Stronger (Dwelling in His Arms of Love)

by Josephine Lim Weston

As I carried Jean-Luc in my arm one day I realised how happy he is each time. In fact, medical science tells us that the more we're hugged or embraced the more it boosts our immune system and we're more able to overcome any diseases in our bodies.

  As I carried Jean-Luc in my arm that day, God prompted me of how happy Jean-Luc is and he will grow stronger and more confident each day the more he dwells in my love. He will grow to be a more emotionally secure man (by the grace of God). That's the same that happens to us when we dwell in God's arms of love whenever we pray in the assurance of the power of his love, and whenever we choose to be in His presence. Let's practise and be aware of His constant presence of love and grace in our lives; thus fear will not have any place in our hearts and minds.

Also I realised that Jean-Luc will just cry for me whenever he needs anything because in his mind I am his answer and source for everything he needs. The same when we cry out to God it's because He is our answer and our source of everything. Jean-Luc doesn't question at all whether I will give him what he wants or whether I will answer him or not. He just cries and expect to be attended to and I will be there regardless to respond to his needs whatever it may be and whenever it might be or as often as he wants - so how much more our loving Daddy God? Jean-Luc has the confidence that his needs will be met so the same God wants us to come to His throne of grace confidently (boldly) and expect good (Hebrews 4:16) as we come to him with our child-like faith.

After Jean-Luc has been mischievous, and I have corrected him, the next moment he needs anything from me or just a hug or embrace of love, he has no qualms or reservations about it. Jean-Luc will just come to me and sometimes runs with excitement or does his dance bearing a sweet smile on his face expecting me to assure him that I still love him and care for his every need. The same rule if there's anything that causes us to doubt God's approval of us due to anything that we have done wrong or not doing enough good compared to others; let us have no qualms about it to come and dwell in God's arms of love and grace which makes us stronger, and we shall overcome any insecurity we might have.

  Jean-Luc doesn't judge his own deeds, he's still discovering and learning to be aware of his surroundings, but every now and then he wants to be assured of my love and my presence with him. The same we need God's love and grace to carry us through each day and we cannot live life without him as that is living our lives without hope, joy, peace and the confident knowing that He is there to provide, help and protect us. The more we dwell in His arms of love, the more emotionally and physically stronger we become. God is already knocking at our heart's door (Revelations 3:20-21). Let's open the door and welcome Him and reach out to His arms of love and dwell in His sweet embrace that makes us stronger and victorious. Lets sup and fellowship with Him.

1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love . But perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].

My family and I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone:
Merry Christmas and a Happier & Prosperous New Year!

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Fear Not and REST Up (on God's Promises)

By Josephine Lim Weston

Weeks ago I was watching Pastor Joseph Prince's sermon on youtube with my son (he needs to watch either Little Baby Bum or Pastor Joseph Prince's sermon in order to finish his food) and in one of his sermons Pastor Joseph Prince said that “Fear is sin”. Well I might have heard it before but this time it settled in my heart and spirit that indeed it's so true fear causes us to doubt and unbelief is sin. So many times "Do not fear neither be afraid or discouraged" are mentioned in the Bible. It's a command of God hence His will for us. When God asks us “Not To” and if we still do it then it's sin. But of course God by His grace has been immensely forgiving.

Ever since I heard the sermon I no longer want to entertain any fearful or anxious thoughts. I feel a sense of peace just enveloped my heart. I decided henceforth that if any anxious or fearful thoughts come to my mind I will just rest on God's promises and surrender all my cares in silent prayer to Him.

Now I finally understand the meaning of this verse:
There is no fear in love. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love] (1 John 4:18). So if we say that we believe God loves us then (His) perfect love is more than able to cast out fear from the inside of us.

Also in 2 Timothy 1:7 (it says) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. God doesn't give us spirit of fear hence let us not acquire or buy into it instead let our mind be full of the revelation of God's love for us and find confident in it so we remain powerful, in love with God and have a sound mind.

