A Prayer For Our Nation

Our heavenly Father, we thank you for our country and government. We want to up hold our prayers before You the men and women in the position of influence and authority. We pray and intercede for the president / the prime minister and his team and all those who are in authority over us in any way.

We stand in faith that divine knowledge and godly wisdom has entered into the hearts and minds of our leaders so that they can govern us wisely. Discretion watches over them; understanding keeps them and deliverance protects them from evil and evil beings.

Father, we ask that You guide our leaders with godly counsel and do not only what is right but do what is right in Your sight. Although some of them may not know you but we pray that You will cause them to be men and women of integrity who are obedient concerning us that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. We pray that only the upright shall dwell in our government, the people in there may be blameless and complete in Your sight and the wicked shall be cut off from the government; the treacherous shall be uprooted.

Your Word declares that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” and we receive Your blessings on behalf of our leaders on our nation. Father, You are our Refuge and Stronghold in times of troubles; especially when we are facing global uncertainties. We declare with our mouths that Your people will dwell safely in this land and we prosper abundantly. We are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ.

It is written in Your Word that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord and that You will turn it whichever way You desire. We believe the heart of our leader is in Your hand and that his decisions are divinely directed of the Lord.

We give thanks to You that the good news of The Gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to spread and grow in our land and beyond. The Word of the Lord prevails and grows mightily in the hearts and lives of the people. We pray that workers will rise out from our land for the harvest and the plan of the devil will not prevail. We are thankful for this land, our leaders and your loving grace you have given to us. We look forward to the day when we dwell in Your house and Your kingdom forever.

In Jesus’ name, we pray AMEN!

Quote Of The Day – Philip Yancey

“To some, the image of a pale body glimmering on a dark night whispers of defeat. What good is a God who does not control his Son’s suffering? But another sound can be heard: the shout of a God crying out to human beings, “I LOVE YOU.”

Love was compressed for all history in that lonely figure on the cross, who said that he could call down angels at any moment on a rescue mission, but chose not to – because of us. At Calvary, God accepted his own unbreakable terms of justice.

Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God’s scheme ultimately leads back to the cross. ”

— Philip Yancey

Look Here

 

 

“I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.   Matthew 28:6

Cruising In Life

There was a nice couple who was rather poor but very much wanted to go aboard a cruise ship they have heard so much about. So they decided to save every penny they can, hoping to get a pair of tickets on the cruise during their lifetime. But no matter how they saved, it never seems enough. Then one day, they received a letter informing them they had won a lucky draw that comes with a 2 weeks stay aboard the largest cruise liner in the world. All they needed to do was to reply to the letter. They happily did and received their tickets in the mailbox.

The day came when they boarded the cruise liner. Once they were onboard the massive ship, they were overjoyed and excited with the realisation of their dream and hope. As the luxurious liner cruise towards the ocean, the waves that normally pounded and rocked smaller boats seem useless against this juggernaut. The couple was having the time of their lives, or so they thought.

However when the meal times came, when all the passenges went to the large and beautifully orated dining rooms to feast on their gourmet meals, the couple would quietly sneaked back to their cabin. They would then open their luggage full of stale bread and canned soups, where they would gratefully yet sadly share. They often could smell the delicious food being served in the dining rooms, the laughter, the music and the sound of busy cutleries. They would see people filing out of the dining room happy, satisfied and glowing.

Although very much wanted to join them in the dining room, the couple knew that they cannot afford it. They would dreamed of the sumptuous meals the other guests had and literarily drooled in their sleep. They had turned down many invitations from other guests while pathetically sneaked back to their own cabin afterwards.

Nearly at the end of the trip, the captain of the ship noticed this couple and came up to them asking why they had never stepped into the dining room. Flushed with embarrassment, the couple replied that they don’t have enough money for dining and even their tickets came free, to the astonishment of the captain and the other crew. The captain then composing himself and explained: “Sir-madam, I think you have been terribly mistaken. All the meals onboard the ship are included, it came together with the tickets you have received. You can eat all you want, whatever and whenever you want on this ship. As our guest, you have the privilege of using anything, going anywhere and even requesting assistance from any of the crew, including myself. Haven’t you read properly the booklet that comes with the tickets? Just like the tickets, everything have been all paid for!”

There are unfortunately many people like the nice couple are missing out on God’s best and privileges as His children because they didn’t realise that all the good things in life has already been paid for and given. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.  John 10:10   If we can receive a ticket that is set to cruise towards heaven from earth captained by our Lord Jesus Christ, what should our expectation of the journey be; to be properly fed and taken care of, to be starving from hunger or to be eating our own stale bread?

