Thursday, September 20, 2007

Dedicated to God alone

This is for God. So much has happened, that it has brought me to the very fact that it is all for God. No matter who I am, what I do, where I am, it is truly God's grace and glory that deserves it. I am a child of God, and I get to share in His grace and glory, but it is HIS, not mine.

I awoke to the fact that I am a child of God, a child, dedicated to God. It is a blessing to be a child that is dedicated to God. Not that I never knew that, but I have come to understand even more so that I am not my own, but I am a child of God. Being this child of God has brought me to a place:
where when I feel weak, I know that I can be strong because of God.
where when I am lost, I know that I can look up to God
where when I am not able to do it, I know that God will help me
where when I feel I don't deserve it, I thank God for what He has done
where when I am hungry, I know that He will provide
where when I am down, He will pick me up

As I look more into my life, I start to realise that at times, is it all worth it? Why did God put in so much into my life, why did He sacrifice so much for me, when I really don't deserve it. My sin, and my fallen nature into the world of temptations just make me really wonder why did God persevere so much in me? Of course many of us will know that it is God's love.........but more so, purely because He has called us His sons and daughters, and we have cried out "Abba Father".

Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, - JEHOVAH ROHI
I shall not be in want. - JEHOVAH JIREH
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, - JEHOVAH SHALOM
3 he restores my soul. - JEHOVAH ROPHE

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. - JEHOVAH TSIDKENU
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; - JEHOVAH SHAMMAH

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. - JEHOVAH NISSI
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. - JEHOVAH M'KADDESH
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.


He is my all, and my life is unto Him alone. I can't let go, because I know that God will not. I am His child, dedicated to Him alone.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Salute to Judah 7




As promised to all Judah 7, during the unit getaway, that I'll share it all out on the blog, here it is. Sorry that it took that long, just with the settling into new job, didn't want to stay up too late at night. But well, really have to write it out, if not, it's going to come out in a "bluraaaah".........Hahaha........too much to want to share.

Well, firstly, a salutation to all of you guys and gals who were at the getaway, but as well for those who were not there. I am truly blessed by many of your sharing, and also by many of your sincerity and generosity. It is amazing what you guys have done, although it may not have seem much to you, but it has been a tremendous blessing to me.

As I was preparing for the getaway, one of the things that really struck me strong was to build a community of love, faith and hope in the group. And that this love, faith and hope can out flow of us into all those around us. And as I prayed through it, Eccl 4:9-12 became more real to me, and as I did a bit more study around it, it just brought forth a greater assurance to me, that all of these can happen when we realise that God is the centre of it all, and that the 3rd strand of cord is God. I became excited, because I know that this is all becoming real and possible. During the getaway, I am so blessed by the sincerity of all your worship unto God, the heart to praise and worship, the heart to surrendar to God was demonstrated, and I believed that we all had that taste of heaven on that worship night. I realise then that that was just a taste, how nice if it was "as big as a meal".

Anyway, I was touched by God as well, to truly respond to step out and rise up in my leadership. But more than that, I was also touched by your humble response to desire for more of God. I just felt that corporately, as we come to hunger for more of God, that His presence will be found by all. And through the getaway, it was indeed another "taste of heaven" to see how you guys served and supported one another. I looked at it and felt, wow, I don't think i need to preach on unity anymore, you guys are already doing it. It was great to see people tolerating with one another through the different things, and even how there was no grumbles, even when we got to the waterfall, and only saw a trickle of it. Haha..........I really thought that was an amazing sight. It just gladdens my heart to see how we choose to support and love one another. And as well, to laugh with one another. Although I know some of our legs were tired, but haha, well, we all had a good workout, so that we could eat ice-cream later.

But most of all, I really want to thank and honor all of you in Judah 7 for all the great support and love that you have shown to one another and also to myself. It is indeed a joy to be leading all of you. Of course there are challenges, and issues, it is not smooth sailing, but your heart for God, for people and for one another has spur me on to keep growing so that I can lead you more. When I see how you guys served one another, and support and pray, I see Christ in you, and I pray that we'll keep doing that. As this is the influence that we want to bring to others, that they too may see Christ in us. The joy that each one of you brings to the unit is indeed a true blessing. Judah 7 wouldn't have been possible without each and individual one of you. I'm proud of you guys, and I know that you bunch of people will bring God's Kingdom far, because of your heart and enthusiasm for God. I know that we go through our daily struggles, and hearing all your sharing, really lifted my spirit. That despite that you are busy, stressed, and facing your day to day struggles, yet you all are really looking forward to the getaway, not just to have a break, but more so to be refreshed in God, and with one another. This has just brought such encouragement to my heart.

I think this sharing can go on and on and on, no words can described how grateful I am to God for all of you, and as well, nothing can be compared to all that you guys have done. You are awesome, and thank you once again. All honor and glory to God, but more than that too, you have made that difference in me, and others around. Let's keep Ecc 4:9-12 upon our hearts:

"
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves."
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Remeber we are not in God's business alone, we are with Him.
"


Salute to all of you once again:
Amelia - the wonderful chef
Andy - the humble brother
Belinda - the clever girl
Charmaine - the quiet enthusiast
Diana - the talented song writer "hehe.......waiting for that song you wrote at the getaway"
Eileen - the young perseverer
Fei - the faithful supporter
Ian - the faith-filled listener - thank you for always stepping out of your comfort zone.
Sam - the joyful and cheeky entertainer
Sean - the ever willing and "Yes" man
Samuel - our resident musician
Patrick - the quiet oberserver
Derrick - the organised organiser
Paul - the careful game-master
Melissa - the "laughable" and tender loving "care bear"
Jonathan - the creative dancer (haha though I haven't seen it, but I heard a lot about it)
Rose - the faithful camera girl
Rachel - the delightful screamer (adds life in the night times)
Atieno - the sunshine of the group
Miranda - the excited praise leader
Shuling - the warmth "smily" girl


Love you all heaps. Thank you for all your blessings - you have demonstrated Acts 2 church, let's go out and influence others.

Love
joy :)