Monday, April 28, 2008

Thump-Thud, Thump-Thud



Thump-Thud, Thump-Thud
by Max Lucado


When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it “sings,” it’s ready. If it “thuds,” it’s placed back in the oven.

The character of a person is also checked by thumping.

Been thumped lately?

Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. You’ve-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat-footed. They aren’t big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor. Even as I write this, I’m being thumped. Because of interruptions, it has taken me almost two hours to write these two paragraphs. Thump. Thump. Thump.

How do I respond? Do I sing, or do I thud?

Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There’s nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

If you have a tendency to thud more than you sing, take heart.

There is hope for us “thudders”:

Begin by thanking God for thumps. I don’t mean a half-hearted thank-you. I mean a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy thank-you from the bottom of your heart (James 1:2). Chances are that God is doing the thumping. And he’s doing it for your own good. So every thump is a reminder that God is molding you (Hebrews 12:5-8).

Learn from each thump. Face up to the fact that you are not “thump-proof.” You are going to be tested from now on. You might as well learn from the thumps—you can’t avoid them. Look upon each inconvenience as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump will help you or hurt you, depending on how you use it.

Be aware of “thump-slump” times. Know your pressure periods. For me, Mondays are infamous for causing thump-slumps. Fridays can be just as bad. For all of us, there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. The best way to handle thump-slump times? Head on. Bolster yourself with extra prayer, and don’t give up.

Remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are loving and obeying God.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

I'm in the Lord's army!



OK...let's give this a go shall we. =)

Two Fridays ago, we sang this song and as I was doing my devotional last night I was pondering what it really meant to be in God's army and two things spoke to me.

Firstly, when you're in an army you're placed as part of a unit...a team. Only in exceptional cases, you get a one man army like Rambo or James Bond, and even in those movies, we are often left shaking our heads, laughing as one man dodges the bullets of a hundred enemies and takes them all out through sheer force of will and heroism.

Although quiet times with God are irreplaceable and essential, it has to be balanced with a unity with the body of Christ. By extension, the church and cell that you're part of becomes the unit that goes to battle together. Many people have gotten too focused on the 'God and me' idea, failing to fully understand the way that they 'fit' into their assigned unit.

I've heard comments before like "Actually, why do have to go to church or cell, if I just maintain my quiet times at home and stay close to God like that?". Only in exceptional circumstances this may hold true, but on the whole, there has to be a good balance of involvement in the body of Christ - encouraging and exhorting each other, praying for each other, watching each other's back. If you've watched the movie 300, it gives a good visual example of how important teamwork is in battle, where just one weak point in the team can leave openings for the enemy to attack.

No person should try to stand alone.

Secondly, a soldier of God was likened to a Roman soldier in regards to how to armour up.

  • The belt of truth

  • The breastplate of righteousness

  • The shoes of peace

  • The shield of faith

  • The helmet of salvation

  • The sword of the spirit

The only place that remains unprotected on a Roman soldier is his back. That means that he is meant to face forward all the time and never retreat, even in the face of foes that are far more powerful than he is.

That means that even if you are infantry against Sherman tanks you go forward because you know that He has made you more than a conqueror, being able to to all things through Him. And you know that it's not by might and not by power, but by His Spirit.

Not with our own strength, but through Him and in His name.

That's all from me today, folks!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The Power of Confession



The Power of Confession
by Charles Stanley


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13

Sometimes we set ourselves up for defeat by letting adversity dictate our decisions. Christianity would've lost a great leader and teacher if the apostle Paul had stopped serving the Lord because of his difficulties. Paul endured a shipwreck, persecution, beatings, and poverty. Instead, Paul made a bold proclamation from prison. In Philippians chapter 4:13, Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Paul prepared himself to perform any service or face any trial for the Lord. His willingness was rooted in the belief that God would always be faithful. He could've regarded prior difficulties as a run of bad luck and chosen to give up. Instead, the apostle viewed his experiences as proof that the Father would provide what was required in any circumstance. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:12, he had learned to be content in every situation. He says God always met his physical, spiritual, and emotional needs at the right moment.

