Be a Contributor to Bless, Influence and Transform Lives

Blessed New Year of 2015! In Genesis 12:2-3, we read of how God blessed Abraham to make him a great nation and to bless him and made his name great so that he shall be a blessing. In him, all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Indeed, through Abraham, the people of Israel have grown from families to be a nation that has blessed the world: the Jews comprise a mere 1/4 of 1% (13 million) of the world's population (6 billion) and that 99% of the world is non-Jewish. Of the 660 Nobel prizes from 1901-1990, 160 have been won by Jews. Just to name a few..Albert Einstein, Dr Sigmund Freud (father of psychiatry), Marie Curie, Levi Strauss (invented levis/jeans), Steven Spielberg, Dr Abraham Jacobi (father of pediatrics) and so on. As we bless one another in this New Year, let us remember that we are to be channels of blessings to others. Blessed to be a blessing!

In just a few more hours, the year 2014 will move on into the shadows of a past that can come no more. By God's grace to each of us who live out this 2014, God have given us 365 days broken into 8,760 hours. Of these hours, 2,920 will have been spent in sleep, and about the same number at work. How have we spent the hours given to us? Are we eager to give a report to Him if He were to ask us to account for the hours now? God's willing, there will be another 8,760 hours in the year 2015 waiting for us. Let us be ready for this brand new year by praying the prayer of Moses, the man of God: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul said he had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day—and not only to him, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. Paul was confident that the crown of righteousness was awaiting him. How about us? Are we certain of our salvation, let alone reward from God? Tomorrow will be the last day of the year. Take stock and evaluate and see in what areas of our lives that we need to do and be better to be as certain as our Apostle Paul. My prayer for you is in Phillippians 1:9-11.

The Israelites were instructed to march once around Jericho for 6 days and 7 times on the 7th day. Finally, they were to shout and the city walls would fall. The weary Israelites were probably dubious about the instructions. However, they obeyed God and shouted out in faith - confident He had already conquered Jericho (Joshua 6). God has given you 'Jerichoes' as well - strongholds you've to conquer. You may be exhausted from such a long march but as the year is coming to a close, obey Him in whatever areas He has instructed us! Then, we must shout out in praise. Express our faith that the march is nearly done and that it is God who WILL give us the victory. Read Psalm 44:3

In the book of Revelation chapter 18 verse 17, the evil doers who enjoyed a good and wealthy life was suddenly brought to ruin in one hour due to God's wrath. This shows that things can change very quickly and that we must always be prepared for the unexpected to happen. We can also take heart that ultimately God in the end will always punish the wicked for their sins. As the year of 2014 is drawing to a close, please take heart and take stock of all that had happened and do an evaluation and planning so that we are always be prepared to meet our beloved dear Lord Jesus face to face as it is one year nearer to His Second Coming!

We all know how Job has suffered. He did not just suffer physically, financially, emotionally as all his children were struck dead but he suffered from mental anguish as he did not know what were the reasons behind all those occurences. But, we note from Job 26:11-14, that he has the right view and perspective of God to keep him going. He knew God. He knew that He is an All Mighty and All Powerful God who adorned the heavens and we are just hearing His whisper and seeing mere edges of His ways only. He knew how great our God is! Start planning our resolution for next year with this right perspective of our Almighty God!

Ever wonder why the wise men would drop everything to follow a star 3000 km? You're not alone - there's a lot of speculation about that star which announced the birth of Jesus. Think what it represents: 1. HOPE. "God loves us ...He gave us a hope...that continues forever" (2 Thessalonians 2:16) 2. JOY. Jesus is the source of transcendant joy that lifts us above all circumstances. 3. GUIDANCE. The star united intellectuals and illiterates, rich and poor, lofty and lonely around Jesus - heavens's answers to earth's dilemma. So, when asks, "What did you get for Christmas? Just smile and say "HOPE that gets brighter each day, JOY that's greater than any threat or circumstances and GUIDANCE for each step of the journey! I wish you a Hopeful, Joyful and Jesus-Guided Christmas and New Year 2015!

"But while he was still a long way off, his father ... was filled with compassion for him ... ran to his son ... threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20). No other religion pictures its deity like this. Our Heavenly Father is a God who runs after His children. In spite of our  rags, the lingering smell of the pigsty and the embarrassment that colors our faces, the return is all that matters and God enthusiastically runs to His child and escorts him into His household. Eventhough there is nothing appealing about us that compels Him to do so, it is just His nature. May we daily give THANKS to our heavenly Father. We can base our lives on this knowledge that we are irrevocably His!

You have within your grasp the greatest message ever known: There is only 1 God who loves you and forgives your sins when you believe in Him, confess your sins and repent. Throughout history, the bravest people have proclaimed God's Word despite persecution, pressure and terrible consequences (Read Hebrews 11). It was worth it because the message is true and it transforms the life of whoever accepts it. You are part of an excellent history of people who trusted God and told others about Him. So, join the boundless throng of people who proclaim God's salvation. Psalm 145:21 "My mouth will declare the Lord's praise; let everything praise His Holy Name forever and ever." Do that this morning!

Be thankful - this should be our attitude toward others. Believers are challenged to look at their loved ones, friends, co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances with a spirit of gratefulness. Know that as you read this meditation this morning, someone is giving thanks for you - for God's work in your life and for what you mean to the people around you. Even for difficult people, you can praise God that He is teaching you something through them. He is growing you through them. Practise what Paul did in 1 Corinthians 1:4 and Ephesians 1:16 and you will be amazed at how God will bless you as you learn to thank Him for the people who have crossed your path!

