AN APPROACHABLE GOD

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most beautiful places for sightseeing and chilling out. I really enjoyed myself walking around the Sydney Opera House along with hundreds of tourists from around the world. I took as many photos at this special place because I wanted everyone to see the beautiful scenery.


AN APPROACHABLE GOD

Is God an approachable God? Can we know God at a personal level? These few scriptures in the Bible explain the intimate relationship that we can have with God through Jesus Christ.

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. 15For 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. 16Let 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. Hebrews 4: 14-16 (New International Version)

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrew 4:14-16 (The Message)

We can approach God directly because of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. Jesus understands all our weaknesses and He is able to help us. Furthermore, Jesus’ sacrifice means we can approach God with confidence to receive help, direction and blessing from Him. Start communicating with God like you would to your best friend because He is close to us. When I first started talking to God, I thought my words were just vanishing into thin air. But over time, I began to notice that God was answering my prayers. I began to feel a greater sense of peace, joy and strength as I communed with God.

I encourage you to start speaking to Jesus; you will be amazed at what God can do in your life.

A SPECIAL SHEPHERD

I had an awesome afternoon on the ferry tour around Sydney harbour. The scenery was breathtaking. I was close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. I also saw a boat sailing along the harbour. Like a good tourist, I took lots of photos! Sydney is one most of the most beautiful city in the world.


A SPECIAL SHEPHERD

The Bible refers to Jesus as the special shepherd to help us understand the great measure of God's love toward us. Jesus is the special shepherd because He chose to die for His sheep: the people of the world. Every time I read about the sacrificial death of Christ in the Bible, I am stirred in my heart to appreciate and love God even more. Read John 10:11-18

John 10:11-18 (New International Version)

11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

I would like to share about what Jesus’ death means to me:

The death of Christ brings freedom from sin

I was a prisoner of sin. I was unable to escape the bad habits and attitudes that were harmful to me and others. I couldn’t escape from my sins no matter how hard I tried. Christ's death on the cross meant that He has paid the price for my sins. Now, I am no longer bound to my sinful nature because He has set me free.

Freedom from our sins is found in the death of Christ

The death of Christ brings relationship with the Father

We are designed to have a relationship with God. Without a relationship with God, there is something missing in our lives. We will search for things to satisfy the void. I am so glad to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus.

The Bible says that Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6).

The death of Christ brings eternal purpose

Our purpose in life is found in God. A relationship with God will lead you to knowing His purpose for your life. We are not created on earth to exist but to fulfil God's destiny for our lives. God has an exciting adventure for all of us. I love every moment of this life travelling on God's adventure. I pray that you will also experience God’s eternal purpose for your life.

God has an awesome plan for you and me.

LIVING FOR HIS GLORY

I had a great time walking around Darling Harbour in Sydney. There were so many people around the world at Darling Harbour for, among others things, dinning, boat tours and fellowship. Here are some of my photos of the scenery at Darling Harbour.


LIVING FOR HIS GLORY

Joshua was a man who devoted his whole life to knowing and serving God. Joshua was Moses’ aide before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. With the help of God, Joshua and his army were able to conquer and possess the Promised Land. Joshua’s final words to the Israelites before passing away were to encourage them to follow and serve God. Read Joshua 24:14-16

Joshua 24:14-16 (New International Version) 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." 16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!

Joshua wanted the Israelites to continue to live under the guidance and blessings of God through loyalty and obedience. I believe we need to encourage each other to serve God just like how Joshua encouraged the Israelites. Our life example of devotion to God and His purpose will inspire others to do likewise. Let us make a decision today to honour God with every breath that He has given us on earth to glorify Him. I hope this worship song on YouTube called "Today" will inspire all of us to follow and serve God.

chorus:

Today I choose to follow you

Today I choose to give my 'yes' to u
Today I choose to hear your voice and live
Today I choose to follow you

Verse:
As for me and my house
we will serve you
as for me and my house
we will spend our lives on you

Bridge:
Wonderful counsellor , Everlasting Father
Eternal King , Lord of hosts
willingly we follow

THERE IS MORE

I had a wonderful relaxing afternoon touring around Chinatown, Sydney. I love the BBQ buns in the Chinese restaurant. It has been over five years since I last visited China Town. The place is always crowded with people shopping and eating. There are so many yummy foods to choose from Chinatown. I took some photos of Chinatown, Chinese Garden, Market City and Paddy's Market.


THERE IS MORE

We have a God that desires to give us more! There is no lack in God! He gives us more than we need because of His love, grace and mercy. God invites us to come to Him for fellowship and communion. He can satisfy our needs.

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. John 7:37b 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

More of His love and provision

We cannot measure the love of God toward us because it is unlimited. God’s love toward us has no boundaries. He loves us freely and unconditionally.

together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph 3:18b-19

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1a

God will supply all of our needs through Christ. We need to look to God for our daily provision.

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

More of His revelation and guidance

The revelation and guidance did not stop when Jesus ascended to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Counsellor and teacher. God continues to bring fresh revelation and direction to His people through His Words and the Holy Spirit.

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

God led the Israelites through the desert for forty years with a pillar of cloud in the morning and a pillar of fire at night.

