CHOSEN INSTRUMENT

I have been attending the 5am morning prayer this week. I need to get up at 4am to get ready for morning prayer. It is a bit tiring because I am not a morning person. When I arrived at the meeting, I was surprised to see so many people seeking and worshiping God. I believe God will reward everyone who seeks His face diligently and with a sincere heart.



CHOSEN INSTRUMENT

When I was reading Acts 9:15, the phrase "Chosen Instrument" really struck me in the heart.

But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. Acts 9:15

God desires to His chosen instrument

It is just like a carpenter who has many tools at his disposal so he can use it for a specific purpose. For example, a carpenter uses a saw to cut the wood, uses a hammer to strike the nail to the wood and a carpenter uses a drill to make a hole. Every tool in the hands of the carpenter was designed for a special purpose and function. God is like a carpenter who desires to use the tools, which represent believers, for His glory. Saul was God’s chosen instrument to become an apostle for his generation.

Apostle Paul planted churches wherever he went. Apostle Paul performed miracles, signs and wonders among the people. Read Acts 14:8-10

In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. Acts 14:8-10

A lame man since birth was able to walk for the first time after Apostle Paul commanded him to stand up on his feet in the name of Jesus.

We need to respond to God's calling

The fact we are chosen by God does not answer the question of how we should live our lives. Do we live our lives with a sense of purpose and destiny or do we just live an ordinary life? I believe God desires for all believers to be His chosen instrument. We are not all called to be like Apostle Paul but God desires to use all of us in a meaningful and significant way for our generation. Read John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16

Bearing abundant fruits for God

God desires all of His children to go and bear fruit for Him wherever they are called. Some people are called to be in the marketplace, some are called to be at home, some are called to study and some are called to full-time ministry. When we follow the call of God to be His chosen instrument, many lives will be blessed and transformed.

I am praying that God would use all of us as His chosen instruments to bring blessings to the multitudes in 2010. Let's be God's chosen instrument in 2010.

EXPLORING THE FISH MARKET

I had a fun day exploring the fish market and taking photos. The fishes are caught and sold on the same day. There are a great variety of fishes, prawns and crabs sold at the market. The fishes are also cooked on the grill for hungry shoppers. I thank Minghan for his wonderful hospitality. He took me to many nice places to eat and sightseeing. I had a great holiday. (See photos)


IT IS FINISHED

With His last breathe on the cross; Jesus uttered these three words, “It is finished”. What was on His mind when He cried out “It is finished”? His death of the cross is not fully understood by many people in the world. Many people think Jesus was a good moral person, a carpenter, a Jewish teacher or a religious fanatic. Jesus’ death on the cross has little or no significance to many people for many reasons. Perhaps, people did not know why he died in the first place. Perhaps, people think it was just a historical event. Perhaps, people are misinformed about the purposes of Jesus’ death.

I would like to share what Jesus’ death means for us today.

Jesus’ death gave birth to new relationship

God is a holy God and not one could come near to God except the high priest in the Old Testament. The high priest could only come to the most holy place to offer animal sacrifices to God on behalf of the people once a year. If the high priest committed sin, he will be struck down by God and his sacrifices and prayers will be not accepted.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:14-16

Jesus became the great high priest for mankind. Jesus offered His body as a living sacrifice for the sin of the people because there were no sacrifices that can wipe away the sin of mankind. The curtain of the temple was torn after the death of Jesus to make a way to a new relationship with God. We now have direct access to God because Jesus died for our sins. We can come directly to God through Jesus to help us in time of need.

Jesus’ death gave birth to eternal life

No one likes to face the reality of death because there is a natural instinct to live. When God created Adam and Eve, death was not part of His plan. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and suffered the consequences of their sins. They were driven away from the tree of life.

The good new is that two thousand years ago, God sent Jesus into the world to save mankind from eternal punishment by dying for their sins on the cross.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Bible says that Jesus have risen from the death. He overcame death to give life to mankind.

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. Romans 6:9-10

Jesus' death brings eternal life to all who receive His gift of salvation.

A YEAR OF MIRACLES

I had a wonderful seafood dinner with Ps Anthony, Moi Moi and friends in KK. We ate shellfish, crabs, prawns etc. See photos.

MUSIC VIDEO: HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

A YEAR OF MIRACLES - 2010

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14

When we declare the greatness of God, we will see the greatness of God in our lives.Let us believe God for the following miracles to take place in 2010.

