CREATIVE MIRACLES

I love the banner I saw at the healing service which said "Jesus heals, Jesus restores when you come to HIM". The banner showed picture of a hand reaching out to Jesus. The hand represents the bleeding woman in the bible. She was healed after she touched Jesus' clothes (Read Luke 8). I took a photo with Desmond and Maire in front of the banner. I took a photo of a beautiful flower and coconut pudding. I love coconut pudding! Has anyone had coconut pudding before?

[ I love coconut pudding!]

CREATIVE MIRACLES

When I was a child, I loved to watch magic shows either live or on television. I was entranced by the ability of the magician to pull a rabbit or a pigeon out of his hat. Where did the rabbit or pigeon come from? How did he create something out of nothing? What is the source of his creative power?

After I became a Christian, I read of another creative worker in the Bible. God created the world and universe out of nothing. Then, God created humankind from the dust. During the forty years in the desert, God provided manna from heaven for a population of over a million people. Jesus turned water in wine and fed five thousand people.

I would like to share about another amazing creative miracle through the prophet Elijah.

1 Kings 17:7-16 (New International Version)

7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food." 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" 11 As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread." 12 "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die." 13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' " 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

There was drought and famine in the land. God led Elijah to a widow who had a son. This widow was so poor that she gathered what she had left for one last meal with her son before preparing to die. God however, had other plans. Elijah commanded the widow to give him a portion of her last meal. She didn’t need to fear though; God promised to provide a continual flow of oil and flour until the rain fell again.

The widow obeyed the word of the Lord through Elijah and prepared bread for Elijah. The Bible said God provided for Elijah, the widow and her son everyday during the famine. The jar of oil and floor never ran out. There was a fresh supply from heaven each day. Some theologians believed that the widow cooked over a thousand meals.

Have you ever asked any of the following questions?

• Can God perform creative miracles today?
• Are creative miracles relevant for today?
• How can we pray for creative miracles?

God never changes in character and power

If we believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever as written in Hebrews, then we should also believe that God can perform creative miracles today. If God can create the stars and universe out of nothing, He can do it again today.

Creative miracles are necessary for today

I heard a creative miracle where a lady had both her breasts removed due to cancer. After prayer, God gave her new breasts. I also heard of man who lost his finger due to an accident; after prayer God restored his finger and even gave him a new finger nail. I witnessed a lady who had no eardrum due to an infection. She was deaf for 60 years and after prayer, God gave her a new eardrum and she was able to hear for the first time.

Pray for creative miracles with right motives

We cannot manipulate or force God to do creative miracles on our behalf. God is sovereign and He chooses to do things according to His love and wisdom. We need to be wise in how we ask God for creative miracles. Why should God send down food from heaven when we don’t want to work? I believe we can pray for many creative miracles that can bring glorify His name. People who are sick need creative miracles from God today. Let’s pray with faith for God to performed creative miracles today.

HEALING STORY

I had been suffering from agonizing headaches for three years. After I went out for prayer on Sunday, I felt much relief from my headache. I thank God for His mercy and healing.

Testimony by Rakan

RECHARGED FOR LIFE

I thank God for friends like Kevin and Debbie. We went out for lunch together. They introduced me to a special dessert called 'Fried Durian" (See photo). It was delicious! I love anything to do with durian such as durian ice-cream and durian cake. I had a birthday celebration with some friends. They bought me a nice big chocolate cake. This year I celebrated my birthday about four times, each with a different group of friends. Awesome! I hope you like this blog entry entitled "Recharged for Life". I love to hear your comments.


RECHARGED FOR LIFE

I am a big fan of the electric toothbrush! I have been using it for years since my dentist recommended one to me. He told me that it is an effective way of cleaning my teeth. I love my electric toothbrush because I don’t need to exert much energy to clean my teeth. The only problem I have with my electric toothbrush is that it dies on me occasionally. Sometimes, I do not recharge my electric toothbrush because I want to stretch it to the limit. I want to see how many times I can use it without recharging. Other times, I just simply forget to recharge it because of my busy schedule. I just come in and out of the bathroom without recharging my electric toothbrush.