We attend ceremony of graduations, birthdays and weddings. How God has also instituted several practices such as eating of unleavened bread for 24 days in a particular month in a year to REMEMBER the day the Almighty God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, out of bondage of slavery solely by the strength of the hand of God as we read in Exodus 13. Likewise, we too must celebrate and have an occasion to REMEMBER what God has done for us especially Christmas where He came to be with us for the ultmate purpose to deliver us from the bondage of sins. Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas and share the true meaning of Christmas to our loved ones this year. You can let go of your frustrations and fears. It is imperative that you do because they impede you from enjoying the life God has given you. Today, cast all your cares - the anxieties, doubts and all of the things that distract, irritate and drive you crazy upon God. Give each one - from the least to the greatest to God so

We often hear that Jesus loves us. However, have we heard that Jesus cursed as well? In Mark 11:21, we learnt that Jesus cursed a fig tree that did not bear fruit. In John 15:16, Jesus Himself told His disciples that He chose us and appointed us to go and bear fruit. He has given us the remedy to bear fruit in the same chapter in verses 5 and 6 that we are to abide in Him to bear fruit, failing which He shall cast out the branch that is withered and gather them to be thrown into the fire. We should then take heed of these very Words of Jesus and take every step to abide in Him and bear fruit for Him as the promise for such obedience is great reward as promised in verse 7. Read John 15:7 If at First You Don’t Succeed… We consider blessed those who have persevered. James 5:11 Whether we ultimately fail or succeed sometimes depends on our own tenacity. We’ve all heard stories about people who beat the odds and achieved where others tried and failed. But we seldom stop to think abou

Jesus will one day come back to earth without any of us knowing as He has already pointed out to us in Revelation 3:3 that He would come like a thief, not knowing the hour nor the day. Therefore, we should be always steadfast in our faith and also to seek for forgiveness for any wrongdoings we may have committed. We must be prepared to meet God face to face at anytime. Not only that, we should do our best to share the Gospel to as many people as possible so that they will also be ready when Jesus comes back. Take this opportunity during Christmas to share this joy of Christmas, the hope for mankind as C.S. Lewis said "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God". When Jesus wrote to the church in Thyatira through John in Revelation 2:24-25, He cautioned the church not to learn the so-called deep secrets, which He equated the same as satan's ways. He just exorted them to hold on to what they had until His 2nd return. Likewise, let us hold on to th

What's our response when God says to us 'Not Yet?' Throw tantrum or lose faith? God shall not be moved by our reactions as God knows what He is doing as He wants the best for us.His delays are not His denials. While we wait we are testing our faith and develop in us discipline, trust, compassion and submission. Most spiritual gains come only through testings. If we had our way, how long would you put up with these character builders without asking God to remove them? Often we are not able to see the reason for the delay. God says "Neither are your ways My ways." (Isaiah 55:8). He can orchestrate an even greater result than we ever thought our faith could believe for. So, be patient and CONTINUE to trust Him even when the answer is delayed! We have heard "debates" on whether it is better to spend time with God in the morning or at night. What intrigued me is that God called Moses to be ready in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai and met Him there.

In Exodus 35:10 & 36:5, we read about how God filled the workers with ability to teach, skills to do all manner of work and God put in them the wisdom and understanding to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary. What we can be assured of is that if we do all things and attend to our work and study as a service for God, God will provide the skills and the wisdom to do all His work. How important then that we approach all that our hands find to do or our mind to think with reverence and awe as a service unto our Lord Almighty!

In Ezekiel 43:11, we read of how God asked the Israelites to write down the entire design of the temple and all its ordinances, its forms and laws so that they would perform them. Likewise, how we must write notes during sermon or any seminar that we attend in order that we will remember, keep and put to practice God's Word in our lives. We can also see specifically how God had asked Moses and John to write down all He spoke and hence we have the 10 Commandments and the book of Revelation respectively. Let us make it a habit to write as God speaks to us. Our God is ALL powerful and Almighty. The right hand of the Lord does valiantly and we are to rejoice as salvation is in the tents of the righteous (Psalms 118:15). Surely each and every believer in the Lord has had the experiences with our Almighty God, be it little or big provisions of God's grace. We are to live and declare the works of our Lord. We are to be His mouthpiece to speak of His awesome works! Read Psalm 118:17

Ever wonder how we ever become a believer of Jesus Christ? It is by our own effort or by God's grace? In 1 Peter 1:3 & 5, it is clearly stated that it is according to His abundant mercy that begotten us into the living Hope of Jesus Christ but we are kept by the power of God THROUGH FAITH for salvation to be revealed in the last time. Hence, we have to CONTINUALLY having faith in Jesus Christ as we are being saved day by day by the saving mercy of our beloved Jesus Christ. Never lose hope and never let go of God. Just hang on and hold Him tight and He will never ever let go of our hands but lead us to life everlasting with Him forevermore. Amen. Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard: Heavenly Father, We come b

As I have just gave thanks to God yesterday on how God has provided shelter for me by "stopping" the rain at the appropriate times, it is as if God reminded me that even in bad times, I still need to thank and praise Him. Just right after church, we had to leave for lunch as my in laws were with us. We needed to go through rain to go in and out of the restaurant. Even, after that, we went through heavy rain causing me to be soaked wet to attend a function. How thankful I am that I have the Word of God as I could recall Habukkuk who said in Habakkuk 3:17-19, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will be joyful in God my Savior.The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights." Ever wonder how we ever become

