Waiting Upon The Lord

Four Benefits Why We Wait Upon The Lord

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!  - Psalm 27:14 ESV

_Waiting Upon The Lord_ for everything in life, be it in little or big things, for it is only in waiting that we let God unfold His Will for us as we see Him provide for our needs regarding our work, health, ministry, family, finances, hopes and goals on a daily, short- and long-term basis.

God walks and works with us Everyday for His purpose and glory. It is a “WITH” relationship - a fellowship with the Holy Spirit that makes every conversation with Him intimate, comforting and meaningful with fruitful outcome as we mature in our spiritual life.

In this divine process of waiting, we actually feel strengthened in our heart 💓 and strong and courageous in our spirit while we humble ourselves and submit to the waiting process. Soon we are made aware that this silent process we are experiencing is about the following benefits:

*Benefit 1* - Knowing the spiritual principle of the *Timing* of God is always perfect in our life, specific situation and particular need.

*Benefit 2* - Deepening the *Trusting* in God that sees beyond our naked eyes whose sight is limited by human wisdom and natural abilities

*Benefit 3* - Allowing the *Training* of righteousness by God to nourish and nurture our faith and confidence in Him slowly yet steadily.

*Benefit 4* - The fruitful outcome is seen in the *Transformation* through the work of the Holy Spirit changing us from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ while we yearn to see Him face to face.

Experiencing God’s Protection At Workplace

Everyday we need the protection of God to keep our heart at peace with Him, our mind refreshed by Him and our strength provided by Him to do His will at our workplaces.

At times, our bosses and colleagues may hurt us by their behaviours and words in ways even beyond our comprehension, but we can trust God to protect our heart as His beloved children of God Almighty.

Jesus walks alongside us to empower us to overcome every temptation and trial so that our heart is constantly guarded giving no room for any discouragement, disappointment or depression that might rob us of the joy we have in Christ.

To experience the protection of God is about abiding in His presence. This is also about trust, complete trust in God as talk with Him about our thoughts and feelings, albeit quietly. This is a deliberate choice on our part to lean to Jesus constantly and to trust Him for His healing, deliverance, restoration and victory when we go through rough and difficult patches in our workplace. Through the psalmist, God is assuring us of His protection:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  - Psalm 91:1-2 ESV

May this day be a great time of mediation, reflection and application of this wonderful assurance from the voice of God to us through this scriptures. Let’s have a blessed Wednesday with Jesus!😇🌻🙏💕RP

Making A Difference With An Act Of Kindness

Yesterday it was a special day for me.  It was an interesting conversation with a Malay lady from JB working in SG. Sharing a table with her in a cafe at Toa Payoh bus interchange, I felt led to buy her a cup of hot Milo as she was eating mee goreng for her dinner without any drink.

Knowing I am a counsellor, she began to share about her struggle with various life challenges after the demise of her husband 5 years ago. Her only daughter living in JB is a single mum, unemployed, and now parenting her 6-year-old son. Her daughter divorced her husband because of his adulterous lifestyle. While working in SG, she has to support daughter and the grandson. Moreover she has to pay regular visit to her brother-in-law at Changi Prison who had committed some drug offences.

Giving her a listening ear and showing much empathy, I left her with these words and calmly assured her in Malay that God loves you and you can pray to Him. She was grateful and thanked me with a warm smile. Both of us indeed experienced something unusual and out of the ordinary. This is indeed a divine arrangement. May she experience the love of God soon.

As I took the mrt train home, the thought of having demonstrated an act of kindness to a stranger warmed my heart. Then this verse just flashed through my mind.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  - Micah 6:8 ESV

Thank you for reading and let’s continue to be a blessing to hearts that long to have a divine touch from our Lord.

LGBT People In Churches Today

Many such liberal churches today claim that they don’t discriminate LGBT people but love and value them as they are for this is demonstrating God’s love. They would mention that this is why Jesus came for sinners like them and we shouldn’t be judgmental by being exclusive.

However if they simply accept them into their churches without challenging them to give up their beliefs and lifestyle, and to open their heart to Jesus and let Him empower them to be straight, then such inclusiveness is superficial love at best.

As they enter our churches and fellowshipping with the Body of Christ while still practicing immorality, we are opening the door to all kinds of lustful spirit like sexual immorality, sensuality, adultery, fornication, etc.

The infiltration of many anti-Christ spirits into the Body of Christ is real and ever increasing through Christians and non Christians alike worshipping in Churches with us. Many of them have been swept by the worldwide movement of LGBT without any inkling that this is the spirit of anti-Christ at work.

