Saturday, July 28, 2007

Hi Warrior Princesses,

How are you doing for 100K?

Let's run the full race for Jesus here.

1. We start by believing God for 20 persons first
If we begin the race believing ourselves to only finish half of the race, we will not reach the end. Start with the finishing line in mind!

2. Take the first step
All of us have done this! Well done!

3. Rely on God to direct your steps (to who to bless) and lean on His love and compassion
Sometimes we feel so ON, especially after blessing someone. Other times, we cower in fear. Yes, the race may get tiring; we start wondering why we started in the first place.

BUT God never ran half-way for us! God can continually top us up in His faith, compassion and love, when we ask Him. Many people out there need simply a listening ear, a touch of care, a little attention.

4. Support one another
Yes, partner one another to go out bless people. Ask me to do with you.
Be faithful to pray for one another in your 3x3 prayer groups.

Even if you stumble in the race, we will pick you up. =)



This Fri i had an answered prayer.

May it encourage you. God encourages me largely as I serve Him. To date I had blessed 22 persons (3 didn't leave their contacts).

Yes i had met my target, but I am starting on another round of the race. I will not be complacent and stop blessing. That will defeat the entire purpose of this 100K Blessings. I want to grow continually in faith!


luv,
mirabel

Answered Prayer from 100K!

In every step of faith I have taken for God during this 100K campaign, much as the recepients were surprised, I was as much amazed myself at their responses - stunned, teary eyes, great smiles etc. Indeed God is opening many hearts; the land is thirsty!
***

I visited my ex-colleague Karen's family this Tues night to pass a birthday present to her daughter. Suddenly God prompted this in my heart - bless her entire family! I was both excited, yet a little fearful of how Karen, a staunch Buddhist, would respond. After some time of catching up and playing with her new puppy, I said,

'Karen, can I bless your family?' (I had blessed Karen before I left my previous workplace)

She replied instantly, 'SURE! Go ahead!"

In the next moments she was exclaiming on my behalf to her children and husband to look through the blessing list, telling them to quickly and seriously choose and then come to me one by one.
I told her, I felt like a doctor at a clinic (the armchair basically). Ha.

It really blew my mind to be able to bless an entire family on one seemingly normal night. And it would have remained normal if I had ignored God's prompting and drawn back in doubt.

* **

I received a sms on Friday 'Oooh hey I got full marks for my test!'.

Last week Eejay and I met up with a young couple for dinner. The 19-year old young lady was in our Trybe (formerly Thumbs-up!) class five years ago, and both of us had each built up a special bond with her. We asked to bless her and her boyfriend for 100K, and the young man wrote 'Pray that I don't sleep' as one of his additional needs. Ha.

Well he was extremely stressed for his test this Tuesday, and concluded that only if he did not sleep at all then he could do well. We rebuked him gently, saying no to his request and turned the prayer request around to pray strongly that he would do exceedingly well for this test while receiving sufficient rest.

And praise the Lord! You read the answered prayer above - full marks!


* * *

Are you discouraged at any point of time?

1. Be honest with yourself and with others about your state - God knows and authenticity is the 1st step towards breakthrough
2. Look for someone to partner - someone who is bolder
3. Ask me to do it together with you
4. Believe God totally without holding back
5. Put action to your faith!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Celebrating Lilian, Belinda & Minghui!

... and exciting reports from 100k




Happy Birthday Lilian and Belinda!! You are God's workmanship, truly worth celebrating. On the day that God formed you in your mothers' wombs, I cannot imagine how delighted God was, looking at even your unformed bodies, simply imagining your beauty and form in His mind.

Minghui, all the angels in heaven are truly rejoicing over your rededication today! =)

Praise God for the chances for us to bless 3 persons for 100K during our celebrations today. I knew our prayers spoke power, hope and strength into their lives. More amazing things are in God's schedule.

Amanda and I together blessed an old couple selling icecream yesteday, after visiting Lilian at her Encounter. Indeed it is more blessed to give than receive - the uncle gladly gave us two bottles of drinks after praying and chatting. It is amazing to hear non-Christians agree with us that Jesus is good and powerful!

Shine on, daughters!

Indeed as Minghui said, God is more concerned about training us up in every small step of faith we take for Him, than the numbers we present to Him at the end of this campaign. We are going to grow closer to Him!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

My Faith Story for 12 July

I was praying throughout today for God to grant me the chance to pray for at least one of the beauticians at my facial place tonight. Not unexpectedly I began to fidget upon reaching the vicinity and wondered, 'They are always so busy... What excuse should I use?'..