Yesterday as I was about to leave my office to fetch my children, I was so thankful that only when I reached my covered car park, it rained so heavily. As I was about to reach my children's place which was not so far away, miraculously, the rain stopped. Only after we reached home safely, that it started to rain heavily again. But, about 2 hours later, when I was about to go out from my home to send my daughter for another class, the rain stopped again. I cannot but to pen these incidences down and bow in humble adoration to my AlMighty God who cares and loves me even in these small details and surely I can echo what the Psalmist said in Psalm 40:5 that His thoughts towards us cannot be recounted and if I were to declare all of them, they are more than can be numbered. Today, count our blessings and declare His faithfulness, His goodness and His loving kindness to us in the congregation of His people!

The spiritual strength that God gives you is founded on the wonder-working triad of faith, hope and love. God has shown you how you are to behave with others by actively demonstrating these 3 virtues through His unblemised behavior toward you. If you take God at His Word, your day-to-day life should be a reflection or an acting-out of His promises to you. Your relationship with others should be an energetic, vital mirror image of the trustworthy, loving and merciful God you have come to know. Ask God this morning to help you build your life upon the principles of faith, hope and love. May God guide and keep you on the right path. Read Psalm 33. Paul had experienced God's glorious provision. He had seen God's help in a powerful way through the church of Philippi. They had been very generous with him and he assured the church that God was going to bless them because of this. This is a wonderful promise for you to claim today. As you are generous with others, you never have to

You'll come to places that seem like abrupt ends to your dreams. Every door will appear closed and you may even have to accept responsibilities that seem incompatible with the promises God has given you. Do not ever you think its all over but remember that God holds your future. He is developing your character and strengthening your faith. The purpose of your life is so important that God Himself protects it for you - you do not have to fear that it has been lost or ruined forever. So no matter how long it takes, obey and follow God without wavering. Despite the detours, He will unfailingly lead you to your purpose. Read Psalm 57. So steep and treacherous are the paths along the walls of the Grand Canyon that those who wish to traverse them rarely set out on foot. They depend on remarkable animals with hoofs designed to hug the narrow, dusty paths and bodies proportioned for maximum strength, endurance and balance. Likewise, in the course of your life, you may encounter many moun

The last verse in the Old Testament ends with a curse (Malachi 4:6) but praise be to God that the last Chapter of the New Testament in Revelation 22:3 says that there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it and His servant shall serve Him. This is because of the work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary for you and me that the curse was removed from us provided we humble ourselves to confess our sins and believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. We are being saved daily as we CONTINUE to believe and to serve Him. Let us spur one another on to COMPLETE the race to meet God face to face. In the first 2 chapters of Leviticus, we can read of how God expected an offering of a lamb without blemish, offering of fine flour with frankincense and grain offering of firstfruits to be presented to Him. It is definitely not that our God needs them, but He wants to see our willingness (1:3), just as a parent will be pleased with a child's own initiative to

Because God made you, you have a great power within you. Hudson Taylor, a 19th century missionary to China said, "All giants have been weak people who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power within them." Your personal source of power is God. He brings His strength to your weakness and enables you to rise above what holds you down. What is before or beyond you fades when approached by what is within you. 1 John 4:4 says "You have already won a big victory ... for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world." "I pray that out of God's glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16).

When life has wounded you and you have fallen from your nesting place, remember God is the One you can turn to. Stop running around looking  for comfort. Instead, open your heart to God. He will speak to you today in the very circumstances you're trying to escape. Only His hand can hold you up and give you the strength to try again and succeed. Go back to His Word. It's a living love letter. It's a "statement of intent" from One who wants only the best for you. Nothing you have done will change His mind. His love for you is constant -and unconditional! God disciplines us, develops us and delights in us. Come and experience His love afresh. 1 John 3:1 says "See how much our heavenly Father loves us." We love to quote this,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). This promise does not mean you can do whatever you want. Paul is saying you can do anything God calls you to do - for with each of His assignment c

God does engrave your name as a commitment to love and care for you. There is no way He could ever forget you. In fact, God's thoughts are always turned toward you. Isaiah 49:23 says "You will know I am the Lord. Anyone who trusts in His Name will not be disappointed."  So if you're feeling far from Him this morning, remember His loving hands are indelibly marked with your name. Turn to Him and allow Him to engrave His name and comfort your heart. Isaiah 49:15-16 "See, I have written your name on the palms of My hands." Ezra read from the Book of the Law - the record of God's past faithfulness. Though the people were humbled by the stories, they were inspired to celebrate the wonderful God they served. God's joy is in His interaction with you and all those who loved Him throughout history. Scripture tells of His faithfulness and forgiveness - how He gladly provided for His people and delighted in helping them. Studying the Bible and discovering how