Miraculous Provision

God supernaturally provides for the needs of His people, just like how he provided for the Israelites in their time in the wilderness in the Old Testament. God provided water, manna and quail in the desert for the Israelites for forty years. Their clothes and shoes never wore out for forty years. Our lack can become God's miraculous provision. I love to see that God bless His people so much so they can be a blessing to the people around them. We are blessed by God to be a blessing to others with greater needs. (Read Phil 4:19, Numbers 11:7-9, John 2:1-12, Matthews 17:24-27)

Miraculous Encounter

Let us draw closer to God to receive greater experience of His love, grace, mercy, peace, joy and victory. I desire for a greater encounter with the living God in 2010. I want my past experiences with God to seem faint compared with my new experiences with God. Moses had an encounter with God in the wilderness that changes his destiny and those living under slavery in Egypt. Encountering with the living God can result in live transformation. (Read Exodus 3, Psalms 23, Romans 8:37)

Miraculous Power

The miracles of God recorded in the book of Acts are for today too! Miracles can become a part of a Christian’s life because Jesus is alive. God can move powerfully when we pray for ourselves, families, communities and the nations. The sick will be healed, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the paralysed will walk, the barren will bear children, those possessed by evil spirits will be set free and cancer will be gone in the name of Jesus. (Read Joshua 10:12-14, 1 King 18:16-40, Acts 4:30-31)

Let's believe God for a miraculous year of provision, encounter and power in 2010.

MY CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

I am writing this blog on Christmas day. I had one of the most memorable Christmases this year. It has been a long time since I celebrated Christmas in Asia. I met up with many new and old friends for Christmas Eve and Christmas day lunch. I ate some yummy food over the past few days and enjoyed great fellowship. It is wonderful to spread the joy and love of God during this festive season. Here are some of my Christmas photos with friends.


MY GOOD GOD!

Once again, I cannot help but say that Jesus is "My Good God!" I was really blessed by reading Ephesians 3:20 this week. I am reminded that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine because He is working within us. God has a good plan and future for all His children. As we approach 2010, let's continue to believe God for greater things in the coming year.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Eph 3:20

There are three things that I would like to highlight about the goodness of God.

HE PROVIDES

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19

We have a God who provides. Whatever we lack in our lives can become God's miraculous provision. Come before God in prayer and petition because He is a God that supplies all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. God provides more than just material things. He provides peace, joy, love, direction, wisdom and more that money cannot buy.

HE RESTORES

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2Tim 1:7

God can restore our confidence and restore us from disappointment, sadness, misfortune and broken hearts. Like a potter restores a broken vase. God can restore our broken lives. I was once a very timid person until God came into my life and began to transform me into a new person. When we invite Jesus into our lives, Jesus begins the life transformation. Jesus changes us through His power and love working within us.

HE HEALS

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus died to take away our sins and heal our physical body. I am really encouraged to hear a testimony in church of a person who was healed from the effects of a stroke after prayer. He was paralysed because of a stroke but Jesus healed him after receiving prayer. He is now able to walk and run. I want to believe God for more healing miracles to happen in 2010. Indeed, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. The miracles Jesus performed 2000 years ago is also occurring today. Amen!

BE A GOD PLEASER

When you are in Asia, there are so many good eating places. I had the privilege of going to a nice restaurant for lunch with Ps Jimmy and leaders. The food was awesome! We had dim sim and roast duck in pancake. I took some photos of the food for your viewing and to whet your appetites!


BE A GOD PLEASER

During my devotions this week, I read one scripture that really brought deep conviction and challenged my heart.

for I (Jesus) seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
John 5:30b

Jesus’ ultimate desire was not to please himself or others, but God alone. Wow! This statement really hit me like an arrow. So many times, we live our lives for ourselves. I call this kind of lifestyle as "Self Pleasing".

Self Pleasing brings loneliness and isolation

For the first twenty years of my life, I was a "Self Pleaser". I did things for my own pleasure and enjoyment without much thought of others. I was the king of my life. No one mattered except for me. This selfish lifestyle brought much loneliness and isolation for me. I saw people as a means of getting what I wanted, rather than thinking about how I could bless them.

20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20

Apostle Paul did not live for himself. He submitted his life in service unto God.

"Others Pleaser" brings fear and conformity

The second lifestyle that I lived was what I call "Others Pleasing". We live to please other people around us. Other pleasers try their best to make everyone around them happy in order to gain acceptance or keep the peace. We are afraid of losing friends, even if it comes at the expense of our personal convictions or moral behaviour.

for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
John 12:43

I used to go clubbing every night or got up to mischief, just to increase my popularity among certain friends. There is always a sub-conscious fear of rejection within me if I don’t please the people around me. I lost my own identity and creativity because I wanted to conform to others or to please them.

"God Pleaser" brings freedom and fulfilment

After I became a Christian, I decided to have different lifestyle. I aimed to be a "God Pleaser" and I noticed some positive changes. Being a "God Pleaser" means I no longer live to please myself or other people, but I live to please God. It was not an easy decision because our society teaches us to focus on ourselves, rather than being God-focussed. However, when we decide to take the radical step of following Jesus’ teaching, we will witness life transformation, freedom and fulfilment.

