on Sunday (26 Oct 08), or rather the week before, i remembered I was led to pray the prayer of Jabez again.
I was reminded again of this long forgotten prayer by my new colleauge at work whom I found reading the "Prayer of Jabez" book which i once read it myself a few years back, i cannot even remember when.
Then at Care Group time, my new care leader shared how his prayer or 2008 resolution to extend areas of influence in his life has been fulfilled (at work, ministry, studies) except for family which he is working on.
It inspired me to re-think how my life's influence has been rather 'stagnant' or not growing much outwards. And I desire to live a life that...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Being Generous to God
Today at service, i decided to just be generous to God in giving to Him through the service offering, as i realized i had been shrinking back for some weeks (as budget was tighter with other givings to give -more tithe to deduct, expenses to bear, and in view of economic downturn). Nevertheless, as prompted/reminded by the Holy Spirit to be generous to God, and thinking that it boils down to my trust in Him as my provider, I decided to just give the only small change of $5 note i had in my wallet/purse.
Initially I just thought that I couldn't give as i didn't have a smaller change.. and that amount was out of my budget to give. I would naturally intend to use it for lunch, and giving the excuse I would need or pretty well need money to bless other ppl instead! And rather than putting it into the offerring bag with the 'crowd' and not knowing exactly where it will go.. (partly thinking that it is a less visible/significant giving).
After the decision to give and giving, and after lunch while walking to the water baptism, something made me turn back and reminded me that i needed to get a gift for my friend/collegue whom will be flying back home overseas (Germany).
And I just turned back and proceeded to a stall which I've passed 5 metres away, and started searching for a suitable shawl which I had in mind to get her somewhat.
I didn't exactly haggle or intend to ask for a lower price, as i just casually slip off my mouth during the payment to ask the aunty whether she can charge cheaper. In my mind, the most she would give me is $1 cheaper as to my prior experiences, or even none, due to my poor persuasive or haggling skills. But instead she gave me a price $4 lower. i was shocked and just agreed. While she offered to pack the shawl in a nice clear bag, i happen to tell her that the shawl i am having over my shoulder is actually bought from her stall previously. And before I pay her, she lowered my price by another $1, and after that i realized that, i had a discount of $5 from the original price!
Amazing, as I just realized that God showed me that He didn't short-change me, when I give or have a heart of generously towards Him. An experience and another lesson learnt.
Initially I just thought that I couldn't give as i didn't have a smaller change.. and that amount was out of my budget to give. I would naturally intend to use it for lunch, and giving the excuse I would need or pretty well need money to bless other ppl instead! And rather than putting it into the offerring bag with the 'crowd' and not knowing exactly where it will go.. (partly thinking that it is a less visible/significant giving).
After the decision to give and giving, and after lunch while walking to the water baptism, something made me turn back and reminded me that i needed to get a gift for my friend/collegue whom will be flying back home overseas (Germany).
And I just turned back and proceeded to a stall which I've passed 5 metres away, and started searching for a suitable shawl which I had in mind to get her somewhat.
I didn't exactly haggle or intend to ask for a lower price, as i just casually slip off my mouth during the payment to ask the aunty whether she can charge cheaper. In my mind, the most she would give me is $1 cheaper as to my prior experiences, or even none, due to my poor persuasive or haggling skills. But instead she gave me a price $4 lower. i was shocked and just agreed. While she offered to pack the shawl in a nice clear bag, i happen to tell her that the shawl i am having over my shoulder is actually bought from her stall previously. And before I pay her, she lowered my price by another $1, and after that i realized that, i had a discount of $5 from the original price!
Amazing, as I just realized that God showed me that He didn't short-change me, when I give or have a heart of generously towards Him. An experience and another lesson learnt.
Saying "God mould me" the 'dangerous' prayer
1 week ago at CG (NG5A3), prayed the dangerous prayer again,
not deliberately, coz it was the one and only worship song of the day!! (evening).
Hence, since i've sung it from my heart, little did I know, the moulding and test of God for the refinement of my heart and character come so swiftly that make me somewhat 'regret' having said that prayer..
But becoz i've went through the furnace before, it was not at all nice, comfy or at all enticing, (i call it a necessary purging of deeply embedded sin) but the blessing and final result of it is so beautiful and important, that i didn't hesitate to pray that again, after forgetting the 'pain' that has been encountered.
This time round.. it was more of testing and strecthing or pruning of anymore weeds of evil and sin that may still be rooted in my heart - the root of selfishness which destroys.
the very next week I was faced with situation where I had to give-up myself, TRUST God and to LOVE people..despite 'difficult' circumstances or conflict of interest. This happens in office, as well as among believers. Previously, i would have difficulty handling such a situation with grace and love due to protecting of self-interest. But now i resolve to go the way of love and truth through Christ Jesus, enabled by His Spirit. PTL! Through him I am able.
...
...
As I prayed to God for my circumstances, I was glad some assurance was spoken or given to my heart.
As yet I do not see visible results, everytime i struggled or doubted, i kept going back to God the Father to be reminded of His sovereignity, love and faithfulness for all. Indeed, He is a good God and will do what is just and right.
I am continiung to pray and trust in Him.
What I know is that I needed to learn to be patient or learn to do so, and
"Trust in the Lord with All your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight - Prov 3:5-6"
not deliberately, coz it was the one and only worship song of the day!! (evening).
Hence, since i've sung it from my heart, little did I know, the moulding and test of God for the refinement of my heart and character come so swiftly that make me somewhat 'regret' having said that prayer..
But becoz i've went through the furnace before, it was not at all nice, comfy or at all enticing, (i call it a necessary purging of deeply embedded sin) but the blessing and final result of it is so beautiful and important, that i didn't hesitate to pray that again, after forgetting the 'pain' that has been encountered.
This time round.. it was more of testing and strecthing or pruning of anymore weeds of evil and sin that may still be rooted in my heart - the root of selfishness which destroys.
the very next week I was faced with situation where I had to give-up myself, TRUST God and to LOVE people..despite 'difficult' circumstances or conflict of interest. This happens in office, as well as among believers. Previously, i would have difficulty handling such a situation with grace and love due to protecting of self-interest. But now i resolve to go the way of love and truth through Christ Jesus, enabled by His Spirit. PTL! Through him I am able.
...
...
As I prayed to God for my circumstances, I was glad some assurance was spoken or given to my heart.
As yet I do not see visible results, everytime i struggled or doubted, i kept going back to God the Father to be reminded of His sovereignity, love and faithfulness for all. Indeed, He is a good God and will do what is just and right.
I am continiung to pray and trust in Him.
What I know is that I needed to learn to be patient or learn to do so, and
"Trust in the Lord with All your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight - Prov 3:5-6"
------------------------------------
As days go by (even as of 28 Oct 08), siuation seems to get tougher and tougher..
but by His grace, may i not be affected and continue to submit to God and focus on doing His will and doing well and victoriously in my responsibilities.
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