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22

More of His power and miracles

God is still at work! Some people believe that God rested for eternity after He created the universe and mankind. God just sat back and allowed thing to run in its natural course. In reality, God has not forsaken mankind. Rather, God has poured out the Holy Spirit into His people so they can manifest His love, power and miracles.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

The miracles that were performed by Jesus were repeated by the disciples, who were told they would be able to do greater miracles.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

The promise of a miraculous lifestyle was for the apostles in Jesus’ day, the early church in the book of Acts and is for the 21st century church.

MIRACLES ON OUR DOORSTEPS

I was in Brisbane, Australia for one month. I had a great time catching up with my friends. During my stay, I took some photos of the city. The weather in Brisbane is beautiful all year round! I love this city!


MIRACLES ON OUR DOORSTEPS

I really believe with all my heart that the miracles of God are waiting to happen right on our doorsteps. The more we believe, the more we pray, the more we expect God to move; the more we are likely to see the intervention of God in our families, businesses, health and community. What is impossible for us is possible for God. God has entrusted to us both His kingdom and the Good News. We are carriers of God's kingdom and His message of love, hope, peace, healing and restoration.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2

A creative miracle story

God distributed His power and authority to every believer in order to demonstrate His love. God’s message is confirmed through signs and wonders. I recently attended the School of Healing in Sydney held by Randy Clarke and Bill Johnson. A pregnant lady stood on the stage and testified how tumours forced her reproductive system to be surgically removed. The doctor told her that she could never give birth. This lady went to a Christian camp and received prayer. Sometime later, she became pregnant because God performed a creative miracle by creating a new reproductive system in her body.

God can perform creative miracles today!

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." 19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:15-20

A miracle healing story

I interviewed a man at the School of Healing who had numbness in his thumb because the surrounding nerves were damaged and disconnected. After prayer, he felt feeling in his thumb once again and the scar from a previous operation in his thumb disappeared. God restored the nerves in his thumb and removed the scar from the previous operation. Let us believe God for more miracles on our doorsteps.

God will confirm His message with the demonstration of His power.

CHOCOLATE & LOVE

We went to Max Brenner, a famous chocolate restaurant at the Gold Coast, Queensland, to celebrate Pastor Lance's birthday. It was my first time at Max Brenner. They serve chocolate with just about everything. They even have a chocolate making machine in the restaurant! I couldn’t resist taking lots of photos at this interesting place. We had wonderful fellowship over a chocolate drink and chocolate pancakes.


CHOCOLATE & LOVE

Here is a YouTude music video clip by Jaeson Ma that really touched my heart.

The song from the video is based on the love of God written in 1 Corinthians 13:

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8b.

It is wonderful to know and experience the love of God and to allow this love to flow to others around us. Let's consider how we can demonstrate God's love in practical ways to family, friends and neighbours. God's love is unlimited and it is for all to embrace.

STEPPING OUT

I had a wonderful week of spiritual refreshment when I attended a conference featuring Bill Johnson called “Kingdom Culture”, followed by a personal retreat at the Sunshine Coast. I was blessed to hear the teaching about the presence of God at the conference. Then I spent two days practising how to usher the presence of God in my life at the Sunshine Coast. Here are some photos of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

STEPPING OUT

Have you ever attempted to do things that were beyond your natural ability, whether in school, university, the workplace, business, family or ministry? In the past 20 years of my Christian life, I have attempted some things that were beyond my natural ability. I know that without the help of God, I would have failed, or done poorly, in my tasks, goals, visions and dreams. I believe God desires for us to do extraordinary things in life with His empowerment like Peter walking on water. Read Matthew 14:25-33

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matthew 14:25-33

Jesus is a supernatural God! He walked on water when no one else could. He desires for us to do extraordinary things for Him just like Apostle Peter who walked on water. I would like to share three reasons we step out for God.

Stepping out when God speaks

Apostle Peter desired to walk on water, but he only stepped out of the boat after hearing the invitation from Jesus. We should step out when we hear the voice of God speaking to us. Recently, I was invited by a Christian organization to be a speaker at a prison. I was afraid to share in a prison because I had never done it before. As I was praying about it, God reminded me of Apostle Peter walking on water. I felt God encouraging me to go and speak to the prisoners about His love and plan. I obeyed God even though I was a bit apprehensive about it.

We can step out confidently when God speaks to us to do something beyond ourselves.

Stepping out knowing God is faithful

The Bible says God’s love never fails. He desires to help us succeed in life. Whatever He asks us to do, He will support us. God is faithful in bringing His purpose to pass in our lives. We are bound to faces challenges when attempting to do great things in life and doing the will of God. The storms will come, the winds will blow, the rain will fall, but God will always be there for us to give a helping hand. Jesus held up Apostle Peter when he started sinking.

The One who calls us to step out will always be there in troubled times.

Stepping out because God is God

The disciples acknowledged the presence of a living God when they witnessed the miracle. God wants us to know and experience His reality. He is God and He can reveal His power in our lives. God wants us to acknowledge His divinity. He is God and He is in control of every situation. The world is in His hands. Jesus was acknowledged to be Son of God because He has attributes of God.

I went to the prison and shared a message of God's love and prayed for healing for the inmates. God healed many people from all kinds of pain in their bodies. A man who had a hearing impairment was healed by God after prayer. God was moving powerfully through me and other Christians in the prison because we stepped out and obeyed Him.

We can trust in God's Words because He is God and never changes.