By Josephine Lim Weston
18/11/15
This afternoon I decided to go to the nearest church for my daily quiet time with the Lord. It's a catholic church. I choose it because it's the nearest and quiet. Initially I was a bit reluctant as I've checked the weather forecast that it would rain at 2pm onwards. But i decided to go at 1.45pm putting on my hooded winter jacket. Whilst there I saw 2 Muslim women with their black hijab walked in and seated down on the bench. An old catholic woman came up to them from another side of the bench staring at them. Oh dear I prayed she'd not do anything funny or offensive toward them but the catholic woman instead gave them a quick smile of approval and bowed to them (for being brave to enter church) then they stood up to light candles in front of Virgin Mary and walked the four corners of the church slowly and light candles then they sat down together and quiet down facing the stage. I prayed in my heart as I observed them.
I was moved that during these terrorist attacks, more Muslims are turning to Christianity. We are to pray for more Muslims turning to Christ as in a way their actions are somewhat crying for us to intercede for them even more fervently. As I stepped out from the church to head back to my office, an old lady with walking frames about to enter the church as I exit. So I offered to open the door for her and she's appreciative as she told me she finds it difficult to open the door herself as she couldn't reach for the door properly with her walking frames in front of her and her legs and hands are not strong enough.
I was glad that I obeyed the Lord to spend quiet time with Him that I get to witness these and hopefully able to encourage all of you to pray for the salvation of the Muslims. Also grateful that Muslims in UK get to enter church without being stoned or thrown in jail. They are in fact crying out for a Saviour.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Saturday, 7 November 2015
The Reign of God is Within You
By Josephine Lim Weston
6/11/15
Thought of sharing this important truth with you all after having fellowship with Andrew's colleague last night and meditating on scripture on peace.
Matthew 6:33
but seek first the reign (kingdom) of God and His righteousness, and all these (what to eat or wear) shall be added to you.
Romans 14:17
for the reign (kingdom) of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit;
Luke 17:20-21
And having been questioned by the Pharisees, when the reign of God does come, he (Jesus) answered them, and said, 'The reign of God does not come with observation; nor shall they say, Lo, here; or lo, there; for lo, the reign (kingdom) of God is within you. (Note the kingdom of God is already within us when we receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour).
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (He has already given us His peace and it's now within us so no longer should we pray FOR peace. We just got to acknowledge and magnify this peace in us.) I do not give to you as the world gives. (So) Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (any longer).
6/11/15
Thought of sharing this important truth with you all after having fellowship with Andrew's colleague last night and meditating on scripture on peace.
Matthew 6:33
but seek first the reign (kingdom) of God and His righteousness, and all these (what to eat or wear) shall be added to you.
Romans 14:17
for the reign (kingdom) of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit;
Luke 17:20-21
And having been questioned by the Pharisees, when the reign of God does come, he (Jesus) answered them, and said, 'The reign of God does not come with observation; nor shall they say, Lo, here; or lo, there; for lo, the reign (kingdom) of God is within you. (Note the kingdom of God is already within us when we receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour).
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (He has already given us His peace and it's now within us so no longer should we pray FOR peace. We just got to acknowledge and magnify this peace in us.) I do not give to you as the world gives. (So) Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (any longer).
Sunday, 1 November 2015
In Your Busyness Stop and Give A Thought
By Josephine Lim-Weston
It's so easy to be absorbed by busyness and let it rule our lives. If we don't stop and give ourselves a break, no matter what remaining strength we've got left, we'll be exhausted by end of the day. If we carry on like this throughout the weekdays, when the weekend comes our body will need to make up for it (hopefully we do rest on weekend).
Worse is the feeling of guilt sets in and unfruitfulness even though we've kept ourselves productive and done as much as we could but we're not satisfied neither fulfilled. Why? Because we've exhausted ourselves by serving the flesh instead of stopping for a moment for spiritual and emotional recharge that we so crucially need. Tasks completed by our own strength will not bring as much fulfillment, joy and peace as if we had just allowed God and welcomed Him to work alongside with us.
Vitally, we've got to watch out as no matter how good our cause at hand, that we worked hard for, busyness seems to be the No. 1 weapon used by the enemy (Satan) to distract us from spending quiet time with God and listening to His voice. When we dont spend time in fellowship with and knowing God (studying His word and listening to Him), we feel restless, unfulfilling, worn out and worse - guilt consciousness kicks in that cause us to feel even more distant from God.
The second weapon that the enemy (Satan) uses to pull us even further away from God is to make us feel lousy, distant and no longer loved by God and he'll start pointing the finger at us because we fail to do this and that for God so now God is not happy and will not listen to our prayer and will not bless us anymore as He intended. Don't entertain those thoughts at all as it breaks God's heart.