The apostle tackled each new challenge with the confidence that Christ would equip him to do the job well. Too often people ignore a new opportunity that feels unfamiliar. Never having tried it, they anticipate being unable to meet expectations. But the Lord's call to a fresh area of service means He's about to do good work through His child.

If a believer is willing to serve God in any capacity, he'll make an impact for the kingdom. Remember, Paul's proclamation is also ours. We can do all things through Christ, who's our strength.

Monday, April 21, 2008

What do you call a fly with no wings?




A walk.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Anvil Time

Anvil Time
by Max Lucado

On God’s anvil. Perhaps you’ve been there.

Melted down. Formless. Undone. Placed on the anvil for…reshaping? (A few rough edges too many.) Discipline? (A good father disciplines.) Testing? (Buy why so hard?)

I know. I’ve been on it. It’s rough. It’s a spiritual slump, a famine. The fire goes out. Although the fire may flame for a moment, it soon disappears. We drift downward. Downward into the foggy valley of question, the misty lowland of discouragement. Motivation wanes. Desire is distant. Responsibilities are depressing.

Passion? It slips out the door.Enthusiasm? Are you kidding?Anvil time.

It can be caused by a death, a breakup, going broke, going prayerless. The light switch is flipped off and the room darkens. “All the thoughtful words of help and hope have all been nicely said. But I’m still hurting, wondering…..”

On the anvil.

Brought face to face with God out of the utter realization that we have nowhere else to go. Jesus in the garden. Peter with a tear-streaked face. David after Bathsheba. Elijah and the “still, small voice.” Paul, blind in Damascus.

Pound, pound, pound.

I hope you’re not on the anvil. (Unless you need to be, and if so, I hope you are.) Anvil time is not to be avoided; it’s to be experienced. Although the tunnel is dark, it does go through the mountain. Anvil time reminds us of who we are and who God is. We shouldn’t try to escape it. To escape it could be to escape God.

God sees our life from beginning to end. He may lead us through a storm at age thirty so we can endure a hurricane at age sixty. An instrument is useful only if it’s in the right shape. A dull ax or bent screwdriver needs attention, and so do we. A good blacksmith keeps his tools in shape. So does God.

Should God place you on his anvil, be thankful. It means he thinks you’re still worth reshaping.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses



Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses
Os Hillman


"So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.'" ~ Isaiah 28:16

Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand.

Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testings, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason being, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life.

The third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Prov. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action - it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision.

Finally, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth who had not been trained and certified as a dentist.

Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions. What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicate His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Getting to the root



Getting to the Root
by Greg Laurie


“We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds.” ~ (2 Corinthians 10:4)

So often when something is going wrong in our country, we want to organize a boycott or want to protest. But did you know that as believers, we have something more powerful than boycotts? It is called prayer, and the Bible tells us to devote ourselves to it (see Colossians 4:2).

We need to pray for our country. We need to pray for people that need to hear the gospel. And we need to share the gospel. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ with that woman who wants to abort her child. We need to share the gospel message with that man or woman who is trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. We need to share Christ with the gang members. We need to share Him with those in our society who are hurting.

As people learn there is another kingdom, it will change the way they live in this one. Far too often, we Christians have been preoccupied with the symptoms in our society and haven’t touched the root of the problem. The root is sin. The solution is the gospel.

So let’s get the solution to the root. Our country needs to turn back to God. We keep thinking that a president will solve all of our problems. Or Congress will solve them. Or some program will solve them. But they won’t be solved through any efforts of our own doing. We need to turn back to God.

Let’s tell others about Christ and not be so preoccupied with what they are doing because of their sin. Let’s try to reach people where they are really hurting. And, let’s always be sure we are praying.

