The Blessings of God

I was pondering through His creation, how our God first created the heaven and earth, then the light and water, the skies and the grounds, and all kinds of vegetation- seed bearing plants and trees, then the living creatures - animals and livestock, and finally He created man in His likeliness - to rule over the earth, to rule over everything that was created just before him.

If we look at the sequence of the event, God has created all things before man, and for man to enjoy. He has given us all the provision that we need to survive and to be fruitful and multiply. God has richly blessed us with all that He could had given us. How should be our response today?

Are we still murmuring and complaining of the insufficiency? Are we still lacking? Is it not enough?.. How much is enough then? Lord help us to have a thankful heart in our every day encounters. Knowing that You had given us Your best, and even given Your precious Son, Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. We are indeed thankful.. let us to keep trusting You with that simple faith.

Take Captive Every Thought

Take Captive Every Thought

I generally agree with the cognitive approach to therapy since we are called to repent and be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We are saved and sanctified by faith, therefore we must learn to know and choose to believe the truth. In our western world, however, there are two other critical issues that are often overlooked causing us to stop short of a complete answer and total recovery. The first is to understand the spiritual battle for our minds, and the second is to abide in Christ.

Computer programmers coined the term, “GIGO,” which means garbage in, garbage out. Jesus said, “The good man out of the good treasure in his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45). We have to be very careful what we put into our minds, which is why Paul admonished us to, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). It doesn’t make any difference whether the thought originated from the television set, the radio, a book, a speaker, from our own memory bank, an original thought of our own, or from the father of lies. We must take “every” thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

If what we are thinking is not true according to God’s word then don’t pay attention to it. Instead, do what the Apostle Paul admonished us to do. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). You don’t get rid of negative thoughts by trying not to think them. You overcome them by choosing the truth and keep choosing the truth until the negative thoughts are drowned out or completely replaced by the truth. You let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts by letting the words of Christ richly dwell within you. If you want to experience the freedom that Christ purchased for you and have a peace of mind that passes all understanding, then choose to think only those thoughts that agree with the Word of God.

Every computer owner has been warned about the potential for their computer contracting a “virus.” A virus can cause severe damage to existing programs already loaded in the computer. Computer viruses are often not accidental. They are intentional. They may come from store wrapped software that gets contaminated by disgruntled employees. In addition, some devious people have purposefully created programs that are designed to introduce a killer virus into any system that accesses them. Therefore, most computer systems have programs that scan for viruses and so should we.

It is not always easy to detect a virus in our own belief system, because the major strategy of the enemy is deception. Every Christian is subject to tempting, accusing, and deceiving thoughts. That is why we are to put on the armor of God and more specifically the shield of faith, which deflects Satan’s fiery darts aimed at our minds. The most devious of his schemes is deception, because if you were tempted you would know it, if you were accused you would know it, but if you were deceived you wouldn’t know it. This strategy was used from the very beginning when Eve was deceived and believed a lie. That is why Jesus prays for those who would follow Him, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one . . . Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:15-17). Paul writes, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Commenting about the later days of the church age, Paul wrote, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

We have seen evidence of this all over the world, people struggling with their thoughts, having difficulty concentrating and hearing “voices.” These “voices” or negative thoughts are usually self-condemning, suicidal, delusional, and phobic which result in feelings of guilt, fear, hopelessness, sadness, and despair. These symptoms are what therapists typically associate with depression, anxiety disorders or psychosis. These negative thoughts are patterns of the flesh learned from living in a fallen world or they are fiery darts from Satan, which Scripture has clearly warned us about? A therapist with a secular world view would not even consider such possibilities.

I Am A New Creation

2 Cor 10:5b .... we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The flashback goes on and on... to the time when I was a child, I used to squat at the corner of the staircase and look down to where all the children were playing- happily. Wonder why I will never be seen with the crowds. The aloof, "proud" girl prefer to stay away at the small corner, only to have some glimpse from afar.. why couldn't I step out of my safe-zone and play with them?

The antisocial sentiment of me stay on, till my adulthood. I started to open up a little bit when I received Christ into life, when I was surrounded by brothers and sisters who love me for who I am. Then on, I grew to become 'friendlier' and approachable... why not, everything is familiar, comfortable and well 'in-control'. I am contented and happy with life. But nothing is lasting.. things changed, only God knows why for us to grow. He wants us to grow, not to stay stagnant.. or for us to overcome our weaknesses?