All God wants is to come running to us with wide open arms like the Parable of the Prodigal Son who decided that, after squandering away his life, he had a revelation that he'll be treated better in his father’s house than outside in the world. His gracious, joyful and elated father doesn't even think about his son's past but upon hearing the news of his lost son's coming home he ran out from the house to hug his returned, embarrassed son. This is our Heavenly Father waiting for each one of us to return to Him and fellowship with Him.
Our heart, soul and spirit will not rest until we are united in fellowship with our God who is all-satisfying and fulfilling. Only He satisfies our longing and only He is more than enough. Nothing and no one can takes His place. We are made for Him (Jesus), through Him and in Him (Romans 11:36). Nothing can substitute and compensate for Him.
So I pray and I hope when we're caught up in busyness to know it's time to stop and draw strength from God by listening to Him for His guidance; or simply for Him to refresh us and give us God-ordained wisdom and strength so we'll not be exhausted for depending on our own strength. Also we are not to give the enemy the foothold to use the weapon of busyness against us.
I pray also when we ever doubt God's love again due to our mistakes and inaction, please consider the parable of the prodigal son and no longer be embarrased to draw near to God again. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
God is knocking at our heart's door wanting to have fellowship with us (Revelations 3:20). He's earnest to refresh and love us over and over again and has so much to pour into our empty vessel and fill us up again.
Whenever I put God first or as priority, I always have more time to spare. I pray that we will all set aside this precious time everyday with our loving Saviour.
Here are some very good books to read in line with drawing close to God:
Master is Calling by Lynne Hammond
Birthing the Miraculous by Heidi Baker
It's so easy to be absorbed by busyness and let it rule our lives. If we don't stop and give ourselves a break, no matter what remaining strength we've got left, we'll be exhausted by end of the day. If we carry on like this throughout the weekdays, when the weekend comes our body will need to make up for it (hopefully we do rest on weekend).
Worse is the feeling of guilt sets in and unfruitfulness even though we've kept ourselves productive and done as much as we could but we're not satisfied neither fulfilled. Why? Because we've exhausted ourselves by serving the flesh instead of stopping for a moment for spiritual and emotional recharge that we so crucially need. Tasks completed by our own strength will not bring as much fulfillment, joy and peace as if we had just allowed God and welcomed Him to work alongside with us.
Vitally, we've got to watch out as no matter how good our cause at hand, that we worked hard for, busyness seems to be the No. 1 weapon used by the enemy (Satan) to distract us from spending quiet time with God and listening to His voice. When we dont spend time in fellowship with and knowing God (studying His word and listening to Him), we feel restless, unfulfilling, worn out and worse - guilt consciousness kicks in that cause us to feel even more distant from God.
The second weapon that the enemy (Satan) uses to pull us even further away from God is to make us feel lousy, distant and no longer loved by God and he'll start pointing the finger at us because we fail to do this and that for God so now God is not happy and will not listen to our prayer and will not bless us anymore as He intended. Don't entertain those thoughts at all as it breaks God's heart.
All God wants is to come running to us with wide open arms like the Parable of the Prodigal Son who decided that, after squandering away his life, he had a revelation that he'll be treated better in his father’s house than outside in the world. His gracious, joyful and elated father doesn't even think about his son's past but upon hearing the news of his lost son's coming home he ran out from the house to hug his returned, embarrassed son. This is our Heavenly Father waiting for each one of us to return to Him and fellowship with Him.
Our heart, soul and spirit will not rest until we are united in fellowship with our God who is all-satisfying and fulfilling. Only He satisfies our longing and only He is more than enough. Nothing and no one can takes His place. We are made for Him (Jesus), through Him and in Him (Romans 11:36). Nothing can substitute and compensate for Him.
So I pray and I hope when we're caught up in busyness to know it's time to stop and draw strength from God by listening to Him for His guidance; or simply for Him to refresh us and give us God-ordained wisdom and strength so we'll not be exhausted for depending on our own strength. Also we are not to give the enemy the foothold to use the weapon of busyness against us.
I pray also when we ever doubt God's love again due to our mistakes and inaction, please consider the parable of the prodigal son and no longer be embarrased to draw near to God again. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
God is knocking at our heart's door wanting to have fellowship with us (Revelations 3:20). He's earnest to refresh and love us over and over again and has so much to pour into our empty vessel and fill us up again.
Whenever I put God first or as priority, I always have more time to spare. I pray that we will all set aside this precious time everyday with our loving Saviour.