It's definitely possible that we can be joyful and peaceful everyday and every moment because of the confidence found in this verse:
We have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but we have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “[a]Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

Let us develop a child-like faith towards God and His faithfulness to the promises in His word daily and live fearlessly and anxiety-free.

Matthew 18:2-4
2 And He (Jesus) called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. 4 Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. So let us live fear free as that is the most Christ-honouring thing to do and rest on God's promises of which Christ died to make us co-heirs with Him so we can inherit freely God's blessings and answered prayers through the abundance of His grace.

Some of you might ask - So what should I do whenever I start to feel fearful and anxious? I know it's a sin but it's not easy to just switch off and stop being fearful. My answer and in fact God's answer is this:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 & 24
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 24 Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

A beautiful song to share with all of you. Hope you are blessed and loved all over again as you listen to it:

You Will Always Be A Child In My Eyes by Ray Boltz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QcBgG6JLl0

You Are Valuable Regardless

By Josephine Lim Weston

Our self worth is not determined by how much money we have, how many friends we have on Facebook (or how many "friends" or "family" click like/love/wow/cry/angry on picture(s) or comments we posted on our Facebook wall) or how successful or decorated or beautiful or famous we are. Our worth is far more valuable than numbers put together because before we can even prove our self-worth or before we even know God, He had sent His Only Beloved Son to die for unworthy people like us because He has placed value on us (far valuable than we can ever value ourselves) and loves us regardless (Romans 5:8).

Romans 5:6-8
While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die. But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

When we know how valuable we are that it cost God His Son we begin to live life with confidence and with joy, knowing that we don't have to show off to others or be people pleaser or desperate for people's approval and acceptance. When we begin to see how valuable we are, regardless of whether others are watching us or not, in our private moment we still live life with integrity and strong principles and values because a person of value will naturally bear valuable fruits.

Let us not live life through the eyes of another but live life knowing that we are people of value regardless then we are on unshakeable ground. People of value will not live like the leaf, instantly move according to the direction of the uncertain wind. People of value are not easily shaken. They are stable and guided by peace and assurance without fear. They do not need to compromise their values or principles when come under pressure. They know who they are and more importantly they know who (God) is on their side and that's all that matters. They don't live by the opinions of men.

Around the world we have seen too many politicians or people who live to please others are so unreliable and uncertain. We can never please everybody. The only way to make the right decisions in life is to be unafraid of being different and do the right thing. The more we want to live life to gain our family's or friends' or the world's approval or appreciation or acknowledgement of us by the things we do for them, the more we will become discouraged and lose heart and faith in humanity. Because the day will never come, as no one will be able to appreciate us now or instantly or as much as we hope they would.

Valuable people will live life with values and that is the greatest satisfaction in life. So we don't need to decorate ourselves with figures in our bank account or the friends we collected along the way. We live life to be a blessing to others as much as we possibly can regardless of our circumstances because God has blessed us so much. Valuable people gives without expecting return. Valuable people live life without regrets because all that they do and face in life shape the fabric of their lives. I would rather live my life base on truth that can be seen in broad daylight than suffer for the consequences of not living so and stripped of my self worth.

Valuable people are unafraid to live life not in the way that the world expects us to live but to live life in a way that brings us greatest satisfaction and joy. We don't have to go on holidays or feast on fine dining or buy a house in expensive areas to show the world how rich or happy we are as all those things don't matter, because what matters is that the holidays we take - even if it's just to spend quality time with family and friends at the same place over and over again while they are still alive and well - are invaluable. Having a meal and fellowship with family and friends in a personal level is so precious regardless of whether it's a home cooked meal or at a fine dining.

Live life knowing you are valuable regardless and look the world in the eye without compromising your values, beliefs and self-worth; and not having to prove anything to anyone except to let flow what is inside of you and doing what is right and good for you and others with the resources you are given without expecting returns; that is the life of a Valuable person.

Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our [a]hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. 3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly. 7 Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die. 8 But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Abba Daddy God Moment - Rest and Refreshing Moment (Heaven In My Heart)

By Josephine Lim-Weston
31 July 2017

Life can get so busy anytime of the day and all day. One afternoon I asked the Lord what I need to do right now to have an effective impact or influence with my words and actions. I received a prompting in my heart, "You (first) need to listen to be listened to. (You need to receive from me and rest in me)."

That night after Jean-Luc had gone to sleep, in that quiet moment which I called the Abba Daddy God moment I felt so restful and refreshed, as if heaven had come into my heart. All my burdens, worries and cares in organising family events all being rolled away. That moment of rest had become so pure and sacred that I absolutely cherish it and want more.

It's true we need to listen first to be listened to. We first need to receive from God, listen to Him then we can be an effective channel of blessing to others. So now if ever I catch myself in a rat race moment whereby my mind gets busy I decide at that moment to just pause and let Heaven come into my heart to refresh me all over again. Even though we might not know what to say or pray anymore but just a few words of "Abba Daddy, come" is good enough to feel God's presence and His refreshing grace all over again.

Just sparing a moment of quietness will not rob us of precious time, instead it will do us tremendous good. “God is the creator of time, hence giver of time. He himself is not constrained by time. He lives outside time” - Ps. Joseph Prince. He doesn't take away time but give us time and much more when we acknowledge Him and spend this precious Abba Daddy God moment with Him. “What God wants is a family relationship with us” - Ps. Joseph Prince. And that's the reason why we are created in the first place - to have fellowship and relationship with God.

Recently my husband sent me a video regarding sudden immersion in cold water (https://www.facebook.com/rnli/videos/10155022400786141/). Sudden immersion in cold water puts people at risk of suffering cold water shock, triggering the instinctive reaction to gasp uncontrollably and swim hard, which can lead to drowning.

Mike Tipton, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, explains:
We often rely on our instincts but our instinctive response to sudden immersion in cold water – gasping, thrashing and swimming hard – is potentially a killer.
It increases chances of water entering your lungs, increases the strain on your heart, cools the skin further and helps air escape from any clothing, which then reduces buoyancy.
Although it’s counter-intuitive, the best immediate course of action in that situation is to fight your instinct and try to float or rest, just for a short time. The effects of cold water shock will pass quite quickly, within 60–90 seconds. Floating for this short time will let you regain control of your breathing and your survival chances will greatly increase.
– MIKE TIPTON, UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH

As I ponder on the sudden immersion in cold weather life-saving tip, it straightaway triggered in me how appropriate this lesson is to link with Abba Daddy God life-saving moment when we're absorbed in busy madness. When we're so hard pressed into the rat race of life and becoming unbearable then it's good to just withdraw ourselves and be reminded "It's time for Abba Daddy God Moment". Take it even if it's just a few seconds or minutes break and cry out to God. Letting our hearts and spirits be at rest to help us "float" successfully and be alive again.

Today I have also learnt from my son Jean-Luc. He is one active and curious boy. He is also discerning for his age. I realised whenever I'm busy and trying to get on with things the more active he becomes and not wanting to sleep. I eventually gave up and said, "Lord, I'm going to have my Abba Daddy God moment now with you." I began to hum my way in quiet worship and just allowing my heart and spirit be at rest. Straightaway Jean-Luc gone to sleep in my arms that I found time to continue writing this blog article. So each time when I'm stressed, restless or busy Jean-Luc can sense it and will not want to sleep, but when I'm rested in my spirit and body he too follows.

Come to me, all you labouring and burdened ones, and I (Jesus) will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)

It's The Matter of The Heart

By Josephine Lim Weston

Two weeks ago I was supposed to send off a blog article entitled "In Everything Prayerfully (Constant Connection with God) - If you want to see breakthroughs and miracles in life put Him first" but I've been busy and occupied with lots that is going on at the moment. Trying to juggle everything as best and efficiently as I can unfortunately my blog article had been placed on the back seat. Although I have been trying to finish the previous article for a while the steam wasn't there, and now I know why. When I am not confident of a certain article I prefer not to continue writing it. I want to write from the heart. Only what is from the heart can touch God's throne of grace - hence you, my readers.