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.  Matthew 7:11

 

The Three Great Wooden Ambitions

Once upon a time, there were 3 trees in the same forest. There was an olive tree, an oak tree and a pine tree. These three trees all had big ambitions. Each of them had a great aspiration, wanting to become something special in their lives. They concentrated on their growth, becoming health and strong. They withstood strong winds and bad weathers; staying focused, never waivering in their hope and their faith.

The olive tree dreamed of becoming a finely crafted treasure chest. Exquisitely made and lined with soft fabric, to hold treasures of immense value; precious gold and jewels. One day, a woodsman came into the forest and chose the olive tree by cutting it down. The olive tree was so thrilled after waiting for so many years. With great anticipation the olive tree waited as the woodsman started working on it. However, almost completed, the olive tree realised that he wasn’t going to be made into a priced treasure chest. Instead, he was to be made into a cheap manger; lined with straw, it is a roughly cut out wooden box to hold food for dirty, smelly animals. Heartbroken, the olive tree withered on the inside.

In the forest also stood the oak tree, anxiously waiting for his turn. All the oak tree wanted was to become part of a huge battle ship, able to carry a great king and his men across oceans. To conquer the world and setting people free. Holding on to its faith, the oak tree stood strong as he was cut down by a group of woodsmen. But as time went by, the oak tree realised that he wasn’t to be made as part of a battle ship. He was in fact, been made into a tiny fishing boat. The oak tree was totally discouraged and disappointed.

Unknowingly, the pine tree standing proudly on top of a hill remained still, patiently counting his moment. Deep down inside he knows that he is destined for something great. All the pine tree can think about is to always stand tall and straight; declaring the greatness of a wonderful God and His love for His creation. Unfortunately, within a split second, a bolt of lightning struck the pine tree and sent it tumbling down the hill. Splinted and burnt, the devastated pine tree was in a sorry state. Then, another group of woodsmen came, picked up the pine tree and carried him off to their scraped pile.

All the three trees felt they have lost their calling, value and worth; they are discouraged, disappointed and disillusioned. Not only did they not become what they wanted, but they don’t see themselves ever becoming what they hoped for. When all seem impossible and hopeless, God had other plans for His beloved creation.

But time went on.

One silent night, the door to the animal pen creaked open and a couple walked wearily in. The woman seems heavy in labour and the man quickly cleared the stable and also the dirty manger. From their conversation, the woman seems to be called Mary and the man, Joseph. Not long after, the woman gave birth and the new born baby was laid within the manger. Suddenly, a bright star shone directly above the stable and three men came in with many gifts. There were also other men, shepherds; they were outside and they all worshiped the baby, they called Jesus – the Son of God. The olive tree now realised what he was holding within himself. All he wanted was to hold the most precious jewels, but God had other plans, the olive tree now holds the greatest treasure ever, the God who became flesh.

Many years went by again, and Jesus grew up and started His ministry proclaiming the Kingdom of God. When He came to the Sea of Galilee with His disciples, wanting to cross it, they found a small simple fishing boat nearby and took it. Many times, they took this same boat about their trips; the oak tree. Once Jesus even preached from the boat to thousands on the waterbank and hillside; many believed and were saved. Even in the midst of great storms, the tiny boat persevered and witnessed miracles where Jesus calms even the storm and walked on water. The oak tree wanted to carry great kings across oceans for battles and to set captives free, but God had better plans. The victorious battle journey carrying the King of kings has not ended for the last thousands of years and numbers uncountable have been set free. The epic journey continues till this day.

A few more years went by and one day some Roman soldiers were rummaging through the wooden scrap dump where the discarded pine tree laid. Although still straight and strong, the pine tree thought they were going to use him as firewood. Finally, his end has come. But much to his surprise, they only cut him into 2 straight pieces, one longer than the other. The pine tree was then brought up to a hill and put together forming a cross. And it was on this pine tree that Jesus was nailed and crucified on the cross. It was on this very cross that Jesus was pierced and His blood flowed; the full wrath of God laden upon and subsequently appeased. Nailed and stained with blood, little did the pine tree know, destined to be very special he was not mistaken; the wooden cross now symbolizes God’s greatness, compassion and His everlasting love to His people forever.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  Romans 8:28

Why Men Just Don’t Get It?