In these days and times when most things are done and expected to be done instantly, such as instant coffee, instant noodle and so on so forth, we too tend to expect God to give us an instant answer to our prayers. Exodus 29:46 clearly advocates God's longing that we shall KNOW Him as our Lord and God. Today, read the Bible to KNOW Him (His Characters, His Attributes, the way He deals and handles situations etc) and not for preparing a Sunday School lesson or to find a verse just for the day! There are times when God allows us to have our own creativity and hence, the instructions to weave with own artistic designs of cherubim. On another occasion, God stipulates clearly the pattern and showed Moses and Moses was expected to follow exactly (Exodus 26:1,30). This shows there are no set formulas with God. We got to KNOW Him personally to get instructions directly and straight from Him. He wants us to have personal encounter with Him. Let us be still and KNOW that He is God. Read P

When life has wounded you and you have fallen from your nesting place, remember God is the One you can turn to. Stop running around looking  for comfort. Instead, open your heart to God. He will speak to you today in the very circumstances you're trying to escape. Only His hand can hold you up and give you the strength to try again and succeed. Go back to His Word. It's a living love letter. It's a "statement of intent" from One who wants only the best for you. Nothing you have done will change His mind. His love for you is constant -and unconditional! God disciplines us, develops us and delights in us. Come and experience His love afresh. 1 John 3:1 says "See how much our heavenly Father loves us." We love to quote this,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). This promise does not mean you can do whatever you want. Paul is saying you can do anything God calls you to do - for with each of His assignment c

There is a good reason for stepping out of your boat like Peter did in Matthew 14:29. You will develop deep-water faith when you are leaving security and step out with Him. Perhaps you have worked for years creating a manageable and orderly life. Now God is shaking everything up by askng you to step out in faith, allowing you to face waves that may be over your head. He does this to increase your dependance on Him. You may have risked sharing your faith, even though it meant facing rejection - or giving, eventhough it involved personal sacrifice. Remember when you fail, you will not be alone. Jesus is more than an arm's length from you. He will strengthen you and enable you to do greater things. Just trust Him!

Quiet time is a good time to see clearly what God is doing in your life. With interference shut down and interruption shut out, the fog of busyness lifts and you will sense His presence that gives you the strength to go on each day of your life. Without people and issues to claim your time and attention, you can look beyond the immediate scene to the larger picture of how God is moving in your life to fulfill His will for you. See His action in your daily events; see His purpose in the happenings of everyday. What was previously confused becomes clear to you. God is doing good things in your life. Now thank Him for working behind the scenes to help you perform His will on the stage of your life! Read 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

God has provided everything you have. When you needed salvation, He gave it to you freely. When you were desperate for His help and comfort, He sent it to you without reservation. It is always His desire that as you receive His compassion and encouragement, they will transform you and you will grow in His character. You will become kindhearted and giving because of your love and gratitude to the Lord. Do we give freely, reflecting God's character and providing to others? God is generous and loving and He wants  His people to be so as well. So, today, be His representative and care for those in need just as He would. Meditate on Psalm 41.

Too often we do not realize what we have gotten in our hands. We see prayer as some kind of inconvenient spiritual homework. We consider it a 'list of chores' when God offers to communicate with us. Realize that we are enjoying an 'open heaven' with access to divine wisdom and guidance and a lifetime supply of all we will ever need - and yet we choose to spend all our time away from His presence. Do you know the answers you want are found on your knees? Luke 11:10 "... everyone who asks, receives ..." Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer You ..." And know that God will not be wearied out with your prayers. So, make it your habit to pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) It's customary to seek God when you're hurting and need His intervention - but how often do you simply communicate your thankfulness to Him? This morning, show your appreciation to God in every situation because it helps you refocus your attention to Him. Articulati

A blacksmith with a chunk of metal on the anvil envisions what he wants. But it means melting down the old, recasting it, removing scars, repairing cracks, filling voids and purging impurities until what was useless becomes valuable. Finally, he plunges it into cold water until it hardens into an unbending, useful tool. Max Lucado said "An instrument is useful only if it's in the right shape .... A  good blacksmith keeps his tools in shape .... And so does God. Should He place you on His anvil, be thankful. It means He thinks you're still worth reshaping." Remember: "The Lord disciplines those He loves ..." (Hebrews 12:6)

You are not learning while you are talking. So learn to be quiet and listen for what God may want to say to you. When unsure of anything, do not speak. People respect you when you have the wisdom and humility to say, "I'm not sure but will come back to you." Expert says an average person is bombarded with 35,000 messages a day: emails, text messages, billboards, tv, radio, twitter, facebook, blogs, etc. It's 'information overload'. People do not need more information - they need answers that work! And God has those answers. So talk to Him first, then you'll have something to say to others that's worth listening to. "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time." (Proverbs 15:23)

The king of Aram was angry because the prophet Elisha kept foiling his plans. He sent his forces to capture Elisha. When Elisha's servant saw what was happening, he became afraid. Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes would be opened to what was happening spiritually so that he could see that they were not alone. God's mighty forces protected them. Today you may feel like Elisha's servant -overwhelmed with the problems that confront you. However, God is on your side and His powerful resources are encamped around you. Ask Him to open your eyes so that you may behold the mighty power He has prepared for your defence. Read 2 Kings 6.

The world, in all its varied and beautiful nature, says that God loves you. Your own life, with its possibilities and blessings, indicates the source of the great love you are given. The fact that God came to earth in Jesus Christ paints a conclusive picture of God's love. Jesus sat on the edge of a well one day and talked to a woman about the gift of God's love for her. She did not understand at first but after a while she came to know that it was God who loved her. "If you only knew," Jesus had said. (John 4:10). Then, beyond doubt or speculation, she knew. Now, God gives conclusive evidence of His love for you. It's all around you everywhere. Lift up your eyes and look around and thank Him this morning!