I have always been fascinated by those who are able to establish constant connection with God. They are steady and firm. They never run out of wise words to say and say it at the right time. They are so in tune with God and, when they speak, they warm your heart as if God speaks through them. I personally find it hard to practise constant connection with God with so many things screaming for my attention. Also God has been speaking to me about putting "Him First" for sometime now.

I thought putting God first is about praying first when you wake up and then studying the Bible before you read WhatsApp, Facebook, BBC News and emails. In fact I've got testimonies to share that by putting God first in prayer and study of His Word daily (instead of getting myself busy with the usual routine first then during break time pray and study His word, worship etc) God answered my prayer by enabling me to attend my courses peacefully at the nearby children centre while Jean-Luc having been placed in creche next door. My 10-month old is famous at the children centre for not wanting anyone to look after him except his mummy. But miraculously he has been successfully placed in creche 3 times now for the past 3 weeks without having anyone come running for me. I'm giving credit on putting God first by surrendering all my cares to Him first - ushering His presence into everything I'm about to do. In everything prayerfully - to me that's "Putting Him first". Also God has finally promoted my husband after more than a year wait and it came to pass afrer a time when I started putting God first again in my life instead of pursuing busyness in life and fit God where and when I can.

So what's wrong with "Putting God First" and encouraging others to do so? No it's not wrong at all. Even Matthew 6:33 (Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well) encourages us to. So when I asked the Lord to help me, as I was not able to complete writing the initial intended blog article, I want to hear from Him and write what He wants me to and not what I want to; He said to me, "It's the matter of the Heart". Hence the title of this article. (Each time when I asked the Lord to speak, I've got to be willing to listen humbly as it might mean sacrificing all the effort I've poured in thus far but I would rather listen to God than carry on doing my own thing which bears no fruit.)

It's not so much of putting God first, the action itself but it's the matter of our heart. We can put God first in every single thing we want but our heart might still be far from Him. But when the condition of our heart is right, we will trust in Him and want to involve God in every area of our lives hence it leads to us wanting to establish constant connection and partnership with Him enjoying His communion, grace and peace in our lives throughout the day as much as possible. This is what God is looking for - our Heart.

Putting God first is the first step towards maturity in our Christian walk with Him. But over time the First feeling might wear out but what stays and enable us to continue putting God First in our lives and having that constant fellowship with Him is a heart that wanting to involve God in everything we do, trusting in Him and His promises, let His peace consume our hearts and be led by His Spirit. Not allowing fears to take residence in our hearts but in everything commit to the Lord in prayer.

12 Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. 13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and I will [free you and] gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:12-14a)

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

When you know and realise it's your heart that God is looking for then having constant connection with God is not hard anymore. Not only you are able to put Him first but you are able to have this confident trust relationship with God knowing He's there with you always. So now I understand why God answers my prayers not so much about me putting Him first but because I turn to Him with all my heart trusting in Him and I begin to see breakthroughs and miracles happening in my life and my loved ones (against all odds).

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, people do not gather figs from thornbushes, or grapes from brambles. The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart (Luke 6:44-45).

He Makes All Things Beautiful in Its Time (Season)

By Josephine Lim-Weston
30 April 2017 (Sunday)

Today after church as usual we went to the nearby park for some outdoor time while Jean-Luc takes his morning nap. It's during this moment the Lord reminded me of this song as I was praying - In His Time (He Makes All Things Beautiful in His Time).

Being a stay at home mum and nursing a teething child are not easy. Not only physically one has got to be strong but emotionally too as your patience will be tested but I have been quite good in keeping my emotions in check and remain calm most of the time so as not to say or do things I might regret later.

There are times when I feel like turning back the clock and relive my single-hood days as life is more carefree. I was able to sleep through the night which many of us had taken for granted prior to having children. I can go anywhere, do whatever I want whenever I want to. Now that I'm married with a child, whatever I do is no longer about me anymore but have to consider my husband and baby son.