Here are some very good books to read in line with drawing close to God:
Master is Calling by Lynne Hammond
Birthing the Miraculous by Heidi Baker
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Intimate Prayer with The Father is a Victory Minded Prayer
By Josephine Lim Weston
I know this piece is long overdue but I hope it will encourage you nonetheless.
A few weeks ago while I was about to arrive home from work, it started raining. Instinctively I prayed that the rain would stop but instead I thanked God for the rain as I was reminded of someone who did the same. (There are people I know who practise giving thanks to God for at least three things before going to bed.)
When I thanked God, the smell of the rain seemed so refreshing especially when you're feeling grateful. I thanked God also for my family, husband, work, the list went on. Suddenly I was prompted that what God truly desire from us is not merely grateful prayer but an intimate prayer with Him. A child-like prayer that is confident, no-fuss, simple and trust in Him.
My tone of prayer changed and I felt this familiar warmness began to spread from my heart to my whole body and I knew Father God drew near. That’s why Jesus said to His disciples, "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father (Abba Father) in heaven, hallowed be your name," (Matthew 6:9). Jesus knew His Father's heart and He wants us to have a Father-and-Child relationship with His Father and that's the reason He came to reconcile us back to God.
God doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He is calling us to Him. So often when we pray there seem to be a distance between God and us that it lacks intimacy, power and faith. He wants us to pray to Him believing that no matter what happened in life we shouldn’t be shaken neither be afraid. He will ensure our victory.
Whenever we pray to our Father God (in mind) we become confident of who we are in Christ. Our prayer is not the same anymore. It is more alive, real, and faith rises. We’ll be astonished by how much we’ve grown spiritually and emotionally when we pray intimately with our Heavenly Father. We are to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Let us not forget Our Father God is the creator of intimacy, love, friendship, fellowship, relationship and marriage. He is a relationship-focused God. That’s why He doesn’t want us to be distant from Him and assures us by saying, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).
A child-like and intimate prayer with our Heavenly Father makes us victory minded people. A victory minded prayer doesn’t harbour anxiety, stress, depressive and negative thoughts but instead they channel all their cares and burdens straight to their Father God. They have this peace and hope in Him that things are going to be alright. A victory minded person will say to himself that “Whatever happens, if God allows it, He must have a Greater Plan in store. So do not fear.” We become people of courage and of faith.
Let’s be intimate with our Abba Father in our prayers and be Victory Minded People.
I know this piece is long overdue but I hope it will encourage you nonetheless.
A few weeks ago while I was about to arrive home from work, it started raining. Instinctively I prayed that the rain would stop but instead I thanked God for the rain as I was reminded of someone who did the same. (There are people I know who practise giving thanks to God for at least three things before going to bed.)
When I thanked God, the smell of the rain seemed so refreshing especially when you're feeling grateful. I thanked God also for my family, husband, work, the list went on. Suddenly I was prompted that what God truly desire from us is not merely grateful prayer but an intimate prayer with Him. A child-like prayer that is confident, no-fuss, simple and trust in Him.
My tone of prayer changed and I felt this familiar warmness began to spread from my heart to my whole body and I knew Father God drew near. That’s why Jesus said to His disciples, "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father (Abba Father) in heaven, hallowed be your name," (Matthew 6:9). Jesus knew His Father's heart and He wants us to have a Father-and-Child relationship with His Father and that's the reason He came to reconcile us back to God.
God doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He is calling us to Him. So often when we pray there seem to be a distance between God and us that it lacks intimacy, power and faith. He wants us to pray to Him believing that no matter what happened in life we shouldn’t be shaken neither be afraid. He will ensure our victory.
Whenever we pray to our Father God (in mind) we become confident of who we are in Christ. Our prayer is not the same anymore. It is more alive, real, and faith rises. We’ll be astonished by how much we’ve grown spiritually and emotionally when we pray intimately with our Heavenly Father. We are to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Let us not forget Our Father God is the creator of intimacy, love, friendship, fellowship, relationship and marriage. He is a relationship-focused God. That’s why He doesn’t want us to be distant from Him and assures us by saying, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).
A child-like and intimate prayer with our Heavenly Father makes us victory minded people. A victory minded prayer doesn’t harbour anxiety, stress, depressive and negative thoughts but instead they channel all their cares and burdens straight to their Father God. They have this peace and hope in Him that things are going to be alright. A victory minded person will say to himself that “Whatever happens, if God allows it, He must have a Greater Plan in store. So do not fear.” We become people of courage and of faith.
Let’s be intimate with our Abba Father in our prayers and be Victory Minded People.