Similarly, I need to remind myself to recharge my spiritual life and not just run on empty. I make sure that I have a consistent daily devotion with God. I need to allow the word of God to speak to me each day. What is the Holy Spirit trying to tell me in life, relationships and ministry? What is God’s plan for my life at this moment in time?

Three reasons we need to recharge in God:

1. Allows God to give us new strength

In the rat race we can forget the importance of taking time off to rest. We think we can be more productive by working longer hours. But our bodies are not design for non-stop work or ministry. We get burned out or stressed out if we don’t take care of our personal needs or rest. I take a day off each week to go and do the things I love such as going to the beach, swimming, shopping, sightseeing, dinning with friends, movies etc. I try to take my mind off work and ministry because I know that my work will always be there when I return.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

2. Allows God to give us new vision

God is always doing something new in our lives, family and the community. Thus, we need to take time out to seek God and allow Him to speak to us. We are so accustomed to our daily routine. We like to be safe and comfortable when God wants to expand our horizon and vision. The Bible says in Proverbs that we perish without vision. We lose vitality or passion for life, work and ministry when we stop receiving fresh vision from God. I come to God regularly and ask Him for fresh vision for my life and ministry. I strongly encourage you to do likewise, seek God for new vision today!

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. Genesis 15:1

3. Allows God to give us new passion

Life can be like a rollercoaster at times. You experience moments of successes as well as setbacks or challenges. It is so easy and natural to dwell in negativity or pessimism when we encounter setbacks in life. There are thoughts of quitting the race or surrendering to the obstacles or oppositions. The vision that once burned so deeply in our heart is fading away into thin air. Come to God for His comfort and encouragement regularly so you can fulfil every dream and vision for your life. Don’t allow disappointments in life stop you from reaching your God-given potential! I don’t just walk to God but run to Him whenever I need encouragement to fulfil His calling on my life. See you at the top on the mountain by God’s grace!

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2


Healing Story

I was deaf in my right ear for more than ten years. I used to suffer from an ear infection causing pus to come out from my ear. I discovered I could not hear from my right ear. I went to see a doctor but he could not help me. After Peter prayed for me on Sunday, I could hear clearly and even better than before.

By Pauline Lim

LIVING WITH DESTINY

Today is a special today for me because it is the first time I witnessed a creative miracle in healing service. There was a lady who has been totally deaf for 60 years. She has no eardrum because of an infection she had when she was four years old. God gave her a new eardrum and she was able to hear for the first time in 60 years! Glory to God. Read Margaret - Creative miracle story below.


LIVING WITH DESTINY

Esther was an unknown Jewish girl who lost both of her parents. Life was not easy for Esther as she had to learn to survive on her own. She was raised up by her uncle Mordecai. But by God’s divine purpose, Esther was chosen to be the queen of a huge kingdom. The Bible recorded that King Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1). This is every girl’s dream, to be a queen for a huge empire. All the wealth, luxury and comfort possible were at Esther fingertips. However, something potentially catastrophic happened! Haman who was highly regarded by Xerxes wanted to annihilate all the Jews around the world. Read Esther 3:6-12

Esther 4:6-14 (New International Version)

6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. 9 Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." 12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

I would like to share three principles of “Living with destiny” through the life of Queen Esther.

A life of destiny requires knowing the call of God

God has a special calling on every person on earth. When God created a person, He also gave a special purpose and calling upon their life. We only begin to recognise that calling when we have a relationship with Him. The Bible says that sin separated us from God (Romans 3:23). Thus, we cannot know His plan and purpose for our lives. On the other hand, Esther knew about God but she did not recognise God calling for her life to save the Jews from annihilation. God used Mordecai, her uncle to reveal His calling to Esther. Twenty years ago, God revealed my life time calling. He desires for me to go into the nations to bring healing and restoration. Do you know your special calling from God? Seek God today!

