Exercising FAITH!

Faith is something that is easy to talk about, encourage others, think about, and even have. I liken it to the muscles in our body - they are there, but will only grow and strengthen when we exercise it. This was a concept I learnt many years ago, but recently I was reminded of it again.

Year 2009 is a year of Faith and Trust in God for Gerald & I, both personally and as a family. And as we speak of it, (naturally), we get tested in precisely the area we want to grow in: Faith.

God is a Loving God. That's a fact. The things that happen to us and that we go through do not change that fact. This is something I need faith to grasp and accept. When circumstances that aren't so nice befall upon us, I learnt and am still learning that I need to hang on to the Word of God and keep meditating on it. Yes, naturally I worry, but I have to consciously "fight" against worrying. I have to consciously remind myself His Words and His Promises.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

I've been reading a book by Cho Yongi called "The 4th Dimension, Vol 2". He talks about visualization. I learnt that in exercising faith, part of it constitutes visualizing what is good, what God's words promise. I also learnt that faith is about CHOICE. We choose what we want to believe in and what we meditate on. 

Philippians 4:8

Finally brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pre, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 

I have to keep reminding myself to push away those oh-so-prevalent negative thoughts. And it doesn't help that I am a worst-case scenario person. But I choose to dwell on God's words. Sometimes it seems naive and foolish, but I'll choose to please God by total abandonment of trust and faith in Him. I'll even rather err on the side of foolishness by just clinging on to Him.

Another lesson of faith I learnt recently is this: Faith welds power out of God (whether He likes it or not, to put it bluntly). In Luke8:43-47, the bible talks about the story of the bleeding woman. When she touched Jesus' cloak, she was healed because she told herself that if she does that, she will be healed. And Jesus felt power left Him even though He did not speak or dispense any power (willingly). Faith welds power out of God.

God, I only have You to turn to. Only You can help me... Jesus, I will choose to have faith in you, that all good and perfect gifts come from above. You give good things to us. You will help me through! Lesson No. 1 of Faith for 2009! I look forward to great things cos Faith can cause the mountain to throw itself into the sea by speaking it. Help me to know you, love you, trust you and grow in my reliance and intimacy with You. I wanna know you more!!!

Happy New Year!

*champagne popping, whistling, shouts of "Happy New Year", the fanfare and the excitement*

Today's Jan 2nd. The above description was over and done with on Dec 31st. Time, indeed waits for no man... It doesn't linger, it knows no one, no situation, and it doesn't tick or stop depending on what and what-nots... It chugs along as it is dutied to do so... I was pondering about 2008 and how Time just passed 2008 by... What could I recall? Time. It is with time that you recognize events, happenings and activities. In order for me to reflect on 2008, I took our my diaries and flipped through Time.

2008 has been eventful and life-changing. Indeed, people said, the 2nd most important decision one makes in life other than whether to know Jesus personally or not, is who to marry. Who one marries maketh the man/woman..
I believe Gerald made me a better woman. This union in marriage has taught me sooo much, opened my eyes to things I never comprehended or understood, gave me insights of life and our destiny. A marriage mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church (see previous post). A marriage is the ultimate brother-sister-in-Christ relationship cos' you fellowship with each other everyday. It's like super extended church camp when you wake up and your room-mate sees you, when you talk loudly, eat hungrily, sleep snoring, and interacting with one another for an extended period of time. A marriage is about denying oneself - that is what God wants us to do in our life on earth: to love Him and love others.. nothing said about loving self (only). A marriage helps one to think for the other and listen, instead of just talking about oneself all the time. Marriage changes a person; it's inevitable. If you take it well in your stride and submit to each other with reverance for Jesus, it is a wonderful learning experience. I love being married to Gerald. Thank You Lord.

ASPT (Adults Service Programming Team) was borne. It is a channel for my passion and I am humbled that God allowed me to be involved. I thank God for the team I work with, they who bear with my brashness, my "strict-ness", my frankness and my passion:

Rachel Tan

Ange

Roy

Wendy Tan

Ronald

Ron

How Joo

Rachael Lee

Chris Goh

Ah Long

Diana

Gerald

Geofrrey

Steven

Bernnise

Lynette

Elaine Lim

Pei Key

Thank you for giving your best! It's my honor and privilege to work with you guys. You guys are so gifted by God and it's great to see all the talents work together for His Kingdom. Let's ask Him to take us places!

There are so much to give thanks to God for 2008. Time was spent meaningfully, and I thank God for that.
But year-end tends to invoke some melancholy. (Having done a quick survey with my colleagues around me, I am not the only one.) Year 2009 is a challenging year: the financial market looks gloomy, ministry looks challenging, and many uncertainties loom, with storms brewing inevitably as it's life. But I wrote in my diary last night and shared with my confidante (Gerald), that I want to declare 2009 as a year of victory, fruitfulness, success, properity and growth because God is all that. As we spent time praying and worshipping last night, God was faithful and affirmed a HUGE fruit in a vision He impressed in my mind, and concertedly, spoke to Gerald from His Word during his QT with Him earlier on. I believe even more that He will bring fruitfulness to our family in 2009!

With God, all things are possible! With trust in God, even if storms are to come my way, I will choose to look up to the hills where my Help comes from - my Helper and Maker. What a wonderful and uplifting way to start the new year. He is our Provider and Sustenance!

What does 2009 hold for you...? Is it the doom and gloom that looms (anyway), or the quiet confidence that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and He is watching over you...?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!