AROUND THE WORLD...

FOLLOW HIS FOOTSTEPS

2012-02-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW HIS FOOTSTEPS

God prospers us when we obey His calling upon our lives. Let us follow His footsteps and leading each day. We are in good hands when we are in God's Hands.

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Are you a good follower? We become good leaders when we learn how to follow God. God wants us to follow Him because He wants to lead us in the right direction for our lives. We prosper when we make the right decisions and choices in life. However, we also suffer when we make wrong decisions and choices in life. God does not want us to live a life of regrets but a life of blessings by heeding His voice. We don't have to wander through this life in confusion or live aimlessly because we can be guided through God's words, counsel and Holy Spirit. Let us learn to follow Jesus each day so we can enter into a new level of blessings and prosperity in everything we do for God.

Follow Jesus' footsteps together because He knows the good way and path for us.

HE HOLDS EVERYTHING

2012-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

HE HOLDS EVERYTHING

God holds everything together in our lives. God is in full control of our past, present and future. We can trust in God for everything in our lives.

Colossians 1:17: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”.

God holds everything together. He holds the climate, nations, economies and the universe in His hands. God is the one that formed and created everything we see and cannot see. He created the atoms that make up matter. He created the sun and moon that determine the weather and seasons. He created gravity on earth so that things do not float in the air. He holds time in His hands. He controls our past, present and future. We can trust God with everything because He holds everything together. Nothing happens or going to happen without His knowledge. He knows everything and we can trust in His wisdom, power and love. Do not be alarmed or disheartened by the bad news or depressing events in this world because God is in control of all things.

He holds everything together because He is in control of all things. Trust in God's greatness for your life and family today.

EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

2012-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

God has given us all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Ask God for love, peace, joy, wisdom, miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit today.

Ephesians 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ".

Whenever we go through trials, challenges or lack, we need remember that God has given to us every spiritual blessing through Christ. The spiritual blessings of God include joy, peace, faith, love, power, wisdom, healing, salvation, anointing, miracles, spiritual gifts and much more. God has given everything we need for this life on earth until we meet him face to face in heaven. We should boldly approach God and ask Him for everything we need for our lives, family, career, business and ministry. God releases His spiritual blessings as soon as we ask Him. Our heavenly father is always there for us to supply what we need. We are able to do all things because of the spiritual blessings and provision that God has freely given to us.

Do not allow anything to stop or hinder us in succeeding in this life because God is our helper and provider.

OVERCOMING FEAR

2012-01-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

OVERCOMING FEAR

God is good at helping us overcome our fears so we can do extraordinary things for him. Make a decision today to step out in faith for God.

2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”.

God is good at helping us overcome our fears so we can become who God want us to be and do what God want us to accomplish. We can be confident and courageous as people of God because the Holy Spirit is living in us. God chose to dwell in His people rather than in a building. Wherever we go or whatever we do, the Holy Spirit is helping us to overcome our fears by filling us with the power of God.

Over the years, God has helped me overcome some fears in my life. My number one fear was speaking in public. I froze whenever I stood in front of people. I struggled to speak in front of crowds; I was lost for words and I became very nervous. I avoided any form of public speaking for many years. However, when I saw other Christians speaking boldly before people, I said to myself, “I can do what they do because the same Holy Spirit is living in me.” Therefore, I started to pray and practice public speaking as often as I could. I took every opportunity to stand before people and testify the goodness and greatness of God. I began to see the fruits of my public speaking because God was helping me.

Whatever fear we are facing today, allow God to convert our fear into strength because His power is living in us. We can bring blessings to many people by being and doing what God called us.

God is faithful to help us become more like Christ each day by living a life without fear.

A YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGH

2012-01-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

I really sense in my heart that God wants to give us a greater breakthrough in 2012. God desires to give us breakthroughs in all areas of our lives, such as in our family, marriage, relationship, career, business and ministry. I believe God want us to go beyond where we are currently stationed and what we have accomplished so far. The more breakthroughs we receive from God, the more blessings we can be to our family, our community and the world. I want to share some principles about how we can see breakthrough in our lives.

1. Breakthrough comes with a vision

Do you want to see change take place in your life and the situations around you? The vision for change must be greater than the feeling of stalemate, infertility, and barrenness. If we are happy or content with our current situation, then there is no desire for a change or breakthrough. On the contrary, when we have a strong conviction that change is necessary for ourselves, family and the people around us, then we will desire to do something about it.

A shepherd boy named David was not content to sit by and watch the army of God paralyzed and gripped with fear because of a single giant Goliath, the Philistine. The battle between Israel and Philistine was at a standstill because no one was willing to be Goliath’s challenger. David wanted the God of Israel to be glorified and not be defamed by a single Philistine. Goliath’s size, his curses, weapons, or the Philistine army did not intimidate David. David believed that his God is greater than the gods of the Philistines. He uttered these famous words as he approached Goliath:

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, how you have defied” 1 Samuel 17:45

God gave David and the Israelite army a great victory over the Philistines on that day when David slung a stone that hit and killed Goliath. What shifted the battle between the Israelite and Philistine? A young shepherd boy who believed God was greater than any opposition from the Philistines. David’s vision of God was greater than the vision of his brother and the army of Israelites. (Read 1 Samuel 17)

When I was a new believer, I was amazed to read all the miracles that took place in the Bible in both the Old Testament and New Testament. I loved to read about the miracles performed by the prophets of God like Moses, Elijah and Elisha. I was amazed by the miracles performed by Jesus, the apostles and the early church. However, I did not have a vision that miracles could happen in my life and in the present time. I lacked the vision to see the supernatural life become a reality in me. Therefore, I was just happy to read about miracles and continue to live my normal, everyday life without the supernatural power of God living in and through me.

Over the years, I read books about people used by God to perform great signs and wonders such as John G Lake, Smith Wiggleworth, Oral Roberts, Kathryn Kuhlman, Charles & Frances Hunters and John Wimber. God began to impart into me a supernatural vision to live a supernatural life. I began to believe the miracles written in the Bible were not just for a historical record but written to inspire us to follow their footsteps and do even greater things. Jesus stated very clearly that after He ascended to heaven to be with the Father, His disciples would do far greater and outstanding miracles than Him.

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:12-13

After the initial stage of believing in miracles, I moved the next stage of envisioning myself doing the miracles of God. Then, I moved to the final stage: overcoming my fear and start doing what Jesus’ command every believer to do – pray for the sick.

A vision from God will cause us to believe, envision and doing whatever needed for change and breakthrough. Let us not settle with where we are but pursue God for a vision for greater breakthrough in our lives.

2. Breakthrough comes with a price

For any breakthrough to become a reality, we need to have passion and determination to make it happen. Breakthrough and changes does not come easily. There must be investment of directed and intentional effort and energy to fulfill the dream. A farmer knows that he must plow the ground, fertilize and water the soil in order for the seed to bear fruit. He cannot sit back and hope that his seed will grow without doing anything. He works hard in the heat of the day to make sure that the seed becomes a young plant and then into a fruit bearing tree. He must remove any obstacles that are hindering the plant from growing such as weeds, pests, and birds. Likewise, we need to pay the price for seeing the result and breakthrough we desire.

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:6

We live in a society that does not like the word “commitment”. We want things to fall into our lap without much effort. We are afraid of making any commitment because it will cost us something. However, the reality is that our rewards are always greater than the commitment that we have invested. The growing pains we experience in life will produce a greater reward that awaits us in the near future. There is no short cut or easy way in achieving great things in life. We need to make an investment in prayer, resources, time, planning and sacrifice in order to make progress. God will empower us to accomplish His plans in our lives. We are not alone, we have a Partner who will help to us to get achieve great breakthrough. God wants us to rely in Him to produce more fruits in our lives.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

We do not have to struggle alone because there is a greater strength, greater wisdom and greater anointing living within us through the Holy Spirit.

3. Breakthrough comes with momentum

It is so vital to keep pursuing the vision and dreams of a breakthrough. We need to Believe God for the breakthrough, Work toward achieving the breakthrough and Persevere until the breakthrough is accomplished. There will always be hurdles, obstacles, discouragements or disappointments along the way of achieving a great breakthrough. In such times, we need to stay focused and continue to persevere until we cross over the mountain or survive the storm. I always remind myself that my greatest breakthrough is just around the corner when I face some trials or setbacks. I discovered this principle to be always true. God does not give us vision and dream so we can fail miserably. Rather, God gives us the perseverance to overcome the trials so we can move to the next level of victory and blessings.

We need to be consistently doing what God has called us to do. If we are being faithful everyday, we will see a tremendous breakthrough in our lives. God promised that what He began in our lives, He will complete it. We need to hang in there when the times are tough and pressing forward is hard going.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:4-6

When I was a child, I loved reading the story of the “Rabbit and the Turtle”. The rabbit raced off to a brilliant start, he sprinted at rapid speed while the turtle slowly toddled along. The rabbit ended up getting distracted and sleeping while the turtle walked at his own pace. Over a period of time, the turtle ends up passing the rabbit and crossing the finish line first. This is a childhood story but it has some powerful principles. It is not how well we start that matter, but how well we finish the race.

At end of Apostle Paul’s life, he wrote these powerful words about his service unto the Lord;

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

He completed everything that the Lord had given for him to achieve in this life and he was ready to receive his reward in the heaven. Let us follow Apostle Paul’s example of ending well in life. Let us run the race to the finish line and receive the reward that awaits us at the end. Keep going and do not give up until it is completed.

Together, I look forward to experiencing many exciting breakthroughs in the Lord in 2012. We have a good God who desires to give us many breakthroughs. I love to hear your breakthrough stories in 2012.

May the God of breakthrough bless you and your family richly in 2012.

