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I will empower you to empower others
And through you, many will raise up to take their place
Then many will in-turn lead the others to take their places
The cycle will never stop till the day of the returning
I will reveal to you the ways to speak deeply into their lives
Many lives will be touched and transformed to do my work
These lives will in-turn play a part in touching and transforming the lives of those I have prepared in advance to do good works
The cycle will never stop till the day of the returning
I will speak dearly to you when you are tired
And your words will encourage and edifies the weariness of many
Many will rise up and claim the victory and in-turn pass on that same spirit to those around
The cycle will never stop till the day of the returning
I will give you faith to believe in great things
The very same faith will move mountains and bring about changes
People will rise up and follow that object of that faith and in-turn bring people along
The cycle will never stop till the day of the returning
Oh Lord, I trust in You.
For how hard is this path of freedom and truth.
Great sacrifice You do not seek,
But obedience is all You need.
Make me a man of my words,
Stirring faith in my frighten heart.
For You bless as I choose to walk,
Closely on the path of Your righteous ways.
No matter where the path will lead,
In You I can trust, the God of all my days.
“Enjoy your single-hood while it last !!! Cause it will be no more soon !!!”
that statement seems to linger in the air, in the ever-busy Coles Super-Mart and of course it came from that infamous indian-chinese Mr Bee.
Did he know something which i don’t? or did others know something which i don’t? Also, this particular gal have been on my case non-stop to write that last part about OC2009 – the direction to a relationship issue (well, i think i kind of put her off with my delays :p).
Adding to these prior, i have matchmakers trying to pull some “red-strings”, discussion around these BGR topics with different ones, and even with leaders saying i do not have the gift of celibacy, I really begin to wonder where it all begins. Well, this chain of events did totally throw me off my tracks to focus upon the Lord. These events makes me realise that my convictions are so so shallow which resulted in my cry to God for the direction to a relationship issue. This really brings back memories of 4 relationships which i hold dear in my heart. Do bear in mind as you read this, that i have never been in a B-G-Relationship, but i did have plenty of lessons on each unsuccessful attempt as God teach me from each.
1st Attempt: The Relationship Must have Similar Direction (might not need to be the same but similar ones)
I was just about to leave for Australia, and i have this girl-friend whom i am pretty close to. In fact, one of her friend came asking me when i am going to pop that question, for she is just waiting. I wanted to but in me, something doesn’t feel right for i am thinking about what future do we have together? I don’t want to start a relationship which is long-distance, where i won’t get to see her for 3 years? Back then, i didn’t think much about the differences in our faith, but over the time as i grow in my maturity in God, i wonder where that will lead us too. I believe that the decision i made was lead by the Holy Spirit because our direction wasn’t the same. I believed that the Holy Spirit lead me through a process of thinking, which i am grateful to the Lord for. Case Closed.
2nd Attempt: The Relationship Needs to be Accounted For
One thing which i believe in is faithfulness even in liking someone. If i like someone, I will never seek another one till i get closure in the current. As such, after 1 and 1/2 years of liking, i seek closure but in a foolish way. Mine declaration of love came without the accountability of someone like my mentor. It ended with heaps of uncertainty, bitterness and the different stages of emotions. But through it all, i learnt the need to be under counsel for all the various reasons listed. As i choose to open myself up to different ones about how i feel, i found out more about the possibility of a relationship with the particular person and even more so in my case, the release of bottled up uncertainty and mixed emotions of the after declaration. Case Closed.
3rd Attempt: The Relationship is Entrusted to the Lord
I was at the age of wanting a life-partner, to experience the joy and the pain of a relationship. In fact, i noticed someone fairly quickly after the 2nd attempt. Unexpectedly, i began to spend more time with this someone and my feelings for her begin to grow at a very fast pace. At this stage, i definitely do not want to make the same mistakes as before. So i confided in my mentor and entrusted to Him my feelings. I committed to God and prayed like never before (almost any chance i get). Like the relationship before, i wanted closure so i prayed and asked God for the opportunity to declare my interest to her. I remember that particular day when i actually did. I got the go ahead from my mentor and i prayed as well that despite the outcome, it will not be like before, filled with uncertainty, bitterness and the like. I want proper reconciliation despite whatever outcome. To this day, this sister is one of the best girl-friend which i got (or i wish to think so). I could freely share with her and just have pure fun. Through it all, i entrusted to God the relationship and despite the fact that the relationship didn’t go the way i desired, God gave me a great sister and friend. Case Closed.
