IN HIS LOVING HANDS

I had a wonderful time with my family at Victor Harbor and Granite Island. The township of Victor Harbor has long been a favoured holiday destination. Situated 80km south of Adelaide with a southern ocean frontage, the township offers an enjoyable experience for everyone. The panoramic views of the rugged granite landmark bluff and the well known Granite Island are stunning. (See photos)



IN HIS LOVING HANDS

Life can be full of stresses. We face stresses when we experience something new or something that is out of our control. The common stresses that we faces; moving to a new location, starting a new job or looking for a new job, doing a new ministry in church, taking new responsibility at home or work and going through the different stages of life.

Recently, I was a bit stress when I had to move to a new location. But God reassured me that I am in His loving Hands and He is in control. As I reflected back on this moving experience, I can see the hands of God arranging events and people to assist me.

I would like to share three aspects of our heavenly Father that we can trust and depend in every situation.

A Father always with us

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The Bible describes God as our heavenly Father, not a temporal Father but an Everlasting Father. God is always with us. He is eternal. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God never changes. He is everywhere at the same time. He is watching over His children. King David wrote is Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil , for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. King David knew about the presence of God with him in every situation including danger.

We can trust God because He is with us and will not leave or forsake us (Hebrew 13:5b).

A Father working in us

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

God is the potter and we are the clay. He is working in us to bring out the best in our lives. God will take all of your weaknesses and limitations and transform it into something beautiful. The bible says that we are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10) which means we are “God work of art”. God does not make rubbish! God make things that reflect His image and glory. We are God’s handiwork! We will do many good works for God because He is working in our lives.

A Father knowing our needs

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8

God know all our daily needs. The Bible says God knows what we need before we ask him. God is a personal, intimate and caring. He will not let us always suffer or endure hardship. We may face difficulties for a season but God will provide a way out or help us to go through it.

God will meet our needs the right time and season according to His love and wisdom.

CONNECTING WITH GOD

I spent the afternoon in Adelaide walking along the beach and enjoying the beautiful creation of God. I took some photos with my camera.



CONNECTING WITH GOD

Just like a plant needs water to develop and grow, we need to be connected with God to live an abundant life. When we are connected with God, we are energised, fulfilled, strengthened and empowered. Without God, we will not able to be function at our ultimate best. Even worse, we may even live in confusion, anxiety, fear and stress. King David wrote Psalm 63 about his desperation and longing to connect with God. He had a passion to draw close to God and stay in His presence.

Psalm 63:1-8 (New International Version)

1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

I would like to share three ways about how to get connected with God.

Connecting with God through worship

Over the years, I have learned to connect with God through worship. I set aside time each day to come into the presence of God. I give praise to God for His love, grace, mercy and blessing. It is through worship that we can focus and magnify God. Worship allows us to draw close to God and to hear His voice. I choose a worship album and begin to sing unto God songs of love and thanksgiving.

We can be refreshed and recharged by spending time worshipping God.

Connecting with God through the Word

The Word of God is necessary for a vibrant Christian life. Regular reading of the Word of God will strengthen our spiritual man. The Word of God is like spiritual bread to the soul; without it, we can become spiritually starved or malnourished. God speaks and gives instruction for living and ministry through His words.

Just as a driver needs a road map for directions, a Christian needs the Word of God for direction in life.

Connecting with God through prayer

Every relationship requires communication to prosper. We need communication with God on a daily basis. We can develop trust and obedience to God through prayer. Doubts and unbelief will come when there is no communication with God. Let's be connected with God through talking and listening to Him. God longs to hear our voices in all seasons of life.

Like a father who longs to hear the voices of his children, God love to hear the voices of His children too.

HIS DAILY PROVISION

I had a lovely time at the Gold Coast, Australia with my friends over the Easter weekend. I love the beautiful beaches in the Gold Coast. Below are some photos of the Gold Coast. I am flying off to Adelaide, Australia for a family reunion tonight.


HIS DAILY PROVISION

Sometimes, we go through life worrying about so many things, especially about meeting our daily needs. We worry about our children, our job, our ministry and our future. But God wants to remind us today that He is our provider in all things. We need to learn to trust in God at every stage and development of our lives. I am encouraged by this Bible story about how Jesus provided for Apostle Peter in a unique way: through finding money in a fish (Read Matthew 17:24-27)

Matthew 17:24-27 (New International Version)

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax[a]?" "Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

I like to share three things about God's provision:

God knows our needs before we ask

The Bible says that God knows everything about the past, present and future. He knows when we were born. He knows our favourite foods. He knows our desires, dreams and ambitions. He knows what we lack.

Apostle Peter did not have the money to pay the temple tax. He did not have the two drachmas required to enter the temple and worship God. Peter then approached Jesus explaining about his financial needs. Even before Apostle Peter open his mouth, Jesus explained to him that they needed to pay the tax. Jesus had foreknowledge about the situation.

Whatever situation you are facing in your life, God knows them full well and He has the answer for every situation.

God provides supernaturally

Apostle Peter was a fisherman. Jesus told him to go fishing and find the coin inside the fish to pay the tax. Jesus wanted Apostle Peter to know that He can provide in a supernatural way. We need to look to God to provide for our needs. Sometimes, we don't have all the solutions because we are limited in our resources or abilities. But when we look to God, He can provide in ways that are beyond our imagination. For the last 21 years of being a Christian, I have seen God provide for me in so many ways in my study, career and ministry.

We may have limited resources but God has unlimited resources. He is able to provide for us in supernatural ways.

God wants us to cooperate with Him

Why didn't Jesus make money on the spot even though He had the power to do so? I believe God wants us to partner with Him for our daily provision. We need to do our part and God will do His part. We cannot sit at home and do nothing. Jesus wanted Apostle Peter to go fishing and find the coin inside the fish. When we cooperate with God in life, we will see His miraculous provision.

We need to be obedient to God for His leading and prompting so we can receive His provision for our lives.