Am feeling "defeated" again.. fighting with all my heart, I finally gave up. I can see Satan waving his full flag of victory. Am biting myself down again.. feeling wounded and defeated - going into the circle of pity party. Oh! I have no more strength in me to stop the voices which choke me to death. I almost drowned.. until I reach up my hand and ask for help. Lord, Help me! I wonder if He can hear me... if He can understand, if only He can feel my pain.

"Do not doubt Me, My child. Come and feel the scars on My Hands. I had love you with My Everlasting Love.. why do you condemn yourself? You are my new creation.. come and start anew with Me."

Transition, Control, Trust

http://www.giantperspectives.com/read/transition_control_trust/

In the past two days I have talked with several people who have mentioned they are in a transition - either because of a job loss, job change, or personal change.

When they asked me about where I was, I tended to say the same thing - “I feel like we are in a transition season,” I said. Then it hit me - we all are, everyday.

Think about it. We are in constant transition as humans. From our kids outgrowing their clothes to the seasonal change in our atmosphere. Our world and ‘worlds’ are constantly changing.

As a person who likes change, I tend not to get too worked up about it… as long as I am in control! Take away my control, or perceived control, and that is when it feels like a “transition” season. Every person that said they were in “transition” had something taken from them and they felt out of control.

So, let me summarize. As long as I am in control I like change and can put up with transitions. As long as I am not in control the transition season feels heavy and hard.

Who is with me?

The issue is really control, and when things feel out of control that’s when it gets scary - unless, someone we trust is in control.

Does that make sense? What if things feel out of control at your work, but you suddenly realized someone you really trust is in control of decisions; don’t you seem to feel better?

Some of you may say, “Yeah, easy for you to say. No one I trust is in control of the changes in my life.”

So now we get to the real issue. Transitions are control issues. Control issues are trust issues. Who then do we really trust?

As leaders we must trust. The worst dominators in the world had the most harmful trust issues. As for me, I have my family, my partners, my friends, and employees I trust. Yet, deep inside me, I have chosen to put my trust in my Maker. When all else fails I know I at least have one source who I trust is in control, and that makes all the difference.

Dance With My Father

This song is specially dedicated to my Daddy... Oh I miss him so so much. Wonder how is my Daddy up there...

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spend me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love to dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

Chorus:
If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
Cause I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
I'd hear how my mother cried for him
(2x) I'd pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she' s dying to dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

http://www.cqwxcx.com/music/sample/Luther%20Vandross%20-%20Dance%20With%20My%20Father.mp3

Even a GREAT Husband Makes A Poor God

To all Married Women.

A good piece extracted from :- http://www.marriagemissions.com/even-a-great-husband-makes-a-poor-god/

I got in my car and started down our winding driveway. Tears fell in a steady flow. My chest was tight, my eyes puffy, and every muscle tight with stress. Why does it have to be so difficult? Why can’t he just love me the way I am? Why does everything have to be such an issue? What am I doing wrong?

Can you relate? If you’ve been married any time at all, I’m sure you can. At times I’ve gotten consumed trying to figure out how to make my husband love me and how to make everything all right between us that he in some strange way became my God. If we were doing well, I was doing well. If we weren’t doing so well, I wasn’t doing so well either.

Now, understandably, because my husband and I have come together as one, we are close enough that when he hurts, I hurt. But, my spirit should not vacillate between joy and sorrow based on how Art and I are getting along. Instead, my soul should always rest in the safety of Jesus’ unconditional love and acceptance.

Jesus laid this principle out clearly in John 15:5-6, which says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers.”

Jesus is our life-giving vine; our husbands are not. If we remain in Christ and let Christ be the only one who holds our souls and determines our identity, then we can bear much fruit. We know from Galatians 5 that the fruit of God’s Spirit in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Can you see why it is so important to get your every deep, spiritual need met by God alone? My husband can’t give this type of consistent love, joy, peace, etc. And I can’t give him love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control apart from Christ. Apart from Christ I can do no good thing, because apart from Christ I wither as I try to make my husband fill me. When I do this I drain my husband and my marriage.

John 15:9 continues, “As the father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” Now, my sweet friend, I know what it is like to walk the rocky paths of a difficult marriage. I understand the loneliness, the desperation, the frustrations. But I also know what it’s like to have a wonderful, fulfilling, romantic, awesome marriage.

My husband is basically the same man today as he was when things were not so good. God has worked on his heart and made some changes in him but nothing I’ve ever done had the power to change him.

The main thing that has transformed my marriage is my letting God be my God. Instead of focusing on all the things my husband didn’t do right or letting his approval or disapproval consume me, I learned to go to God and say, “Lord, I know You love me and You love my husband. So please either change him or change my heart toward him or this issue we are facing.” Sometimes He’ll soften my husband but more times than not God will change me.

