Monday, October 30, 2006
BreakThrough!
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
It's been a faith-stretching week for me. Pastor Phil, a guest speaker at our church for the past two weeks (a godsend, really), said it like this: 'For those who want a breakthrough in their lives, they must first be willing to be in a situation that
needs a breakthrough'. I couldn't agree more. I'm reminded that that was the reason I was called to return as a prodigal son. Now the only thing is to remember that God wants a breakthrough even more than I want a breakthrough. You see, my family situation is really reaching an urgency that calls for nothing short of a miracle. Dad has gotten 4-5 summons to court for unpaid debts. Mom demanding a divorce. Mom just quit her job. Dad turning to fengshui to better his situation. Mom declaring her rebellion and disobedience against an unjust and cruel God that drives people to the edge.
Two weeks ago Pastor Phil said, 'New levels, new devils'; he meant to say as you reach a new level of relationship with God, there will be a counter contending of that position of reign by the devil. It's no coincidence that even as I made the decision to join the Mentors Ministry that what seemed to be settling down in my family got stirred up again. Somebody's not happy I'm advancing. Ladies and Gentlemen, THIS IS WAR!!
Here's my battle strategy: Obedience.
Here's my account of being obedient (sermon pointers):
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 will be my sword of truth (click on link for full passage)
- Fear God, not our enemies! Fear is a persuasion just like Faith.
- The fear of the Lord is simply loving what He loves, and hating what He hates. Does he love my parents? Definitely. Now the hate part is a little tricky. He hates sin. Plenty of sin ruling my parents' lives at the moment, weighing them down. I will pray against that.
- Get serious! Pray fast. (pun intended) Pray so that God's victory becomes your victory, tie your breakthrough to God's breakthrough. (will meditate on how to translate this to action)
- Get prophetic revelation. Get a word from God! Praise Him, for He has spoken: Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
My parents will be oaks of righteousness when God's breakthrough comes to pass!
- Know God's part, and know your part. Jesus is gonna work through me to let the verses above come to pass. I'm keeping up my spirits!
-Praise precedes victory. Hallelujah Jesus is alive!
Friends, will you stand alongside me and see me through? Keep me in prayer if you felt a stirring in your Spirit. God bless.
Mantou at 11:15 AM
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Blabber Entry: Truth Pursuit
Many truths to behold, many to put into actions. As they get burned in my mind they replace the concepts I held on to all these years. They reveal more and more glimpses of who God is and who I am in His eyes, what I've been given by this Heavenly Father that loves me so. It's an exciting journey but one that is impossible; we serve a God of the impossible so expect to live a life that is impossible in our own strength and wisdom. Every step of the way expect to feel vulnerable and incarcerated with countless doubts and negative thoughts. The mind is the battleground, but the place to guard is the heart, which is the wellspring to life. Never, ever let the heart be engaged in battle. It will NOT survive. Wherever our weaknesses are, expect to be attacked in that area relentlessly. No enemy is ever going to ram a fortified door. Can we fight alone?? Never. What are we fighting for? What do we hope to gain? Freedom? We already have it. The only way to disarm the enemy is by truth. Not by might, not by power. You can struggle against evil all you want. As long as you believe the lies put in you it will be a battle lost. 2nd Tim 2:22 says Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness. That's a TRUTH PURSUIT. It's futile arguing with the enemy. Everything that proceeds from them are lies. Stamp the truth in your heart and mind, and garner all you have to cling to it, and act on it. Don't for a moment turn your back to God. Doesn't matter how mature you are as a Christian; you always have the choice to disown Him. Compliance, not maturity, is His utmost concern. Today there are people in pubs and bars going towards Him and people in church turning away from Him. Jesus has healing, answers and promises for the faint-hearted and people feeling the wretchedness of their sin. He has none for those who think they are not the worst of the lot; who think they need no confession or restoration. Everyday there's only two things to cling on to. The world (problems)or Jesus (solution). Everyday there's only two choices to make: to believe we're part of the world (problem), or part of Jesus (the solution). No in between. No sitting on the fence. Either you're dealing with the problem or you're letting it simmer and brew an even bigger, stickier problem. It's IMPOSSIBLE AIN'T IT? To choose the right side? Which side are we on??
"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6.
Is there a reason now to be humble and submissive? The line in the sand is drawn; either you're on a side where you are trying to surrender everything to get grace, or the side where you make futile attempts to protect your pride.
Ever wondered what are my heartburning issues? See above. They are the truths I grapple with all the time. My strength grows with my faith.
Mantou at 11:02 PM
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Rollercoaster Rides are fun for a reason
Well hello there! It's been a while huh.. Well I hope my title explains it.. You can't really do much other than enjoy the ride when you're on a roller coaster can you?
So what kinda roller coaster ride have I been on? I like the way my vicar put it during a farewell assembly chapel. 'One of intoxicating freedom and horrible uncertainties'.
Yes, freedom is not all that rosy. Will talk more when I get the time. It's suffice to say now that God takes a personal interest in my life journey. And that's worth rejoicing about. Who's gonna stand against me?
Mantou at 11:49 PM
Sunday, October 01, 2006
A Pleasant Surprise
It's just one of those heartwarming moments that hits you when you realize you have been a significant person in someone's life. Not that I always wanted to achieve that, cos all I wanted to do was to serve him in my role as a leader. Wat an encouragement to noe that it has touched him in more ways than one. Here's the heartwarming speech he gave.
"On another hand, lets talk about camp. Vincent Wang ORD today.. Or should i say LTA(NS) Vincent Wang ORDs today. The dude who has always bugged me in office to do things for him has finally ORD.
I am actually feeling abit sad. Will no longer be able to see the person who i have begun to see as my Officer, my friend and i'm admitting this for the first time.. my bro, in the office. So yeah.. he grew on me. That so called 'Thank you and goodbye speech he gave during last roll call.. That "Leaving On A Jet Plane" song he sang while playing on his guitar just before we booked out actually did hit a soft
spot. Sure gonna miss it."
Awww.. Isn't it sweet? Thank God for such an opportunity to bring the light of His love into one person's life in such a manner. May it draw him closer to the reality of God's love. He may be a Muslim but God is a God of the Impossible. Nothing's impossible for Him.
Mantou at 11:24 PM