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Believe in Your Heart of Heart When You Pray and Not Doubt (Lip Service Prayer Will Not Do)
By Josephine Lim-Weston
This morning I started having a bad back that's getting worse every passing hour (I'll not go into the details of how I got it) so it frightened me as today it's an important day for my husband who has been looking forward for this day for a long time. We plan to go shopping and watch at least one movie together. We have not been doing these which are my husband's favourite past time for many months now. So you all could imagine how important this day to my very gracious husband.
I didn't want to disappoint my husband so while he was still sleeping and I'm still lying on the bed, I began to pray and lay hands on my back and said, "By Jesus' stripes and wounds, I am healed in Jesus' Name." I said this prayer several times while laying hands on my back taking turns between my right and left hands until I believe with all my heart and had no doubt about it that I am now healed. I said the prayer until my whole being believed that Jesus has healed me that I am now healed. Then I woke up and the pain left.
So often if we don’t realise, we tend to pray lip service prayer then we ask God - "Why you haven't answered my prayer?", "I prayed so many times already and still no answer from you". (Of course there are times we have not received the answer to our prayer not because of our unbelief but because it's not the time yet or we need the courage to put into action our faith.) I realised now how easily it is for us to carry on praying our "every morning" prayer and "every night" prayer. We recite prayer as we go along. We're aware these are important prayers that we want God to answer, but it has become "automatic prayer" that we can pray even with our eyes closed and minds switched off, becoming our "routine prayer".
Here's how God wants us to pray that will lead us to see the miracles/breakthroughs we are praying for:
Mark 11 22 So Jesus answered and said to them,“Have FAITH in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and DOES NOT DOUBT in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, BELIEVE that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 16 17 And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE : In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will LAY HANDS on the sick, and they will recover.”
So when we pray, pray afresh and with expectation, believe with our whole heart and being, leave no room for doubt and see what God can do for you when you choose to believe in Him against all odds.
This morning I started having a bad back that's getting worse every passing hour (I'll not go into the details of how I got it) so it frightened me as today it's an important day for my husband who has been looking forward for this day for a long time. We plan to go shopping and watch at least one movie together. We have not been doing these which are my husband's favourite past time for many months now. So you all could imagine how important this day to my very gracious husband.
I didn't want to disappoint my husband so while he was still sleeping and I'm still lying on the bed, I began to pray and lay hands on my back and said, "By Jesus' stripes and wounds, I am healed in Jesus' Name." I said this prayer several times while laying hands on my back taking turns between my right and left hands until I believe with all my heart and had no doubt about it that I am now healed. I said the prayer until my whole being believed that Jesus has healed me that I am now healed. Then I woke up and the pain left.
So often if we don’t realise, we tend to pray lip service prayer then we ask God - "Why you haven't answered my prayer?", "I prayed so many times already and still no answer from you". (Of course there are times we have not received the answer to our prayer not because of our unbelief but because it's not the time yet or we need the courage to put into action our faith.) I realised now how easily it is for us to carry on praying our "every morning" prayer and "every night" prayer. We recite prayer as we go along. We're aware these are important prayers that we want God to answer, but it has become "automatic prayer" that we can pray even with our eyes closed and minds switched off, becoming our "routine prayer".
Here's how God wants us to pray that will lead us to see the miracles/breakthroughs we are praying for:
Mark 11 22 So Jesus answered and said to them,“Have FAITH in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and DOES NOT DOUBT in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, BELIEVE that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 16 17 And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE : In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will LAY HANDS on the sick, and they will recover.”
So when we pray, pray afresh and with expectation, believe with our whole heart and being, leave no room for doubt and see what God can do for you when you choose to believe in Him against all odds.
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Sacred Boundary
By Josephine Lim Weston
I had a dream last night of me moving to a new house. It’s a big house and each functional area is spacious. The living room/reception room is surrounded by glass windows from top to bottom overlooking a view from the hill, while the dining area is on a higher level and it has a big dining table with chairs all around. Suddenly I was outside my house and looking in. I saw a friend whom now in my dream is my neighbour and she was talking to someone on her mobile phone and inviting them to join her for dinner in my house using my dining table as if her own.
I sought my neighbour’s permission to have a look around her house thinking maybe her house is smaller or doesn’t have a proper dining area, but to my surprise she has three good sized dining areas with tables and chairs and children running around and her husband reading newspaper on one of the dining tables. I also observed there’s no boundary or separation between her house and mine and her garden and mine. It seems she is taking over more and more of my house each day.
My house indeed is brighter and more spacious with a taller ceiling, but I’ve only got one reception area and one dining area. My neighbour has three separate dining areas but no reception area as far as I could see (although she can easily make up one with one of her dining areas). Her house is dimmer as she has only got one small window on her front wall barely allowing sunlight through which I mentioned to her and she agreed.
