From Daily Devotional From New Creation Church, 26th Aug 2007
Ephesians 1:77
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Some Christians believe that although you have forgiveness of sins, you are not free from the penalties of your sins. In other words, you can still expect punishment from God.
For example, some married Christian couples have been told by ministers that they are childless because God is punishing them for having had pre-marital sex. So although God has forgiven them of that sin, He still has to punish them for it.
I am not encouraging pre-marital sex, but I want you to know that God, who is the only one who can fully appreciate the full value of His Son’s blood and who is completely satisfied by His Son’s sacrifice, is at rest in His heart today concerning your sins! That is why He is not against you when you sin. Neither is He out to punish you when you sin. No, He still loves you, is for you and wants to help you overcome that sin.
In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats could only “cover” sins and not take them away. (Hebrews 10:4) But the blood of Jesus is not like the blood of animals! For by one sacrifice, the eternal blood of the Son of God has forever removed your sins (Hebrews 8:12) and cleansed you of all unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9). In fact, God is so satisfied with His Son’s perfect work that He says to you today, “Your sins and lawless deeds I will by no means remember!” (Hebrews 10:17) And if God does not remember them, why should He punish you for them?
Beloved, you “have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”. Because Jesus’ work is complete, all your sins have been completely forgiven. And complete forgiveness means that the penalties for your sins can no longer fall on you because they already fell on Jesus at the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)
So should something bad happen to you, don’t think for one moment that God is punishing you for some sin. Look to the cross, instead, and know that all your sins have already been fully punished in the body of Christ!
Me: Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord!!! For He loves me!!!!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Confirmation from the Spirit
A few weeks ago, I wrote something about a book on healing...
And naturally, some doubts crept into my mind.. was I too hasty in trusting that all we had to do was rely on the goodness of God? Maybe we need to ask ourselves what is the sin that caused this illness, confess it to God because it is good to confess our sins... and if we don't think for ourselves which sins led to this 'effect'... then we may still dwell in the sin and we cannot be completely healed?
So Satan was very subtle... i didnt feel worried or anxious. It just came little by little, wave by wave... and I didn't even have time to think or pray about it.
And then when I went to church this Sunday, Pastor Prince (though he was on the topic of Favor of God), I really believe he was led by the Spirit, clarified on this exact subject!
His point was that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we are continually being washed by His blood. God continually sees us as perfect and righteous. If that is the case, there is no need for us to confess our sins in order to be healed.
Confessions of sins is good.
But confessions of sins is not a prerequisite to healing and wholeness.
Jesus is our prerequisite for healing, wholeness and prosperity.
He is our qualifier.
And amazingly, Pastor Prince used the same analogy in my previous blog!!! He said: Jesus didnt ask the leper - what are your sins that made you a leper?
Whenever Jesus healed anyone in the bible - He never asked them what was the cause of the disease. He only said He is willing.
And that's all that matters.
And naturally, some doubts crept into my mind.. was I too hasty in trusting that all we had to do was rely on the goodness of God? Maybe we need to ask ourselves what is the sin that caused this illness, confess it to God because it is good to confess our sins... and if we don't think for ourselves which sins led to this 'effect'... then we may still dwell in the sin and we cannot be completely healed?
So Satan was very subtle... i didnt feel worried or anxious. It just came little by little, wave by wave... and I didn't even have time to think or pray about it.
And then when I went to church this Sunday, Pastor Prince (though he was on the topic of Favor of God), I really believe he was led by the Spirit, clarified on this exact subject!
His point was that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we are continually being washed by His blood. God continually sees us as perfect and righteous. If that is the case, there is no need for us to confess our sins in order to be healed.
Confessions of sins is good.
But confessions of sins is not a prerequisite to healing and wholeness.
Jesus is our prerequisite for healing, wholeness and prosperity.
He is our qualifier.
And amazingly, Pastor Prince used the same analogy in my previous blog!!! He said: Jesus didnt ask the leper - what are your sins that made you a leper?
Whenever Jesus healed anyone in the bible - He never asked them what was the cause of the disease. He only said He is willing.
