Sunday, April 29, 2007

The First Step of Victory is Won when you have Faith!

To all of you dears having your exams soon,

The Holy Spirit will definitely be your best Teacher, Counselor and Guide for every question in every paper for the exams!

Win the first step of victory by overcoming your lethargy, laziness, fear and doubts through claiming these verses:

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears"!

Psalm 84:11-12 (NLT) "For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in You".

John 14:26-27 "...the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My (Jesus') name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".



Dina did so on Saturday night. I am proud of her. =)



F E A R = False Evidence Appearing Real

Have Faith instead!


I am rooting for you!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Approaching G12 (and Cell) Meetings with Faith

This is a recent sharing from Ps YC which spoke sharply to me.

I too, am 'guilty' of bearing thoughts like "Maybe i don't need to share so much, don't wish to impose on my sisters/brothers" sometimes.

Dear gals, i hope that this article will jolt you out of such wrong mentalities (if you have) too. Know that God is concerned about your real needs, and that you are each, an important part of the Body. Yes, everyone of you.

luv,
Mirabel

* * *


[Source of article]

Warriors of Light, how are you approaching G12 (and cell) Meetings in this Year of Victory?

Approaching with Faith means

1) I come expecting God to meet my needs

"I do not play hide and seek" - some pull a long face and try to get people to notice that they have a need at G12 meetings. When people do not perform up to what they expect, they blame others for being insensitive. That's NOT faith! That's expecting to be rejected, and expecting others to be omniscient!

"I come to share my needs" - because I believe that God WILL meet my need. Those who suppress their real need ("It's ok - my need is not important") actually display signs of rejection, because they feel that they do not dare "impose upon others" lest their real needs are trivialised. So "in case it happens, I better keep it to myself until it is really big".



2) I come expecting for God to use me to meet others' needs
PR 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

God can do all things, but he fully intends to use YOU to do it (else we would all be in heaven so that all our needs can be fully met now). So step out and reach out to your brother and sister. Your spiritual father/mother is not God, nor is he/she omnipotent and omnipresent.

Go for YOUR refreshing!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Sermon 22apr: Know God's Plan - Living in HOPE with the HELMET of Salvation

I thought that these Key Points from Sunday's sermon were important. Please look through, reflect, and remember them in your heart.

  1. Put on EVERY piece of the Armor, not what we choose to put on.

  2. The MIND is one of the greatest battlefields that the devil wants to attack - he fills it with LIES.

  3. When there is Hope (in the right God), there is Life!

  4. Jesus did not die for us just for us to be squashed and thrown into the dustbin like tissue paper! Each of has a wonderful Destiny!

  5. We are God's workmanship - Don't live sloppily!

  6. The greatest enemy of Faith is not fear, but memory - memory of the past failures etc. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13b-14)
Put on the Helmet of Salvation! Guard our minds!

+You have Hope! - Overcome Hopelessness
+You have a Destiny! - Overcome Aimlessness
+You are an Overcomer! - Overcoming Helplessness

Thursday, April 19, 2007

My co-labourer in Love, Belinda

Daughter Belinda and i went for the dinner get-together for Trybe life coaches last night. It was a good time of catchup and also proper review discussion of how the very first round of life coaching had gone.

I thought the picture below is really cute cos it looked like we both purposely clenched our fists into a punch. Well we are Warrior Princesses with a good fighting spirit! Ha, but the truth for the picture is that we both happened to be grabbing our bag handles which were rather camouflaged with our tops. Ha.

I put a photo Ber and i took together two years back here as well, on the right (i can hear Ber screaming). I always rejoice in how Ber has grown. Prettier too. Beautiful smiles. I had gone thru' ups and downs with her, but she is essentially a very humble girl who is open with even her weaknesses and seeks to learn to become better. It is always so good to hear her heart.

Dear precious Belinda, i know that you are taking small brave steps in restoring things in your life and putting things 'right'. I see your heart of love growing through the years. Thank you for labouring in love with me in life coaching.

In all that you do, may you not rely too much on your own strength. I bless you with faith and boldness for every step, and may you experience Love and Grace even more, as you walk. =)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Keep our Hearts Simple.

Can you hear the song in the blog background? If not, click on the player below.

Simple words that express actually the deepest desires of my heart.


Father, i ask You again to keep my heart simple like the kids'. =)


A Kid's Prayer

Dear God
Thank You for loving me
And giving me Your all
When I grow up
I will still be serving You
I want to know You more
I want to love You more
I will never forget You Lord
In Jesus name,
Amen

I want to know You more
You are a great big God
I’m young and do not know a lot
Come and be my all

I want to love You more
Giving You my life and all
You died for me You sacrificed
I won’t forget You Lord

I love You Jesus
I’ll grow up knowing You
I love You Jesus
I’ll grow up serving You
I love You Jesus
My life was made by You
I’ll never forget
I’ll never forget
I’ll grow up loving You

Monday, April 16, 2007

The Year of Victory means Battle

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over
but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)


The Battle

Had you had times when you cried yourselves to sleep? i had.