4th Attempt: The Relationship Requires Patience and Selfless Love
In 2006, i begin to take note of this gal and today is 2009. 4 years and i couldn’t find rest because there wasn’t an ending. Through all the countless prayers i have made, God was simply asking me to wait. No matter how many times i prayed, i always get the same answer, “Be Patient and Wait”. Sometimes, i wonder why i have to wait, how long do i have to wait and thoughts of letting go did cross my mind but i couldn’t because there isn’t an ending. It did came to a stage where i decided to leave it aside for a season. But with the happening of recent events, it again sparkle my deepest desire. This was when i decided to cry out once again for a direction in the relationship issue and this time round, i got the clearance to find closure but i do need to find the right timing and opportunity. Often people only wanted their deepest desire met but i know that God’s resolution is the best even if it doesn’t met my desire. Through it all, i learnt two things – Patience and Selfless Love where the latter focus on the other party and not on the self.
This is a really long post, where it took me a while to write and think things through. My desire is to be as honest about my feelings and at the same time, i wanted it to be something where others can be encouraged and learnt from. As always, i encourage all of us to continue Trusting in the Lord.
If you are waiting to read a nice good post, on a certain topic …. errr ……. well …. i am feeling kind of sleepy now, so maybe another night, when i have greater inspiration.
On the other hand, i just want to write a simple encouragment to you who needs them.
Keep your spirit up,
for you will never walk alone,
for at the darkest of times,
all of us will be here with you.
Stay strong in the Lord,
for you are never alone,
for through the longest of nights,
He is always there for you.
Remember that the Lord and us will always be here for you.
I haven’t heard and sing this classic worship song for a long long while. And just listening and playing to this song really bring back some great memories. Now together with another awesome classic, “Exalted, You will ever be exalted”. It really sings of the majestic nature of God, on a whole new level or worship.
Paul wrote to Timothy,
“As i urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless controversies rather than God’s work – which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
This passage reminds me of a man, who loves to argue endless doctrinal issues with his mentor, stirring up werid questions and statements on purpose in cell (one friend used to call it “spanner”), loving controversies and teaches extreme doctrines. Well, you might have a guess by now – that the person is me. Many sees me as a great teacher of the word or as one who knows heaps (i seriously wonder how that happens). But as i look back over the years, where i have lead others on path which are wrong, it really struck my heart with sorrow. Those that might have fallen away over my words, my style and my reasoning. Those that might never have got a chance to hear the truth over my teachings. Yes, as Paul proclaim that He is a great sinner, so am I one as well.
Over the couple of months, God has been laying in my heart the importance of studying His words, using His words as the basis of my impartations and teachings, not to depart to the left or right of the truth. But the more i study His words, the more i found out that i don’t really know His words enough. I am afraid, i am worried, i am scared to teach His words anymore. I do not have the confidence i used to have. I begin to find myself palming off questions where i could have easily answered. All because, i am afraid. Fear really cripples the spirit of a man.
One thing amazing about God is that even when i afraid and when i am weak, He still gives me the opportunities to share, to impart and to teach. Because of these opportunities, i stand as a living testimony of His greatness and love.
John Wesley’s Rules of Singing
1. Sing all.
See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.
2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage.
Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it being heard, then when you sing the songs of Satan.
3. Sing modestly.
Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.
4. Sing in time.
Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
5. Above all, sing spiritually.
Have an eye to God in every word you s ing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
I was really wondering if the the Worship Ministry is something which i should serve in. I was thinking of the maybe the once in a while thingy, as i have the time to do so. But the main reasons (or excuses) was that i am a lousy singer, i couldn’t remember lyrics, can’t sing in the right key, don’t know what harmonising meant, just to name a few.
But sitting at WAM Equip, i caught the heart of God in worship which was clearly outline by Wesley. The whole idea of worship is to give Him the attention and help others draw as close to Him as possible. This really urge me onwards, to continue to grow in this area. Ultimately, i want to help as many as possible, draw as close as possible, come as near as possible and to encounter Him as much as possible. Not for my own but for those He wanted to reach and touch.
