Saw this article from a dayspring email, found it very encouraging and true.. so sharing it with all..
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God has a plan for your life. He brought you into this world to fulfill that plan. It is the best plan that anyone could ever make for you. It is a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory and you the greatest good. From the beginning of this calendar year until its end, God is working out His plan.
As you follow God's plan for your life, you do so by faith. It is important to remember that He is the Guide and you are the follower. He does not need to bring you into His planning room as a consultant to help Him decide what is best for your life. God has called you to trust Him and to take the next step of obedience according to His will. God has said, "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 NKJV
Here are some ways that God is working out His plan:
He is your Shepherd—He is leading you.
He is your Provider—He is taking care of you.
He is your Strength—He is enabling you.
He is your Counselor—He is speaking to you.
He is your Shield—He is protecting you.
He is your Comfort—He is encouraging you.
He is your Father—He is blessing you.
He is your Deliverer —He has delivered you from sin and death
In relation to the above, Did u know that God has 8 names?
Jehovah Tsidkenu - “God is my Righteousness” Jer 23:6
Jehovah M’kaddesh – “God is my Sanctification” Lev 20:8
Jehovah Shalom – “God is my Peace” Judges 6:24
Jehovah Shammah –“God is present with me” Ezek. 48:35
Jehovah Rapha – “God is my Healer” Ex 15:26
Jehovah Jireh – “ God is my Provider” Gen 22:14
Jehovah Nissi – “God is my banner” Ex 17:15
Jehovah Rohi – “God is my Shepherd” Ps 23:1
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Thanks all!
Had a gr8 pre birthday dinner yesterday, and although the no. of ppl I invited were few, but we had a gr8 time of fellowship and fun. I thank God for all my friends, that they are here not by coincidence, but to walk thru life here with me, and to guide me, strengthten me, and give me hope. Although I am far away from family, friends and loved ones back in s'pore, the friends i made here in adelaide gave me such a warm birthday feeling that I feel as though I am home. Thanks everyone for your presence, presents, cards, well wishes and thoughts, and for the marker writings still on my hand.. It really means a lot to me. I will never forget what all of you have done for me. It has truly been a memorable b'day, n it's not even here yet! Thanks for coming!!!
Yeah, it has been a gd weekend, although I didn't study much, and in the coming week, assignments and 2 tests looming ahead.. but I believe God will help me, as long as I do my best. Gambate everyone! And let us run the race together with perseverence! :-)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Double For Your Trouble!
I daily devotional i read every morning.. found this one particulary relating to what I am facing now in uni.. well, some sort. Haha.. Hope everyone who reads this will be inspired, knowing that our God is a God of restoration and abundance.
Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. - Zechariah 9:12
I am sure that you have heard of the expression, “When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade!” Well, I want you to know that when the devil throws lemons at you, God Himself will make lemonade for you! After all, the Bible says that God works all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28)
And He does it with style — He restores double for your trouble! Even if you have lost a husband or wife through a divorce, or a precious child through death, God can restore double to you, so that you end up having more than before, if not in quantity, then in quality!
Consider Job in the Old Testament. When Job lost everything, his friends told him to curse God and die. He refused and, instead, responded to God in faith, and “the Lord gave to Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)
When David lost the child he had with Bathsheba, he stopped pleading and started worshipping God because He trusted in the mercies of God. Later on, God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son named Solomon, who became the wisest and richest king the world has ever known.
Today, God promises to restore double for your trouble — “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” If He declared it, He will do it! So you cannot but have hope that things will be even better than before. That is why in the same verse, He calls you “prisoners of hope”. Hope in the biblical sense means a confident expectation of good things happening in your life. You are a prisoner of that! You can’t help but wake up feeling hopeful. You can’t help but expect good things to happen to you!
So when trouble comes from the devil, don’t give up and say, “It is hopeless!” Don’t worry or get angry. Worship God like David did and see that trouble as an opportunity for God to bless you with more than what you originally had. And because God has declared it, be confidently hopeful that you will get double for your trouble!
Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. - Zechariah 9:12
I am sure that you have heard of the expression, “When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade!” Well, I want you to know that when the devil throws lemons at you, God Himself will make lemonade for you! After all, the Bible says that God works all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28)
And He does it with style — He restores double for your trouble! Even if you have lost a husband or wife through a divorce, or a precious child through death, God can restore double to you, so that you end up having more than before, if not in quantity, then in quality!
Consider Job in the Old Testament. When Job lost everything, his friends told him to curse God and die. He refused and, instead, responded to God in faith, and “the Lord gave to Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)
When David lost the child he had with Bathsheba, he stopped pleading and started worshipping God because He trusted in the mercies of God. Later on, God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son named Solomon, who became the wisest and richest king the world has ever known.
Today, God promises to restore double for your trouble — “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” If He declared it, He will do it! So you cannot but have hope that things will be even better than before. That is why in the same verse, He calls you “prisoners of hope”. Hope in the biblical sense means a confident expectation of good things happening in your life. You are a prisoner of that! You can’t help but wake up feeling hopeful. You can’t help but expect good things to happen to you!
So when trouble comes from the devil, don’t give up and say, “It is hopeless!” Don’t worry or get angry. Worship God like David did and see that trouble as an opportunity for God to bless you with more than what you originally had. And because God has declared it, be confidently hopeful that you will get double for your trouble!
Busy week...
The busy week is coming to and end soon, but still with some undone assignments.. I totally don't know how complete them, but if i don't an IF is coming my way. Haha. Stupid subject. It's some programming subject.. so future computer scientists, i advise u not to take that course! I just had no choice as part of my engineering degree.. :-(. I am sure God can pull me thru!
Anyway, just came by a song, which i think is v meaningful.. i'm used to posting song lyrics on my blog, here and on msn, not bcoz i have nothing to write, but bcoz i truly believe the words of the songs can touch someone although she/he hasn't heard it before. The songwriters are amazing, but then again it's God who gave them the inspiration for the words.. This song, i'm forever yours, truly reminds us that we fully belong to God, and that He loves us so much more than we can ever comprehend.
I'm Forever Yours
---------------------
I give my all to You
Send me and I will go for You
To the ends of the earth
I'll follow after you
I want the world to know
Your love endures forever
Tell me and I'll obey
This is far greater than sacrifice
Trust in You and not myself
Will always lead to blessing
Lord have Your way in me
Not my will, Yours be done
Here I stand within Your presence
Longing for your touch
A thousand days cannot compare
To one day in Your courts
Hold me now and never let me go
My Jesus, my Precious Saviour
I'm forever Yours
I will worship You forever
Anyway, just came by a song, which i think is v meaningful.. i'm used to posting song lyrics on my blog, here and on msn, not bcoz i have nothing to write, but bcoz i truly believe the words of the songs can touch someone although she/he hasn't heard it before. The songwriters are amazing, but then again it's God who gave them the inspiration for the words.. This song, i'm forever yours, truly reminds us that we fully belong to God, and that He loves us so much more than we can ever comprehend.
I'm Forever Yours
---------------------
I give my all to You
Send me and I will go for You
To the ends of the earth
I'll follow after you
I want the world to know
Your love endures forever
Tell me and I'll obey
This is far greater than sacrifice
Trust in You and not myself
Will always lead to blessing
Lord have Your way in me
Not my will, Yours be done
Here I stand within Your presence
Longing for your touch
A thousand days cannot compare
To one day in Your courts
Hold me now and never let me go
My Jesus, my Precious Saviour
I'm forever Yours
I will worship You forever
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Busy but rewarding Saturday
Just came back from a farewell party to an ocfer who has been in adelaide for 4 years and leaving back home to malaysia tmrw.. It's such a wonderful experience to see so many ppl turning up for the event, and how everyone bonding so well with each other.. It's amazing that each of us have so much of God's love we can't contain it sometimes.. Seeing William leave after so long, He has told me to continue to persevere on despite the difficulties and sometimes dissapointments.. He has definitely made me see the true meaning of growing and maturing in Christ.. I hope to be like him in future, where I can too, share the wonderful testimony of how OCF has grown and how it has helped me mature too.. In so many ways, I can't thank my friends enough, who have shown me the joy, peace and love that God has put into each and everyone of us.. it's a matter of if we want to let this love out, and care, reach out to our brothers or sisters. Tired from the evening. But it's great to see the love and concern of every1..
