of staying in a nice hotel recently. I took some photos of the scenery around the hotel on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I just love walking and relaxing along the sea. I feel peace and joy when I see blue sky above and ocean below because it reminds me of our awesome Creator.


THE PROMISE CLAIMER

I thank God for wonderful parents who took good care of me and my siblings. My parents had their hands full; they had seven children: six boys and one girl. I was known as number five in the family because I was the fifth oldest. I had a loving mother; she did her best to provide for our needs. I remember asking my mother to make a new shirt for me to wear for a party. She promised me that she would make a nice shirt in time for the party. I did not doubt her promise, I just simply believed her because she said it. Sure enough on the day of the party, I had a brand new shirt to wear.

I like the story of the royal official who came to Jesus with a request to heal his son from a critical illness in John 4:46-53.

John 4:46-53 (New International Version)

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death."Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour."Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed.

Promise Claimers trust in the character of God

The royal official begged Jesus to come to his home and heal his son who was close to death. Jesus was not able to visit the official’s home. Instead, Jesus just gave a promise that his son will be restored to wholeness. The Bible says that the royal official did not question Jesus’ words but he just believed and headed home. A servant brought him the good news of the restoration of his son which occurred when Jesus gave the promise.

Promise Claimers wait for God’s timing

God desires for us to be “The Promise Claimer” like the royal official in John 4:46-53. We need to believe what God has promised to us in the Bible and claim it by faith. Sometimes, God’s promises come to pass instantly like this story. Other times, God’s promises could take much longer; Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years for their son Isaac.

Promise Claimers seek the presence of God

It is important to have an intimate relationship with God so we can discover His unlimited and good promises for us. I want to be a “Promise Claimer” because I know that God has many good things in store for my life. Would you seek God today? Would you allow God to give you His many wonderful promises? Would you trust God to fulfil His promises in your life? Be a “Promise Claimer” today.


A HEALING STORY

I had been suffering from a hyper-thyroid problem for about 10 years and there was a swelling of the thyroid gland on both sides of my throat, like a lump.

Whenever I drink water, I can feel the muscles in my throat cramp up and it was difficult for me to swallow. Last week, when Pastor Peter Truong invited those who wanted healing to go to the altar for prayer, I went forward. As Peter prayed for me, I felt a heat sensation on my throat. I put my hand on my throat and felt a difference; the swelling was gone. Two of my younger sisters confirmed that the swelling has gone and my throat is now looks normal. When I drink water now, there is no more discomfort or cramp. I would like to thank God for healing me and thank Peter Truong and the church leaders for their prayers. Praise God! God bless you all.

Testimony by Phua Siew Hia

INHERITING THE BLESSING

I had a wonderful opportunity to visit the Oil Museum. The museum was located on the top hill overlooking the whole city. Like a good tourist, I took some photos.


INHERITING THE BLESSING

I am currently reading the book of Joshua. I am inspired by all the people of faith who conquered the Promised Land because of their audacious faith in their almighty God. One person that really caught my attention is Caleb. He was a man full of faith, ready to claim and fight to receive his inheritance which God promised to him forty years ago. I would like to share three principles about “Inheriting the blessing” from God from Joshua 14:6-12.

Joshua 14:6-12 (New International Version)
Hebron Given to Caleb

6 Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.' [a]

10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Be a person of conviction

Conviction is a powerful word. A personal conviction can move us to do nothing or to do something great for God. After the twelve spies returned from the Promised Land, ten of the spies were convicted that they will be defeated by the giants of the land. Caleb had a different attitude. He saw things through the eyes of faith. He was totally convicted that God would give them the victory over the giants in the land. How convicted are we about God’s love, power and plan for our lives? Are we certain of His unfailing love toward us who love Him? If we continue to doubt God’s character and His purposes for our lives, then our conviction will diminish and we will live in fear and unbelief. Hence, we can miss out the many blessings that God has for us. Live with deep conviction in God’s faithfulness and goodness.

7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, Joshua 14:7

Be a person of promise

Recently, I promised a child that I would take him for a swim in the pool. Every day, he reminded me of the promise that I gave him. He never forgot the words I said regarding the swimming trip. For forty years, Caleb never forgot the promise of God for his inheritance given through Moses. I am sure as he walked through the desert each day, he envisioned a day when he will enter and conquer the Promised Land according to the promise of God. How real are God’s promises for your life, family and ministry? Is the promise of God still fresh and alive or has it been dulled by the busyness of life or despair? Let us continue to believe that God will fulfil His promises no matter how long it takes.

