Offense, offended.
Pastor Nathan shared about taking no offense. John the Baptist asked Jesus if He was the one, and Jesus replied, "Blessed are those who believe and is not offended in me."
John the Baptist was in prison and he was not sure if Jesus was the Son of God. His doubt could have surfaced because of being locked up and he faced certain death. He was not sure anymore of his life and Jesus' ministry. Jesus respond covers the subject of offense. Being offended can lead to a missed opportunity. Therefore, do not look at anyone and expect them to fulfill your expectations.
Other examples include Naaman, the Syrian general and David. Naaman refused to dip in the Jordan river because he felt the river was not up to the mark but his servants persuaded him and he met his miracle.
David was the forgotten child of Jesse. He was left out when Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse's children. Only because Samuel could not find the right one, did Jesse remember David out in the field with the sheep. A second incident was at the army camp when David said he will fight "this uncircumcised Philistine." Not King Saul, nor any of the other soldiers, but his own brother rebuked him. David did not take offense and he saw the victory.
It is a good message and I should remember this word and teaching.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sept 7, 2009 WIN meeting
Felicia and Winnie graciously offered the use of Tabernacle of Praise (ToP) at 222D Jalan Jelutong to host the meeting.
There were about 12 of us that came from various churches for the meeting. Felicia led us into a time of prayer for the nation and the majority group.
I felt that the Lord is speaking again on righteousness. One of the prayers that caught my attention was, "...let the righteous become more righteous." We have the robe of righteousness that Jesus gave to us but how often do we put it on? We must put on the robe of righteousness all the time. In every way of life that we live, we must be conscious of righteousness. To me, it means following traffic rules, parking rules, prompt payment of bills, no "hutang" at all.
I used to "hutang" when I ran out of cash at the wet market. But the Holy Spirit reminded me, don't "hutang" if you want others to pay you promptly. We take it for granted when we receive our paycheck but we get upset when it is late. Likewise, I must be good with payment to others so that I can plead with God that I have not "hutang" or owe people money. Righteousness is changing lifestyles. I find that everyday there is something new to look at and I ask the Lord, is there something that I can start changing if it is not right with God.
And all of these comes to me at this time for Malaysia to be a righteous nation. Let the Bride of Christ be without spot or blemish. Come Jesus, come.
There were about 12 of us that came from various churches for the meeting. Felicia led us into a time of prayer for the nation and the majority group.
I felt that the Lord is speaking again on righteousness. One of the prayers that caught my attention was, "...let the righteous become more righteous." We have the robe of righteousness that Jesus gave to us but how often do we put it on? We must put on the robe of righteousness all the time. In every way of life that we live, we must be conscious of righteousness. To me, it means following traffic rules, parking rules, prompt payment of bills, no "hutang" at all.
I used to "hutang" when I ran out of cash at the wet market. But the Holy Spirit reminded me, don't "hutang" if you want others to pay you promptly. We take it for granted when we receive our paycheck but we get upset when it is late. Likewise, I must be good with payment to others so that I can plead with God that I have not "hutang" or owe people money. Righteousness is changing lifestyles. I find that everyday there is something new to look at and I ask the Lord, is there something that I can start changing if it is not right with God.
And all of these comes to me at this time for Malaysia to be a righteous nation. Let the Bride of Christ be without spot or blemish. Come Jesus, come.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
30 Aug 2009 Merdeka prayer & praise
The gathering of churches was organized by Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). CFM is the umbrella body that comprises the Council of Churches of Malaysia, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia. It was held at Charismatic Church of Penang (CCOP) at 8pm.
The praise & worship team was led by St Mark's Church, Butterworth, and what a joyous occasion to see men and women of all ages in the dance warrior team.
Various church pastors and leaders prayed for church unity, economic recovery; uprightness, integrity, and righteousness in our local and federal government; ministry to the poor, 1Malaysia. We prayed for equality, fairness, and justice in our land. Let every corruption be exposed and there will be sound judgement in our industry leaders as they plan for their business. It is our cry that God's mercy and grace will cover our land.
The praise & worship team was led by St Mark's Church, Butterworth, and what a joyous occasion to see men and women of all ages in the dance warrior team.
Various church pastors and leaders prayed for church unity, economic recovery; uprightness, integrity, and righteousness in our local and federal government; ministry to the poor, 1Malaysia. We prayed for equality, fairness, and justice in our land. Let every corruption be exposed and there will be sound judgement in our industry leaders as they plan for their business. It is our cry that God's mercy and grace will cover our land.
David Wilkerson's The Vision
The book is copyrighted by David Wilkerson in 1974 and the purchase date I wrote on the book is 1992.
David Wilkerson is the author of "The Cross and The Switchblade." His name was mentioned last year by Reggie Lee at Amazing Grace Christian Assembly. Reggie replayed back the prophecies of David Wilkerson that day and I went to search for the prophecies on Google.
I believe that men and women can receive revelations directly from God. It is also true that when these people speak about what they hear, they can be termed as "fanatics." I know that Susan Tang was hesitant to share about now, the end times, but I know she fears the Lord and is obedient to what the Lord wants to warn us.