Then I told her, “You’ve got three dining areas of your own, why do you want to use my dining area to have meals with your friends?” She kept quiet.
I walked up to my dining area and saw through the big glass window that someone put up a big ice-cream backdrop promoting different flavours. Then I realised my house is situated next to a village market on a hill in Holland. What a surprise!
I then woke up from my dream and asked the Lord the meaning of the dream.
The interpretation came. My house is sacred and reflects my soul, and it is the temple of the Lord. It seems I have not set effective boundary in my soul/life and had allowed lots of things to distract me from what’s most important and sacred. Now my “neighbour” is trespassing more and more into my sacred place and eating away my life. I have to put a stop on this and allow no more distractions and intrusions.
I believe this dream is not just speaking to me but many of you will be able to relate to it as well. We have allowed the world, people in our everyday life, work, news, politics and all kinds of distractions that disguise as “priorities” to rob us of our sacred boundaries hence our souls. We have to be vigilant to safeguard that by not allowing anything or anyone to take away this precious quiet time we're supposed to spend with our God daily. Let not our souls be crowded by the attention-seeking world around us. I'm not referring to just studying God's word and praying get-by prayers every day but I'm actually referring to good and satisfying quality time of meditating on His word until it sinks into our spirit, praying passionately and allowing God to speak and minister to our innermost beings.
Once we have set sacred boundaries and put God first by spending quality time with Him and allowing Him to refresh, minister and speak to our inner beings then we will have the overcoming spirit to face the world around us instead of succumbing to it.
Many of us find time fleeting away so that we don’t have spare time to do anything else apart from being busy and living life. We become like a hamster on a wheel which we hope someday we can come off from only when we’re rich or retired. The truth is we can come off from the hamster wheel that robs us of our lives and inner joy and peace if we admit our need for God and make it our priority to spend precious quiet time with the Lord and let Him minister to us. Allowing Him to speak transforming words into our lives, pray and meditate on His word. Let’s acknowledge Him in our daily walk, not only with our words but even when people aren’t looking and behind closed doors; let’s seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
Even the most effective, powerful, overcoming and highly productive Jesus often withdrew himself to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16) so He can be refreshed and charged up by God his Father to continue being effective in service to Him even unto death.
By seeking the Lord first and make Him our priority, we’ll find time and wisdom to do things that are of priority. Our life is more fruitful and worth living instead of being pushed around by circumstances and demands of everyday life.
Our victory lies on protecting our sacred boundaries and putting Christ first; and we’ll find more time to do what’s most important that lead to life, fruitfulness and fulfilment on every level.
I had a dream last night of me moving to a new house. It’s a big house and each functional area is spacious. The living room/reception room is surrounded by glass windows from top to bottom overlooking a view from the hill, while the dining area is on a higher level and it has a big dining table with chairs all around. Suddenly I was outside my house and looking in. I saw a friend whom now in my dream is my neighbour and she was talking to someone on her mobile phone and inviting them to join her for dinner in my house using my dining table as if her own.
I sought my neighbour’s permission to have a look around her house thinking maybe her house is smaller or doesn’t have a proper dining area, but to my surprise she has three good sized dining areas with tables and chairs and children running around and her husband reading newspaper on one of the dining tables. I also observed there’s no boundary or separation between her house and mine and her garden and mine. It seems she is taking over more and more of my house each day.
My house indeed is brighter and more spacious with a taller ceiling, but I’ve only got one reception area and one dining area. My neighbour has three separate dining areas but no reception area as far as I could see (although she can easily make up one with one of her dining areas). Her house is dimmer as she has only got one small window on her front wall barely allowing sunlight through which I mentioned to her and she agreed.
Then I told her, “You’ve got three dining areas of your own, why do you want to use my dining area to have meals with your friends?” She kept quiet.
I walked up to my dining area and saw through the big glass window that someone put up a big ice-cream backdrop promoting different flavours. Then I realised my house is situated next to a village market on a hill in Holland. What a surprise!
I then woke up from my dream and asked the Lord the meaning of the dream.
The interpretation came. My house is sacred and reflects my soul, and it is the temple of the Lord. It seems I have not set effective boundary in my soul/life and had allowed lots of things to distract me from what’s most important and sacred. Now my “neighbour” is trespassing more and more into my sacred place and eating away my life. I have to put a stop on this and allow no more distractions and intrusions.
I believe this dream is not just speaking to me but many of you will be able to relate to it as well. We have allowed the world, people in our everyday life, work, news, politics and all kinds of distractions that disguise as “priorities” to rob us of our sacred boundaries hence our souls. We have to be vigilant to safeguard that by not allowing anything or anyone to take away this precious quiet time we're supposed to spend with our God daily. Let not our souls be crowded by the attention-seeking world around us. I'm not referring to just studying God's word and praying get-by prayers every day but I'm actually referring to good and satisfying quality time of meditating on His word until it sinks into our spirit, praying passionately and allowing God to speak and minister to our innermost beings.