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work". John 4:34

Personally, I have seen so many blessings as I decided to live for God's purposes for my life. I have seen God bringing out the talents and giftings in me to bring blessings to many people around the world. I discovered that when I surrendered my life to God, it was when I began to truly live! I would like to challenge you to be different by choosing to be a "God Pleaser" and see the wonderful life transformation that follows. Dare to be a "God Pleaser".

MUSIC VIDEO: FRIEND OF GOD

ENDLESS LOVE OF GOD

I just love walking around the city and seeing all the Christmas decorations. I like riding on the monorail and seeing the cars below. I am looking forward to celebrate Christmas in Asia. I know there will be plenty of good things to eat during this time. I would like to gain to some weight during this period. Below are some photos of the monorail, shopping centres and Christmas decorations.

ENDLESS LOVE OF GOD

I am so grateful for the love of God. I have known God for twenty years and His love for me has been so amazing. Where would I be today if I had not experienced God's love for my life?

I would like to share six aspects of God love from Psalm 145:13-19.

1. God's love is revealed through His faithfulness

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

God is faithful to all His promises. What He promises will come to pass at the proper time. Don't fret if you do not see the fulfilment of God's promises because He will certainly bring it to fruition in His time. God does not lie.

2. God's love is revealed through His encouragement

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

God is always there to pick us up when we fall. He encourages us to go beyond our capabilities. He helps us to overcome the challenges we face in life.

3. God's love is revealed through His provision

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

God is our provider. As a father wants to provide the very best for his children. God wants to provide for our daily needs. Allow God to satisfy your innermost desires and needs today.

4. God's love is revealed through His righteousness

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

God is righteous and perfect. The more we walk with God, the more we become like Him in character. When we walk in God's righteousness, we will have peace and joy in our hearts.

5. God's love is revealed through His presence

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

God is ever-present. We can call upon Him any time. He is always near us to help in our time of need. The Bible says God will never leave or forsake us.

6. God's love is revealed through His salvation

19 He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

God is our deliverer. He set us free from the power of sin and saved us from judgment to give freedom and eternal life. Our salvation came with a price, however. Jesus Christ died for us on the cross so that we can receive the gift of salvation.

Don't take the love of God for granted. Let us really appreciate what God has done and forward His love to someone.

MUSIC VIDEO "WHO AM I"

POWER PRAYER (PART 1)

It is wonderful to catch up with friends from around the world at a convention. I was happy taking photos with friends. Everyone looks so cool in the photos! Please let me know if your photos are in my blog. I love to hear from you!

POWER PRAYER

While the disciples were with Jesus in a certain place, one disciple asked Jesus about prayer. I guess the disciple wanted to know how to have a powerful and effective prayer life like the master. Jesus shared with them a parable to highlight some important principles of prayer. Read Luke 11:5-9

5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

I believe Power Prayer involves the following:

Power Prayer involves asking

When I was growing up, there were times when I did not want to ask anyone for help. I just wanted to be independent and self sufficient. I would struggle on my own in order to achieve something or acquire something. I guess all of us have an independent nature where we don't want to bother the people around us. We try to make things happen through our own efforts. We feel shy or reluctant to ask for help because it may be seen as a sign of weakness or inadequacy. In this parable, this man was bold in asking his friend for help, despite the inconvenient time. He was not self-conscious but he wanted to provide for his guest, who was at home and was hungry.

Pride can stop us from asking for help. This man was humble enough to ask for help because he did not have the resources to help his friend. We need to be humble, to acknowledge our needs before our God and ask for help in big things or small things. Over the years, I have developed a habit of coming to God in prayer in every situation. I see God as my friend who I can run to for help whenever I need. He will not turn me down when I come to Him in humility. Come before God and ask Him for your daily needs today and see His power at work in your life.

Power Prayer involves seeking

Sometimes prayer does not end with words only. Prayer may involve looking and seeking God for an open opportunity. For example, if I pray for a job, after prayer, I would start looking in the newspaper or yellow pages to find job vacancies. As I look for a job, I would be praying for God to lead me to the right position. We need to look for openings, contacts and opportunities after praying to God. The man in the parable sought out his friend for help. God may lead us to people who can provide help.

Power Prayer involves doing

When our prayer is combined with action, we will see great results. Often, God requires us to do something after we pray. We need to follow God's counsel or instruction after prayer. The man in the parable kept knocking on the door until there was an answer. He just persevered and did not quit. We need to ask questions to God like; "What does God requires me to do?"

When God called me into the healing ministry, I started to pray for His anointing and for open opportunities to minister in different countries and churches. I started to look for open doors and contacts. God is faithful to His calling. He made a way for me to be connected to many churches. I want to encourage all of us in our prayer life. Don't just pray but believe God for Power Prayer!

Healing Story

A man who came in a wheelchair, who after prayer testified that he felt new strength in his hips and managed to take a few steps for the first time in years. There was another girl who had limited hearing in one ear; she was healed. Many others were touched and healed by the power of God. In the air, there was a tangible sense of freedom and joy. Praise the Lord!

Calvary Church, Emart