There are some similarities between what Susan Tang shared with us on Aug 18 and 19 and what David Wilkerson wrote in The Vision. Economic turmoil, geo-physical destruction, decline of moral standards, rise of plagues and epidemics are some of the similarities. Susan Tang mentioned about David Wilkerson weeping. He was to minister to a gathering of church pastors and leaders in Europe recently and he was told not to talk about pornography. A high percentage of these church pastors and leaders have admitted to addiction to pornography. David Wilkerson wept and I believe he cried because he knew that moral standards would decline and it is even more sorrowful that Christians have not repented of this evil.
What I am struck the most by David Wilkerson is the rise of homosexual mobs. He wrote that in Houston, Texas, 27 boys were murdered by a small gang of homosexuals (p. 51). No date or further details were given and I have no idea when this occurred. My guess is probably in the early 1970s.
The Bible records clearly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by God. God was angry with sin and He caused judgement to fall on these cities. According to Wilkerson, there are only two reasons that is restraining: non-acceptance of homosexuals in society and the preaching against homosexuality in the church. We are seeing the moral standards decline in the West and the church is the only standard remaining. We need to pray that our children will know how to guard their hearts and mind and their own sexuality in the days to come.
I encourage you to spend time with your children. Do not forsake bringing them to prayer meetings, praying with them, set a godly example for them to see daily, and do not provoke them. Be as gentle as lambs and ask God for wisdom to instruct, nurture and admonish them.
David Wilkerson is the author of "The Cross and The Switchblade." His name was mentioned last year by Reggie Lee at Amazing Grace Christian Assembly. Reggie replayed back the prophecies of David Wilkerson that day and I went to search for the prophecies on Google.
I believe that men and women can receive revelations directly from God. It is also true that when these people speak about what they hear, they can be termed as "fanatics." I know that Susan Tang was hesitant to share about now, the end times, but I know she fears the Lord and is obedient to what the Lord wants to warn us.
There are some similarities between what Susan Tang shared with us on Aug 18 and 19 and what David Wilkerson wrote in The Vision. Economic turmoil, geo-physical destruction, decline of moral standards, rise of plagues and epidemics are some of the similarities. Susan Tang mentioned about David Wilkerson weeping. He was to minister to a gathering of church pastors and leaders in Europe recently and he was told not to talk about pornography. A high percentage of these church pastors and leaders have admitted to addiction to pornography. David Wilkerson wept and I believe he cried because he knew that moral standards would decline and it is even more sorrowful that Christians have not repented of this evil.
What I am struck the most by David Wilkerson is the rise of homosexual mobs. He wrote that in Houston, Texas, 27 boys were murdered by a small gang of homosexuals (p. 51). No date or further details were given and I have no idea when this occurred. My guess is probably in the early 1970s.
The Bible records clearly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by God. God was angry with sin and He caused judgement to fall on these cities. According to Wilkerson, there are only two reasons that is restraining: non-acceptance of homosexuals in society and the preaching against homosexuality in the church. We are seeing the moral standards decline in the West and the church is the only standard remaining. We need to pray that our children will know how to guard their hearts and mind and their own sexuality in the days to come.
I encourage you to spend time with your children. Do not forsake bringing them to prayer meetings, praying with them, set a godly example for them to see daily, and do not provoke them. Be as gentle as lambs and ask God for wisdom to instruct, nurture and admonish them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Prayer and a wanted man
I use wanted with a double meaning. He is wanted by the police and he is also wanted by God.
This man has not met God but it is my prayer that one day he will know God because I have shown him mercy. He rented my apartment and didn't pay ten months rental. He was in hiding and didn't want to come out in the daytime because the police were looking for him. Out of a last resort, I informed him that I have no choice but to make a police report before I can enter into my apartment, remove his belongings, and change the locks.
He called me on that last dateline and told me he had removed what he wanted to remove. He left other things behind: a gas cylinder, a gas stove, a kettle, two small woks, plates, spoons and forks, and a chopper. Other stuff we found them not usable and disposed of them.
We waited for him to return us the keys after he called us. He said he would leave the keys at a certain spot in front of the apartment. When I went there to find the keys, the keys weren't there. I tried to reach him on his mobile but no answer. So I just sms to him "polis." He called and said he would meet us to return the keys. I told him we didn't bring the police with us. He told us to meet him at a children's park. After my husband and I arrived there, he changed the venue to a gas station. We drove to the gas station and then he zoomed in, passed us the keys, said "Sorry" and left. All in 1 minute flat.
I was glad this man kept his word and apologized as well. God bless him. And thank the Lord for letting us find favour with this wanted man.
This man has not met God but it is my prayer that one day he will know God because I have shown him mercy. He rented my apartment and didn't pay ten months rental. He was in hiding and didn't want to come out in the daytime because the police were looking for him. Out of a last resort, I informed him that I have no choice but to make a police report before I can enter into my apartment, remove his belongings, and change the locks.
He called me on that last dateline and told me he had removed what he wanted to remove. He left other things behind: a gas cylinder, a gas stove, a kettle, two small woks, plates, spoons and forks, and a chopper. Other stuff we found them not usable and disposed of them.