And that's all that matters.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
SET YOUR HOPE
Today's Scripture
“Set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed” (I Peter 1:13).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Is your hope set on God’s divine favor in your life today? One translation of this verse says, “Look forward to more and more of God’s favor.” That’s God’s dream—to pour out His goodness and grace upon you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more of God’s favor. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant. Don’t ever think that you can’t rise any higher. God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians, He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favor. In other words, God wants to go far and above what we’re used to! He wants to show you favor in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes higher today. Increase your expectations of what God will do in your life. As you open your heart and mind to His unlimited favor, you will experience the abundance He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for your increase in every area of my life today. I choose to set my hope in You knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. Teach me to be a vessel used by You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
For more : www.joelosteen.com
“Set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed” (I Peter 1:13).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Is your hope set on God’s divine favor in your life today? One translation of this verse says, “Look forward to more and more of God’s favor.” That’s God’s dream—to pour out His goodness and grace upon you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more of God’s favor. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant. Don’t ever think that you can’t rise any higher. God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians, He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favor. In other words, God wants to go far and above what we’re used to! He wants to show you favor in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes higher today. Increase your expectations of what God will do in your life. As you open your heart and mind to His unlimited favor, you will experience the abundance He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for your increase in every area of my life today. I choose to set my hope in You knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. Teach me to be a vessel used by You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
For more : www.joelosteen.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
IT IS TRUE
that God meets us at the place of our expectations, when we put all our hopes in Christ.
YIPPEE!!!!!
Three days ago, we met with some opposition to some of our plans. ok, not exactly an opposition but a 70% of our expectations...
I was stunned and felt it was absurd and a small part of me kinda went - what happened??
And then for the past few nights, the husband and I just worshipped God, we worship Him for His greatness, for His sovereignty, for His grace and His Favor (read my blog 2 days ago). And I knew that I knew that I knew that He was just waiting for us to release all our hopes and desire unto HIM.
He was just waiting for us to declare with our hearts and our mouths that YES LORD! GRANT US YOUR FAVOR IN THIS SITUATION. WE DECLARE YOUR FAVOR OVER THIS SITUATION!
And today - we got His reply - I'm giving you a 100% because you dared to believe in Me.
WOWEE!!!!
The husband: God will bless us according to our faith.
And faith comes so easy when we just look to Jesus.
Just look to HIM!!!
YIPPEE!!!!!
Three days ago, we met with some opposition to some of our plans. ok, not exactly an opposition but a 70% of our expectations...
I was stunned and felt it was absurd and a small part of me kinda went - what happened??
And then for the past few nights, the husband and I just worshipped God, we worship Him for His greatness, for His sovereignty, for His grace and His Favor (read my blog 2 days ago). And I knew that I knew that I knew that He was just waiting for us to release all our hopes and desire unto HIM.
He was just waiting for us to declare with our hearts and our mouths that YES LORD! GRANT US YOUR FAVOR IN THIS SITUATION. WE DECLARE YOUR FAVOR OVER THIS SITUATION!
And today - we got His reply - I'm giving you a 100% because you dared to believe in Me.
WOWEE!!!!
The husband: God will bless us according to our faith.
And faith comes so easy when we just look to Jesus.
Just look to HIM!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
2003
I was reflecting on how my life has changed in the years since I came back.
I came back in May/June 2003 - and i think it was possibly the lowest point for the nation (ravaged by SARS and the economy), it was also the lowest point for my family and because i chose to come back, it was the lowest point for my relationship.
I was far from God then because I was looking at my circumstances and I thought I needed to rely on my own strength. I need to do something with my life. I needed to support my loved ones, I needed to find a job which was practically impossible as people were getting retrenched and companies weren't hiring..
Thinking back, I was probably very down and quite depressed. I was able and willing but had no job so I spent most of my days doing housework and moping around... and I had to travel all the way to the library to get internet access.
I felt so helpless and so small.
And when I finally got a part time job at Yamaha as a receptionist, I was so grateful but then I got sacked after 2 weeks! On my first job! I couldn't believe it. I was so broken... But God was setting me up for something much better. He had to take me away from that situation so that I could come to a place of total reliance on HIM.