Had my church connect group this aftn too. It was also v fun and meaningful.. Really thankful for a more "exciting" semester.. with more social activities, where I can really connect with others.. I will never forget these things that happen here.. and it's so wonderful to be able to experience them.. Beginning to see a much of a more learning and bonding experience here in adelaide.. :-)
Had my church connect group this aftn too. It was also v fun and meaningful.. Really thankful for a more "exciting" semester.. with more social activities, where I can really connect with others.. I will never forget these things that happen here.. and it's so wonderful to be able to experience them.. Beginning to see a much of a more learning and bonding experience here in adelaide.. :-)
Friday, August 11, 2006
Not in good mood...
Last night was a bad day.. couldn't get anything done properly, screwed up a prac.. I feel so helpless and useless sometimes. Y is it that other students can find it so easy.. yet I find it a struggle to complete my degree.. Every single subject is making me push myself to my limits.. n i'm only in my 2nd year. Sometimes I wonder how I can ever make it thru my degree, if it's gonna get even tougher.. Next week's gonna b a terrible week, with 4 assignments due and a test on monday about the hardest subject an EEE student could ever take.. Yest night couldn't do much work and study, so I slept early, and this morning i felt much better.. And I realised once again how good God is, despite my time to despair and sadness.. He showed me 2 scriptures while I was reading devotionals online.. Which made me think and recall about His love for us, which I sometimes still doubt.
The title of the devotional was: ‘Lord, I Cannot, But You Can!’ It's so true.. I really cannot, but that's y i have to trust God and know that He can and he Will bring me thru.. It's not gonna be easy, but I know God has a plan and purpose to mature me here in adelaide.. And i'll do my best, but leave to God the rest! Thanks Lord, for making me see once again that I need not worry about things, and that U r in control of My life, so despite my dark surroundings and circumstances, I will trust in your unfailing love towards me. Thank you for giving me a loving and comforting family and friends.
Encouraging verses.. that meant a lot to me suddenly..
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? —Jeremiah 32:27
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. —Psalm 94:19
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. - 1 Corinthians 1:27
The title of the devotional was: ‘Lord, I Cannot, But You Can!’ It's so true.. I really cannot, but that's y i have to trust God and know that He can and he Will bring me thru.. It's not gonna be easy, but I know God has a plan and purpose to mature me here in adelaide.. And i'll do my best, but leave to God the rest! Thanks Lord, for making me see once again that I need not worry about things, and that U r in control of My life, so despite my dark surroundings and circumstances, I will trust in your unfailing love towards me. Thank you for giving me a loving and comforting family and friends.
Encouraging verses.. that meant a lot to me suddenly..
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? —Jeremiah 32:27
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. —Psalm 94:19
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. - 1 Corinthians 1:27
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Run With The Horses
If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? —Jeremiah 12:5
In the Olympic Games, the greatest runners of the world compete for gold medals and laurel wreaths. Long before the final race, competitions are held in countries throughout the world to weed out those who are not fast enough to compete. At the Games, the fastest of the fast qualify for the final competition.
The prophet Jeremiah was also involved in a fierce competition—but it was with idolaters and wicked priests. He was responding to the Lord’s call to condemn Judah and to predict her downfall. He became so discouraged that he asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are [they] happy?” (12:1).
That’s when God said to Jeremiah, in essence, “The competition has just begun. So far you’ve been dealing with minor issues (running with footmen). How will you handle it when the really tough stuff comes (contending with horses)?”