REST IN HIM

2011-12-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

REST IN HIM

God wants us to find rest in Him and not to struggle by our own strength. Come to God today and allow Him to refresh and renew us with His unfailing love.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

The secret of longevity is learning to find rest in God. We need to rest when we are tired or exhausted from our labour. We need to rest when we have done everything possible. We need to rest when we have prayed to God. We need to rest when we have tried our best to achieve something. We need to rest when we have served the Lord. Learning to rest will help us to move forward even further.

We can rest by sitting in the presence of God. We can rest by worshipping God. We can rest by reading and mediating in God's words to find encouragement and new direction. We can rest by trusting in God and not worrying about various matters. We can rest by surrendering our lives to Him. We can rest by doing some exercise or enjoying our hobbies. We can rest by taking a vacation.

Rest in the Christ today in order to achieve greater things in God.

MORNING PRAYER

2011-12-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

MORNING PRAYER

God desires us to offer our prayers to Him everyday so he can act on our behalf. Come before God today and pray for His blessings, miracles and healing.

Ps 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

King David was a man of prayer. He lived out a lifestyle of prayer since his youth, when he was just a shepherd. King David was a man after God's heart. He came before His God every morning in prayer and waited expectantly for God's reply. Prayer is two-way communication, not a one-sided talk. When we pray to God, we should spend some time waiting upon God in silence so God can speak to us. It is good to spend some time getting in the presence of God through worship. Don't rush in and out when it comes to building intimacy with God.

We need to allow time for God to speak into our lives. God wants to lead and guide us into the right path and direction.

HIS FAVOUR AND HONOUR

2011-12-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

HIS FAVOUR AND HONOUR

God gives us favour and honour when we obey and serve Him. Ask God for more of His favour for our family, business and ministry today.

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

What a wonderful promise that God has written in His Word! God pours His favour and honour upon His children. We can walk in God's favour and honour by obeying and serving Him. Many Bible characters received favour from God. Abraham received favour from God because he obeyed God’s call to live in a foreign land. Joseph was favoured by God because he was following the vision God has given him to rule Egypt. Moses received favour from God because he led the Israelites out of the land of slavery into the Promised Land. Joshua received favour from God because he led the Israelites into battle to conquer the Promised Land. Ruth received favour from God because she followed Naomi back to the Israel and God gave her an eternal inheritance. David received favour from God because he was not afraid of Goliath and defeated him in battle.

Peter received favour when he obeyed Jesus to throw down the fishing nets for a catch. They caught so many fishes that the boat began to sink. The little boy with two small fishes and five loaves of bread received favour from God when Jesus multiplied the food to feed five thousand people. A woman with a bleeding issue for 12 years received favour from God when she touched the hem of Jesus' clothes and her bleeding ended. The wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus received favour from God when Jesus invited him for dinner – Zacchaeus repented of his sin and lived for righteousness.

Let us follow and serve God today and allow His favour and honour to pour into our family, business and ministry.

EXPECT MORE MIRACLES

2011-11-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

EXPECT MORE MIRACLES

Jesus performed so many miracles while living on earth that all the books would not able to contain everything. Ask Jesus to do more miracles today because He is alive.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Not every miracle of Jesus was recorded in the Bible because there were just too many. I wonder how many miracles Jesus performed within his three year of ministry on earth. Did He perform hundreds or thousands of miracles? Anything is possible because He is the Son of God and God sent His Son on earth to demonstrate the kingdom of heaven. If Jesus performed many miracles on earth to demonstrate the love and power of God 2000 years ago, we can ask God to perform more miracles today. Jesus ascension to heaven does not mean an end to miracles on earth. He ascended to heaven to intercede for believers so that there would be more signs and wonders on earth (Read John 14:12-14)

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14

I believe it is time for believers to rise up and pray for God to do greater signs and wonders in our times. We should not be content with past miracles and experiences. We should ask God for greater miracles for today because of the great need around us. We serve a God that is the same, yesterday and today and forever (Read Hebrew 13:8). Pray for God to perform more miracles to bless more people today.

REMAIN IN HIM

2011-11-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

REMAIN IN HIM

Many wonderful things happen when we surrender our lives fully to God. We will have greater peace, joy & strength when we allow God to lead us into His plans and purpose.

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Every electrical appliance (such as a water boiler, microwave, fridge, iron etc) needs to be connected to a power supply to function. Similarly, we are made to be connected to God and to rely on Him for this life on Earth. We will be much happier and less stressed if we allow God to be involved in every part of our life. So many times, we run around frantically without the guidance of our loving Heavenly Father. We think we can solve all of our problems by natural means without seeking God's wisdom. In reality, we are limited without God working in our lives.

God has all the resources, all the knowledge and all the power in this universe. God promised in His Word that if we remain in Him and if we rely on Him, we will bear much fruit in our lives. What kinds of fruit can we expect when we rely on God? We will see more productivity and effectiveness in our lives. We will have greater inner joy, peace and strength when we confronted with troubles and hardship. Let us make every effort to remain connected with God each day by inviting Him into our daily schedule and program.

God is our invisible helper that is always there to give a helping hand.

LOVE POWER

2011-11-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

LOVE POWER

God love toward US is NEW every morning. Allow the LOVE of God to MOTIVATE us to do EXTRAORDINARY things for HIM. Show SOMEONE His unfailing LOVE today.

Ps 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Love for God can be a great motivation for us to do extraordinary things for God and others. God is pouring out His love every day to His children so they can experience His love and bless others with His love. The world around us really needs to know and experience the love of God. There are so many ways we can express the love of God to others. God has given each person certain gifts and abilities and we can use it to benefit those around us. If you are a good listener, spend time listening to the hurts and worries of others. If you have the gift of serving, spend time serving people in your community. If you have the gift of prayer and healing, spend time praying for those who need a miracle. If you have the gift of leadership and administration, spend time organising events to bless the community. If you have a gift of giving, spend time giving to those who genuinely need help. As God pour His love into us, we need some avenues to release His love to people around us.

The world we live in is hungry to receive the love of God in a sincere, tangible and practical way.

RIGHT FOCUS

2011-11-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

RIGHT FOCUS

God's Great POWER has made everything POSSIBLE in our lives. Nothing is too hard for Him. Do not focus on your problems but FOCUS on God's LOVE, WISDOM and POWER.

Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you".

Anyone who wears prescription lenses knows the importance of having the right focus. Without a proper lens prescription, a person may have the wrong focus and their eye vision is blurred. When it comes to confronting our problems in life, we need to have the right focus. Do not focus all our energy on the problems and lose sight of the almighty God. We need to remind ourselves of the One that is living inside us and the One that is in control of everything in this world and universe.

The God who created everything we can see is more than able to help us overcome the problems we face. We need to magnify God and not magnify our problems. Do not make God too small to handle anything big in our lives. God is always bigger than our problems and troubles. God is greater than whatever challenges that are coming our way. He is always faithful to what He is able to do. We need to have more trust in Him instead of our own natural ability and resources.

God wants us to live an extraordinary life by having a right focus on His love, wisdom and power.

GOD'S WORDS LASTS FOREVER

2011-10-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

GOD'S WORDS LASTS FOREVER

‎2000 years ago, Jesus said “What is IMPOSSIBLE WITH MAN is POSSIBLE WITH GOD" (Luke 18:27). This statement still holds TRUE today!

God wants us to know that HisWORDS/PROMISES is THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. Let us trust God to do the IMPOSSIBLE today in our Family, Marriage, Finance, Career, Business, and Ministry.

We need to be constantly reminded about the reality of God and His words. God always stays true to His words. In fact, the Bible says,

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away". Mark 13:31

God can be trusted in every situation of our lives. Our challenges present a great opportunity for God to demonstrate His love, grace and power into our situation. God is not out of reach. Rather, God lives within us and He responds to our daily prayers. Let not be downhearted or discouraged by our problems, but look to God for His deliverance and provision. God loves to do the supernatural and impossible things so we can witness and understand His nature and glory.

Believe God for greater things today because He is the God of POSSIBLE and nothing is IMPOSSIBLE for HIM.

FINDING THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD

2011-10-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

FINDING THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD

To find the PERFECT WILL OF GOD, we need to OBEY and LAY DOWN OUR OWN DESIRES. SURRENDER our WILL to GOD in EXCHANGE for HIS HIGHER AND BETTER PLANS for OUR LIVES. GOD wants US to live out HIS wonderful PLANS on earth.

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

How do we find the perfect will of God for our lives? Many Christians ask this very common question, including me. I remembered hearing a guest speaker at our church 20 years ago. I really liked his answer when someone in the audience asked him this question. The speaker said that it is easier to manoeuvre a vehicle when we start driving rather than leaving it stationary. He shared that we need to start obeying God in the small things and God will lead us along the way. He also shared about allowing God to be the driver of our vehicle so God can steer us into His direction. I really believe that are some very important truths in both illustrations. God does not want to hide His plans from our lives. God reveals His plans to us according to His wisdom and timing. We may get scared or proud if God revealed everything to us in one hit. God also reveals His plan according to our obedience.

As we allow God to be in charge of our lives, God will slowly reveal His perfect plans in due time. We know our destiny by building a strong daily relationship with God. Draw close to God today to know Him and find His perfect will.

TURN MOUNTAINS INTO MIRACLES

2011-10-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful mexican dinner at a restaurant in Los Angeles, California.

TURN MOUNTAINS INTO MIRACLES

Our mountains, problems and crisis are not meant to discourage us but bring us closer to the reality and power of the living God.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

TURN our MOUNTAINS into MIRACLES of God
TURN our PROBLEMS into PRAYERS
TURN our CRISIS into CHRIST'S Power

I really believe God wants us not to live with a defeated or self-pitying mentality when we face problems. We need to have a positive attitude and focus on how God can turn the situation around for His purpose and glory.