It is a battle that we fight with the armour of God, prayer and intercession corporately as the Body of Christ guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Deliverance from such spiritual bondage can only be found in the cross of Christ and His resurrected power.

Many passages admonish Christians to stay away from all kinds of sexual immorality and those who indulge in them shall not enter the kingdom of God.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. - Revelation 22:14-15

Is Death A Separation Or Just A Transition?

We usually think that old people are preoccupied with death. How about young people? Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to talk with a young adult named X on the issue of death. I asked, “Why are you afraid of death?” Apparently looking a little depressed he replied, “Ever since I had sleep paralysis (this is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move during sleep), I have been haunted by death”.  He added, “If death is being in this helpless state of consciousness unable to speak or move for even a second, this is really scary and unimaginable. I will never be prepared for this.” This fearful incident indeed triggered him to re-examine his belief system and personal relationship with God. He then prayed and dedicated his life to Jesus again.

The greatest human fear has always been death. Question like what will happen to me after death is worth exploring with non believers. The fear of unknown is real. Death can come to anyone at anytime and often very sudden and without any pre warning.

For the Bible, the Word of God, death means separation- separation of his soul from God if one is without Christ. This happens after he breathes his last. There will be an eternal judgment and every unbeliever will have to account for all he has done and eventually he will be punished and condemned to hell, a lake of fire.  He shall forever be separated from God.

However for everyone who has Christ in his heart as Savior and Lord, death is only a transition from a physical body into a spiritual or resurrected one. His soul shall live with God throughout eternity.

God’s Word says:

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV

May we affirm our faith in God and echo the same conviction as Paul who penned down these words to his protege Timothy while he was still in prison.

“...But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. - 2 Timothy 1:12 ESV

Walk By The Spirit

Today’s devotional thought: “Walk By The Spirit” every moment because the Holy Spirit in us keeps us blessed, joyful, peaceful and strong as we live, walk and be led by the Spirit of love, comfort and strength.

*Reflection Pointers*

1. The Holy Spirit gives us the godly desire to read, meditate and apply the WORD of God daily.
2. As the WORD dwells richly in our heart, we walk in love 🥰 and power to bless ourselves and others.
3. Then gradually we bear the wonderful FRUIT 🍇 of the Spirit and exercise the GIFTS 🎁 of the Spirit to fulfill the PLAN of God for us 😀 and declaring the Kingdom of God in our lives😇.

SPIRIT👉WORD 👉FRUIT 👉GIFTS👉  PLAN👉KINGDOM

Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25
😇😀💕🙏

Living A Peaceful Life With A Divine Purpose

When is the last time this thought comes into our mind “How can I live a peaceful and quiet life?” How can our heart keep enjoying peace and quietness with God, with ourselves and with others everyday?

It requires us to first take a conscious and deliberate effort to slow down our fast-paced lifestyle to reflect more on what has been going on in our lives lately, and more importantly, on what God is trying to say about our daily activities.😇🙏💕

*The Bible says.....*

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that *we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.* This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Perhaps it is time for us to learn to be still and know that He is truly our God.  Through Jesus, our peace with Heavenly Father has become a precious spiritual commodity every day.

As we contemplate on His bountiful goodness and abundant grace granted to us daily, may we start to take regular quiet moments to pray and intercede for the unsaved especially family members, friends and colleagues.

May we be more like Christ and abide in Him as we enjoy divine peace and a peaceful life constantly.

Dear Heavenly Father, we love you and may our heart be pure and faith simple as we seek first your kingdom and righteousness all the days of our lives. Thank you for protecting and providing us practically, emotionally and spiritually. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray.

Have a blessed day with Jesus😇🙏💕RP

Waiting Is Trusting God

“You don’t need to know the key man in life if you know the man who holds the key” - Rick Warren

This statement captured my attention and I started to ponder on these words after watching his clip. Here it goes...

*Biblical Truth:* Trust the Lord for every single thing in life

Example: Career, Ministry, Family, Relationships, Children, Finances, Friends, Health, Church, Hopes, Passions, Protection, Future and the list goes on to include any new concern and need.

*Time For Everything*

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: - Ecclesiastes 3:1

*Time For The Birth Of Christ*

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. - Galatians 4:4-5

*Time For Harvest*

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9

*Life Application*

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  - Isaiah 40:31

Hearing The Voice Of God

*1. How does God speak to you?*

A. A word, verse or passage pops up while reading God’s Word and you know it is God speaking to you.

B. A still small gentle voice or inner witness which can come as your heart feel a sense of comfort, assurance or impression that you know God is speaking to you.