10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! Joshua 14:10

Be a person of action

Sometimes, God pours blessings into our lives without us doing anything to gain it. Other times we have to partner with God to receive His blessings. Caleb was ready to go to the hill country and take hold of his inheritance, even at the age of eighty-five. He did not allow his age or the circumstances hinder him to take hold of God’s promise. Caleb pursued the God-given dream to possess the land as his own. We need to partner with God so we can take hold of our spiritual inheritance.

11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Healing Story

Today in Victory Family Church, Bintulu healing meeting, a lady who had hearing problem for over a year. After prayer, she was healed by God.

THE DOOR OPENER

I love Walt Disney films because there is always a good message behind every movie. I had an opportunity to watch “G-Force” with Thomas Ling in Kuching. I really enjoyed this family movie about four guinea pigs that can talk and perform special feats and are trained as spies. The message behind the movie is about being part of a family. I think it is great to always be reminded about the importance of family. We need one another in the family for support, encouragement and development. After the movie, I am really looking forward to my annual family reunion in 2010. Here are some photos at the movie.


THE DOOR OPENER

Do you believe that God can open doors of opportunities for you? In the past 20 years of my Christian life, I have experienced God opening many doors for me. Firstly, God opened the door for my family and me to live in Australia. He opened door for me to enter into university and study a good degree. Then, He made a way for me to enter into healing ministry.

I would like to share from Acts 16:6-10 on how God opened door for Apostle Paul to start his ministry in Europe.

Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit

Sometimes in life we don’t know the right path to take because we have so many good choices to choose from. What should I study? Where should I work and live? Which ministry should I get involved with? Apostle Paul and his companion had many places to share the gospel and pioneer churches. They did not go according to their natural instincts but they were directed by the Holy Spirit. They were told where to go and where not go because of opposition or persecution. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us through life’s decision just like Apostle Paul and his friends did. God will guide us through His word, our spiritual mentors and circumstances to lead us to walk in the right path in life.

Follow God’s eternal purpose

Nothing happens by chance. God did not wake up one morning and randomly decide to create the universe, the human race and the nations. He has planned everything since the beginning of time. Read Acts 17:26-28. The Bible says:

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

God had a vision for Apostle Paul and his companions to go to Macedonia. God wanted the people in Europe to know His eternal purpose and used Apostle Paul to fulfil His vision. God wants us to exchange our small plans and purpose for His. When we are willing to surrender our lives to God’s eternal purpose, we will see God open many doors in our path.

Do you want God to give you more opportunities in this life? I want to inspire you to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow God’s eternal purpose. Let us live in God’s amazing adventure now!

THE JOY GIVER

I am currently going through a period of fasting and prayer. It has been a long time since I have done a 40 days of fasting and prayer. I sense the need to seek God for a greater breakthrough in my life. It will be exciting to see all the miracles that God is going to do as I seek His presence. I took some photos on the beach in Kuching (below)


THE JOY GIVER

Is it possible for a whole city to experience the joy of God? Every time we open the newspaper or watch the news on television, we hear bad news. There is the H1N1 flu spreading around the world. There is the Global Financial Crisis. There are the natural disasters hitting Samoa, Indonesia and the Philippines. According to the Bible, we can find joy and strength in Christ even when we are going through trials and challenges. There is always hope and not despair when we look to Christ. I would like to share how a city experienced the joy of God in Acts 8:4-8.

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:4-8

The truth is made known

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.

The joy of God came to a city in Samaria because Philip went there to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a saying that if there is no God, there is no hope. Many people live in this world without knowing a loving God who sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for their sins. I am so glad someone shared the truth about Christ to me 20 years ago. Let us make known the truth to people around us about a loving and caring God.

People experienced the reality of Jesus

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.

The people experienced the power of Jesus when Philip performed miraculous signs in the name of Jesus. Christianity is not about religious rituals or traditions. Christianity is about a personal relationship with God. I believe and follow Jesus because of the personal relationship I have with Him. Jesus is alive! He longs to communicate to us and touch our lives when we surrender to Him.

Freedom from sins, bondage and sicknesses

With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

There is power in the message of the Christ. Many people were set free from evil spirits and sickness when Philip prayed for them. Lives were being transformed by the power of God through Jesus Christ. The miracles attested to the fact that Jesus, who was crucified on the cross, was not dead but has risen. Jesus came to set people free from sins, bondage and sickness. Do you need healing today? Come to Jesus in faith because Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Healing Story

On Sunday during the healing service a lady who had a lump in her neck, which affected her ability to swallow for 10 years, was healed. The lump disappeared after prayer. She can now swallow freely. Praise God!