Recently, I had the worst food poisoning in my life. My face was all red and puffed up. My eyes and ears were swollen. My body was covered with rashes. I could not sleep at night because of the rashes and itchiness. I had some choices before me. I could focus on my problem and get depressed or cry out to God for a miracle. I decided to rely on God to get through this situation. I remained calm and refused to be stressed about it. I asked some friends to pray for me and visited some doctors. Within a few days, I recovered and I was healthy again.

During this ordeal, God reminded me not to focus on the negatives but to believe God for a good outcome. I want to encourage those who are going through some challenges to direct your hope and faith toward God. Don't allow negativity to dwell in your hearts for a long time because God is more than able to do miracles in the midst of the problem.

God is always faithful to provide us a way out of our troubles.

IT IS ON THE WAY!

2011-10-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful pictures of Hoover Dam in California, USA.

IT IS ON THE WAY!

Our MIRACLES, PROVISIONS, HEALING and BLESSINGS are COMING, continue to BELIEVE and TRUST in God because He is ALWAYS on TIME.

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

Have you ever eagerly waited for Christmas Day to arrive so you could open your Christmas presents? You are full of anticipation that something good awaits when you open the box. All the waiting seems to be worth it when you receive your long awaited gift. I believe God wants us to live with a life full of expectation and anticipation of the goodness of God. We need to keep our faith strong in God when things don't seem to go our way. We need to have a patient perseverance that God is going to pull us through troubled times. God will supply His grace, wisdom and strength to help us to each day.

What we need from God is on the way! Keep praying, believing and trusting in God's provision!

HIS LOVE NEVER CHANGE

2011-09-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

HIS LOVE NEVER CHANGE

Jesus loves US yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Do you agree?

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I remembered when I was a teenager. I did something that really hurt my parents. I wondered if their love for me would change after this sad incident in my life. I was grateful when my parents forgave me and our relationship was restored. I really believe God wants us to realise that His love for us is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. The fact that we are sinners does not mean God stops loving us. The Bible says God’s love causes us to repent from our sins and return to Him. God did not come to condemn us but to save us from our sins. Do not allow Satan to take away our worthiness in Christ. We are precious to God; so precious that He sent His one and only son to die for us.

We can sometimes doubt God’s love during times of hardship or disappointment. God's love does not diminish when we are facing difficult times. Rather His love enables us to walk through the valleys of life. God's love gives us hope and strength in every situation. We need to trust in God's love and wisdom each day. He is faithful to carry us through the hard times. His love never fails.

LOOK AT THE BIRDS

2011-09-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

I went to see the Bird's Show at Ocean Park.

LOOK AT THE BIRDS

Every time we WORRY, God wants us to LOOK at the BIRDS to receive assurance of His constant LOVE and PROVISION.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

Recently, I was looking outside the window of my hotel room. I saw some small sparrows flying freely in the sky and the thought quickly came to my mind that God is looking after these birds. God is taking care of this small flying creature without any human intervention. No one was feeding the birds yet they are able to find their food and water. The birds can live without humans because God is taking care of them. God wants to remind us that He is constantly watching over us every day.

The God that takes care of millions of birds around the world is also taking care of us.

God knows our desires, needs, disappointments and dreams. He will surely come to our aid and support at the right time. Let us trust in God everyday because He is watching over us every day.

MORE THAN CONQUERERS

2011-09-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

I had a fun day at Ocean Park in with my friends.

MORE THAN CONQUERERS

Jesus is BIGGER than our PROBLEMS. Jesus has the ANSWER TO EVERY SITUATION.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

It is good to know that someone has an answer for every situation in life. We can trust God to help us to go through the mountains and valleys. There is no mountain too high or valley too deep for God. He created everything with His breath and He can solve every problem that we encounter. God is all knowing and He has wisdom to guide us through life. Do not be discouraged by your problems but turn to God for the solutions. God is good in helping His children to overcome. The Bible says we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.

A CHOSEN GENERATION

2011-09-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of a beautiful and famous hoover dam in California.

A CHOSEN GENERATION

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Have you ever wondered what are the qualifications and criteria for being a servant of God? Sometimes, we place so much emphasis on our own abilities in serving God that we forget that Gad can use where we are. We do need to acquire skills and knowledge to be effective for God. However, I believe that God can use US to do great things for HIM despite our limitations and weaknesses.

We should start to serve God as soon as possible and God will equip us along the way. Do not wait until you have acquired all knowledge and experienced all things before serving God.

I began praying for the sick long before obtaining any formal training. I learnt how to pray for the sick through personal experience and reading books. I just started where I was and I began to gain more experience over time. I am still learning how to pray for the sick and see miracles. The Holy Spirit is teaching me how to move in the gifts of healing as I learn to be obedient to Him.

I believe that we are "God's Chosen" for this generation. We need to allow God to use us to glorify His name on earth as in heaven.

PERSEVERE FOR MIRACLES

2011-09-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here are more photos of Disneyland Downtown in California.

PERSEVERE FOR MIRACLES

Our MIRACLES, BREAKTHROUGHS, BLESSINGS, PROVISIONS are JUST around the CORNER. Let us keep believing, trusting and PERSEVERING in God!

Eph 3:20 "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"

How many times are we so tempted to give up and surrender the fight just before we receive the miracle, the breakthrough, the blessing or the provision from God? We are often tempted to choose the easy way out rather than continuing to believe, trust and persevere in God. We throw in the towel rather than keep fighting the spiritual battle until we see God's victory and deliverance.

The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

I always saw God's faithfulness when I did not quit or surrender to my challenges, difficulties or trials. I am learning to press in and rely on God more in my life. Let us inspire one another to be in a place of seeing God's miracles, breakthroughs, blessings and provisions by fully trusting and obeying Him.

HE IS BIGGER

2011-08-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful photos of Brisbane city at night.

He is BIGGER...

God is bigger than our fears. God is bigger than our doubts. God is bigger than our troubles.

Our God is so much Bigger than what our minds can conceive or comprehend. The God who created the stars, galaxy and universe wants us to know His reality so that we can walk in freedom, joy and peace.

God is bigger than our fears. Don't allow the gravity of our fears fade the reality of our awesome God. We need to look to God in every circumstance because He is more than able to help us overcome.

God will provide a way out of every difficult situation so that His name will be glorified through us.

God is greater than our doubts. When we face a storm and have many doubts, God is still able to help us to go beyond our doubts. God knows our weaknesses and He can go beyond our limitations.

Our limitations do not hinder God's power because God is sovereign.

God is greater than our troubles. We need to allow our troubles to be used as an opportunity for God to show us His love and power. Don't allow our troubles to bring despair but rather use it as an opportunity for God's divine intervention.

God can turn our troubles into a stepping-stone for something greater.

ENDURING LOVE

2011-08-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome time at Universal Studios.

ENDURING LOVE

God's LOVE & FAITHFULNESS never changes so TRUST in God today no matter what happens.

Psalms 100:5

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations".

Malachi 3:6a

“I the LORD do not change.

Things can change dramatically in just one second, in one minute, in one day, in one week, in one month, in one year. Our bodies are changing every second. Our economy can fluctuate over time. However there is one thing that does not change! God’s love and faithfulness never changes. His character does not change. He is always there for us in every season of life.

We can rest in God's enduring love and faithfulness because He does not change.

FAITHFUL LOVE

2011-08-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful dinner with some friends from Bethel Church in Redding, California

FAITHFUL LOVE

God's faithful love never fails; trust in Him today

Lamentations 3:22-23
New Living Translation (NLT)

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Have you discovered God’s antidote for anxiety and worry? God desires us to have greater joy, peace and security by putting our trust in His love and sovereignty. God's faithful love never ends and His faithfulness and mercy are new each morning. We can rest in God's everlasting love.

We need to look at every situation in life with a conscious awareness of God's love and faithfulness. God is always there to give a helping hand and words of wisdom in every situation or crisis. Let us focus our eyes on God and the great things that God can perform on our behalf.

We can depend on the faithful love and mercy of God in every situation of life. He is our solid rock that we can trust in all times.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

2011-08-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of Los Angeles International Airport - One of the most busiest airport in the world!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

God is GOOD at DOING the IMPOSSIBLE so put YOUR TRUST in Him today!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Last week, I was overjoyed to hear two married couples whom we had been praying for to conceive welcome the birth of their babies within 12 months. God removed all the barriers to childbearing and provided a way for these two ladies to conceive naturally. Whatever seems impossible to humans, God is able to intervene and do the supernatural.

In the Bible, God helped many barren women conceive like Sarah, (Genesis 21:1-7), Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-26), Rachel (Genesis 30:22-24). All of these women were unable to give birth and God performed a miracle in their lives. God opened their womb and caused a miraculous birth.

What is your impossible situation today? Is it your finances? Is it your marriage or relationship? Is it your career or business? Is it your ministry? Is it your health? Pray to God today and allow God to make the impossible possible.

God loves to prove Himself as a God that can do ALL things so that He gets ALL the glory.

LIVE FOR HIM

2011-07-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time in Omaha, Nebraska. Here are some photos of downtown Omaha.

LIVE FOR HIM

Recently, I saw a Christian poster with the following message:

He died of me, I live for Him.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:8

I found myself meditating on this phrase in my mind because it is so true and meaningful. Sometimes, it is good to remind ourselves what we are living for on Earth. We can be so consumed with the busyness of everyday life that we forget to seek God’s purpose for our lives. We are called to live for God and not to live aimlessly or wastefully. It is so wonderful to discover God's purpose for your life and fulfilling it.

Let us take time out to seek God in prayer to know His will for our life. God has a special plan for everyone. No one is excluded from God’s wonderful plans. We can partner with God to fulfil His vision in this world. God created us with a unique gifting and talent for a special task to accomplish. We are all made differently and we all have a specific life mission from God to achieve.