I often share at conferences and retreats that God has taught me what it means to live for an audience of one. Instead of trying to be a good wife and win my husband’s approval, trying to be a good mom to win my kids’ approval, and trying to be a good friend to win my friends’ approval, I now simply try to please God. I seek only His favor and follow His precepts. In doing this I am a good wife, a good mom and a good friend.

Faithfully spending time with God every day and asking Him to fill me and give me my identity and security has transformed my marriage. It has freed me to take the focus off of my needs, my wants, and my desires. It is only through God’s strength working in me that I can give to my husband in this way and feel more fulfilled in giving than receiving.

Survey after survey that I received from men had a common thread: husbands said their wives were missing something in their life that the husbands had no idea how to fulfill. “I wish my wife knew that I love her,” or “I want to give her what she needs but I’m not sure even she knows what that is,” or “I wish so much my wife could see my inner feelings —how much I do love her —I just don’t know how to make her see and believe that,” and “I’m doing everything I know how to do to make her feel loved and it doesn’t seem to be enough.”

These husbands want their wives’ hearts to be secure enough to freely receive the love they were already offering. The only way this can happen is when a wife’s heart rests safely in the Lord’s hands and she’s at peace with who her God is. Then and only then can a woman of tender strength emerge with the capacity to be the wife she was created to be.

Am I in the Autumn again?

12th July 2010,

Hey, it has been 3-4 months since my last blog and so many things happened. And guess what - am back!! Am back in Malaysia, not in Penang tho', but residing in a slower pace town called Eat-Poh (Ipoh).. and just within the 3 months, I've gained 3 kgs. 3 kgs in 3 months can you believe it?... Geee... thanks to Ipoh, the sedentary lifestyle: Eat, Sleep, TVs, Work. Everything provided for, less of running around catching a bus, no need to carry medications to patients. Relatively slow, 2-3X or more slower than in Singapore. Feeling myself getting lazy, being couch potatoes after work, stuck at home and just indulge in food.. food.. food. No doubt Ipoh's food rank one of the top quality with creative variety in Malaysia yet the over eating and less workout activities contribute to my laziness and obesity.

The title of my blog speaks my sentiment today - am I in the autumn again? Spring has gone too far.. summer is over and here comes the autumn. Am trying not to be negative and get into murmuring and complaining spirit here, hopefully... It has been 8 months plus of married life, minus the 3 months separation in Singapore, leave to a total of 5 months of married life. The Bible said 2 shall become 1; it is not good for man to be alone, so here He create another helper out of man's flesh. The Bible also mentioned that those who marry will face many troubles in this life (1 Cor 7: 28). So whether married or unmarried, let us learn to be contented and find fulfillment in Him.

1 Cor 7: 34 continues, "An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (NIV)

I guess I have been divided, concern with too much on the affairs of the world- the petty matters; trying to please my husband and putting him above all else?... and getting myself uptight and being possessive. I am just too difficult to be pleased? Am I grabbing things too tightly, unwilling to let go? Afraid I will loose something precious? What will happen if it is taken off me? Why would I hold on so hard.. can't I just relax and go with the flow? Am I trying to please others yet get myself bitter with the unresponsiveness? Is love a competition, definitely not but why I just can't stop being possessive?

Am still adapting. I hate changes. Am evaluating myself - am I being selective opening up. How long for me to get myself rooted in the new environment? Do I have an accountability friend here. Where is my focus then, is it just about me me me?... It's a choice to be happy. Find what makes me happy. Where is the songs in my heart? Will I able to sing it out loud without afraid it goes out of tunes? Why I cares so much of what people think and see? Can I just stop being so critical and negative. Find what is praise worthy - whatever is noble, whatever is true, whatever is pure, lovely, admirable - think about such things. Choose what you want to input and output in your life. Where is my focus, how far from Him... Can I get closer, a step closer. A conscious effort to draw closer to Him.. that is the most important task to do.

Taking some life inventory stock take - how is my soul today? Can I get over the autumn soon?

Guidance

1st March 2010,

Got this from my close friend, very encouraging. Read on:

G-U-I-DANCE

When I meditated on the word, "Guidance",
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word, "Guidance".
When I saw 'G": I thought of God, followed by "U' and "I".
"God", "U" and "I" Dance.

When God dances with you, He guides your every step.
You glide, you slide, you spin and you feel like you're falling.
Fear not, for His arms are strong enough to hold you.
He will never let you go!

Let God guide you and your life will be a beautiful dance of joy