C. You experience divine, supernatural peace in your heart, a strong and confident calmness felt within you knowing it is God speaking to you.

D. On occasions you can expect God speaks to you through dream and vision. In this form of divine communication, we are responsive and are free from distractions. Through these channels, God speaks to in a visual and pictorial way.

E. When you realise that what you are observing or experiencing externally or circumstantially, you know that God speaks to you through a specific situation at that point in time. It is confirmed with peace in your heart.

F. On some day when a friend, colleague, family member or someone you respect says something that resonates with your heart, you realise that God is speaking to you through them. You can also feel the peace of God upon reflection.

*2. Three common obstacles to hearing God speaks to you*

A. Unbelief

When you simply don’t think God can speak to you, this is called unbelief and you already switch off the communication channel between you and God.

B. Disobedience

The purpose for hearing God is about building a personal relationship with Him. And in any relationship, it can either grow or stagnant. The key to grow in our spiritual life and walk with God is to live a life of obedience to Him. He knows us intimately and wants the best for us. Disobedience simply hinders the growth of a healthy growing relationship by creating a spiritual distance between us and God.

C. Distractions

Everyone is prone to distraction which can have a far damaging effect on hearing the voice God than we think. We seldom reflect or meditate on our daily life, let alone the Word of God. As long as our mind isn’t still or relax, we will keep missing the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, even in very crucial and critical moments. Distractions are one of the worst enemies of these important spiritual disciplines to hear God - silence and solitude.

*3. Conclusion*

The more we obey God, the more we hear from Him and the more we grow in our relationship with Him. This is the joy of knowing God for through hearing Him shall we walk in His perfect will for our lives.

*Summary from a sermon by Jimmy Evans*

Living In Evil Times

Reading this real life story of how a 14-yr old girl was kept as sex slave by father and son for six years and is now parent of three little children really makes one sick! How evil the are the hearts of men in our generation.

We need to consciously and zealously protect vulnerable groups like children and young teens while the days are getting more and more evil.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, *HEARTLESS*, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, *BRUTAL*, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. - 2 Timothy 3:1-4

https://sg.yahoo.com/news/chinese-teen-kept-sex-slave-020050794.html

Divine Guidance

I was at Starbucks having coffee at 10am this morning with a friend, and I didn’t know I have dropped my friend’s Ang Pow on the floor. It is a gift for me.

I realised it about half hour later but I was already at Farrer road visiting a cancer friend. I knew it was too late to turn back. Actually I thought I must have dropped it while waving a cab or inside the cab.

However i just had this repeated thought that I should go back to the place where I took the cab. While passing through the Starbucks, I felt the urge to drop by and ask the staff if they happened to pick up my Ang Pow.

Guess what!  One staff told me that the red packet is still lying on the floor under the same chair I sat! She picked it up and return it to me.

Out of curiosity I asked her, “Why didn’t you pick up earlier?”  Her prompt reply was, “I saw it but thought the person sitting the chair would pick it up later.”

What do I make out of this? Luck or it is my day?  Honestly my only conclusion is the divine guidance that led me to get my Ang Pow back. Once I realised it was lost this morning, I prayed for this item to return to me somehow. God listens and answers my prayer. Thank you for reading my personal testimony. God is gracious and caring. I would like to trust Jesus for bigger and greater things for His glory and purpose. Hallelujah!😇🙏💞RP

Wisdom From Oswald Chamber

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord”;…

from The Highest Good—The Pilgrim’s Song Book, 537 L

What God’s Word says....

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!  You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.  - Psalm 128:1-4

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.  - Proverbs 19:23

Start Our Day With A Thankful Heart!

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

Yes, it is the so called “small and insignificant” things we often overlook that are worthy of giving thanks to God. Enjoying the smile of a baby, saying thank you to the elderly lady who clears your table or even gazing at the crescent moon before you jump to bed would simply connect our soul to our Creator God.

When we start from this, we are nurturing our heart to be tender, sensitive and discerning about the things of God. Our spiritual life will be coloured with the manifold goodness of God’s blessings, as we see our earthly life from His Kingdom’s perspective.

Abundant life, as Jesus wanted us to have, begins to make sense to us. We would then embrace the wonderful desires in our heart graciously poured onto us by our Heavenly Father. Having a kingdom mentality and lifestyle shall keep us abreast to the work of the Holy Spirit as the Day draws closer.