Jesus died for us so we can live out God's purpose and become a great blessing to the world.

HOW HE LOVES US

2011-07-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I Love this song called "How He Love Us" by Kim Walker from Jesus Culture. This song reminded me of this scripture in the bible;

1 John 3:1a

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

I pray that we will be constantly remember God's amazing and endless love toward us every day.

GOD IS LOOKING

2011-07-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at "Kingdom Culture" Conference in Bethel Church, Redding California. See photos.

GOD IS LOOKING

God is always LOOKING for SOMEONE to be His MESSENGER of LOVE, GRACE and POWER. Are YOU available? Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God has been putting His rescue plan in motion. First, He sent the prophets to bring the people back to Him. The prophet Isaiah responded to the call of God to be His messenger:

Isaiah 6:8 "After this, I heard the LORD ask, "Is there anyone I can send? Will someone go for us?" "I'll go," I answered. "Send me!"

Secondly, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus then commissioned His disciples to preach the Good News to all creation and heal the sick before He ascended to heaven.

Matthew 28: 18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Now God is looking for you and me to continue to carry His message of love, salvation and healing around the world. Are you willing and available to take up the great privilege of being God's representative on earth? It is such a great honour to partner with God to make a lasting impact in the lives of people.

Let us partner with God to see His love and power manifest in a tangible way to everyone we encounter.

STEP OUT NOW

2011-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the 4th of July celebration at Dallas, Texas.

STEP OUT NOW

Have you ever seen a child learning how to swim? At first, the little child is afraid to step into the water. But with the constant encouragement of parents, who are already in the pool, the child will take that first step into the water. Similarly, God very much desires for every believer to step out in using the spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

There is a list of spiritual gifts given by the same Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. God can give us supernatural wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, discernment, miraculous powers, prophecy, interpretation of tongues through the Holy Spirit. We need to step out in faith and begin to ask the Holy Spirit to help us to exercise all of these spiritual gifts. We learn to use spiritual gifts when we are willing to take risks for God; like a child learning how to swim for the first time. Once we have some supernatural encounters with the Holy Spirit, we will have a greater desire to live a supernatural life that God is calling us.

God wants us to step out in using the spiritual gifts so we can live a supernatural Christian life.

HE CARRIES US

2011-07-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

I had a fun afternoon walking in the streets of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and enjoy looking all the nice shops.

HE CARRIES US

Have you ever needed to hear words of encouragement in a time of need? All of us love to receive timely words of comfort and encouragement in periods of loneliness, trials, testings and disappointments. How do you feel when a friend, family members, parents or even a stranger share words that bring life, hope and encouragement?

Every now and then, I need to hear the approval of my heavenly Father. Once, God used a stranger to share His love toward me. During a time of worship at church, a Christian came to me and started to pat on my shoulders and told me that God is pleased with me. I just could not control my emotions and burst into tears of joy. I strongly believe God wants to lift us up. He knows what we are going through and He is always there for us. This is a wonderful promise from the words of God:

Isaiah 43:1-2 - Israel’s Only Savior

1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

The God who formed us is ever ready to carry us go through every situation in life. He is able to strengthen us to walk in victory over any of life’s challenges. God will not neglect us but He will be with us all the way to the end. Whatever situation you are going through today, put your trust in God because He will deliver you at the right time.

God is faithful to carry us through every situation in life no matter how big and challenging it may seem.

THE KINGDOM OF JOY

2011-07-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful family holiday in Las Vegas, California.

THE KINGDOM OF JOY

Have you ever wondered where true joy comes from? We can find “joy” in so many ways, but lasting and ultimate joy comes from God. God is eternal and His joy is also eternal. God's joy lasts forever in the heart of every believer because He lives in us. Read the following scriptures.

Romans 14:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

The Bible says that the Kingdom of God is about joy in the Holy Spirit. When we live in the Kingdom of God, we will experience an incredible amount of joy that nothing or no one can ever take away.

Philippians 4:4-7 New Century Version (NCV)

4 Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.

5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon.6 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.7 And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

We have joy in all seasons because God’s joy lives inside of us. In good times and bad, God is always there to give us joy. We should not be anxious about anything because God is always there to help us in time of need. God's love and power will empower us for this life on earth. When we connect to God through prayers and worship, His joy and peace will automatically overflow in our hearts.

Begin to allow the joy of God to flow freely in and through us because we are living in the kingdom of joy.

SURRENDER

2011-06-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful family holiday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

SURRENDER

I remember a time when I was in the mission field. My stomach was not accustomed to the local cuisine and I had terrible diarrhoea. All I could think about was going back home and back to my comfortable surroundings. My prayer was "Lord, get me on the next available flight home." As I was walking along a dusty road, suddenly, I heard a choir singing with a loud voice a famous hymn called "I Surrender All". I knew without a shadow of doubt that this song was God’s reply to my prayer. God wanted me to learn about surrendering to His perfect will for my life rather than going my own way. I had to learn to trust in His unfailing love even in the midst of trials. God took care of all my needs as I surrendered my will to His will. I had a great time in the rest of the mission trip because I chose to follow God.

Proverbs 16:3 (New International Version)

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Galatians 2:20 (Contemporary English Version)

I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.

These two Bible verses really have spoken to me over the years about surrendering to God's perfect will. We need to commit to God in everything that we do so that He can bless us. We need to allow God to work through all aspects of our lives such as relationships, family, marriage, career, business etc. God's love, mercy and power should motivate us to trust in Him in every situation of our lives. God is faithful because He sent Jesus to die for us. Apostle Paul surrendered his life and life for Christ because Christ had died for him.

Living a life of surrendering to Christ will lead to freedom, liberty and joy to us on earth.

PRAYER IN LOS ANGELES

2011-06-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

LOVE HIS WORDS

2011-06-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

I went bike riding with my nephew and took some photos of a beautiful lake in California. I also took some photos of fast food restaurants in USA.

LOVE HIS WORDS

How do you read your Bible? Do you read it out of duty or obligation? Do you read it as if it were a history textbook? There is so much more blessings that God wants us to get out of His living words. God desires for us to love His words because it can brings life, direction, correction, prosperity and more.

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3

How do we store up the words of God? We memorise it. I remember in the early days of my Christian life, I carried small cards with Scripture verses and tried to memorise a Bible promise each day. Looking back, I am grateful for this practice because I can still recall the Scriptures that I have memorised and it brings great hope and strength in times of need in my life.

God words are essential for abundant life on earth and that is why God wants us to treasure it and store it up in our hearts.

The next time you read the Bible, allow the Holy Spirit to give you a new revelation to its meaning and application in your life.

You will never be the same when God's words are stored up and apply in your life for every situation.

DIVINE PLANS

2011-06-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

The day has finally arrived, I landed in Los Angeles, California for the first time. Here are my first few photos of America.

DIVINE PLANS

I am writing this blog entry in Los Angeles, California. I am inspired to write about God's divine plans because I can testify about His goodness and faithfulness. I am always eager to know about God's divine plans for my life. In fact, one of the main reasons for me accepting Christ was to know and follow God's divine plans for my life. I was tired of living without purpose and meaning. I wanted something better and bigger than the empty way of life that I was living. I was introduced to Christ by a pastor who told me that God loves me and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for my sins to offer me a new life. This new life includes the forgiveness of sins, a relationship with God, following and living God’s divine plans, and eternal life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

After becoming a Christian over twenty years ago, I can testify that God's divine plans are good. God has so many great plans for every person on earth. When we follow God's plan, we enter into a wonderful destiny and future. It is a truth that applies even if we rebelled or live in ignorance of God’s plans in the past.

I want to encourage everyone to live in God's divine plans because you will never regret it.

HUNGRY FOR GOD

2011-05-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

I am with my friends from Brisbane, Australia. It is my home city for the last ten years and I love living here.

HUNGRY FOR GOD

When we are hungry for God, miracles will begin to happen WITHIN us and AROUND us.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Ps 63:1-2

God is the beginning of all things. He created mankind for relationship and partnership in this world. God's original plan for mankind was not independence but an interdependent lifestyle. We are designed to co-exist with God. Psalm 63 paints a beautiful picture of a life with God. The writer acknowledges his need for God to satisfy his longings and desires. He shares with us his wonderful experiences and encountered with God.

I strongly believe that when we are hungry for God, miracles will begin to happen within us and around us because we are designed to co-exist with God. Our lives become exciting when we are empowered by God through connecting with Him on a daily basis. We can receive directly from our heavenly Father what we need on earth. God's resources become our resources. God's miracles become our miracles. God's power becomes our power. God's victory becomes our victory. God's compassion becomes our compassion. The personal and external changes that we desire can be made possible with God.

Allow God to do miracles in us and around us through daily intimacy with Him.

A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

2011-05-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

I was very blessed to attend the "Australian Christian Churches" conference in Gold Coast, Australia. The special guest speaker was Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke who has been in ministry for 50 years and see millions of people come to know Christ. I also met Pastor Ashley Evans who led me to Christ over 20 years ago. I thank God for using Pastor Ashley Evans to lead to me Christ on a sunny Monday afternoon in Paradise Community Church, Adelaide.

A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

When we limit God, we limit ourselves and when we limit ourselves, we limit God. Let us live A LIFE WITHOUT LIMIT!

Phil 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength"

How far we go and how much we can achieve in this life can correlate to how we view God. When we view God to be who He really is then all things are possible. But if we view God as a weak, distance or non-existance then we go about life accomplishing far less than what God has intented. Our views and perspectives of God will determine the level of outcome and success in our lives. We need to have right and biblical identity of God. I have discovered over the years that as I grow in my understanding of God's nature and character, I begin to believe and see the wonderful things that God can do through me.