Once we have set sacred boundaries and put God first by spending quality time with Him and allowing Him to refresh, minister and speak to our inner beings then we will have the overcoming spirit to face the world around us instead of succumbing to it.
Many of us find time fleeting away so that we don’t have spare time to do anything else apart from being busy and living life. We become like a hamster on a wheel which we hope someday we can come off from only when we’re rich or retired. The truth is we can come off from the hamster wheel that robs us of our lives and inner joy and peace if we admit our need for God and make it our priority to spend precious quiet time with the Lord and let Him minister to us. Allowing Him to speak transforming words into our lives, pray and meditate on His word. Let’s acknowledge Him in our daily walk, not only with our words but even when people aren’t looking and behind closed doors; let’s seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
Even the most effective, powerful, overcoming and highly productive Jesus often withdrew himself to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16) so He can be refreshed and charged up by God his Father to continue being effective in service to Him even unto death.
By seeking the Lord first and make Him our priority, we’ll find time and wisdom to do things that are of priority. Our life is more fruitful and worth living instead of being pushed around by circumstances and demands of everyday life.
Our victory lies on protecting our sacred boundaries and putting Christ first; and we’ll find more time to do what’s most important that lead to life, fruitfulness and fulfilment on every level.
Monday, 30 March 2015
Don't Blame Yourself
By Josephine Lim-Weston
When you are discouraged, disappointed, doubting the future, fallen sick and facing loss of any kind that you have no control of don't blame yourself. Unpleasant incidents do occur in life so don't blame yourself or people in your life. It’s natural to be feeling disheartened and sad, but give it time, all these will make us stronger and help us gain right perspective on life.
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche
When you see others having what you've always been longing for, Pastor Joseph Prince advised, "Say to yourself, ‘The same will happen to me. God will bless me too!’" Whatever blessing you're seeing others having rejoice with them; and don’t be jealous of them or be disappointed or feeling discouraged yourself as we are to respect God's timing and season for our lives. Don't compare and don't blame ourselves or any other.
There’s a passage in scripture that I hope will encourage us:
John 9:1-3
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1 As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
Even in the midst of trials and opposition, continue to make good our lives and be grateful for all we've been blessed with already. We'll be surprised, when we take time to count God’s grace and blessings upon our lives, even though the things we prayed for hasn't been answered. Fulfilment in life doesn’t depend on the things we hope for, instead we are to cherish and be grateful for what we’ve been given.
Let’s continue to lift our spirits high and learn to encourage ourselves and others. Blessing doesn’t come by merits, but by grace and according to His perfect timing. Only God knows when it will happen and eventually we will also know the reason, but at this moment we have to just trust Him that all things will somehow work out for our good, the good of our loved ones and we'll give Him glory for what He has done. He can turn around a hopeless situation to a glorious event beyond what we could imagine and comprehend. We have just got to keep trusting and not to lose faith and put Him central in life.
James 1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
When you are discouraged, disappointed, doubting the future, fallen sick and facing loss of any kind that you have no control of don't blame yourself. Unpleasant incidents do occur in life so don't blame yourself or people in your life. It’s natural to be feeling disheartened and sad, but give it time, all these will make us stronger and help us gain right perspective on life.
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche
When you see others having what you've always been longing for, Pastor Joseph Prince advised, "Say to yourself, ‘The same will happen to me. God will bless me too!’" Whatever blessing you're seeing others having rejoice with them; and don’t be jealous of them or be disappointed or feeling discouraged yourself as we are to respect God's timing and season for our lives. Don't compare and don't blame ourselves or any other.
There’s a passage in scripture that I hope will encourage us:
John 9:1-3
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1 As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
Even in the midst of trials and opposition, continue to make good our lives and be grateful for all we've been blessed with already. We'll be surprised, when we take time to count God’s grace and blessings upon our lives, even though the things we prayed for hasn't been answered. Fulfilment in life doesn’t depend on the things we hope for, instead we are to cherish and be grateful for what we’ve been given.
Let’s continue to lift our spirits high and learn to encourage ourselves and others. Blessing doesn’t come by merits, but by grace and according to His perfect timing. Only God knows when it will happen and eventually we will also know the reason, but at this moment we have to just trust Him that all things will somehow work out for our good, the good of our loved ones and we'll give Him glory for what He has done. He can turn around a hopeless situation to a glorious event beyond what we could imagine and comprehend. We have just got to keep trusting and not to lose faith and put Him central in life.