Friday, April 11, 2008

For Girls Only!

Exciting times! (as Rachel would put it ;p)

I love that girls always have things in common to talk about, and whatever it may be, its understood that at some level - we can all be girlie!

So, girls @ d'aman crimson, here's a time where we're getting together to do the things we like! The sleepover will happen next week after cell, when we've chased the boys away to do their girlie things. The night's dedicated just for you - so let us know what you'd like to do aight!

For now, we've got heaps of food, nail lacquer & glitter, sleeping bags, chick flicks and such. Any more ideas?

Plan to have breakfast the next day together ya!
Love,
Yen

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Gearing up



For those of you who weren't able to attend cell the last two Fridays, we have announced that our cell is targeting multiplication in June! That's...2008 by the way.

Its really an exciting time because we've been talking about multiplication since the beginning of 2007. We were probably meant to multiply last year but because of hiccups along the way, the dynamics only came together this year.

Its amazing to see God's hand upon this cell for the last two years. Although I have failed in many ways as a Cell Leader and struggle with not being there for the members, God's grace and mercy continues to cover us. In spite of all our shortcomings, He is faithful.

Not that I want to dampen the excitement by mentioning our failings and shortcomings, but let's get real. As much as we acknowledge God's goodness and anointing, we also have to confess the position we ourselves are in and not take Him for granted.

The last few weeks have seen new visitors coming week after week. God has been blessing our cell and as much as we want to be comfortable in the cell that has become family, we weren't called to be comfortable.

We need to begin to catch those that slip through the net. There's no point new visitors coming if we don't connect with them. It's for everyone to get involved and not only for the few 'leaders' in the official position to carry the load. Everyone in cell is a leader and is able to lead and teach another in their own way, without exception.

As Pastor Julie says, "it's not about the person...it's about the function". And all of us can fulfil that function because ultimately, God will use the useable as long as we avail ourselves into His hands as instruments of His love.

Too often, we're looking at the 'superstars' in the football field to perform...when the best people that God can use to score the goals are in the stands watching. God can use a humble and faithful servant in the seats far better than a Ronaldo or Rooney on the field. That's how it is in His kingdom.

Let's catch the vision and heart of God together for this cell. It's time to get off the stands and jump into the field. I've been praying and thinking through the multiplication for some time now and to be honest, I'm scared, confused and unsure of how to proceed.

For every person allocated to one side, there are good reasons why he or she should be in a different cell. I've come to realise that there are so many factors that are beyond man's control and ability. It takes God to lead and for us to follow.

All of us, together.

Praying ferverently. Catching His heart. Walking in His will.

Let's wake up.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

If It Matters To You, It Matters to God

~Joseph Prince

Luke 12:6–76Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Many Christians make the mistake of thinking that God is too busy taking care of the “big things” to be interested in the little problems they are facing. Are you one of them? It may be your child’s bed-wetting habit, a quarrel with a friend or the small pimple on your face. No matter how trivial it sounds, if it troubles you, then God wants to take care of it.

God wants to take care of every area of your life, down to the smallest detail. He loves you so much that He even knows the number of hairs you have on your head. And if your loving heavenly Father knows and is interested in the small details of your life, then you don’t have to overcome any problem on your own.

When my daughter Jessica turned three years old, my wife Wendy and I decided to bring her to Tokyo Disneyland. Knowing that it was her first encounter with Disneyland and that she could be frightened by unexpected shocks, I decided to watch one of the theatre productions which I planned to bring her to, before I took her to watch it.

As I sat through the whole production, my mind was on Jessica all the time. I was thinking, “Is this too frightening for her? Will she like the mechanical singing bear? Is the place too dark for her?” I decided to bring her to the show only after I had seen it myself and was sure that she would enjoy it.