Reminding myself that the first step is BLESS... I scooted off to buy four bottles of chrysanthemun and offered them. FELLOWSHIP time was throughout my enjoyable facial. Haha.

Towards the end of the session, seeing that all of them were still busy, I began to talk myself into giving up. Yet I knew I had prayed and God would not let me leave like this. So at the last moment, I said to Nancy for the first time (Why didn't I do it last time??) and very sincerely, 'Nancy, do you know you can feel free to share your prayer requests with me? I will gladly pray for you'. My heart thumped slower.

Before I even described the 100k campaign to her, she began to share, frowning, about her worries about some possible problems with the landlord. Immediately I said, 'Come! I pray for you!', blessing her beyond what she shared. (Sharing of Real Needs - PRAYING ANSWERED PRAYERS)

The next moment, she looked at me with big watery eyes (like a cartoon character), cupped my face with both hands, then hugged me and began to thank me profusely. She said, 'You are really a very kind girl' and I replied, 'No, my GOD is good! Dare to ask God too yourself, anytime you need a blessing!'. (PROCLAIM) =)

* * *

Gals, the land is really filled with people with needs. Be bold to go and bless. The people out there are thirsty for blessings. And when they see us bless them with no strings attached, they are touched deeply by God's unconditional love. Will you be that representative today?

Not us, then who?
Not now, then when?

* * *

So joyful that God still used me even at my verge of giving up for today, I tried to bless the taxi driver who brought me home. I could not think of any opening line and blurted, 'Do you work until very late?'

The driver gave me a bewildered look, anxiously shook his head, and looked ahead. Oops case closed for this.

As I walked to my flat, I chuckled to myself, 'Oh no, did I sound like I wanted to ask him out just now??!!!!'

* * *

Who can I bless tomorrow? =)

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Sheryl's thanksgiving


Sheryl is the girl I had been telling you all about, who is from Chung Cheng High.


She received Christ last December but because of parents' objection, could not join us for service or cell. Been in contact with her all these months, and i know that the Lord has never let her go.


Hear what God has been doing for her life!

(My msn conversation with Sheryl last night)
sheryl says:
these few weeksd FREAKING BUZY
4 proj
completed one today one more

tml and thurs got choir till 6 plus
fri got test

30 pages
how to??
.
.
sheryl says:
stressed but no prob

i have been telling myself
God is always with me

so i am always relieved


mirabop.blogspot.com What can i do for you? =) says:
May the Lord protect your health and be the strength of your heart =)

AMEN!!!

sheryl says:
AMEN!!

sheryl says:
very happie He came into my life
when i pray from my heart, it makes me feel so strong
that i can do everything cause,
WITH Him, nothing is impossible


mirabop.blogspot.com What can i do for you? =) says:
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

sheryl says:
Because i feel stressed and tired, i pray to Him every now and then
and each time after, it feels great
.

Let's praise the Lord for what He is doing in Sheryl's life. May He continue to draw her nearer. I believe and have told Sheryl numerous times that her destiny is to be a STAR for Jesus.

Let's be praying for her together too for Jesus to sustain her through the heavy workload in school.

Pray that she can officially join us soon! =)

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Babysitter + Updates from Novie

Photo from YC: Amanda the Babysitter!


To Amanda: You looked really quite tired after babysitting Anna and Elsie during Leaders' Meeting. Thank you for serving. God must have been grinning to Himself watching the three of you play. =)

* * *

Updates from Novie
in Indonesia:

"Thank you for praying for my mother and me!
My mum says 'thanks!' for your birthday wishes to her too. =)
She can bathe, walk up and down the stairs by herself now, though she is still not involved in our shop cos' she needs to rest.

There are so many conferences this summer (referring to Ed Silvoso's), but I am missing all of them. =( Life somehow feels different for me nowadays, like it's just a passing time. There's nothing much to do, now that my mum has limitations. We used to do a lot of stuff at home alone. I guess I have adapted better. Anyway time passes fast, and I won't feel this way for long. =p
"

We are looking forward to seeing you again soon, Novie! =)

Thursday, July 5, 2007

"Hello Police, I want to go to jail"

I heard this on Class95 one morning:


There's a serious problem in India (i think in New Delhi) - the prisons are terribly overcrowded.

People are choosing to commit crimes to get or stay in jail because of the good food they serve the prisoners. Much better than the poor out there can afford!


I didn't know what to feel after hearing this. These people actually choose to be in bondage. What happened to their dreams?? Have they lost hope in life because of poverty?