On the other hand, if we don't have the right perspective of ourselves, we can also limit what God can do through us. During my teenage years, I had alot of negative self-image and self esteem. I had a impression that I came into this world by accident. I didn't believe that I had a great purpose or destiny in this life. I was just a number in this world. But my attitude and outlook of life changes, when I accepted Christ into my life. I started to rediscover my true identity in God. The bible says that we are wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of God and He created us with a great seed of potential.

Ps 139:14 "Ipraise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well".

We were born into this world to make a positive and lasting contribution. I stop limiting myself when I realised what God has done and prepared for my life in order to succeed. The bible says that we are God's masterspiece. I began to live a life without limit.

Eph 2:10 "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do".

God desires for us to live a life without boundaries by recognising His greatness and love that is within us for each day.

BE STILL WIND

2011-05-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

I took so photos of my home city called "Adelaide city" in South Australia.

BE STILL WIND

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39

Have you ever wondered where God was when you needed Him the most? The Twelve Disciples were probably thinking that when powerful winds and waves pounded their boat. They were disturbed by the fact Jesus was sleeping during a major crisis situation.

Jesus was not alarmed by the strength of the winds or the power of the waves because He knew that God was with Him. God is the creator of the universe; this includes weather patterns. Jesus calmed the storm with a few words; He is more powerful than any storm.

We need to look at God, not look at the situation when we are facing the storm in our lives. God is greater than our troubles. God is bigger than our problems. God is stronger than our spiritual enemy, Satan. We should not be afraid when we are facing trials because God is with us and He will never leave us.

God is always there to protect and provide for us in difficult times

PETER TRUONG'S PRAYER

2011-05-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

HE SPEAKS DAY AND NIGHT

2011-05-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

I love Melbourne, Australia! Here are some photos of the Swanston Street in Melbourne, State Library and China town.

HE SPEAKS DAY AND NIGHT

God speaks to us day and night with His love and wisdom.

Psalm 16:7 (New International Version, ©2011)

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

King David clearly had an intimate relationship with God because he said God was his counsellor day and night. God was constantly watching over him and directing him to the right path. God guided a shepherd boy into a great King of Israel through their personal relationship. God was everything to David. He was known as a man after God's heart. David always sought God for direction in life. He honoured God by seeking God for wisdom and guidance before making any major decision for his life and Israel. God helped King David prosper in every way because of their intimate relationship.

Let us be sensitive to the leading of God and Holy Spirit in our daily life. God wants to communicate to us His vision and direction for our family, business and future.

The bible says "Come close to God and He will come close to you" (James 4:8a).

Let God speak to us day and night so we can follow His wonderful plans during these uncertain times.

OPEN DOORS

2011-04-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

I took some photos of my holiday in Adelaide, Australia on Glenelg beach.

OPEN DOORS

God opens new doors when we dare to push them open

2 Corinthians 2:12 (New International Version, ©2011)

Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,

Colossians 4:3 (New International Version, ©2011)

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

God opened many doors for Apostle Paul to share the gospel in many places. He prayed to God for open doors. He also sought God for new doors of opportunity to share the gospel to new regions and people groups. He was always active and looking for new doors to open so he could proclaim the gospel.

I want to encourage us to seek God and pursue new openings in all areas of our lives. Seek God for new career, business and ministry opportunities. God always desires to bring us to a new level of effectiveness and to receive new blessings. Don't get discouraged when you face a closed door because God is able to open new doors for you.

Matthew 7:8 (New International Version, ©2011)

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

New doors of opportunities await those who ask God and dare to venture into new things.

IMMEASURABLE & PRICELESS LOVE

2011-04-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

I am in Jakarta with some friends from "Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International"

IMMEASURABLE & PRICELESS LOVE

God's love toward us is immeasurable & priceless

Psalm 36:5-7 (New International Version, ©2011)

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

There is nothing on this earth that is able to measure the love of God; it is immeasurable. There is no price on this earth that can match the love of God; it is priceless. To know God and His love toward us is the greatest fulfilment of mankind. Without God's love, we are incomplete and restless because we were born for His love.

For those who are believers, I want to encourage you to desire more of God's love each day because God wants to pour out His fresh love every day. God gives more of His love to strengthen us and enable us to walk in victory.

For those who are searching for God and love, I want to encourage you to allow God to reveal His amazing love. You will never be the same once the love of Christ becomes part of your everyday life.

Ephesians 3:17b-19 (New International Version, ©2011)

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I am praying for you to experience this immeasurable and priceless love of Christ

G.O.S.P.E.L

2011-04-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

I really like this simple yet very powerful video presentation of the gospel message. I pray that your life will be totally changed by the greatest love story ever told, God sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins.

THREE FACTS ABOUT JESUS’ DEATH

JESUS DIED PAINFULLY

The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus enduring two kinds of pain on the cross. First, the physical pain of iron nails piercing His hands and feet (Isaiah 53:5a, Psalm 22:16).

‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.’ Isaiah 53:5a

Secondly, the emotional pain of rejection and humiliation from Romans soldiers, bystanders, his Jewish race. (Isaiah 53:3, Mark 15:34).

‘He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.’ Isaiah 53:3

Jesus suffered the physical and emotional pain on the cross.

JESUS DIED PURPOSEFULLY

The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ death would save mankind from their sins

‘The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ (Isaiah 53:5b)

There is no other way possible to take away the sins of mankind, except through Jesus’ death. No animal sacrifice or good works can atone for our sins. Jesus received the punishment of sin on mankind’s behalf. The Apostle Peter stated that Christ’s death brought righteousness to believers.

24He 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 for mankind’s sins and offers believers a life of righteousness.

JESUS DIED KNOWINGLY

Christ knew that he must die and rise again (Isaiah 53:10-11, Matthew 16:21, Luke 24:46).

For everyone who believes in Jesus, his resurrection means victory over sin and death. Jesus can grant forgiveness because He died to free us from sin. Jesus can grant eternal life, because God has raised him to life.

‘Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.’ (Isaiah 53:10-11).

21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. (Matthew 16:21)

God allowed Jesus to die and raised Him to life to save us.

GREATER FAITH, GREATER MIRACLES

2011-04-03T01:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful photos of Phuket Island with my friends.

GREATER FAITH, GREATER MIRACLES

Great Faith in God leads to Great Miracles in God

"Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment" Matt 15:28

Can our faith in God make any difference in our life, family, ministry, church or society? I really believe the more we trust in the love, wisdom and power of God, the more we will experience the blessings from God.

I am always inspired by the faith of the Canaanite woman. She was so convinced that Jesus could heal her daughter from demon possession that nothing was going to hinder her from approaching and requesting Jesus to heal her daughter. The disciples of Jesus did not think that she was worthy enough to receive God's blessing because she was a Gentile and Jesus came to bring salvation to the Jews.

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:21-28

This Canaanite woman managed to pass through the disciples and go directly to Jesus. She faced further objections from Jesus because she was a Gentile. Instead of going home empty-handed, she wanted to receive whatever blessings that was leftover. Jesus saw her great faith and answered her request. What happen if we continue to grow in faith every day of our spiritual life? I believe we will see many breakthroughs and miracles in our lives, family, business and ministry as our faith grows from a mustard seed into a giant tree.

Let us have greater faith in God so we can see greater miracles in God. We can go beyond the realm of impossible into possible when our faith is strongly anchored in God.

FAITH PRAYER

2011-03-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful seafood buffet dinner with my two friends, Ford and Dontana in Bangkok.

FAITH PRAYER

Faith is so vital in prayer. Faith is trusting God to answer our prayers no matter how long it takes...

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18

Some prayers get answered immediately by God while other prayers will take longer. We should not doubt God when we do not see prayers answered within our expected time frame. Over the years, I have come to understand that God’s time frame of answering prayers is so different from mine. My responsibility is just to pray. Afterwards, I want to have peace while waiting for God to answer my prayer. I do not want to have any doubts about God’s love and His ability to answer my prayers. It is so easy to slide back in unbelief when we see nothing happen. In the Bible, Elijah kept praying for the rain to fall even though there had been no rain in Israel for three and half years.

When the rain finally fell, Elijah did not pray just once, but he prayed seven times for rain to fall. There was only a small cloud in the sky after Elijah seven prayers, yet God brought the wind and created bigger clouds for a heavy rain. Faith in God is needed to see the greater works of God in our lives. I am sure Elijah was discouraged when nothing seemed to happen, but he persevered in prayer and witnessed the power of God in sending rain after a long drought.

Our faith in God and His abilities can influence the outcome of our prayers. When we have great faith in God, all things are possible.

LOVE SHIEKA'S HEALING TESTIMONY

2011-03-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

I am very encouraged by Love Shieka's healing testimony in Bangkok, Thailand. I pray that you will be inspired to believe God for greater miracles through this testimony.

LOVE SHIEKA'S HEALING TESTIMONY

In 2008, I had an operation in my uterus due to cysts caused by endometriosis. Though the operation was successful, the doctor prescribed me to take medication to prevent the cysts from returning.

Two months after my operation, God blessed me even more. I went to Thailand and immediately found a job within three days. Everything was going well. My health was good and I was even able to join in different church activities and presentations. One day, I felt pain in the lower part of my abdomen. At first, I tried to ignore the pain but I started feeling it regularly.
I went to see a doctor who diagnosed me with adenomyosis; an enlargement of the uterus. The doctor added that if the size of my uterus reached or exceeded 12 inches, I would need to undergo another operation removing my entire uterus.

I was so depressed when I heard the news. I cried and succumbed to self-pity most of the time. But I never stopped praying. I continued to have my appointments with my doctor every three months. During one of my scheduled ultrasounds, I was holding my Bible and praying to God, asking Him for a miracle. When I opened my Bible, I read the words from Jeremiah 33:6 that said, "I WILL BRING HEALTH AND HEALING TO IT." I praised the Lord and thanked Him in advance for His miracle.