Okay, I have to admit that men sometimes are so clueless about what is wrong that makes our women so angry over “seemingly nothing”. I had such an episode last night which was not pleasant at all. But with a whisper of prayer, God turned it around for us and we made up blissfully, although it was way pass our bedtime… zzZz *yawn*

Why like that?

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:21-22

Men were not from Mars, Women were never from Venus. Frankly, it is not as glamorous and hyped as portrayed; it is way simpler than that, so simple that it is quite amusing. And we all know deep within us, men or women, that this revelation is undisputed:

The woman was made when the man slept.

That is why men cannot understand how women work. We are often baffled by the unknown, hit by the unseen and blamed for the undone. That is why in a union of both man and woman, God plays such an important role in the marriage because only He knows how each of us is made and function. He alone should be the common source for both parties to draw upon, so that we wouldn’t drain our partner dry.

Well, at least now we know; when a man sleeps, it is not that he couldn’t be bothered or doesn’t care, it is just how he is made… hahaha *wink*

One Of The Greatest Creation: Woman

I got this through an email from my wife, and pondered how beautiful God’s creation really is. Although written with tongue-in-cheek, it is a good reminder of our real worth. How much work God has put in us, how priceless we really are! We are His master-piece, the crown jewel and the greatest of His perfect handy work. The woman is a reflection of His gentleness, an expression of His sacrificial love and the shadow of His silent strength and power.

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!   Genesis 1:27-31

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, “Why are you spending so much time on this one?”

And the Lord answered, “Have you seen my design specification sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands.”

The angel was astounded at the requirements, “Only two hands!? No way! And that’s just on the standard model? That’s too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish.”

“But I won’t,” the Lord declared. “I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can work 18 hour days.”

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. “But you have made her so soft, Lord.”

“She is soft,” the Lord agreed, “but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.”

“Will she be able to think?”, asked the angel.

The Lord replied, “Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate.”

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out , touched the woman’s cheek. “Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.”

“That’s not a leak,” the Lord corrected, “that’s a tear!”

“What’s the tear for?” the angel asked.

The Lord said, “The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride.”

The angel was impressed, “You are a genius, Lord! You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing.”

“And she is!” declared the Lord. “Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don’t take ‘no’ for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.”

“They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.”

“However, over time, I know some of them may develop a tiny flaw.”

“What can that be?” enquired the angel.

“It’s that they sometimes forget their worth.”

Oh guys, we are really cool too!

 

The Gospel of Jesus In The Stars

Not many people heard about “The Gospel of Jesus in the Stars”, it has long been suggested that the constellations are God-given illustrations of gospel truths. While Astronomy is the scientific study of these beautiful celestial creations, on the other hand, Astrology is using the warped knowledge of the relative positions of these celestial objects to interprete, influence and fortune-tell human lives. Astrology is, once again, Satan’s counterfeit for “life-guidance” and a demonic perversion of God’s creation, yet another attempt to wipe away the fingerprints of God.

What does the bible says about stars?

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,  Psalm 8:3

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.  Psalm 147:4

The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.  Isaiah 13:10

Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?  Song of Solomon 6:10 

We see from the Bible that stars are parts of God’s grand creation. They have a purpose to give out light and mark seasons and days and years. God named every star and numbers them. The stars are divided into constellations and are binded by God’s law and order. In Jeremiah 33, God even stake His promises and covenant on the order of the sun and moon, see here.

I believe God has sought to put the knowledge of astronomy for good and had probably written the Gospel of Jesus in the stars. The most famous mentions of “astronomy” were when the 3 wise men found the rising bright star and were guided by the bright star to where the new born Christ was found (Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:9-12). I don’t think God would have led astrologist-fortune-cookie-teller-sorcerer type to go near baby Jesus, much less warned them in a dream.

Anyway the point here is to hopefully show you the unadultered beauty of the Gospel of Jesus written in the celestial stars (that are verifiable in the Bible), where God has depicted His story and His promise of salvation within the stars. We will just look at the 12 major constellations. Each major constellation has three other constellations associated with it which modify or complete its meaning.

   Book 1: The Redeemer

Virgo – the virgin

The fulfilled prophecy of the promised Seed of the virgin woman. God who became flesh and dwell among us, the judge of the world, who is to come.

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).   Isaiah 7:14

Libra – the scales

The Redeemer’s Atoning Work. The price of sin to be paid by the price of the sacrifice. The cross endured by the Son who was slain and have received the crown. Justice was met at the cross.