Had you ever felt like giving up on everything and just SLEEP? Yes too.


Paul Moldenhauer's article was a good reminder. She said "I was in a battle ... the enemy was attacking.

I suddenly understood that I wasn’t battling the people who’d injured my heart, I was battling the demons the enemy sent to oppose me.

Ephesians says that we don’t battle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers—the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil. Before I recognized the battle, I took the hits, thinking I somehow deserved such outrageous treatment.

But after I realized I was in a war, I sought God’s help to stay on my feet and fight and over time I gained the victory.

Today is about recognizing that there is a battle and we can’t fight on our own. Some of us want to ignore this possibility. We want to pretend there isn’t a battle. It feels safer.

BUT the Lord says the enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking all he can devour. He doesn’t tell us to ignore the enemy, but to resist him so he will flee. (I Peter 5:8) It’s time to wake up and take our place beside our brothers and sisters who are weary from the battle, standing in strengthening solidarity.


Others of us have forgotten about the war. We’ve chosen to be angry with people and have been battling them instead of recognizing the evil one’s sinister work. If this is your situation, Ephesians 6:12 is an important reminder. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

Drink in its truth, then, in forgiveness and the power of the Lord, stand against the appropriate foe.

Some of you know full well you’re in a war. You’re knee deep in the muck of trenches and hear the artillery all around you. Maybe you’re even bleeding.

My friend, our Lord is your Deliver, Your Strong Tower, Your Place of Refuge. The words of Ephesians 6:10 are for you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” (NIV)

Mighty and Powerful God, You know the situation each of your children faces today. You know the severity of our personal battle in the war against the evil one.You know how prepared or unprepared we are to meet our foe. Come in Your might power and infinite love for us and show us what You want usto do. You are the Commander and Chief. You are also the Victorious King. Show us how to live in a world where war of the soul is waged every single day. Give strength to the weary, insight to the confused, and courage to all of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen"

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Hosanna in the Highest



I think this is an amazing song from Hillsong United's latest album All of the Above.

Very simple lyrics, but written of such passion of the Lord.

Really tells us what should be most important too.

Is Hosanna exalted highest in your lives today?

JESUS IS RISEN!



Hosanna
Hillsong United
All Of The Above

I see the King of Glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes, yea...

I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

Chorus:
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest


I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We’re on our knees
We’re on our knees

Bridge:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things I see
Show me how to love like You
Have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Jesus can heal, but beyond that, He WANTS to heal!


From Saturday night, we already heard of a 70-yr old lady who could not walk for 15 years stood up and walked at Hokkien service. Even reading that one-line news off my pc screen caused me to sob.

Indeed Jesus is able to heal, but beyond that, He WANTS to heal!

As you gals know, I was on stage throughout the healing ministry time. i saw many many faces... all expressing the desperation to be set free from sicknesses, addictions, fear, depression.. Tears were in my eyes as i interceded for them on the stage.

If i could be moved by the sight, i could not imagine the immense compassion Jesus has for them.

His hand moved.

Then we heard testimonies of healing that occured right before us:
+ One was 70% deaf in one ear, after prayer she said it was only 30% deaf.
+ One had severe pain in the knee, after prayer it was completely healed.
+ A gal had sinus and her nose was blocked before prayer, after prayer she could breath deeply and without obstruction.
+ One had pain in her elbow, afterwards he felt much better and could move it around.

Some of you told me they showed on screen LIVE, this old lady who arose from her wheelchair to stand after the leaders prayed for her.

When i was running about in Hall 9 before service, i too had seen another old lady, supported by a family member, walking beside her empty wheelchair!

There were still many many healings given, which could not be validated on the spot (ie. need medical checkups/doctors' report etc).

Jesus is real, and He is the God of Hope and New Beginnings!

Dear gals, even if we do not have physical illnesses, we have to run to our Father to allow Him to deal with our negative emotions everytime, especially those emotions that break us. Every tweeny bit of it is the evil one's plan to defeat God's wonderful plans for our lives.


So don't take our every bit of our emotions lightly. Share with me and one another, and claim complete healing and abundant blessings from God, victorious warriors!

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Blessing the Yishun Community

... and Transforming the Void Deck!


(Photos taken on Canon Powershot A710 IS)


This Easter program for a part of Yishun neighbourhood is a collaborative effort between Touch Young Arrows (mainly Yishun Young Arrows (YYA)) and the RC for that area. We blessed the community with a good time of games, magic show and an awareness of the true message of Easter.

I felt unwell the whole of today. Have been so since i had gastric on Monday night from fasting dinner (must ask God to protect our body when we fast). I nearly ringed Shereen to tell her i would not be going down, but i really wanted to give her the support at the event, not forgetting that she is not too familiar with YYA yet.

I must thank God for Shereen who really put in a lot of efforts for this, ever since i asked her to take charge of the manpower and planning of our games stalls and the stage backdrop decor. I wanted this to be a good exposure for her in serving the community through tapping on her strengths. Well done, Shereen!