I suspect some of us are in fact like them. We choose to be in comfort zones and stop wondering what our dreams are for. Would you see beyond your 'prisons' today, unto the hint of light that seeps through a crack in the wall?


Don't deny it. Hope and freedom are what your heart truly longs for.



Many times Mr S.A.Tan entices us to stay put and not fight for the freedom that was intended for us, through seemingly good things. Like for the Indian prisoners, good food. But are you sure you live just to enjoy food? Isn't your heart crying out to find that greater purpose for your life?

Thus do not be deceived. God intended for us better things. He always intends the BEST for us. Beyond just food, shelter and money. Jeremiah 29:11 '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.'. The Bible is filled with instances which show that God is One who desires to bless us abundantly. Most importantly, 'the grace of our Lord' can be 'poured out on us abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus' (1 Timothy 1:15).


Don't deny it, what your heart truly wants is Love... a love that is real and eternal.


He wants to set us free. Choose to be.


I pray that the Indian prisoners see the Light beyond the walls. You too.



Are you afraid to let your light shine? Hear what Nelson Mandela says (click).

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

40 day prayer's july 02

Wanna blog this before I forgot about it heee... getting old mah

Was reading july 02 from 40 days of prayer guide book titled " Seeding the heart" this morning on the bus to work.

I came to the part of PROVERBS 24 (30-34) that goes
"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgement; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."

Actually I was trying to read this 02july section last nite but went to sleep instead cos I chose to sleep and read it this morning on the bus. And the scripture above really spoke to me. Choosing to sleep instead of spending time with God will make me poor spiritual. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest God says and the devil will come to rob me. Its pretty scary when words like bandit is used. Cos it means it will shock you and catch you off guard. I want to be more diligent and stop procastinating!

And reflection back to the cell retreat where I shared seeing the condition of my heart. God showed me a heart of stone. And july02 also spoke about this heart of stone and asked the state of our hearts. I thank God for speaking to me and I asked Holy Spirit to search, to probe, to reveal... and frankly I'm fearful of what will be revealed. hahahhaa But I know its necessary before I can have a pure heart.

Thanks for reading my sharing. I will try to come up here more often to write and read more and be more diligent heh!

Monday, July 2, 2007

Cell ReCHARGE | Retreat | (Outreach)

group01-


Sermon 1jul: Rebekah - Winning when Others Ask for Help

(To hear/view sermon online, please go to FCBC Sermons Online. )

* * *

1 July 2007
Running with the Winners
REBEKAH - Winning When Others Ask for Help

Key Verses: Genesis 24:10-27 (click)

+ The winners in life are Givers!

+ Rebekah would say this to us: "Little did I know that my little (mundane) act of kindness could bless so many people, including my family!"

+ Yes, it determined Rebekah's destiny. She became the great (X many times) grandmother of Jesus.


1. Start Giving
- (it helps us to) Respond to the Purpose of God

+ Giving is the fundamental call of the Christian faith

+ Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

+ Jesus Himself gave so unconditionally.

+ Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

+ One who receives, receives and receives without giving out is like:
> A Tadpole -> Big head, small body
> The Dead Sea -> No output of its salt, only input

+ When we give, we grow, gain and our hearts enlarge.

+ 100k Blessings -> You think you are going to bless strangers? God says you are going to bless Angels (who will bless us back)! God's program is US.

+ ***Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

2. Second Mile Giving
- Releases the Power of God


+ Rebekah willingly offered to water the servant's camels
> 1 camel needs 20 gallons of water
> His 20 camels then need 400 gallons
> This will require Rebekah to carry water to and fro, between the source and the camels, for 2 hours!


+ Rebekah did something way beyond expectation.


+ Matthew 5:38-41 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

+ 'Second Mile Forgiveness':
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times
.

+ 1st mile -> Out of Duty
2nd mile -> Out of Own Willingness
3rd mile -> Out of Love

3. Sacrificial Giving
- Reveals the Person of God

+ Not easy for Rebekah to go (she had never seen Isaac before, to think about marrying him? How is his family really like? etc). But she said 'I'll go'.

+ (In book of Hosea) Hosea was asked to marry Gomer, a prostitute. Even when Gomer sinned against Hosea and committed adultery again and again, Hosea sought his wife to forgive and reconcile with her.
Hosea -> Reveals the Person of God to her (and God's heart)
Gomer -> Represents the condition of the Israelites who had been unfaithful to God repeatedly


Some of us cannot give, because we have not received the love of God to the fullest extent.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God has already given, would you receive today?