But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.   Isaiah 53:10

Scorpio – the scorpion

The scorpion (sin) seeking to wound, but itself trodden under foot. The serpent and the Man struggling. The mighty Man kneeling on one knee, humbled in the conflict, but holding aloft the tokens of victory, with his foot on the head of the dragon.

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”   Genesis 3:15

Sagittarius – the archer

The conqueror Jesus Christ going forth; praise and worship awaits the Conqueror and the lake of fire prepared for His enemy the serpent–the devil.

But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.   Psalm 64:7

   Book 2: The Redeemed People

Capricornus – the sea goat

Their blessings procured by the sacrifice, the goat of atonement for the redeemed slain by the arrow of God, smitten and falling, but rising again.

For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.   Romans 3:25

Aquarius – the water bearer

Their blessings ensured as the living waters of blessing poured forth for the redeemed who drink in the blessing. Bringing speedily the Good News of the returning Redeemer.

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”   John 7:38

Pisces – the fishes

The redeemed living in blessings in the living waters. As the fish cannot survive outside the water, an individual is unable to survive outside the pouring of the Holy Spirit. Pisces a twofold constellation, representative of both Jew and Gentile who inherited the same promises in Jesus Christ. Early believers used the sign of Pisces to secretly identify themselves.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 3:6

Aries – the ram

The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. The captives were freed and delivered, the sin monster defeated by the Lamb.

Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.   Revelations 5:6

Book 3: The Conflict with Satan

Taurus – the bull

Jesus the Messiah, the coming Judge of all the earth. To rule in power and might, whose wrath is breaking forth against His enemies, while He shepherd’s his redeemed in safety.

For the Lord is enraged against the nations. His fury is against all their armies. He will completely destroy them, dooming them to slaughter.   Isaiah 34:2

Gemini – the twins

Messiah’s reign as Prince of Peace. The twofold nature of the King who treads His enemy under foot and the coming glorious Peace, the exalted Redeemer.

“For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.   Jeremiah 23:5
Cancer – the crab

Messiah’s redeemed possessions. The possessions gathered conscientiously and held fast. The redeemed pilgrims safely journeying home.

I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.   Ezekiel 34:12

Leo – the lion

Messiah’s consummated triumph, the glory of His ultimate Kingship. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah aroused for the rending of the enemy, the old serpent.

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”   Revelation 5:5

The gospel message may well have been purposefully written in the skies by the Lord. Perhaps the star signs served as pointer and reminder, before and after the Scriptures was available respectively. Of course, the Bible still is the primary aid to provide a clear message about the plan of God, although the stars continue to “declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1) and are useful for our calendar (Genesis 1:14). The Bible does not tell us to search the stars for detailed messages, on the contrary, warnings are given against trusting in the stars. Caution is needed when searching for the gospel in the stars, since constellation symbols can have many possible interpretations.

However, it is our full assurance that all of God’s beautiful creation is for us to enjoy. Like King David, in awe and adoration, we can worship Him, by the admiration of His marvelous works.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 

Psalm 8:1-5

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

Psalms 19:1-4

Quote Of The Day

“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the unlimitable superior who reveals Himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”

—  Albert Einstein

A Simple Prayer For You

 

Father, we thank You that You have given us this great privilege to come before You as Your children and call You Abba Father. We thank You for Your love and Your sacrifice on the cross, Lord Jesus. Your hands bear the very marks of Your love. You have engraved all our names on Your flesh.

We pray that You bless our friends, families and all that we care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show us a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to all our spirits at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, we ask you to fulfill their needs. Where there are uncertainties, show them Your sovereignty and that You are always there. Give them Your divine wisdom to see to their lives that they will bring glory to You. Bless their health, homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings.

You are the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. Only You have the final say in our lives and situation, because You are our God and we are Your children.

In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Lasts Forever!

Lasts Forever!

Come and experience the most magnificent and awesome perfection you can ever find. You will soon discover the beauty and loveliness of our powerful Lord Jesus Christ. You will be amazingly redeemed, caringly nurtured, truly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved. So hurry and pray now!

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Power Of Praying For My Life

Lord Jesus, help me to embrace the moments of my life that are hard to get my arms around. Enable my eyes to see You in them. Help me to always acknowledge the abundance of Your goodness to me. I lift to You the deepest struggles in my life. I trust You to open my eyes to see all You have for me in them. Reveal to me the fullness of it all. Thank You that I can be filled with the joy of Your presence in every step I take, because You have given me the light I need for whatever step I am on. I believe and I trust in You My king. You are such a wonderfully and amazing God!

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!