I received prayer by the church leaders and even attended the healing service led by Evangelist Peter Troung. I returned home to the Philippines with a positive heart. I went to see my doctor for a check-up and I received a negative result for adenomyosis! Praise God, because He really answered my prayers! I went home and testified to my whole family how great God is in my life. We were crying and my family was so blessed.

Love Shieka Palmones
Oasis of Bangkok Church International

WHEN TROUBLES STRIKE, PRAY!

2011-03-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent photos of the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand.

WHEN TROUBLES STRIKE, PRAY!

"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray" James 5:13a

It may sound too simple; but so many believers overlook this truth. How often do we forget to pray when we are in trouble or face some sort of crisis?

We allow our problems to accumulate over days, weeks, months and even years. Our troubles not only affect our emotions and health, but also the people around us. We need to learn to quickly surrender our troubles to God through prayer. The Bible says our natural response when trouble arises is prayer to God. The moment we pray is the same moment God begins to intervene on our behalf. I do not wait for the right time to pray. I pray to God at any opportunity because I know God is ever ready to act or change the situation.

The Bible says God neither slumbers nor sleeps. He is always watching over us for our benefit. Like a loving father watching over his children, God is always present in our daily life. If you are facing some troubles in your family, marriage, business, health or ministry, pray and see God’s powerful hands at work.

Let us not bury our heads under the sand when troubles come, but pray them away!

THIRST FOR GOD

2011-03-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

THIRST FOR GOD

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

Thirsting for more God was the heart cry of this Psalm’s author. He longed to be in the presence of his God. Many wonderful things can happen when are we in union with Christ. When we are in the presence of God, we will have love, hope, faith, peace, joy, strength, direction, wisdom, anointing and so much more. God desires to fill us with His nature as we draw close to Him. Do not allow the busyness of life to hinder us from drawing close to God in prayer, worship and reading the Bible. God is waiting for us to come to Him each day with open arms. Come to Him today and drink from the presence of the living God.

Allow God to satisfy all of our innermost desires and needs as we meet with Him.

COURAGE

2011-03-01T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos in Bangkok, Thailand and with my friends in Nexus Christian Church.

COURAGE

Extraordinary Courage comes from knowing an Extraordinary God

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (New International Version, ©2010)

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

The whole army of the Israel trembled in terror at the voice and threat of Goliath. He was nine feet tall (2.74m) and wore impenetrable armour that weighed more than any person. Goliath shouted out curses to the army of Israel causing every soldier to be shaken. But there was a teenager named David who was filled with the Spirit of God. David was undeterred by the giant Philistine because he knew his God is able to conquer all. Instead of running away or hiding from Goliath like the rest of the soldiers, David ran towards his enemy with a sling and stones in his hands. It only took one throw by David to strike Goliath on the forehead and cause Goliath to crash like a tree.

David triumphed over Goliath because God’s presence was with him. Despite being smaller, not wearing any armour and carrying an unsophisticated weapon; David was fearless. What Goliaths are we facing today? Are we hiding or running away from our giants? God desires us to have the extraordinary courage like David to confront our challenges. We need to allow God to demonstrate His love, grace and power through us in order to overcome our giants. God is with us today as He was with David to defeat Goliath.

Let us be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to do extraordinary things for God. Be courageous for God and make a difference today.

PASSION

2011-02-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

PASSION

A passionate person steps outside their comfort zone and relies on God to help him/her make a difference in the world.

Mt 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” Mt 3:4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Mt 3:5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Mt 3:6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mathew 3:1-6

Many biblical characters come to mind when I think about passion. One of the most passionate people in the Bible was John the Baptist. Obedient to God, John the Baptist preached the gospel. His platform was not an air-conditioned room, but a harsh desert. He preached the message of the coming Christ during the heat of the day. He wore simple clothes and had a desert-based diet; John the Baptist forewent a life of comfort to do the will of God. Many people went to the desert to hear his preaching, and repented and turned to God. I wondered how many of us would be willing to serve like John the Baptist. How long would be able to endure such a situation? I believe God placed John the Baptist in the Bible to inspire us to move out of our comfort zones. I do not think John the Baptist was able to live and serve in the desert by his own strength. God gave John the Baptist the grace and power to survive and preach in such harsh conditions. John the Baptism was relying on God in the desert for his provision, such as locusts and wild honey.

What if we decided to get out of our comfort zones and rely on God like John the Baptist? What if we learn to trust in God more for our provision? What if we give our lives fully to serve God and try to make a difference in our world? I believe we could make a huge impact in our world. God used one man in the desert to impact many people in his generation. God can use you and me to make a great impact in our society.

If we are to obey Jesus’ Great Commission and preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, we may need to be willing to forgo our comfort zones like John the Baptist.

NEW FRONTIERS

2011-02-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

NEW FRONTIERS

God is looking for people who are willing to go to new frontiers.

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Joshua 1: 1-7

In the Bible, a generation of Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience. Now God was raising up a new generation to advance into a new frontier: the Promised Land. God called Joshua to lead this new generation into the Promised Land. Their predecessors disobeyed God because they saw challenges which were greater than their God. When they spied the Promised Land and saw its giant walls and inhabitants, their hearts melted because of their unbelief. The majority of the spies spread a negative report throughout the whole Israelite camp, causing everyone to doubt God’s ability to help them claim the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb, having faith in God and not their own abilities, believed they could possess the Promised Land. After the death of Moses, the Lord called Joshua to march into the land with the Israelites and possess the land. God promised to be with Joshua and give him victory over the giants in the land. God was taking Joshua and the Israelites into a new frontier.

New frontiers are for those who trust in God to help them cross over their limitations and barriers.

CALL UPON THE LORD

2011-02-08T01:21:00.000-08:00

I took some photos of a nice restaurant in Chiang Rai, Thailand

CALL ON THE LORD

God wants us to CALL upon Him for new revelations of His love, grace, plan and power.

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). Jeremiah 33:3 (Amplified Version)

Every time I read Jeremiah 33:3, my spirit is overwhelmed with excitement, knowing that God wants us to call on HIM and He will answer our prayers. God wants to show us great and mighty things. God has so much more in store for you and me. God desires for us to seek HIM earnestly to know His plans and purposes. Let us pursue God’s will for our lives in 2011. God wants to do great things in and through us so we can be a blessing to our community and the nations. Call upon God for new anointing, blessing and provision upon our family, business and ministry.

God is waiting to hear the voices of His people so He can unleash His love, grace and power.

On Sunday, we prayed for a lady who was wearing a hearing aid for over one year and God healed her ear. This lady was so happy that she could hear without her hearing aid. God is good!

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING

2011-02-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

I took some photos of the night market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING

Impossible is Nothing for God. He is the God who can do all things.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

When Jesus was confronted with impossible situations, He always made the impossible possible. Jesus was at a wedding banquet where the celebratory wine for the guests ran out; Jesus turned water into wine. There was another time when Jesus was with 5000 people in a remote area with no food available. He made five loaves of bread feed 5000 people. When Jesus met a widow mourning for her dead son, He reached out His healing hands and brought the son to life. A crippled man neglected by the pool for years was healed by Jesus’ command. The list of Jesus’ miracles can go on and on.

Where does this leave us? God desires for us to live a supernatural life through the Holy Spirit. God sent the Holy Spirit to empower us for a life of miracles. We cannot live a powerful life without the working of the Holy Spirit. We need to learn to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and act upon the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, I was encouraged by a healing testimony of a couple. They had been married for six years and they were unable to have a child. We prayed for this couple and they now have a beautiful daughter. Another time, I went with a pastor to pray for this couple. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that the wife suffered pain in her hands. I asked if she experienced any pain in her hands. The wife told me that she has had pain in her thumb for four months. The pastor and I prayed for her thumb and the pain instantly disappeared. She was surprised, amazed and grateful that God healed her. We can see that this lady has encountered the power of the living Christ. We were also happy that God has chosen to pour out His grace and power through us to this woman. Indeed, miracles can happen when we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us. Glory to God!

SEED

2011-01-24T00:32:00.000-08:00

Every VISION starts in a SEED form and God will CAUSE it to GROW into a TREE.

Read (Matthew 13:31-32)

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Have you ever been frustrated or disappointed because you have not seen significant results or fruit in your life, business or ministry? We expect something great but nothing seems to happen. Everything around you seems to be the same and you don’t notice any positive changes. I am sure we all had this kind of feeling at some stage of our lives.

Recently, a friend encouraged me to read Matthew 13:31-32. I have read the mustard seed parable many times previously, and I have always been blessed. God reminded me that “every vision starts in a seed form and God will cause it to grow into a tree”. We need to learn to be patient with God, others and ourselves, so that the vision or dream will become a reality at God’s proper time. God is always faithful to His words. His promises will happen in our lives.

We need to continue to follow and serve God while waiting for the vision to come to pass. I want to trust God for greater things to come in my life. How about you?

MY PARTNER IN LIFE

2011-01-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos with my friends in Penang, Malaysia. I enjoyed my visit and holiday in Penang, Malaysia.

MY PARTNER IN LIFE

GOOD things happen when we ALLOW God to be in charge.

Read "He must become greater; I must become less". (John 3:30)

When John the Baptist saw the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, at the river Jordan, he proclaimed that Christ must become greater and he [John] must become less. John recognised Jesus was the Son of God and he needed to allow Jesus to reign. Likewise, we need to have the same heart attitude as John the Baptist by allowing Jesus to reign. Who is the driver of our lives? Is it us, other people or God who is the driver? Good things happen when we allow God to be in charge. The more we surrender to God, the more God can guide and lead us. It is difficult for God to direct our path if we are not listening or going our own way. God is a father that desires to bless His children.