A life of destiny requires a willing heart

Esther had a choice to obey or disobey the call of God for her life. She could be silent about her Jewish identity and pretend nothing was wrong or do something to save the Jewish people. Mordecai challenged Esther to rise up to protect and defend the Jewish race from destruction. God brought conviction within Esther to save the Jews. She decided to act on behalf of God’s chosen people even at the risk of losing her title and life. She decided to come before King Xerxes to vindicate the Jews without an invitation. She asked all the Jews in Susa to pray and fast for favour from the King Xerxes. When I received the calling from God to go to the nations, I had to face many personal challenges. I had some fears in my heart like Esther. But God helped me to obey Him by opening many doors for me. When we are willing to obey God, He will do make all things possible!

A life of destiny requires fulfilling God’s purpose.

There was a happy ending to this story because Esther recognised the call of God and was willing to do her part to approach King Xerxes. When King Xerxes learned of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews through Esther, he sentenced Haman to death. King Xerxes also wrote an edict to preserve and protect the Jews in all the nations. Mordecai was honoured by the King Xerxes because he earlier helped stop an assassination plot against the king (Esther 6:1-14). Esther will be forever remembered as the person that God used to save the annihilation of the Jews in history. She fulfilled God’s purpose in her generation! I hope to be remembered as a person that fulfilled God’s purpose in my generation. I want to do all that I can to glorify God. What about you? Do you want to fulfil God’s given purpose in your life? Begin to recognise the call of God and be willing to obey Him.

Healing story: A Creative Miracle

Margaret (aged 64 ) has a totally deaf right ear since she was four years old due to an infection. The doctor told Margaret that her right ear had no eardrum and that her left ear is damaged. After prayers, God performed a creative miracle by providing Margaret a new eardrum. Margaret started to complain that the music was too noisy for her ears. In fact, she had to put tissues in the left ear to reduce the noise. God restored both of her ears. Praise God for this creative miracle.

RAIN-MAKERS WANTED

I am falling in love with Kota Kinabalu! The beautiful islands, beaches and topical fish are amazing! The food in Kota Kinabalu are awesome too! If you like snorkeling and laying on the beach then KK is for you! I had a fun day on the islands and swimming with the colourful tropical fishes. I went to one of the best noodle restaurants in KK with Ps Anthony, Moi Moi and friends. Come to KK and you will not regret it! I sound like a tourist agent. hehehe (See photos)

RAIN-MAKERS WANTED

There had been a famine and drought upon the land for three and half years due to Israel’s rebellion. God called the prophet Elijah to pronounce His judgment upon King Ahab and the people due to their idolatry. God finally decided to bless the land once again because of His compassion and mercy. He called Elijah be to His “Rain Maker” upon the land. (Read 1 King 18:41-46)

1 Kings 18:41-46 (New International Version)

41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

The story of Elijah being used by God to send rain on earth was so faith inspiring that James referred to it in His letter to the churches. (James 5:17-18)

17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18

• What would you do if God called you to pray for blessings upon the land?
• Would you have the faith to believe God to send rain after a long period of drought?
• Would you continue to pray for rain even if when the sky seem clear?
  

Rain Makers are not self -focused but God- focused

Rain did not come easy for Elijah! He is human like you and me but he believed in a supernatural God that can do all things. Sometimes, we can be self-focused by just relying on our own natural abilities and wisdom. We need to partner with the almighty God in this adventure called life on earth. We need to be God focused by seeking His guidance, strength and wisdom.

Rain Makers persist in prayer

Elijah had to persist in prayer and believe God for rain even though the sky was clear. He asked the servant to see if there were any clouds seven times. Eventually, the servant saw a small cloud in the sky the size of a man’s hand. How many times have we been tempted to quit or have quit because we do not receive any answer to our prayers? Elijah waited seven times before he saw a breakthrough in prayer. The breakthroughs that we desire to see maybe are around the corner so don’t give up before God’s appointed time.