James 1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
When Circumstances Seem to be Against You, You'll Stand to Gain More Than Lose
By Josephine Lim Weston
Today I baked again after stopping for a few years since I got married. I got a bit nervous about it. I used to enjoy baking, but the interest must have waned over the years. So my husband who has sweet tooth had been hinting to the extent of printing the recipe of his favourite dessert and placing it on the dining table, while counting days when his wish will come true. So finally an opportunity came as tomorrow is our church luncheon so all church members will bring a dish or two to share. My husband decided that we're going to bring cakes this time. That's the reason I baked banana muffins, banana cake and carrot cake today.
Well the baking was going fine as I even had to rope in my husband to mash the bananas while I prepared the rest of the ingredients. Finally I put three trays into the oven and waited for the outcome. When the time came to check the cakes, I found that the cakes were not quite ready so I pushed them back to the oven. But for the last cake I accidentally pushed too far into the oven so it fell onto the oven furnace. I quickly turned off the gas and removed other cakes and racks until I could reach to remove the spilling cake tin. It was spilling quite a lot onto the furnace steel bar but it hadn't spilled over to the centre rail of the furnace until my husband who was afraid that I might put my hands near to the furnace while it's still hot decided to quickly throw in a wet kitchen towel towards the spillage. Guess what happened? Too many cooks spoilt the 'soup'. But I cannot discredit my husband's good intention to protect his wife hence I had to quickly remove the wet cloth and sure enough the cake mixture had completely covered one side of the bars and some had flowed into the gaps between the bar and also covered the centre of the furnace tiny linings. I proceeded to remove the spilled mixture as much as I could (although at the back of our minds we were set on calling for a repair soon) until it was entirely wiped away after 5-10 minutes. I turned on the gas and was happy that the fire came on again and back to baking.
After a while, we smelled gas and it was getting more intense each passing moment while my husband started opening the windows and kitchen door, I checked my cakes again and found the muffins are baked but not the other cakes. Then upon further checking I found that there's fire only on 1/5 of the furnace linings while the rest not working at all. Oh we were devastated and my husband went to look for the manual and was about to call the oven company while I prayed that God will help us and make it possible for us to finish baking those cakes. So while praying in my heart, God gave me an idea to use the same toothpick I've used to check the cakes and use it to scrap off the spilled cake mixture from the linings; and deep inside my heart I felt most likely this will work. I made sure the mixture residual no longer clogged the furnace linings and then I turned on the oven again and, to our delight, all the fire came on perfectly and we were so happy.
Now I could tell others I've cleaned an oven and much more. I've learnt more about the oven now than before the incident. I've learnt also, in the most impossible circumstances, God will still come through for me to deliver me when I call on His Name. Well needless to say we will have to leave behind the banana cake that spilled, but because we were able to salvage the remaining the whole cake now will be enjoyed exclusively by my husband who is more than happy to have it while I'll bring the muffins and carrot cake to church tomorrow.
So from this incident, it proves to me again that whenever circumstances seem to be against us, so long as we don't lose faith and allow God to lead us through trials and the storms, knowing that all things work together for good (ultimately) to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) we will stand to gain more than lose.
To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Today I baked again after stopping for a few years since I got married. I got a bit nervous about it. I used to enjoy baking, but the interest must have waned over the years. So my husband who has sweet tooth had been hinting to the extent of printing the recipe of his favourite dessert and placing it on the dining table, while counting days when his wish will come true. So finally an opportunity came as tomorrow is our church luncheon so all church members will bring a dish or two to share. My husband decided that we're going to bring cakes this time. That's the reason I baked banana muffins, banana cake and carrot cake today.
Well the baking was going fine as I even had to rope in my husband to mash the bananas while I prepared the rest of the ingredients. Finally I put three trays into the oven and waited for the outcome. When the time came to check the cakes, I found that the cakes were not quite ready so I pushed them back to the oven. But for the last cake I accidentally pushed too far into the oven so it fell onto the oven furnace. I quickly turned off the gas and removed other cakes and racks until I could reach to remove the spilling cake tin. It was spilling quite a lot onto the furnace steel bar but it hadn't spilled over to the centre rail of the furnace until my husband who was afraid that I might put my hands near to the furnace while it's still hot decided to quickly throw in a wet kitchen towel towards the spillage. Guess what happened? Too many cooks spoilt the 'soup'. But I cannot discredit my husband's good intention to protect his wife hence I had to quickly remove the wet cloth and sure enough the cake mixture had completely covered one side of the bars and some had flowed into the gaps between the bar and also covered the centre of the furnace tiny linings. I proceeded to remove the spilled mixture as much as I could (although at the back of our minds we were set on calling for a repair soon) until it was entirely wiped away after 5-10 minutes. I turned on the gas and was happy that the fire came on again and back to baking.