Not forgetting Yati, Asyiqin and Shereen's 3 friends who came down to help. I knew there were times it got hot and boring, but you stayed on. I hope the innocent fun and joy of the children warmed your hearts today. I learnt so much from the children; they are always so delighted by little, simple things. =)

Seeing the teens at YYA grow and anchor their own stall today was heartwarming too!

O Lord, keep my heart simple like the kids'!

Good Friday Outreach

As i was looking at the photos, i thought i saw a glimpse of my future 144 meetings!

Praise God for the 1 salvation (guys' side) and 1 rededication (Shun ting) as indicated on the response slips. I am sure many seeds of love, grace and acceptance were sown in the hearts of all who came.

I was blessed with a deep sense of God's delight upon me. I hope you are too. = )

Thanks for serving together, family. Every part you played, big or small, is significant in God's eyes!

I want to especially affirm Dina who came to serve and bless many with her warmth and smiles, even though she was having a persistent headache.

Well done, gals! I am proud of you.


(Photos taken on Canon Powershot A710 IS)

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Trust the Lord with all your heart.
Don't depend on your own understanding.
Remember the Lord in everything you do.
And he will give you success.
PROVERBS 3:5-6

TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOU HEART.
are your plans falling apart? are your best-laid plans making things worse rather than better? trust God to bring it all together in the end.

DON'T DEPEND ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.
why do we have to know so much when we have so much to learn? we try to figure life out, but God is the only one who understands it all. trust Him when life is not fair and things are not going your way. tough teacher? bad friend? family problems? He'll know what to do.

REMEMBER THE LORD IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
remembering God means believing that He is, and that He will do what He says. Take time to pray about everything you do. take time to look at Him in the face. if you do, then you'll find Him looking right back at you.

AND HE WILL GIVE YOU SUCCESS.
how much farther will we get in life if we let God lead the way? when you can't tell which way to turn, let God fulfill his promises to you.which problems can you not solve? all you have to do is to ask the Lord.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

I had missed the point.

This whole week i have been very excited about our Good Fri party and Easter's Healing Miracle Service.

My mind had so many things - it kept flipping through the pages of people i want to invite, the preparation work i need to do for the events, including guiding Shereen for Saturday's Easter Program for Yishun Young Arrows.

But at last night's Leaders' Meeting, God told me this,


"You have missed the point. You have been distracted by many things."

As Ps Eugene led us to the Cross, to ponder again on what Jesus has done for us, i knew i had forgotten that, Good Friday, Easter or whichever day, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CROSS.

I repented.

Today as i reminded myself again and again, it is all about the Cross, God poured new compassion for many people around me. I sobbed to God, praying "God, so many people need You. Your arm is not too short to save!"

Before Good Friday comes, let us bow our knees at the Cross, repent of any distraction and sin, and let our hearts flow with gratitude for Christ's work. Know that the Cross is really about the grace and mercy of God.

Then ask God to give us deeper compassion for people. Fast and pray for them to be touched and saved this weekend.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CROSS, and COMPASSION for people.



It is NOT about our programs, our plans, our songs.

When we have compassion, we can then truly extend grace and love to people, especially that we invited to our events. With compassion, then can we extend Jesus' love to their hearts.

NOW i am really excited. *winks*

Monday, April 2, 2007

YOU are invited to party!

Yes, if you are reading this, you are invited to our event!

For more details, email us at eeeepiak@yahoo.com, or ring me up!

Bring an egg, yes bring an egg! heehee

Sunday, April 1, 2007

We Reap what we Sow.

Ps Melvyn's sermon yesterday was a very encouraging one for me.

God simply kept on telling me "Yes, do not give up. For at the proper time you WILL reap a harvest".

I knew that was His word for my ministry since two years back. I really thank God that i did not give up sowing seeds of love, grace and encouragement all these while. It is definitely not easy to sow and give continually to people; naturally i feel rejected and disappointed at times. That is why it is so important for us to always go to the Lord to receive His love again and again, to top us up with His love so that we can continue giving.

And truly all that i could give, come from God. Thank You for sustaining me!

Last night at home when i was doing my reflection on the sermon, i started sobbing in gratitude.

You know last time when i heard the verse "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5), my heart would ache so much, so painful, especially at 'sow in tears'.

That was when my heart was so broken about my gals not wanting to commit to the Lord or the family, and one or two of them even outrightly sinned against Him.

But today, hearing it filled my heart with joy. Cos God has ministered to me in the past hurts in ministry. Cos' i know God is already bringing me towards the stage of reaping in joy!

Indeed today i have a group of WARRIOR PRINCESSES with me.

Your testimonies recently had caused my heart leap so excitedly like never before. After all mentioned in the previous post happened, God is saying He is still not done! Yesterday we heard of yet another divine appointment for Amanda's classmates to ask her about church and being a Christian.

I hope you are all encouraged, and also realise the importance of Colossians 4:5-6:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.


Let's continue to go deep in the Lord, look far in the vision, and ask big in faith! He IS still enlarging our tent!