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

I believe that 2010 will be a year of miracles ! Read Psalm 140:1:

“Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendou and majesty.” Psalm 140:1

I want to believe God to do great things through and in my life in 2010. I love this song written by Chris Tomlin. I have sung this song so many times over the years that I've lost count. I believe when we declare the greatness of God, we will see the greatness of God in our lives.

There are three areas I would like to see God's greatness in 2010.

Miraculous Provision

I desire to see that 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.

Miraculous Revival

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. I want more of Him in my life. I desire to see believers have a greater hunger for God. I want to see a personal revival where people want more of God, and less of the world. I desire to see the lost experience His amazing love and grace in a greater measure.

Miraculous Power

I desire to see miraculous power in the local church like in the book of Acts. Miracles should become a natural part of a Christian’s life. We want to see God move powerfully in our homes, offices, schools, communities and 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. Let's believe God for a miraculous year of provision, revival 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

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

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