He had to take me away from that and He knew the only way was to sack me. Hahaha.
He did that so that I could start looking around for another job. And I did. Although it took me another 2 months in a crap recep job to get into my first real job... I knew it was His hand at work.
I thank God that even when I was down and ready to give up, He didn't give up on me. He was always there for me, opening doors of opportunities.
I was and still am so grateful that He placed me in a position to get wealth and to provide for my loved ones because He cares. He cares about what I care about.
So if you are at a place where every which way seems dark and you don't know which way to go, turn to Jesus.
He knows. He is able. And the best part is, He is willing.
I came back in May/June 2003 - and i think it was possibly the lowest point for the nation (ravaged by SARS and the economy), it was also the lowest point for my family and because i chose to come back, it was the lowest point for my relationship.
I was far from God then because I was looking at my circumstances and I thought I needed to rely on my own strength. I need to do something with my life. I needed to support my loved ones, I needed to find a job which was practically impossible as people were getting retrenched and companies weren't hiring..
Thinking back, I was probably very down and quite depressed. I was able and willing but had no job so I spent most of my days doing housework and moping around... and I had to travel all the way to the library to get internet access.
I felt so helpless and so small.
And when I finally got a part time job at Yamaha as a receptionist, I was so grateful but then I got sacked after 2 weeks! On my first job! I couldn't believe it. I was so broken... But God was setting me up for something much better. He had to take me away from that situation so that I could come to a place of total reliance on HIM.
He had to take me away from that and He knew the only way was to sack me. Hahaha.
He did that so that I could start looking around for another job. And I did. Although it took me another 2 months in a crap recep job to get into my first real job... I knew it was His hand at work.
I thank God that even when I was down and ready to give up, He didn't give up on me. He was always there for me, opening doors of opportunities.
I was and still am so grateful that He placed me in a position to get wealth and to provide for my loved ones because He cares. He cares about what I care about.
So if you are at a place where every which way seems dark and you don't know which way to go, turn to Jesus.
He knows. He is able. And the best part is, He is willing.
Joel Osteen
http://www.joelosteen.com/The husband and I had a great time listening to Joel Osteen on The Favor of God last night. Just a 30 minute sermon and it totally refreshed my soul. It reminded me that Jesus paid a price for God's grace, favor and blessings to fall continously on His children!
I like Joel Osteen because he looks like a movie star (noted by the husband), has great charisma, a brilliant smile and he draws you in with his persuasion of how good God is. He is truly anointed!
It's amazing how the Holy Spirit reminded me of God's favor this morning. He whispered to me that yes! God is going to grant me favor with the things that has been on my mind. He wants to give me favor in my workplace, my career, my family, my finances, my health. He wants to give me unprecedented favor when I go to the supermarket, when I go to the bank, when I go and meet my friends... He has so much to give me! And all I have to do is rest in the knowledge that He wants to meet me at the place of my expectations.
Wow.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul:
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgives all my iniquities;
Who heals all my diseases;
Who redeems my life from destruction;
Who crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfies my mouth with good things;
So that my youth is renewed like the eagle's.
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgives all my iniquities;
Who heals all my diseases;
Who redeems my life from destruction;
Who crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfies my mouth with good things;
So that my youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Astronomical Grace
How amazing that God has created the entire universe, with all its galaxies and stars and planets...
How amazing that Jesus Christ, who has made the worlds, on which we live in, we make our homes, families and careers in, has come to this world which He made, to die on the cross He created, so that we can be reconciled with God the Father.
How GREAT is our Lord?
He holds the universe in the span of His hands.
How GREAT is His grace?
He sent His only Son to die on the cross to redeem you and me.
The husband was led by the Spirit to lead this family(ie: me) into a time of devotion, if you're interested, pls go to http://www.northpointministries.org/
Pastor Louie Giglio is quite awesome.
How amazing that Jesus Christ, who has made the worlds, on which we live in, we make our homes, families and careers in, has come to this world which He made, to die on the cross He created, so that we can be reconciled with God the Father.
How GREAT is our Lord?