As we all know no-one in this world is perfect even though one might thinks he or she is right. When there’s disagreement or conflict of character and thoughts either with your spouse, colleague, boss, friend, children, etc we might think "what if I'm still single" or "what if I waited a little longer and married somebody else" or "what if i waited a bit more for another job instead of jumping on the first job offer that came i might have had a better boss and/or colleagues with better job prospect and salary", etc.

But, you know what, even if I am given the opportunity to turn back the clock I will not want to change what God has done for me. I am grateful to God especially for my family (my parents, my brother and his family, my husband and my son) as I've grown and learnt a lot more now that I'm married with a child and that's made who I am today.

We've got to realise that the husband or wife you're with at this moment is not a coincidence or a mistake but an opportunity in making us a better person. If anyone thinks he or she is "perfect" try getting married and you'll realise you're not perfect after all and still have plenty of room for improvement. Much more you'll discover of yourself and your spouse once children come along. When you have children it changes you even more. All these are no coincidence as it's all part of God's plan for our growth and maturity. So no point of us being angry and in regret for the decisions we made in life.

Patience, humility, forgiveness and serving are important elements in any relationship and trusting God with our lives and its challenges in the midst of discouragement require divine revelation knowing that God has made all things (good, bad and worst times of our lives) beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11a).

So whenever your "what ifs" moment come when discouraged with people at work, in your ministry, relationship, etc do know they are placed in your life for a purpose. It's not a coincidence so fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Finally let us be reminded of this - God has made all things beautiful in its time and season in our lives.

In His Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDd439TwQlY

Speak Life (Blessing)

By Josephine Lim Weston

There’s a burden in my heart for my home country and I prayed for a number of pastors who have been abducted and not seen since. Their families and church members are worried and the police seem helpless. Looking at the political situation in my place of birth, it’s so easy for us to pass judgment and speak death and condemnation but God stirred in my heart to speak life, hope and a future for my beloved home country. My eyes begin to light up with renewed perspective, dreams and wishes for my home country and I prayed life unto her with renewed vision.

It’s easy for us to think “death” and fall back to routine and being passive with our work. Its easy for us to think “death” (the end) to our career when we face disappointments and pitfalls. It’s easy for us to think “death” (angry thoughts) and start blaming and finger pointing when there’s conflict at work or ministry or when we’re disgruntled with our employers or colleagues or with one another. It’s easy for us to speak death (scolding) and hopelessness (condemning) in relationships or marriage or family when our spouse or children don’t live up to our expectations or when we begin to compare them with another.

John 10:10b (Jesus said) I have come that they may have Life and may have it more abundantly.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I have know the thoughts I have toward you, says the Lord; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you posterity and hope.

It’s so easy for us to think death and speak death inside us and from looking all around us but God calls us people of faith and we are different. We are to speak life and hope even though people in our lives or around us are speaking death in broken hopes and dreams. We are to stop condemning with our speech and most importantly stop condemning oneself or one another or thinking negative thoughts in our hearts.

It’s so easy for us to pass judgement on someone when we’re hurt by them and when trust is lost but God wants us to be gracious to one another even though a situation might seem hopeless and at a deadlock. Once we allow God to work in our lives and let Life reign in us we’ll begin to see light and we’ll be slow to speak (death) and will be quick to listen (especially listening to God and what He has to say to you all along). Each time when we’re tempted to speak death and disappointment onto someone or about somebody let us be quick to stop ourselves from speaking instead turning to God and kneel down and pray, allowing the Spirit of the Lord to work in us and through us - surrendering all our thoughts and cares to the Lord. Choose to speak life or else let our mouths be silent.