Rain Makers stand on the promise of God

Elijah focused on prayer while his servant focused on finding signs of clouds and rain in the sky. They worked together as a team to bring the Word of God into a reality. The Bible says that God’s word will not return in void. (Read Isaiah 55:11)

Isaiah 55:11 (New International Version)

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

God will do what He said and promised. God cannot be mocked. He said to Elijah that there will be rain after the drought. The Bible tells us that the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose; a heavy rain came in verse 45.

Are you willing to let God use you to perform supernatural acts for His glory today? God want to make His fame known to all people of the earth through you and me.

Healing story

I am a new believer who has been struggling with a serious drinking problem. After I went out for prayer for healing on Sunday, I stopped drinking. I also feel strengthened by the Lord and renewal in my spiritual life. It is like I am a brand new person in Christ. Praise God!

ENDURING PASSION

I really thank God for the new friends in my life. I met a wonderful couple called Jason and Florence. We really clicked like old friends because of our common love for God. I stayed at their house and enjoy great fellowship. They took me for a walk along the seaside and we had some refreshing coconut drinks (see photos).

ENDURING PASSION

I am writing this blog entry on the plane, high above the sky and above white clouds. I am inspired to write about having an enduring passion for God. I pray you too will be inspired to have a greater passion for Him.

Over the years, I have developed many passions in my life. I remember when I was young; I had a passion for playing table tennis. I joined a table tennis club where I would develop and hone my table tennis skills and techniques with my coach. For the next few years, Friday night would be a holy night for me. I avoided all social activities so I could attend my weekly training programme. I wanted to compete and win table tennis competitions. I was very zealous for table tennis and won a few tournaments. I started to collect trophies and medals. It was a source of pride to show visitors my sporting accomplishments and I displayed them in my family’s living room.

As I got older, my passion for table tennis waned. I wasn’t as zealous or excited about my Friday night training programme. I only came when I had free time and eventually, I stopped coming altogether. What happened to my passion for table tennis? What happened to my desire to compete and win prizes? My desires had changed over time.

Daily cultivate your passion for God

In the same way, our passion for God and His kingdom may die over time if we do not cultivate our relationship with Him. At first, we are excited about reading the Bible, prayer, fellowshiping with other Christians and ministry. We were willing to make some sacrifices in order to draw close to God and fulfil His purposes.

Don't allow circumstances to affect your passion

Over time though, other priorities may distract us from pursuing God. Our devotion to God fades. We neglect prayer and forget to read His Word. What was once our joy to seek God has become a duty or even a burden.

God wants to restore our passion toward Him today. God never changes. His love and purpose for us remains the same. We need to return to God and seek His face and discover our identity and purpose in Him again.

Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:8-11

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Direct your focus on gaining Christ

Paul’s one burning passion in life was to know Christ and be found in Him. He desired to have an intimate relationship with Christ; a relationship that revealed the power of God in his life. Apostle Paul was not satisfied with just a superficial encounter with God. He wanted everything that God had to offer him through Jesus Christ. Paul’s passion for God was enduring; it lasted the distance even though he faced many trials and oppositions.

I desire to follow Apostle Paul's footsteps. I want my passion for God to last and endure the test of time. I want to keep my relationship with God fresh each day and rely on His grace on everything I do for Him. Let us stir one another to live a life full of passion for God and His purpose.

Healing Story

My name is Linda Ak Kapi. I want to testify how God demonstrated His power to me. I am a housewife and mother of two children. I have experienced back pain for the past five years.

Whenever I do house chores or carry my child, the pain never ceases to disturb me. My doctor advised me to take vitamins for physical strengthening because there is nothing much that can be done to cure my back pain.

Ever since I knew Peter Truong is coming, I started praying for God to touch and heal my back pain and heart. During the first healing service at Kretam, I witnessed so many people getting healed; among them those who also experienced back pain for many years. My faith increased. The second day, I responded to the call to receive prayer. Right after prayer when I tried to exercise my back, amazingly, I found the pain that had been troubling me for five years was gone! Praise the Lord! Written by Linda Ak Kapi