My friend, that is what your heavenly Father goes through as He lays out His plans for you. You are on His heart all the time as He carefully considers and plans every aspect of your life, both big and small. And the very thought of you puts a smile on His face because He knows that the plans He has for you are plans to prosper you. (Jeremiah 29:11)

So no matter what problems you are facing right now, you can rest in His love for you. There is no problem that is too insignificant for Him to handle. He is not just God Almighty, He is also your heavenly Father who loves you!

Monday, April 7, 2008

The Blacksmith's Shop



The Blacksmith's Shop
by Max Lucado


In the shop of a blacksmith, there are three types of tools. There are tools on the junk pile: outdated, broken, dull, rusty.

They sit in the cobwebbed corner, useless to their master, oblivious to their calling.

There are tools on the anvil: melted down, molten hot, moldable, changeable.

They lie on the anvil, being shaped by their master, accepting their calling.

There are tools of usefulness: sharpened, primed, defined, mobile.

They lie ready in the blacksmith’s tool chest, available to their master, fulfilling their calling.

Some people lie useless: lives broken, talents wasting, fires quenched, dreams dashed.

They are tossed in with the scrap iron, in desperate need of repair, with no notion of purpose.

Others lie on the anvil: hearts open, hungry to change, wounds healing, visions clearing.

They welcome the painful pounding of the blacksmith’s hammer, longing to be rebuilt, begging to be called.

Others lie in their Master’s hands: well tuned, uncompromising, polished, productive.

They respond to their Master’s forearm, demanding nothing, surrendering all.

We are all somewhere in the blacksmith’s shop. We are either on the scrap pile, in the Master’s hands on the anvil, or in the tool chest. (Some of us have been in all three.)

From the shelves to the workbench, from the water to the fire…I’m sure that somewhere you will see yourself.

Paul spoke of becoming “an instrument for noble purposes.” And what a becoming it is! The rubbish pile of broken tools, the anvil of recasting, the hands of the Master - it’s a simultaneously joyful and painful voyage.

And for you who make the journey—who leave the heap and enter the fire, dare to be pounded on God’s anvil, and doggedly seek to discover your own purpose—take courage, for you await the privilege of being called “God’s chosen instruments.”

Saturday, April 5, 2008

I will be with you

Whom have I in heaven but You
There is nothing on earth I desire besides You
My heart and my strength, many times they fail
But there is one truth that always will prevail
~God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever~

I pray that this promise and assurance will carry you through in good times and bad. The assurance that He will be with you always and forever. The promise that He will see you through when all else fails. The strength when you no longer know what to do and where to go.

I will be with you, always till the end of age (Matthew 28:20)

I took a step of faith and hope when I accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour and Heavenly Father, with this same message that He will be with me always and forever. And look where it has brought me thus far :)

The changes, the experiences, His favor, His grace....the hope that there is more to life than life itself...WOW. No words can describe what God has done in my life, is about to do, and will continue to do.

And to Aunand, i wish you congratulations....to eternal life...to hope....and to God's personal touch in your life.

God bless and Amen!

Friday, April 4, 2008

The Dangers of Overcontrol



The Dangers of Overcontrol
by Os Hillman


For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king. ~ 1 Samuel 15:23

A friend of mine who is a jet pilot once told me that whenever a jet goes out of control and begins to spin, the only thing to do is totally take your hands off the controls and the plane will right itself. This goes against our natural inclination to control and manipulate in order to bring things back under control. It is scary to be out of control. Or is it?

Saul was a man out of control. He was losing control of his kingdom to David. He was losing the favor of God and the people. It began as compromises. Eventually he was given a final test to obey the voice of God fully. He was instructed to kill the Amalekites completely; but he failed to follow through. The prophet Samuel delivered a hard word to King Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king" (see 1 Sam. 15:26). Saul obeyed partially, but not fully. It was partial obedience that led to his removal as king of Israel and his calling from God. But why did Saul do such a thing? "I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them" (1 Sam. 15:24b). Saul's fear and insecurity made him more afraid of the people and what they thought than of God. At the core of Saul's disobedience was fear of losing control. That fear of losing control led to partial obedience and the loss of his reign as king.