He holds the universe in the span of His hands.
How GREAT is His grace?
He sent His only Son to die on the cross to redeem you and me.
The husband was led by the Spirit to lead this family(ie: me) into a time of devotion, if you're interested, pls go to http://www.northpointministries.org/
Pastor Louie Giglio is quite awesome.
Friday, August 10, 2007
I got a call from...
My husband!
Asking me out for lunch!
Yippee!
*note to self - don't get tired of the small things in a marriage.
:)
Asking me out for lunch!
Yippee!
*note to self - don't get tired of the small things in a marriage.
:)
BOOST
Had a great breakfast this morning as I tried to de-tox all that meat I had yesterday...
So i walked into Boost at OUB centre and ordered a Brekkie-to-gogo.
Its absolutely delicious!!!
A delicious, refreshing blend of
- yoghurt
- bananas
- muesli
- honey
In case you're wondering, Boost is a juice bar from Australia and when I was studying in Melbourne, it was so painful to fork out that kinda money for juice... so i settled for Lucky Cup Bubble Tea most of the time (which was like AUD$3 ea)...
If you're a health freak, check them out - boostjuicebars.com.sgI just don't get why it cost me 6 bucks...
Ah well. I could have done it for a lot less if I bought all the ingredients and bought a blender and got up early to make it... but then I'll have to wash up... so maybe it was worth it. ha!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Discerning the Spirit
So the husband and I sat down to listen to a sermon by Pastor Rajan that the FIL gave us.
During our trip back to Perth in Dec 06, this pastor prophesied over us and we were just so bowled over. He was so precise and detailed about God's plans for us... and we were just thrilled when Pastor Matthews who officiated at our wedding gave the confirmation in May.
So because what we learned was so powerful and so relevant to all believers, here's a summary:
How does God speak to us?
During our trip back to Perth in Dec 06, this pastor prophesied over us and we were just so bowled over. He was so precise and detailed about God's plans for us... and we were just thrilled when Pastor Matthews who officiated at our wedding gave the confirmation in May.
So because what we learned was so powerful and so relevant to all believers, here's a summary:
How does God speak to us?
- Word of God (99% of the time)
- Dreams & visions
- Circumstances
- Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit - tongues, interpretation, prophecy
- In a still small voice
How do believers discern God's voice?
- God speaks not only to our mind but to our whole being
- when God speaks, there is always comfort
- there is peace in our hearts
- it produces faith in us
- there is clarity (no confusion)
- He is not in a hurry
- it is not shortlived - it will stay with me
- always accompanied with joy & satisfaction
I'll share my best friend's story in another post. An unbelievable story of His neverending love, His great plans for us, His perfect timing and how we just need to obey.
Now, im gonna get prepared for a National Day bbq with some friends :)
My contribution is apple salad and I hope it's edible!!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Read this book
Sorry for the long rant, if indeed you managed to persist and read through my last blog.
In contrast, here's a good book you should check out. www.destined2reign.com
Isaiah 53
I was given a book some time ago on how to heal the sick. For reasons unknown to me, I haven't touched the book for several months, until yesterday. If you know me, I tend to devour books immediately, like the second I get my hands on them.
So I found out why yesterday.
This book, started off well-meaning, and certainly sounded spiritual and 'right', was advocating that in order to heal the sick, the author has found several ways to do it, one of which is to identify the root of the problem - for example unforgiveness, bitterness, generational curses etc.
(That's when I chucked it to the farthest corner of the room. I might burn it later.)
I mean what the? I already knew that! The root of all our problems (sickness, financial lack, fear & condemnation) is SIN!
BUT, and Im so glad I know this - there is no need to identify and deal with the root of the problem, because our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has already identified AND dealt with SIN two thousand years ago. He nailed it to the cross. He said - It is finished!!!
Not that there is no more sin in this world (who am i kidding?) but He has taken the penalty of sin unto Himself, so for believers, we do not need to bear the consequences.
He has taken our sickness and diseases on Himself, so we may proclaim loudly today :YES! Jesus has borne our sicknesses and diseases on the cross, so that BY HIS STRIPES, we believers are healed. He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.