God wants us to make a living at doing what we enjoy most so that we do not need to endure our working lives but instead we should be making the most of them. We should not live for the weekends and try to hang on until retirement. That's a shame because our chance of success is directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do. Know that the best career advice is to discover your God-given passion and follow it. Albert Schweitzer: "Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." Take the advice in Philippians 3:14 "Press toward the goal for the prize ...." Sometimes you have amazing experiences with God. You get to hear His voice; you feel His love and then .... nothing! You can't hear or feel Him when you needed Him most. You turn to Him and He seems to have disappeared. You're left crying: "Where are you, God? I need you."  Do not rel

What amazed me about Job is that he put his focus on God. He knew God. He knew that God desires the work of His own Hands (Job 14:15). Not only He knew God, He pleaded with God not to watch over his sins but to cover his iniquity (Job 14:16). How much do we know God? It is crucial that we walk with God and to talk with Him and know Him in our good times so that if anything happens, we can continue this intimate relationship with Him to draw comfort and strength in times of trouble.

Sometimes you have amazing experiences with God. You get to hear His voice; you feel His love and then .... nothing! You can't hear or feel Him when you needed Him most. You turn to Him and He seems to have disappeared. You're left crying: "Where are you, God? I need you."  Do not rely on your feelings. God promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5). When things get tough, He says: "When you pass through the waters ... they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned ..." (Isaiah 43:2). If you are feeling like God has deserted you, know for sure 'the Lord whom you seek, will suddenly come.' (Malachi 3:1)

Why is it that at times God appears to be altogether quiet? Even though you are seeking Him wholeheartedly, why does it seem like He's gone completely silent?  Friend, you desire to hear God and that's wonderful. However, there are times when His silence will do more to grow your faith than anything else. That's because you must continue to do as He desires and exercise your trust in Him without any outside encouragement. It is difficult but you can depend on His trustworthy and unchanging character and lean on His truth, love and grace. Take heart - He's still working on your behalf. And when you see how much He has done for you, it will speak volumes to your soul. Meditate Psalm 83.

It's time this morning to praise God. Offer your praises to God for all your blessings, benefits and bounty. Take the opportunity to tell Him how much He does on your behalf means to you. Take what is in your heart and put in on your lips and tell God how great He is in your life. Declare it like Daniel: "Praise the name of God forever and ever ..." (Daniel 2:20). The magic words you learned as a child, THANK YOU, are just as important in your relationship with God as they are with others. When you give thanks to God, you acknowledge what wonderful gifts He has given you. The most significant prayer you will ever pray is just 2 words: "THANK YOU."

Are you feeling insecured? Jeremiah 1:4-12 says: ...."Before I formed you in the womb I knew you ... Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord. Now, does the job you've been called to do seem too big for you? Perhaps, it seems to be if you are on your own but not when you include God! You're not working alone; God is with you. When God called you, He will equip, empower you and give you success. He did not make a mistake when He picked you.  Do not say, "If only I had the education, talent and experience of so and so." If God wanted them, He would have chosen them but He chose you. Just be yourself, trust Him and everything will go well for you.

God gave you your talent but it is your job to develop it. Your gift relates to something that excites you. God made you and He hardwired the desires of your heart. Knowing this will help you to understand why the things you find rewarding involve your innate talents and abilities. When we are doing what we are called to do, enthusiasm and excitement exude from us naturally. If you find it a struggle, then it may not be your nature .... generally life should not be a constant struggle. When you are fulfilling your purpose, one of the most noticeable results is how rewarding it feels to 'stir up the gift of God ... in you' by using your natural talents (2 Timothy 1:6).

Sifting is the shaking of wheat until it separates. It means to be strained to the point until everything falls apart. While you may be sifted, it is amazing who is praying for you. Your intercessor is JESUS who defends you and walks with you daily. Can you imagine the power and insightfulness of Jesus'prayers? It is in the sifting that you experience the sacred because you receive Jesus' very thoughts concerning you. Instead of shaking apart, you become one with Him. Today, remember that Jesus is praying for you. Then your faith will not fail but will remain strong and hopeful in Him. You can make it through anything with Him as your Defender and Friend. Read Luke 22:31-32.

God has given His Word to you for several reasons. When you study it,  you not only gain insight into His ways, you also receive direction and encouragement. The psalms are excellent source of hope and comfort especially when you are battling intense trials. David faced many challenges in his lifetime but he always found the strength he needed to overcome by recalling God's goodness and promises to him. Have you learnt to do the same? When troubles come, do you turn to the Bible and ask the Lord to speak to you or do you rush to call a friend? The support of loved ones is essential but the love and guidance of an omnipotent God can never be replaced. Meditate on Psalm 84.

In the time of Jesus, every Jewish house had a place for private devotion. It was a place where the door could be closed on distractions and interruptions. Such a place was often a small room built on a flat roof or a modest place raised above the rest of the house where people retired to nourish their souls in reality and certainty of God. You too can create such a place. It is wherever you can go to be with God in a way you are unable to go anywhere else. In that place, you can shut out anything that would take your place in your mind and heart. Then you can call to Him and He will answer you and show you great and marvelous things that you could not figure out on your own (Jeremiah 33:3). Also read Matthew 6:6.