Perhaps you’ve run into some difficulties recently: your boss, an illness, conflicts in your church. You’ve pleaded with the Lord for relief. But He may have said in response, “Toughen up. Dig in. It may get worse.” When He asks you to “run with horses,” He will be with you to strengthen and sustain you. That’s what God does.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
In the Olympic Games, the greatest runners of the world compete for gold medals and laurel wreaths. Long before the final race, competitions are held in countries throughout the world to weed out those who are not fast enough to compete. At the Games, the fastest of the fast qualify for the final competition.
The prophet Jeremiah was also involved in a fierce competition—but it was with idolaters and wicked priests. He was responding to the Lord’s call to condemn Judah and to predict her downfall. He became so discouraged that he asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are [they] happy?” (12:1).
That’s when God said to Jeremiah, in essence, “The competition has just begun. So far you’ve been dealing with minor issues (running with footmen). How will you handle it when the really tough stuff comes (contending with horses)?”
Perhaps you’ve run into some difficulties recently: your boss, an illness, conflicts in your church. You’ve pleaded with the Lord for relief. But He may have said in response, “Toughen up. Dig in. It may get worse.” When He asks you to “run with horses,” He will be with you to strengthen and sustain you. That’s what God does.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
Fresh Grace Every Day
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
“I am concerned about the big business deal that I have to close tomorrow.”
“I am worried about tomorrow’s job interview.” “My medical test results will be out tomorrow. I am afraid it won’t be good.”
God does not want you to worry about tomorrow. He gives you all the help you need for today. When tomorrow comes, so will fresh help from Him.
This is God’s principle even in the Old Testament. When the children of Israel were in the desert, God gave them fresh manna straight from heaven every morning. (Exodus 16:13–16, 31) They did not have to worry about tomorrow because when tomorrow came, there was fresh manna again. He was their provision every day.
Today, God’s manna is the grace He gives you every day. If you are worried about a situation tomorrow, know that there will be sufficient grace for that situation when it comes. God wants you to simply rest in His ability to heal, deliver, protect and provide for you every day.
In the Old Testament, when the armies of Moab and Ammon came against King Jehoshaphat, God told the anxious king, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle… stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”. (2 Chronicles 20:15–17)
When the next morning came, King Jehoshaphat saw how God caused such confusion to come upon his enemies’ camp that it brought about their own slaughter. Amid all that fighting in the enemy camp, God’s people merely stood still and saw God fight the battle for them just as He had promised.
When you see a problem looming in your tomorrow, do not fear or be dismayed because you will see the grace and salvation of God deliver you and fight that battle for you.
God wants you to live a stress-free life, not one filled with worries about tomorrow’s problems. When tomorrow comes, His grace will be there for you as your help, protection, favour and enabling!
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
“I am concerned about the big business deal that I have to close tomorrow.”
“I am worried about tomorrow’s job interview.” “My medical test results will be out tomorrow. I am afraid it won’t be good.”
God does not want you to worry about tomorrow. He gives you all the help you need for today. When tomorrow comes, so will fresh help from Him.
This is God’s principle even in the Old Testament. When the children of Israel were in the desert, God gave them fresh manna straight from heaven every morning. (Exodus 16:13–16, 31) They did not have to worry about tomorrow because when tomorrow came, there was fresh manna again. He was their provision every day.
Today, God’s manna is the grace He gives you every day. If you are worried about a situation tomorrow, know that there will be sufficient grace for that situation when it comes. God wants you to simply rest in His ability to heal, deliver, protect and provide for you every day.
In the Old Testament, when the armies of Moab and Ammon came against King Jehoshaphat, God told the anxious king, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle… stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”. (2 Chronicles 20:15–17)
When the next morning came, King Jehoshaphat saw how God caused such confusion to come upon his enemies’ camp that it brought about their own slaughter. Amid all that fighting in the enemy camp, God’s people merely stood still and saw God fight the battle for them just as He had promised.
When you see a problem looming in your tomorrow, do not fear or be dismayed because you will see the grace and salvation of God deliver you and fight that battle for you.
God wants you to live a stress-free life, not one filled with worries about tomorrow’s problems. When tomorrow comes, His grace will be there for you as your help, protection, favour and enabling!
!~DeRfLa~! - DeStInEd To ReIgN
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