And sometimes when I meditate on this truth, on His grace and His unending mercies, His great sacrifice, of which we will never fully comprehend, I literally break down and cry out - You are a GOOD GOD!
He has never set conditions in order for us to be delivered.
He said to the leper : I am willing, be healed.
He said to the prostitute : Take heart, your faith has healed you.
Matthew 10 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
Read the bible.
Jesus never set conditions for the people he met to be healed. He didn't say to the leper - do you know why you have leprosy? Is it the sins of your father or mother? Could it be unforgiveness in your heart? Ok, bcos you have to get to the root of your problem before I heal you?
NO! He said - I AM WILLING. BE HEALED.
So I found out why yesterday.
This book, started off well-meaning, and certainly sounded spiritual and 'right', was advocating that in order to heal the sick, the author has found several ways to do it, one of which is to identify the root of the problem - for example unforgiveness, bitterness, generational curses etc.
(That's when I chucked it to the farthest corner of the room. I might burn it later.)
I mean what the? I already knew that! The root of all our problems (sickness, financial lack, fear & condemnation) is SIN!
BUT, and Im so glad I know this - there is no need to identify and deal with the root of the problem, because our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has already identified AND dealt with SIN two thousand years ago. He nailed it to the cross. He said - It is finished!!!
Not that there is no more sin in this world (who am i kidding?) but He has taken the penalty of sin unto Himself, so for believers, we do not need to bear the consequences.
He has taken our sickness and diseases on Himself, so we may proclaim loudly today :YES! Jesus has borne our sicknesses and diseases on the cross, so that BY HIS STRIPES, we believers are healed. He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.
And sometimes when I meditate on this truth, on His grace and His unending mercies, His great sacrifice, of which we will never fully comprehend, I literally break down and cry out - You are a GOOD GOD!
He has never set conditions in order for us to be delivered.
He said to the leper : I am willing, be healed.
He said to the prostitute : Take heart, your faith has healed you.
Matthew 10 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
Read the bible.
Jesus never set conditions for the people he met to be healed. He didn't say to the leper - do you know why you have leprosy? Is it the sins of your father or mother? Could it be unforgiveness in your heart? Ok, bcos you have to get to the root of your problem before I heal you?
NO! He said - I AM WILLING. BE HEALED.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Perth
A friend asked me today for a list of things to do in Perth as she was going there over the National Day weekend. Which got me all excited ( I know it's hard to imagine being excited over Perth).
But the truth is, I really really like Perth.
Sure, it's not exciting like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei etc.. and sort of pales in comparison to the more ' advanced' and 'cosmopolitan' eastern cities like Sydney and Melbourne... BUT, it's a really beautiful place! It's a place for a real holiday - a place to have some unhurried shopping, visit some of the wineries, relax by the famous beaches and connect with another person.
And that's what I like the most - that I'm not overwhelmed by the noise, the sights, the buildings, the shops... I can connect with someone and feel like time has slowed somewhat.
So here are some of the places I love to go when in Western Australia:
But the truth is, I really really like Perth.
Sure, it's not exciting like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei etc.. and sort of pales in comparison to the more ' advanced' and 'cosmopolitan' eastern cities like Sydney and Melbourne... BUT, it's a really beautiful place! It's a place for a real holiday - a place to have some unhurried shopping, visit some of the wineries, relax by the famous beaches and connect with another person.
And that's what I like the most - that I'm not overwhelmed by the noise, the sights, the buildings, the shops... I can connect with someone and feel like time has slowed somewhat.
So here are some of the places I love to go when in Western Australia:
- Cottesloe and coffee at The Blue Duck (my all time favourite)
- King’s Park
- Mathilda Bay (took our wedding pics there :)
- Harbourtown for some shopping
- Swan Valley
- Kaili’s Fish Market then to Little Creatures (Fremantle)
- Fremantle Markets
- Carousel (as in the shopping mall)
- Margaret River ( where we fell in love Summer of 1999)
And for the husband and I, the most beautiful thing about Perth is the family. We always have the best time because the people we love are there - and maybe that's why I love Perth this special way.
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