The greater access we give to God, the greater the blessings we receive from God. Let’s make a decision to allow God to increase in our lives each day.

我生命中的伴侣

2011-01-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

好事就会发生，当我们让神掌管

他必興旺，我必衰微。（约翰福音3:30）

当施洗约翰看到了弥赛亚，耶稣基督，在约旦河中，他宣布说，基督必须成就更大，他[约翰]必衰微。约翰承认耶稣是上帝的儿子，他让耶稣作王。同样，我们需要有像约翰同样的态度，允许耶稣来掌管。谁是我们的生活驱动程序？是我们，还是其他人或神？好事就会发生，当我们让神掌管。越是向上帝屈从，神就可以更多的指导和引领我们。我们很难被神引导，如果我们不听从或去我们用自己的方式。上帝就像是一个父亲，愿意祝福他的孩子。

更多的我们交托给上帝，更大的祝福，我们从神接受。让我们来决定，让神在我们生命中一天一天的增加。

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PRAYER LIFE, DAILY LIFE

2011-01-10T00:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos with my friends around the world at the 15th Malaysia National Convention in Penang.

Make your PRAYER LIFE part of your DAILY LIFE

“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer, (Matthew 21:13)

What if prayer was a natural part of our lives? What if prayer was the natural response to all our troubles and challenges? What if prayer could change things within us and around us? I believe we can experience all that God intended prayer to be when we make prayer a part of our daily life. I believe we have not fully understood or released the potential of daily prayer life.

A daily prayer life will bring us to a greater intimacy with God.
A daily prayer life will bring us a to greater love of God
A daily prayer life will bring us to a greater power of God

Let us inspire one another to a prayer life that is all God intended to be, such as natural, effective and powerful.

让你的祈祷成为你日常生活的一部分

（马太21:13）对他们说：经上记着说：我的殿必称为祷告的殿。

如果祈祷是我们生活的一部分？如果祈祷是自然反应，我们所有的烦恼和挑战？如果在我们的祷告可以改变身边的人和事？
我相信我们可以体验到上帝会回应他应许的，如果祷告是我们生活的一部分。
我相信我们还没有完全理解或释放祷告在我们生活中的潜力。

每日的祷告生活将我们与神更亲密。
每日的祷告生活会带给我们一个更大的神的爱
每日的祷告生活将我们带给我们神的更大权力

让我们彼此激励我们的祈祷生活，如神所愿的，就像自然，有效和强大。

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神悦纳人的禧年

2011-01-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

神悦纳的禧年

报告神悦纳人的禧年。（路加福音 4: 19）

两千年前，耶稣来进了他家乡拿撒勒的一间圣殿，大声宣读了先知以赛亚关于弥赛亚到来的预言。耶稣宣读经文作为一个宣告，表明他是以赛亚的预言的弥赛亚。

（路加福音 4: 17－18）
有人把先知以赛亚的书交给他，他就打开，找到一处写着说：主的灵在我身上，因为他用膏膏我，叫我传福音给贫穷的人；差遣我报告：被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见，叫那受压制的得自由 , 报告神悦纳人的禧年。

基督的使命是清楚地阐明在此预言。他来向整个世界分享救恩的消息，从犹太人开始。他到来使人从属灵的捆绑中得释放。他到来为要带给身体与灵魂得属天医治。他到来为要释出上帝得悦纳与祝福。

在2011年，我渴望看见基督得预言在我们的生命，社会及国度有更大得成全。我们可以信靠上帝来看见更多得人体验基督得爱，更多人经历基督得自由，更多得人经历基督得医治能力，更多得人经历基督得悦纳和祝福。

我要分享一些方法怎样去经历完全地神得悦纳在2011：

更深切地进入上帝地话

上帝地话是一本超越於历史记载与人物地书。他是活而有力地，能如剑一般刺透生命：他赐予启示，智慧，方向，平安，安慰，盼望，信心及力量。上帝渴望透过他的话对我们讲话。我们必须让他透过他的话对我们讲话。让我们渴望生命知道。当我们从上帝地到更新我们地心意，我们就会改变，更象基督。

更深切地进入圣灵充满地生活

几年前，我领受了一个改变我属灵生命地预言。一位朋友看见一个装有半满水的水桶的异象。上帝在说我就像那半桶水，他渴望装满我属灵生命的桶，直到满满为止。我深受这异象影响，以致於我决定一切可能行事来确保上帝填满我的属灵的水桶。我开始常常靠圣灵祷告。我开始多方多时来到上帝的同在来赞美他。我开始常常操练我的属灵恩赐。若你渴望以上帝更大的能力度量来行走，今天就做个决定来充满你属灵的桶。（使徒行传 1：8）

更深切的行在爱中

我相信生命中最大的推动力是上帝的爱。我们越多经历上帝的爱，就能越多把这爱分享给他人。爱是基督教的中心信息，上帝渴望我们经历他奢华的爱和向身边的人展现，当我们成为上帝的爱的管道时，我们的生命将完全。有时候，我们的爱受挑战因为以往的伤害和拒绝。我们必须依靠上帝来帮助我们饶恕他人和让上帝以他的爱来医治及修正我们。让我们做个决定，在2011年行在上帝更大的爱中，使我们可以成为我们家人及社会的一个祝福（约翰一书 4： 7 － 16）

www.petertruong.org

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THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOUR

2011-01-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOUR

To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Luke 4:91

2000 years ago, Jesus entered a synagogue in his hometown, Nazareth, to read out the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah. Jesus read Scriptures as a declaration that He was the Messiah in Isaiah’s prophecy (Luke 4:17-18):

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written; “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

The mission of Christ is clearly stated in this prophecy. He came to share the message of salvation to the entire world, beginning with the Jews. He came to set people free from spiritual bondages. He came to bring divine healing to the mind, spirit and body. He came to release the favour and blessings of God. In 2011, I desire to see a greater fulfilment of the prophecy of Christ in our lives, communities and nations. We can believe God for more people to experience the love of Christ, more people to experience the freedom of Christ, more people to experience the healing power of Christ, more people to experience the favour and blessings of Christ. I want to share some ways of how to experience the fullness of God’s favour in 2011:

Go deeper into the Word of God

The word of God is more than just a book about historical events and figures. It is living and powerful and cuts through lives like a sword: it gives revelation, wisdom, direction, peace, comfort, hope, faith and strength. God desires to speak to us through His word. We need to allow Him to speak to us through His holy words. Let us be hungry for the word of life. We will be transformed into the Christ-likeness as we renew our minds with the Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Go deeper into the Spirit-filled life

A few years ago, I received a prophecy that changed my spiritual life. A friend saw a vision of a half-filled water tank. God was saying that I was like the half-filled water tank - He desired to fill the tank of my spiritual life to overflowing. I was so impacted by this prophecy that I decided to do everything possible to ensure God filled up my spiritual tank. I started to pray in the Spirit more frequently. I started to come into the presence of God and worship Him more frequently. I started to exercise my spiritual gifts more frequently. If you desire to walk with a greater measure of God’s power, make the decision today to fill up your spiritual tank. (Acts 1:8)

Go deeper into walking in love

I believe the greatest motivation in life is the love of God. The more we experience the love of God, the more we can give away the love of God to others. Love is the central message of Christianity. God desires for us to experience His lavish love and demonstrate it to those around us. Our lives are made complete when we become a channel of God’s love. Sometimes, we are challenged to love others because of past hurts or rejection. We need to lean on God to help us to forgive others and allow God to heal and restore us with His love. Let us make a decision to walk in greater love of God in 2011 so that we can be a blessing to our family and community. (1 John 4:7-16)

*This article is taken from www.petertruong.org

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

I am writing to wish all my friends from around the world a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am praying that you will experience many great miracles, blessings and breakthroughs from God in 2011. I believe God wants to continue to do awesome things in our lives, families and communities. Let us have an expectant heart for God to move more powerfully in 2011. Our God is forever loving, faithful and powerful. All things are possible with our God! Read Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

SHOW ME YOUR GLORY - THIRD DAY

2010-12-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

I am really like this song called "Show me your glory" written by Third Day. God desires to show His glory and presence in our lives just like Moses in the Bible.

I caught a glimpse of Your splendor
In the corner of my eye
The most beautiful thing I've ever seen
And it was like a flash of lightning
Reflected off the sky
And I know I'll never be the same

Show me Your glory
Send down Your presence
I want to see Your face
Show me Your glory
Majesty shines about You
I can't go on without You, Lord

When I climb down the mountain
And get back to my life
I won't settle for ordinary things
I'm gonna follow You forever
And for all of my days
I won't rest 'til I see You again
Show me Your glory
Show me Your glory
I can't live without You

HIS STILL VOICE

2010-12-13T02:33:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in Penang, Malaysia. I took some photos of some famous eating places in Penang.

HIS STILL VOICE

God STILL speaks today, so take time to LISTEN to His STILL voice.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

This was a simple statement Jesus made 2000 years ago, but it has such a powerful life impact on earth if we believe it. Jesus simply declared to the Jews that God speaks to His people; God know His people and they follow the voice of God. If we have a speaking God, then we should start listening to His prompting in our lives. God can speak to us anytime of the day and place.

One day when I was having breakfast, I was prompted by God to open the newspaper and read the employment section. I was not looking for a job because I was already had a full-time job. However, I just followed the prompting of God. As I read the employment section of the newspaper, I saw a job vacancy that sounded interesting. I had another prompting from God to apply for the position even though I had no experience in this area. I just obeyed the prompting of God and sent in my job application and the rest is history. I ended up working in this new job for five years because I really enjoyed it.