The earth is full of the glory of God - His absolute majesty inhabits every corner. Nothing you face today can change this truth.  This may be a fallen world  tainted by sin but soon one day God will return in power and might to reign. The Good News is that we are going to reign with Him! (Revelations 20:4-6; 22:5) He will restore all that has been broken. Every created thing is subject to His command because He is the Maker and King of all that exists. So, regardless of how disjointed life seems NOW, remember He is greater than all you fear. We can rest in His presence and the hope of His glory! His love to you is awesome. So, worship Him this morning in His sanctuary. Read Psalm 114.

King Jehoshaphat realized that his nation did not stand a chance against his enemies. So he prayed, asking the Lord for instruction. God's instruction to him went against all conventional wisdom. Instead of fighting the enemies with swords and bows, the  Israelites were to worship the Lord with singing - and they did. They praised Him as their enemies advanced. And miraculously, they won. Today, are you facing a challenge that seems overwhelming to you and you do not have the resources? Seek God's guidance. His instructions may not make sense but just obey Him. Do exactly what He says. He will triumph in the battle for you! Read 2 Chronicles:1 - 30

Paul said, "... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11).  Paul learned not to let what he didn't have overshadow what he had. How do you find contentment? Contentment isn't something you find at a particular destination - it is something you practise everyday. You must learn to come to a place where you believe that having more materially won't make you happier. Sometimes contentment calls for simplifying your life. Cultivate the ability to say, "I have enough." Push back from life's table and say, "I've had enough.' To be content, focus on eternity. Let enough be enough. Let your lifestyle be biblically-based; make it eternally focused!

When you know that what you're doing is in sync with God's will, you can be confident He will provide what you need and fight for you. God told His people, "When you go to war against your enemies and see .... an army greater than yours, DO NOT BE AFRAID of them, because the Lord your God .... will be with you." (Deuteronomy 20:1). Want to overcome your fears? Spend time in God's Word. Prioritise your prayer life. Get to know God better.  Daniel 11:32 says "...the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits." The word 'know' means 'to be in relationship with, or to be intimate with.' Now put this into practise and you can live fearlessly.

Paul told Timothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young." (1 Timothy 4:12). Evidently, certain people in the early church thought Timothy was too young and inexperienced to be in leadership. But Paul thought differently and so did God. Cecil G Osborne wrote, "A young child has no clear picture of himself ... A child who's told repeatedly that he is a bad boy, or is lazy or no good, or stupid or shy or clumsy will tend to act out this picture which the parent  or some other authority figure has given him." Let God and God alone, tell you who you are and what you should do. Get His opinion, for in the end it's the only one that counts! Live the life for which God created you!

When we talk about angels operating among us,some may think it is just religious sentiment. Why? Because they allow their intellect to neutralise their faith. Psalm 91:11 "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways?" And again in Hebrews 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Know this: God has not done away with His secret service. You may not be able to see them with your natural eyes but they are doing their job in protecting us in times of danger and helping us in times of need. Who knows you may even "have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)

God told Joshua to be "strong and very courageous." (Joshua 1:7). Why? Because enemies were going to attack him and his own people were going to make endless demands on him. In circumstances like this, where to find courage? Psalm 27:1 gives us the boost: "The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?. The word 'stronghold' means you are held in the safety of God's strong arms. That means nothing can get to you, without first coming through Him. Victor Hugo said, "Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."

From the Old Testament,  we learnt that loans to the poor were to be interest-free, outstanding debts cancelled every 7 years and property that was sold or redeemed be returned to its original owner. Why? Because God wanted His people to depend on Him, not possessions. So, He cautioned them, "When ... all you have is multiplied ... You may say ... 'My power  and ... strength ... have produced this' ... remember the Lord ...it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth ...' (Deuteronomy 8:13-18). God's principles have not changed. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). "Don't worry about these things ... your Heavenly Father knows ... and ... will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Paul wrote this:  "Let us not grow weary while doing good: for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) 'Due season'  is when God knows the time is right, not when you think it is. God has set a time for accomplishing things in your life. So, learn to settle down and wait. God knows what you need, when you need it and how to get it to you.  And what are you suppose to do while waiting? TRUST HIM! Psalm 31:14-15 exhorts: "I trust in You, O Lord ...'You are my God.' My times are in your Hand ..." When you learn to trust and wait on Him, you will eventually receive what you're waiting for. Again, wait with joy so that you will not live in frustration.

Paul was a great writer than a great speaker. He said: " ... my message and my preaching were very plain ..." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). He wrote the inspired word that enabled others to preach. When Paul  was thrown in jail, he did not ask for a lawyer or a gourmet meal. He asked for paper so that he could keep on writing. In fact, Paul wrote all the way to the end of his life. And because he did, lives are still being changed today. What a legacy! All because of one man who discovered his calling and devoted himself to it. So, the question is: Have you discovered your calling and devoted yourself to it? Do you know what God has called you to do?

Author Stormie Omartian grew up with a mentally ill mom whose behavior left her with hopelessness and deep emotional pain which expressed itself through self-destruction and fear. One day she felt led to pray, "Lord, give me a heart like Yours for my mom." Immediately, she had a vision of her mom as a beautiful, gifted woman with no resemblance to the person she knew. People are often the way they are because of how life shaped them and only God knows their history. To enjoy everything God has for you, PRAY A PRAYER OF REPENTANCE AND RELEASE and LET GO OF THE PAST! Only then can you move on....Read Psalm 51.