How many of us are in danger of losing God's blessing due to partial obedience? How many of us have such a need to control people and circumstances that we fail to fully walk in obedience to God's voice in our lives? Saul provides a great lesson for us as workplace believers. The need to overcontrol things around us can prevent us from receiving all that God has for us. Today, take an inventory of your control quotient.

Ask God if you are being fully obedient to what He has called you to do this day, and avoid being put on the shelf for disobedience. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22b).

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Is Anything Too Hard for God?

by Os Hillman

"So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?'" - Genesis 18:12

God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son who would be the seed of a whole nation. Sarah was now beyond childbearing years. So when some angels from God paid Abraham and Sarah a visit to inform them that Sarah was going to have a child, she happened to be listening outside the tent and erupted with laughter. The thought seemed preposterous to her. The angels reminded her that nothing is impossible with God. "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son" (Gen. 18:14). Sarah gave birth to Isaac as foretold.

Recently, I was considering putting on another workplace-leader summit for ministry leaders who minister to those in the workplace. I had been involved in such an event a year earlier. My friend Gunnar Olson, who is the founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce of Sweden, had been involved with me in putting on the first event, so I inquired whether he would be willing to participate in the second event. He wrote me an e-mail letter informing me that an international gathering of Christian workplace leaders would be taking place on the island of Cyprus in March and asked if I could postpone my event and instead participate in an event in Cyprus and invite other leaders. My initial response was laughter due to my current financial condition. In fact, I had to go to a map to see just where this place was.

The following day I received a call from a man I had met only 30 days earlier. We had not discussed this event in March. "What are you doing tomorrow? I would like you to go to the airport with me to pick up a missionary whom I want you to meet. We'd like to propose an idea to you. Can you come?"

"Sure," I said.

The next day he picked me up and informed me that we were picking up a missionary who was flying in from Cyprus. "We are planning to take 25 workplace believers to Cyprus for an event that Gunnar Olson is involved in and would like you to come and teach your Esau-to-Joseph workshop the day before. We will cover your expenses. Would you be interested in doing this?" Again, I had to laugh as I saw the hand of God orchestrate in such a miraculous way and in such a timely manner to assure me of His involvement in the new directions in my life.

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

Are there things that make you laugh when you think of the miracle that would be required for it to take place? Ask God for the miracle you need today.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Opening Our Spiritual Eyes



Opening Our Spiritual Eyes
by Os Hillman


"And Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." ~ 2 Kings 6:17

Elisha was counseling the nation of Israel against the impending attack of the king of Aram. The Lord supernaturally gave Elisha the plans that the king was implementing, and in turn, Elisha warned Israel of each intended attack. The king could not understand why his plans were continually foiled. It seemed there was a secret informer in his midst. He was furious when he was told it was the God of Israel who was to blame for this inside information. The king decided the only way to resolve the situation was to get rid of the problem - kill Elisha.

The king's forces arrived and surrounded Elisha and his servant. Elisha's servant became upset and fearful when Elisha was not upset. Elisha immediately prayed that his servant's eyes might be opened to see that there was no need to be afraid, because the angels were protecting them.

And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, "Strike these people with blindness." So He struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked (2 Kings 6:17-18).

Who is the Elisha in your life? Do you have a mentor friend who can see the activity of God in your life when you cannot see it? We all need to have somebody we can trust to help us see the activity of God. It is often difficult for us to see what God is really doing because we are so consumed by the circumstances of the moment. Ask God today to help open your spiritual eyes that you might see Him in your circumstances.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Patisserie Rui is now open!

This has just got to be the most coolest thing ever!
Last weekend we got to join Crystal for the blessing of her own Patisserie, how cool is that? I probably won't have to blog much about it...I'll let the photos tell you the story!

More photos here.

Congratulations Crystal! *hugs*