It’s so important that when we’re discouraged we are to seek the giver of Life Himself and speak to Him instead of to anybody. By speaking to the giver of Life, we are then empowered to speak Life (Blessing) and begin to see Life (Blessing). Situations might not turn around immediately but changes are happening though you might not see it straight away. We just need to give it time and allow it to be nurtured back to Life. Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God All things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Hence let’s speak words of life to our country. Let’s choose to speak words of life, encouragement and praises to our spouses, children and friends. Let’s speak words of life to our bosses, employees or colleagues. Let’s speak words of life to our jobs, careers, ministries, etc. Let’s speak words of life to ourselves that it’s not the end until God says so and until we have gone on to be with the Lord - otherwise it’s not over yet.

Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

A Beautiful Reminder - Jesus is All I Need

By Josephine Lim-Weston

It has been part of my son Jean-Luc's routine that in the morning after he's clean, being fed, sat in his cot watching all his favourite children songs and had his tummy time, he expects that I carry him all around the house - especially to the extension  so he can look out to the garden and up to the sky for planes or birds. When we both looked out to the garden we saw pigeons feeding and two birds flying in the sky, I said in my heart that for our next house I long for a scenic view. Jean-Luc and I then looked up to the sky together hoping to see a plane but instead saw a big beautiful white foamy cross across the clear blue sky. What a beautiful reminder - Jesus is All We Need.

We can have the most beautiful house with the most awesome scenic view but with a lonely empty heart it is still meaningless. We can have just a small house and a small garden but with Christ Jesus in our heart we are the richest person in the world - we have Everything. 

Sometimes we like to compare ourselves with others or set our standards and our dreams high thinking that when we achieve all these then we are happy and blessed but it's all a false picture driven by a materialistic, ambitious and unrealistic world.

In fact, we will only be happy when we have found eternal, unconditional love and peace. For those who are longing for love and peace I encourage you to receive love and peace itself that is Christ Jesus. God is love and He is called the Prince of Peace. Without Him in our hearts we will always be restless, searching and seeking. We will only be satisfied when we are united with God our maker in our hearts. 

There are singles out there who admire the married while they don't realised that there are some married men and women who admire the singles too. We will never be contented if we start to covet after what others have. One thing for sure whether we are single or married, we can't live a fulfilling life without JESUS. He is all we need. People can fail us, our youthfulness and beauty don't last forever, money cannot buy us real and lasting happiness, exercise and eating healthily cannot guarantee we will be free from sickness and not die, career doesn’t mean you'll have it forever, marriage does't mean you have finally met someone who totally understands, loves and accepts you without differing or disagreeing with you in fact you will need to lay down yourself, sacrifice and humble yourself as it's no longer about you and your wants but "us" now.

As Jean-Luc and I looked up to the clear blue morning sky with a big cross, it is a clear reminder that it doesn't matter whether we have a big garden with a scenic view so I can be in awe of God's beautiful creation, but I can NOW rejoice, praise God and be grateful to Him as I look at my humble garden knowing that Jesus is in my heart and He is all I need. When I leave this world one day at a ripe old age, I will not be able to bring my achievements and material possessions with me but I will go willingly with no fear but peace in my heart knowing that I will be meeting my Saviour who is waiting to welcome me into His presence. He is the one I live for who loves and accepts me unconditionally. He is my peace, joy and everything that makes me happy and fulfilling.

  Romans 5:8
But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:12&13 
This is My (God) commandment, that you love one another as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he (Jesus) lay down his life for his friends.

1 Corinthians 8:5&6
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

Be Not Afraid, Only Believe

By Josephine Lim Weston

A few days ago while reading a bedtime Bible storybook to Jean-Luc, this verse struck a cord in my heart and I believe it will speak to many of us -  Mark 5:36 And Jesus immediately, having heard the word that is spoken, said to the chief of the synagogue, 'Be not afraid, only believe.'

We'll be surprised at how over the years of our lives we have accumulated fear and anxieties along the way. The news we hear daily from the media, people sharing with us their experiences either personally or on Facebook, stories we hear from the pulpit, prayer requests we helped to pray, even our hopes and dreams for our children can cause us anxiety even though nothing has happened yet. 