Are you embarrased about your beginnings? Jeremiah was. When he told God that he was not the right age, God said, 'Don't say that!' When he complained he was not a good speaker, God said, 'Don't say that either!' When he saw the size of his opposition, his knees buckled but God said, "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them .... Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall .... They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,"declares the Lord (Jeremiah 1:17-19). Know this: God did not promise just to be with Jeremiah - He's promised to be with you too!

The road to success is cluttered with detours, challenges and disappointments. If you do not have the vision in mind, your dreams can die there. There may be days when the needle on your passion meter  will be on empty. On those days you need to remember that God gave you your vision to begin with. So, go back to Him and ask for the strength to keep moving toward it. It is God who gives you the power to reap and to lead. Between your dream's inspiration and its manifestation, there is going to be a lot of perspiration. Now draw on God's grace and take one more step in the direction of what God has put you on this earth to do! Read Nehemiah 6.

Paul recalled the times of how God had provided for him even when he worked as a tentmaker in order to support his own ministry. He could remember the whippings, the stonings and the betrayal at the hands of those he trusted. But listen to what he says about it: "Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand...." (Acts 26:22). Jeremiah felt the same way: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23).  So, learn to trust Him. Recall God's faithfulness to you during the past and in the fullness of time, you will be able to testify like Paul and Jeremiah.

God instructed Moses to teach the Israelites His Name - "I am who I am."  The Hebrew language is different from modern languages because it does not have tenses, i.e. it does not indicate time. His name could be translated as "I Am Who I Have Been" or "I will Forever Be Who I Am Now." You can be comforted to know that His Name indicates a faithful, consistent and holy character. You can trust His Name to help you as He always help those who love Him. So, take heart today with the assurance that the God who faithfully provided for Moses will also provide for you today! You will never be disappointed. Read Psalm 52.

In John 14:15, Jesus has said that if we love Him, we should obey what He commands. In Genesis 20:13, we read of Abraham stating to Sarah that to show her love to him, she needed to obey him. How true then that the expression or the fruit of our love for God is to OBEY Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength just as we are exorted as 1st Commandment to LOVE Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. Read Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27 "God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him - Henry Blackaby" Aren't we often like the invalid in John 5:1-15? We say we're done with some bad attitude but we continue to think the thoughts that cultivate it. We ask to be filled with His Spirit but are afraid what He will have us do. We love freedom but are comfortable captives. Jesus comes to us with the s

People need hope in this hopeless world. They try to find it in many things but the real and lasting hope is in God. It's a priviledge to be His representative of hope. Most people have a distorted perception of God either as a controlling taskmaster or an impersonal being who does not bother to intervene. Yet we know who He really  is - He's our God who gives real joy and hope! Today, share with your friends the beautiful message of the God of hope so that they can experience His peace and salvation. You will find them utterly overwhelming when they finally meet and embrace the God of Hope. Meditate on Isaiah 52:7

Often times, when we see a need, we may not rise up to meet the said needs as doubts will arise in our mind that the needs may not be genuine or someone else will do it. In Genesis 24:18-20, we read of how Rebekah was QUICK to let her pitcher down to serve Abraham's servant and proactively offered to draw water for his camels too. Again, she QUICKLY emptied her pitcher and RAN to draw water. Her prompt service is for the well being of others. And we know the ending of this story that she was blessed to be the grandmother of the 12 tribes of Israel. So? The next time you see a need, do you want to sit and wait OR rise up and take initiative to enquire, investigate, verify and do something for the well being of others?

A Christian must intentionally fix his or her gaze on God and His Word and remain faithful in devotion to Jesus. When we do not abide in His presence, we will be tempted by the enemy to resort to human wisdom rather than Godly guidance and principles. For example: a demanding relationship may drains us of the energy God gave us to serve Him. Or we may be accused of weaknesses that urge us to deny our usefulness to God. Nevertheless, do not get off track. Do not allow him to steal your joy and degrade your relationship with Him as the enemy  "comes to steal, kill and destroy......." (John 10:10). Fix your eyes only on Jesus!

Rarely do we view the difficult circumstances of life as statements of Jesus' love for us. In our best moments, we interpret them as tools God uses to stretch our faith. In our worst moments, we may see them as His disfavour. Nevertheless, God's hand is in even the most difficult circumstances, letting affliction has its deepest results. He is always the Lord of our situation and He is specific in His purposes. If we are in pain, He knows it and He allows it to happen. Revelations 3:19 "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." However, too often, God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness! We fool ourselves if we think our love for God + our  obedience to Him are separate issues. They are 2 sides of the same coin. Jn 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."  We have become so paranoid of having a theology of "righteousness = works" that  we have ignored obedience altogether, as though it did not matter to God. Obedie

In the parable on persistence in Luke 11, a man seeks help from his neighbor on behalf of his friends, knocking repeatedly on his neighbor's door at midnight with an unusual request for bread. But because of his perseverance, the neighbour answers. How persistent then are we in seeking God's help for the needs of others? When we are told to 'bear one another's burdens'(Colossians 3:13), do we interpret that as a brief mention in a prayer meeting? Or are we bold in our approach to God? Far from offending God, this boldness pleases Him. Let us consider our zeal on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does it equal the boldness of the persistent neighbour?