God opened the door for me because I listened to the prompting of God while I was having breakfast in the morning. Let us allow God to speak to us today.

IN HIS TIME

2010-12-06T02:31:00.000-08:00

IN HIS TIME

God's PROMISES come in God's TIME, so continue to have FAITH in Him.

Genesis 21:1-7

1 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac[a] to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

It must have been a great day of celebration when Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac. Abraham rejoiced at seeing the fulfilment of God’s promise. He waited for twenty-five years before his wife gave birth to a son. God had spoken to him many times that his descendents would be as numerous as the grains of sand on the beach and the stars in the sky. However, Abraham and Sarah were beyond the age of child bearing. At one point in time, Sarah decided not to wait any longer and offered her servant, called Hager, to Abraham conceive a child. It was not God’s intention for Abraham to have a child with another woman. At the appointed time, Sarah became pregnant through Abraham and gave birth to Isaac.

God remembered and kept His promise to Abraham according to His timing, and not Abraham’s timing.

Will we continue to trust in the Lord for His promise to come to pass? Will we continue to persevere in the things of God in order to see His promise to pass? Will we continue to be at peace as we wait for the promise of God? I believe we can celebrate like Abraham if we remain steadfast in God and His promises.

God is always faithful and carries out His promises according to His timetable because He knows the best time.

GREATER

2010-12-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

I spent some time in the village and taking photos of the scenery

GREATER

I love the song by Chris Tomlin called "Our God is Greater". It remind me of the greatness of God and that He is able to do all things. Whatever you are going through in your life at the moment, God is always there to give a helping hand. Reach out to God's love and power today.

MIRACLES

2010-11-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

I was on a boat cruise with some friends along a beautiful river.

MIRACLES

Imagine seeing miracles happen on a daily basis in our homes and neighborhood. We often think miracles can only occur during big events, healing meetings or in stadiums crowded with multitudes of people. God desires us to believe that He can move anywhere: a rally of thousands or in a room with just a handful of people. I have conducted many healing meetings over the years; sometimes the most amazing healings took place with a small group at someone’s home. God wants us to believe that He can move powerfully, no matter the environment. God can move in homes or in big gatherings of people. Read Mark 1:29-34

Mark 1:29-34 (New International Version)

Jesus Heals Many

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

I love this revival story because one miracle that happened at Simon's home caused the whole town to bring the sick for healing. Jesus prayed for Simon's mother-in-law and she was instantly healed from her fever. The words about this miracle quickly spread throughout the town and they brought more of their sick to Jesus for healing. It only took one miracle by Jesus to multiply into more miracles. I pray that we will pursue a life of miracles because we have a miraculous God. Allow God to perform miracles through us wherever we go.

COMPASSION

2010-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

COMPASSION

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a slum and meet its inhabitants. I went into a small room packed with people. They patiently waited for me to bring God's Word. I shared about God's love and prayed for every person in the room. The people were so happy that someone would visit their humble homes and pray for their needs. There was a big round of applause at the end of the meeting. I did not realise that my presence meant so much to them. All I did was just listen to their needs and prayed for God's blessing upon their lives. I took a few hours of my time and it made a difference in their lives. Jesus reached out to the disadvantaged and the hurting during his three-year ministry on earth. He showed compassion and love to those who were suffering and neglected by others. Read Matthew 8:1-3.

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. (Matthew 8:1-3)

No one came near a leprous person because it was an infectious disease; sufferers were declared unclean by religious law. However, Jesus heard the desperate cry of this poor leper. He reached out to touch and heal him. Jesus broke down all social and religious barriers to demonstrate God's unconditional love to this man. Let us use Jesus as our example to show love and compassion to the hurting around us. Let us bring hope and a smile on someone's face.

POWER IN THE NAME

2010-11-08T01:06:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy going to Philip Island for a conference. The beaches are beautiful on Philip Island. I took some photos with Ps Mark on the beach. He showed me the places where he used to do surfing. I also attempted the giant swing for the first time. I learnt to overcome my fear of height on the giant swing. It was so fun to swing at high speed in the giant swing.

Power in the name

There is power in the name of Jesus. God desires believers to exercise authority in the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus has authority over sickness and evil spirits. As we pray in the name of Jesus, God will unleash His power and miracles. Let us believe God to perform miracles and breakthroughs in the name of Jesus. Read Phil 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11 (New International Version)

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A MIRACLE VIDEO

2010-11-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

I like watching this miracle story of a man who was healed by God. He was a crippled man and now he is able to walk normally. It is good to know that God is alive and miracles still happen today. Glory to God!

Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Luke 10:9

HAPPY DAY

2010-10-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

I really like this song called "Happy Day" by Tim Hughes. This song really expresses how I felt when I accepted Christ into my life some years ago. I have a great sense of peace, joy and love after I invited Jesus into my life as my personal Lord and Savior. This "Happy Day" feeling still remains with me until this day after twenty years. God is good!

HAPPY DAY LYRICS - TIM HUGHES

Verse 1:
The greatest day in history, Death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross, The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

Verse 2:
When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same OHH NO
Forever I am changed

Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name

YEAHHH

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

What a glorious glorious day,
I'll never be the same

GOD IS LOVE

2010-10-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

I went around Suva, Fiji and took some photos of the scenery of the city. It is a beautiful city with many tourists. The weather is really nice and warm in Suva. It is a great place for swimming and fishing.

GOD IS LOVE

As I was reflecting on the love of God, a revelation came to my mind. “The greatest motivation to love is the love of God.” Read 1 John 4:16-21

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:16-21

The central message of Christianity is love. Jesus came to earth two thousand years ago with a purpose to demonstrate the love of God to the people around Him. Jesus wanted to reveal the love between Him and His Father and the love between the Father and the people on earth. Jesus also desires for His disciples to demonstrate God’s love amongst each other and to the world.

Apostle John wrote in the Bible that God is love. We can live in the love of God and display God’s love toward one another. Let’s reach out to receive God’s love so we can walk in the love of God and release it to others.

WORRY NO MORE!

2010-10-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

I love Auckland, New Zealand! I went for lunch with some friends in Auckland at a Japanese restaurant. I like the beautiful gardens in Auckland. The ice cream in New Zealand is very nice. Here are some photos of the city.

WORRY NO MORE!

Imagine what life would be like if we learned to stop worrying and put our trust in God for everything. Worry can rob the joy and vitality out of our lives. We need to throw off our worries to God because He cares for us. Read 1 Peter 1:5:7

Cast your all your anxiety on him because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7

Let us learn to surrender our burdens and anxieties to our Father in heaven. He is able to meet all our needs. Read 2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

God’s divine power is working within us and around us in every situation. We can rely on His strength to overcome every challenge.

The Bible encourages us to pray, rather than being anxious about life and ministry. God’s antidote for worrying is prayer. God will release His peace into our hearts when we learn to commit everything to His loving hands through prayers. Read Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7

iJESUS

2010-10-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time in Fiji. The people in Fiji are very friendly. When I walk down the street, people greet me with the word “Bula” (hello in Fijian). I like the local food. I love swimming and fishing in Fiji. I caught two rainbow fishes on a fishing boat with some friends. We cooked the fishes at a Chinese restaurant and it was very fresh and tasty. I hope to return to this beautiful island in the near future.

iJESUS

I love my IPod! I carry it around wherever I go. I have my IPod when I am walking, on public transport, driving my car and when I’m flying. I have many songs and sermons on my IPod for endless listening. The IPod is my favourite piece of technology. There is another person that I carry wherever I go - Jesus. I love having the presence of Jesus with me. The Bible says that Jesus lives inside of us. When He died of the cross and went to heaven, He did not desert His disciples, He promised to send the Holy Spirit –another Counsellor. Read John 14:15-20:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:20

Jesus is in us to give direction

The Bible says that God will send a counsellor to be our helper. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into making a good decision.

Jesus is in us to give love

We can walk in the love of Christ because His love is in us. As God loves Jesus, Jesus also loves us. We can sense the love of God through the Holy Spirit living in us.

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9

Jesus is in us to give peace

Jesus gives us peace because He dwells in us. He gives us peace in times of trouble and danger.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

IT IS COMING SOON!

2010-10-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

I always like to visit Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It is a beautiful place. I love the scenic Lake Burley Griffin, which is situated close to Parliament House. I also went to the National War Memorial with my elder brother. We had a great day tour guide in Canberra. He was so kind to give me a ski jacket to wear because it is really cold in Canberra. You can see that I am all rugged with a few layers of clothes.

IT IS COMING SOON!

I believe God wants to encourage us to persevere in doing His WILL because He WILL reward us in due time. Sometimes, we can receive instant rewards for obeying God’s words and promises; other times we just need to continue to be faithful and diligent until God releases the blessing. Read Hebrews 10:35-16.

Hebrews 10:35-36 (New International Version)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:35-36 (Amplified Bible)

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. 36For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.

When should we persevere?

Persevere when it is in God’s will

When we are in the centre of God’s will, we are also in the centre of God’s provision. God will provide what we need to accomplish the task at hand. The opposite can also apply. When we step outside of God’s will, we are on our own. But God is gracious when we walk outside of His will, He will gently lead us back to His direction if we are willing to listen and obey.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

It is much better to walk in the plan and purpose of God because He knows the best path for us.

Persevere when it is challenging

Our spiritual life and characters are refined, developed and matured by God as we confront the challenges in doing God’s will. We are all tempted to give up at the halfway point of the race because of obstacles and challenges. But if we continue to have steadfast patience and endurance, we will be able to fully accomplish the will of God and receive an eternal reward. I noticed that every time I decided to press forward with God in spite of challenges, God has brought me to a new level of spiritual growth and blessings.

The challenges we face are an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development through Christ.

AN APPROACHABLE GOD

2010-09-20T00:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

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.