God doesn't want us to live in fear, worry and anxiety. He wants us to live life unafraid and moving forward. We can only move forward and enjoy life that He died to give us by entrusting our cares to Him and Believe in Him. 

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe," said Jesus to the synagogue ruler who was about to be overpowered by fear as his belief in Jesus was being talked down by those around him. It's very easy for us to be consumed by fear but it takes a revelation to overcome it. Sometimes people who care for us can cause us anxiety by not realising that the words they use or what they said so sparingly, either because they are over caring or over reacting, can directly cause us to worry unnecessarily. 

I remember when I was beginning to breastfeed Jean-Luc, it wasn't easy at all and emotionally one must be strong and determined especially as a new mum we can get emotionally strained and drained. At the same time, I was being pressured by the health visitor that Jean-Luc wasn't putting on weight and in fact lost weight compared to his birth-weight so I was under pressure to constantly breastfeed him as much as possible and hopefully he'll put on weight. The health visitor said that it is expected for newborn breastfed babies to lose weight in the first week of their life but in fact they are expected to gain back their birthweight and exceed it in the second week onwards. Jean-Luc still wasn’t gaining weight until the third week onwards. Jean-Luc’s doctor upon hearing this showed his disdain for this advice (Please don't listen to the health visitor and don't let them put you under pressure, you're doing fine). 

As parents we were hoping Jean-Luc would start putting on weight quickly hence well-meaning relatives had been encouraging us to "fatten up" Jean-Luc with infant formula milk fearing that breastmilk alone is not enough.

Also I was told to be prepared as once Jean-Luc reached 4 months old, I should start making food for him like porridge, etc. That's quite a lot to take on board especially Jean-Luc barely 2 months old and still cries every now and then (but praise be to God, from a crying baby he matured fast so that from 3 months old he became more patient and adaptable traveling with us moving about). I thank God for a workshop called - Nourishing Nippers that I enrolled into at the nearby children centre that told us according to UNCHR, (especially breastfed) babies do not need any other food apart from breastmilk or infant formula milk in the first 6 months of their lives and before we can start them on solid food, there are 3 things that a baby must be able to do by themselves beforehand. What a relief. Long story short, let's choose to be led by the peace within us where God takes central and residence. I persevered on breastfeeding and now Jean-Luc at 6 months old looks healthy, bigger/taller than many babies his age or older; of which other mums told me so. 

So "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (in God that heals)" when your doctor tells you, you have this or that disease or are unwell.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (and do it) " when God moves your heart to give money to someone but looking at your finances you think it's not possible.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when God prompts your heart to speak words of prophesy through your mouth to someone.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (in God to teach and direct your children in the way he/she should go)" when you watch the TV how they are promoting pornography, sleeping around, drinking and partying and you are holding your baby in your arm thinking what my children will be exposed to in future.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when you know God wants you to move on in your life or move to another country or change job/career, or move and stay in another place, etc.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when opportunity arises for you to serve or minister in a new area of which you have no experience in/of.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (He will supply ALL your need according to his riches in glory)" when you have mouths to feed, mortgage and bills to pay thinking how to make ends meet.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when you're not sure whether this man or woman is right for you, or you should get married or not, or have children or not, or only have one child is enough or have more children. Because God will show you when it's right to do something so don't get stress or try to over forecast and over worry about something. When the time comes, you'll know what to do.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when you make mistakes or do wrong at work as God's grace is more than sufficient to carry you through so be humble to admit and be honest about your mistakes and let God win.

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when you're not doing well at school or your children are not doing well in school because it's not the end of the world as there are successful people who did not do that well in school. 

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" when you hear fearful and anxious news or stories. Calm your heart down and pray immediately. Don't succumb to that fear but bounce it off your chest and let Christ come in and let no one snatch that Peace that surpasses all understanding from you. 

So let us Not Be Afraid, Only Believe and live stress-free and enjoy each day as it comes as it is God's gift to us all. Those who Believe Shall Overcome.