Nowhere in the Bible does God promise to spare us from temptation. Our faith will be assaulted in numerous ways and God allows it. The evil one may insist to God that our faith is not genuine because it is not tested. If he can prove that it is not, he can slander the Almighty with his skeptism. God takes him up on the challenge. Are you feeling that your faith is tested? Hang on. You are in a process God has allowed. Your sifting will not last. Your faith will be tested but there will be no chaff to it. That's God's sovereignty over the enemy. Read Luke 22.

If you need a breakthrough in your life, learn from David in 1 Chronicles 14:10 "And David inquired of God ....".  Yes - have you first talked it over with the Lord? God does not respond to your need, He responds to your OBEDIENCE. When you have obeyed, you will see the victory. Sometimes God will do it for you, other times  He will do it  through you. That is why you must HEAR from Him before you make a move. You cannot do God's part and He will not do yours. It is not just a matter of 'doing something,' it is a matter of doing what God tells you! When you do, you will get a breakthrough! Ponder on 1Chronicles 14:10-17 and get a glimpse of David's secret of getting a breakthrough.

Nowhere in the Bible does God promise to spare us from temptation. Our faith will be assaulted in numerous ways and God allows it. The evil one may insist to God that our faith is not genuine because it is not tested. If he can prove that it is not, he can slander the Almighty with his skeptism. God takes him up on the challenge. Are you feeling that your faith is tested? Hang on. You are in a process God has allowed. Your sifting will not last. Your faith will be tested but there will be no chaff to it. That's God's sovereignty over the enemy. Read Luke 22.

Jesus has an encouraging word for us: "I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." (Revelaton 2:17). If your name is given by Him, it will be unique  and special. It will signify your adoption into the family of Jesus andd it will be appropriate to the person you really are. It will indicate what God knows to be true of you, from your strengths and gifts to the problems you have overcome. The earthly names our parents gave us may or may not reflect our character but there will be no inaccuracies in the name He gives us. Be comforted to know there will be no similar names in the Kingdom's phone book. Your white stone will be one of its kind - for His glory.

What is our hope? It is found in the second coming of our Lord Jesus. Paul spells it out: "...For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God  and the dead in Christ will rise first.... we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air... (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). Jesus has not changed His mind; He is coming again. Coming for a prepared people to take them to a prepared place where they will dwell with Him forever. Are you planning to be there and have you prepared yourself?

Have you done all you know but the situation has not improved? Then, "... trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon ... God." (Isaiah 50:10). Note the word 'name.' God values His good name because it represents His power, His character and His faithfulness. When you pray for anything in His name, you are trusting His power, His character and His faithfulness. Do not spend so much of your life worrying about yesterday and tomorrow - one is buried and the other is unborn. There is nothing you can do about it. But know this: 'God is ... a very present help...' (Psalm 46:1) So, hand your worries to Him and let Him take care of them for you!

The children of Israel were able to glance into the past and remember their great escape from the Egyptians. Knowing God 's past mercies allowed them to praise God and to look forward to His continuing presence. What about you? Knowing that God has been with you in the past will give you the assurance that He will walk with you in the present and accompany you in the future. Believe that He will continue to act on your behalf. This morning thank Him for what He has done and look forward for what He will do. So, "sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider .... has He thrown into the sea." (Exodus 15:1)

If you have a hugh sum of money, you may choose to put into 1 investment or diversify in more than 1 investments. The latter is considered far superior to all others - diversification takes a backseat to opportunism.  In the economy of God, 1 investment is clearly superior to all others. Jesus calls us to place all our resources, time and talents there -exclusively. Because of the return it will yield and we will not be disappointed.  But there is often a part of us that wants to diversify. We want to invest some in God's kingdom and also some in this world. But Jesus says it is a bad deal. The world will end in bankruptcy and the kingdom of God will inherit all wealth. And this wealth will be everlasting. Ponder what Mark 8:36 says.

God does not need your thanks, praise or adoration. He does not need an ego boost or validation. Rather, God asks you to express your gratefulness because of what it means to your own soul. It is in those moments of thanksgiving when you realize that He is the source of all your blessings and they are not given because of your worthiness but because of His love for you. As your words echo back into your ears that God is the great Provider, His power fills you and your heart is tranformed. So, sing out your gratefulness to God. There is so much to thank Him for - your life, your family, your provisions and blessings! Read Psalm 50.

The wedding feast at Cana is a lot like life. Unexpected crises may creep in but when you allow Jesus to step into the situation, everything changes. His word is enough to take our stone jars and fill them with satisfying substance. At His word, these clay jars become vessels of abundant life. Jesus can change futility into fulfilment, blandness into flavour, obligation into celebration and law into life. We do not need to know how He does it. We see the challenges and we invite Him to be the solution. We fill the jars with water of our faith and obedience eventhough we do not understand the miracle that is taking place inside. Again, just OBEY when He tells you to "Fill up the jars with water." (John 2:7)

We are living in End Times! Be Prepared By Esther Ong Matthew 24:3 says “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? ”           As all of us know, in recent times, there were many incidences that have happened that are unbelievably disturbing and distraughting, such as the MH17 that was shot down,the mysterious disappearance of MH370, the airplane crash of the Algerian plane and the disastrous landing of a Taiwanese aircraft. A strange disease called Ebola has also emerged. Today, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 has jolted southwest Mexico.           As Christians, what should be our response? Should we be very shock and be alarmed about it!? In fact, we are the ones who should remain very calm as we KNOW all these things shall happen before our dear Lord Jesus will come again. It is all in the Bible! And it is foretold b