After a while, we smelled gas and it was getting more intense each passing moment while my husband started opening the windows and kitchen door, I checked my cakes again and found the muffins are baked but not the other cakes. Then upon further checking I found that there's fire only on 1/5 of the furnace linings while the rest not working at all. Oh we were devastated and my husband went to look for the manual and was about to call the oven company while I prayed that God will help us and make it possible for us to finish baking those cakes. So while praying in my heart, God gave me an idea to use the same toothpick I've used to check the cakes and use it to scrap off the spilled cake mixture from the linings; and deep inside my heart I felt most likely this will work. I made sure the mixture residual no longer clogged the furnace linings and then I turned on the oven again and, to our delight, all the fire came on perfectly and we were so happy.
Now I could tell others I've cleaned an oven and much more. I've learnt more about the oven now than before the incident. I've learnt also, in the most impossible circumstances, God will still come through for me to deliver me when I call on His Name. Well needless to say we will have to leave behind the banana cake that spilled, but because we were able to salvage the remaining the whole cake now will be enjoyed exclusively by my husband who is more than happy to have it while I'll bring the muffins and carrot cake to church tomorrow.
So from this incident, it proves to me again that whenever circumstances seem to be against us, so long as we don't lose faith and allow God to lead us through trials and the storms, knowing that all things work together for good (ultimately) to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) we will stand to gain more than lose.
To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Saturday, 31 January 2015
When Trials Come Watch Out: Miracle Is On Its Way (God Will Restore)
By Josephine Lim Weston
The thought of problems, crisis, health scares, a certain need, a call or request for prayer will automatically give us a heavy heart. Our emotion for the day plummets and joy is erased. What if, instead of us feeling sad and anxious, we put on a different thinking cap - saying to ourselves "what an opportunity given to us to see God's miracles happening again, and out of this trial I will tell of God's great love for me and the victory He gives me; I know I'm going to benefit from this experience that will make me even more mature, wise, knowledgeable, careful, stronger, compassionate, skillful and blessed so in turn I can also be a blessing to others".
This is recognising the Power of our God. When we pray either for others or for ourselves do know we're part of the miracle-making team. We will witness first hand the power of our God prevails. We will gain more than lose. All will be restored to us and much more; like what happened to Israel when they were attacked by their neighbouring countries on all sides. Instead of losing their land, they gained more and enlarged their territory for the victory God gave them. So whenever we are attacked by the enemy, being unfairly treated or facing trials of all kinds do know that much more will be restored to us and we've just got to hold on to our faith and not lose our integrity and values.
Knowing this will cause us to approach prayer with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, coming boldly into His throne of grace full of peace; and confident that our God will deliver, rescue and answer us when we call. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1); that God will restore to us.
The year of 2014 leading up to 2015 has not been easy for many of us, but we can still rejoice and thank Him because God has proven Himself again and again faithful by helping, comforting, providing, healing and restoring us. There's always a praise report coming from every trial which makes us even stronger and richer in everyway - our spirit, soul, mind and heart.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The thought of problems, crisis, health scares, a certain need, a call or request for prayer will automatically give us a heavy heart. Our emotion for the day plummets and joy is erased. What if, instead of us feeling sad and anxious, we put on a different thinking cap - saying to ourselves "what an opportunity given to us to see God's miracles happening again, and out of this trial I will tell of God's great love for me and the victory He gives me; I know I'm going to benefit from this experience that will make me even more mature, wise, knowledgeable, careful, stronger, compassionate, skillful and blessed so in turn I can also be a blessing to others".
This is recognising the Power of our God. When we pray either for others or for ourselves do know we're part of the miracle-making team. We will witness first hand the power of our God prevails. We will gain more than lose. All will be restored to us and much more; like what happened to Israel when they were attacked by their neighbouring countries on all sides. Instead of losing their land, they gained more and enlarged their territory for the victory God gave them. So whenever we are attacked by the enemy, being unfairly treated or facing trials of all kinds do know that much more will be restored to us and we've just got to hold on to our faith and not lose our integrity and values.
Knowing this will cause us to approach prayer with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, coming boldly into His throne of grace full of peace; and confident that our God will deliver, rescue and answer us when we call. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1); that God will restore to us.
The year of 2014 leading up to 2015 has not been easy for many of us, but we can still rejoice and thank Him because God has proven Himself again and again faithful by helping, comforting, providing, healing and restoring us. There's always a praise report coming from every trial which makes us even stronger and richer in everyway - our spirit, soul, mind and heart.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)