We waited for him to return us the keys after he called us. He said he would leave the keys at a certain spot in front of the apartment. When I went there to find the keys, the keys weren't there. I tried to reach him on his mobile but no answer. So I just sms to him "polis." He called and said he would meet us to return the keys. I told him we didn't bring the police with us. He told us to meet him at a children's park. After my husband and I arrived there, he changed the venue to a gas station. We drove to the gas station and then he zoomed in, passed us the keys, said "Sorry" and left. All in 1 minute flat.
I was glad this man kept his word and apologized as well. God bless him. And thank the Lord for letting us find favour with this wanted man.
August 21, 2009 Holy Ghost baptism
Penang Christian Centre held a night for children to receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
The children came and the PCC staff and teachers prepared drama and skits for the children. The teaching was based on Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
The children were taught Acts 2:1-17. After that, we prayed for the children. I was glad to see five young men receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost because of the simplicity of their faith. They prayed to the Father to give them the Gift of the Holy Ghost and out of their bellies shall flow living water. They shall speak with new tongues and they did. Hallelujah.
They will need to practice and develope their new gift and I pray that their parents will continue to nurture and admonish them in the things and ways of God.
The children came and the PCC staff and teachers prepared drama and skits for the children. The teaching was based on Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
The children were taught Acts 2:1-17. After that, we prayed for the children. I was glad to see five young men receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost because of the simplicity of their faith. They prayed to the Father to give them the Gift of the Holy Ghost and out of their bellies shall flow living water. They shall speak with new tongues and they did. Hallelujah.
They will need to practice and develope their new gift and I pray that their parents will continue to nurture and admonish them in the things and ways of God.
August 19, 2009 Susan Tang
The second night of Susan Tang was held at Penang Christian Centre.
The first session was prayer commission. Several AOG pastors took turns to pray according to a list of items and it was about 9:30pm when Susan Tang shared with us.
She charged us like Paul charged Timothy. There were three charges she gave us.
1) Restructure your prayer time. If you prayed only 10 minutes a day, extend it to an hour. If you pray at 7.00am for 10 minutes, try to get up earlier at 6:30am, and pray for half an hour. And then find another half hour to make it an hour during the day/night.
2) Pray WITH your children. It is no longer enough to pray FOR your children, it is time that they learn to hear directly from God. You must pray with them. Wailing mothers should teach their children to wail and to cry.
Jeremiah 9:20 (KJV) Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
When we wail, groan, cry, and petition before God for the evil that is before us, the abominations of idolatry, the wickedness and injustice we see and hear, God will hear from heaven and work on our behalf. Wailing, groaning, and crying should be taught to our children so that they too will know how to plead for God's mercy and hand of deliverance.
In the beginning of her ministry in BM in Lahad Datu, Susan Tang could only groan Tuhan...Tuhan...Tuhan. It was the only word she knew which meant God in BM but she felt it was powerful to groan, pleading with God in this manner. She encouraged us to enter into times of groaning as part of our prayer life.
3) Pray together corporately. Come together and seek God together for your city and nation. If we see the children gather sticks, the father preparing the fire, and the mother making cakes to pray to the queen of heaven, why can't we see the family praying together in church? Send the mother to the prayer meeting and that is enough. This is not pleasing in God's sight.
Jeremiah 7:18 (KJV) The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
Families should go together to church to pray and wail, groan. There is unity of heart in seeking and waiting on God together.
The first session was prayer commission. Several AOG pastors took turns to pray according to a list of items and it was about 9:30pm when Susan Tang shared with us.
She charged us like Paul charged Timothy. There were three charges she gave us.
1) Restructure your prayer time. If you prayed only 10 minutes a day, extend it to an hour. If you pray at 7.00am for 10 minutes, try to get up earlier at 6:30am, and pray for half an hour. And then find another half hour to make it an hour during the day/night.
2) Pray WITH your children. It is no longer enough to pray FOR your children, it is time that they learn to hear directly from God. You must pray with them. Wailing mothers should teach their children to wail and to cry.
Jeremiah 9:20 (KJV) Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
When we wail, groan, cry, and petition before God for the evil that is before us, the abominations of idolatry, the wickedness and injustice we see and hear, God will hear from heaven and work on our behalf. Wailing, groaning, and crying should be taught to our children so that they too will know how to plead for God's mercy and hand of deliverance.
In the beginning of her ministry in BM in Lahad Datu, Susan Tang could only groan Tuhan...Tuhan...Tuhan. It was the only word she knew which meant God in BM but she felt it was powerful to groan, pleading with God in this manner. She encouraged us to enter into times of groaning as part of our prayer life.
3) Pray together corporately. Come together and seek God together for your city and nation. If we see the children gather sticks, the father preparing the fire, and the mother making cakes to pray to the queen of heaven, why can't we see the family praying together in church? Send the mother to the prayer meeting and that is enough. This is not pleasing in God's sight.
Jeremiah 7:18 (KJV) The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
Families should go together to church to pray and wail, groan. There is unity of heart in seeking and waiting on God together.
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