The song, In Christ alone kind of stick. I can’t shake it off. This is a really nice song. Feel the song as much as i did and i pray that it will encourage you.
The forgiveness of God is not dependent on the many times we fall but the many times we pick oursleves up after.
The love word ‘agape’ is stuck in my head for the past few weeks. I came to realise that this love is pretty hard to practice because it requires a selfless nature and is to be given unconditionally. The first and second commandment in the bible talks about this love;
“‘Love (agapao) the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love (agapao) your neighbor as yourself.’
I always wanted a big vision, something grand and awesome, something that i could glorify the name of my God. So i have my eyes set on the world stage. I have been crying out to God for the call into that minstry to take on the world for Jesus. At OC09, God revealed the world to me – what it is really about.
MEN & WOMEN
To touch and change the world meant to touch and change the lives of man and woman all over. Simply put it, to get dirty by helping them build bridges to Christ so that they can draw near-er to God.
And all that i should do is to agape all. Of course i can help people see the light at the end of the tunnel. Teach them to break the bondages of sin and train man & woman all over the world to train other man & woman all over the world. But as Paul’s word in Corinthians says;
“If i speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, i am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
“If i have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if i have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, i am nothing.”
“If i give all i possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, i gain nothing.”
The answer to my second cry to God in the convention as He gives me the direction for the future lies in the people. For i am in the MAN & WOMAN Ministry.
… To Be Continued …
Surrender | Marc James
I’m giving you my heart, and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I’m giving you my dreams, I’m laying down my rights
I’m giving up my pride for the promise of new life
And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you
I’m singing You this song, I’m waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain
” I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” King David
If there is anything when i drove away from the convention, is the conviction of having a closer relationship with God. And the cost of that intimacy with God, will be my heart and my pride, my deepest desires and my dreams, my rights and my cries – most of all my time. I have to give them all up before my King.
It has been a while since i enjoyed the convention as much as this one. Ever since the first convention in 2003, i never had a proper chance to enjoy any others. There is always something for me to do. This year is a good one. I came expected, in faith and with the desire to hear God speak. Three things i laid before the Lord in the order of,
1. A direction to a relationship issue.
2. A direction to my spiritual calling.
3. A direction to my spiritual gifting.
Even as i set the order of importance 
to my objectives, God sees fit to answer them the other way round. I got my first direction in spiritual gifting. I learnt the ‘how’ and the ‘why’, giving me the head knowledge to grow my spiritual giftings. On Saturday night, as i minister to different ones, i found myself lacking in my spiritual discernment. I am lacking the annointing to pinpoint exactly the issues and the problems. The feeling of being lost came over me and I stood there crying out to God to fine-tune my spiritual gifting, to give me the annointing of a prophet with the ability to see the root issues, to know the problems and to speak God’s word of encouragement & direction.
At that very moment, a brother approached me for prayer. As i usually did, i asked for his prayer needs and he in-turn asked me to discern. Immediately, I know God had provided me with an opportunity to exercise the new annointing of the Holy Spirit. And that night is a new beginning and many more of that night will be needed to exercise and develop my spiritual gifts. One thing i learnt was to grow even closer my relationship with God, so that it will be easier for me to develop the gift of prophesy.
…. To Be Continued ….
Your Name | Paul Baloche
VERSE 1
As morning dawns and evening fades
You in- spire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name
CHORUS
Your Name is a strong and mighty tow- er
Your Name is a shelter like no oth- er
Your Name, let the nations sing it loud- er
‘Cause nothing has the pow- er to save
But Your Name
VERSE 2
Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name
I listen to the song, played the song and sing the song. Definately captivated by the beauty of the song. The lyrics meant so much to me. It left me in awe of the Majesty of God. Calling the name of Jesus brings tears to my eyes for it reminds me much of what He had done in my life. The days - the nights – the morning – the evening, the many prayers i had made over the years, He had heard them all and took upon His hands. This gives me the assurance that His ways are always right and good for me. No matter how hard life might seems, the many prayers still waiting to be answered, I know for sure in Him i can trust all the days of my life.
Yawnnn ….
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