Peace not like the world

What a start of 2021. 

If I were to look at it purely from a standpoint without any spirituality, one would say its been busy and relatively stressful.

However, I cannot say it is the same for me, I have a peace within that cannot be explained, its not the same kind that you have after stress has left and you're relieved... its very much existing through all the stress, load and stuff that is happening.

At the start of this year, I somehow or another knew this year will be good. Since then everything seems to coming or looking otherwise, but I don't feel too shaken about it(perhaps physically lol after all our body does have its limits) but with this peace, and conviction, it is still going to be a good year(I say this on a personal level not global). I am thankful to God for this peace, I firmly know and believe that His foundations and love has become a bedrock to my life, no matter what is happening I simply feel at peace about it, stable. Its not to say I don't get frustrated, I do, but I don't feel like I am drowning or crawling, beaten or distraught. I simply feel at peace.

Thank you Father, for the Spirit, thank you for your peace, your love and your kindness in my life. Though things may seem stressful I know I am not shaken because of you! Thank you for this joy.

Praise be to your holy name! 

For yours is the kingdom the power and glory forever and ever!

Amen.

A Hunger satisfied and a Thirst quenched.

Hi all,

I know 2020 has been insane one incident after another, and it's only just the first quarter of the year. But I know that no matter what may come, it isn't the end, there will always be more, but nothing and I say nothing can compare to what will come when this period of grace disappears, and when we all stand face to face to a Holy God, who will judge each of us according to our works. But good news, and it WILL always be the Good News as long as He has not come. Is Jesus Christ His son came, DID A LOT OF THINGS besides die, Died, and rose again, FOR THE PURPOSE THAT WE MAY BE SAVED from this judgement, but also from our sinful selves, which never brings satisfaction, but continuous hunger, continuous seeking of pleasure, like a fire needing its fuel. But, that's not what God wants for us or intended for us and His Son came and said, I am the bread of life if any one eats of me, he will not hunger if any one drinks the drink I give him he will not thirst:

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  - English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 6:35).

 He satisfies where greed consumes, he quenches your thirst, where lust calls out for more and more, to drink more to want more. There is no other satisfaction but that, of which came from Christ, to deliver you, to rescue you, because even if you did not know it, there is a judgement, or maybe you have always known it, and accepted your fate that hell is the only way for you. But I am here to tell you. Change is possible, and new life is real, Christ can and will restore you to what you are intended to be. The father of lies feeds you with more lies, to keep you hungry, you can reign in hell with me, but the truth is, hell is the end for him and to reign with him means to meet the same end as him. Oh Please do not do that! Find Christ, Find Christ! He calls to you through this message. Is it a coincidence? I think not, if you read all of this, perhaps there's a hunger that could never been satiated, something that kept on drawing you down, you say you cannot defeat it, the father of lies says it's who you are supposed to be, in fact he is also full of deceitful wisdom, giving you half lies, a false purpose and satisfaction, which you cannot seem to satisfy. But Christ, He has given Himself over, no self preservation, so that you might find life, and find it more abundantly.


Please friend. If you are reading this, eternity is real, salvation is true, death is not the end. Christ desires you and wants to be with you. So, hear my news, this is it, heaven's doors have been open, a satisfied life is attainable, a new life, thirst quenched and hunger settled.  All that is required, is that you invite Christ into your heart as not only your saviour but your Lord, then I am sure, and certain when you do, He will fill you with His life, for this is the kind of Lord he is, not one who lauds over you, but one who bends his knees and washes your feet for you. One who rebukes, but rescues at an instant full of love and compassion. The one who sees you in a storm and can calm it, or even call you out to walk on it, the one who provides, who heals, who sets free those under oppression, who set the captives free. This is the kind of Lord He is, and so, if you would accept Him into your heart, as both Lord and Saviour, you will learn that He is tenderhearted, and learn of the His ways, the way of truth, that will finally set you free from this insatiable hunger that is taking its podium in this world..

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 8:31–32).

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. - New Living Translation (Jn 14:6–7).

Find a Christian friend, a trustworthy one and tell him that you want to know Jesus, so that they can lead you on the way. If you do not have any reach out to me here in the comments! If you are shy, I know God can also open up your heart. Say this:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for me, that I may be able to find the truth, to be set free from this hunger and thirst I have in life, that I may be set free from sin, that I invite you, Jesus Christ, to be the Lord and Saviour of my life, thank you.
Amen.

And that's it, welcome to the family, I really encourage you to find a church to settle in, to pick up your bible and read the any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, John or Luke. May God lead you the way, deliver you from deceit and may the truth always be settled in your heart!

Blessings
Chris

The Man of God

There once was a man of God, yes one who heard from God.

Obediently did he go forth, did exactly what he was set to do, with the instructions of what not to do, did he also obey. 

Yet, came another man of God, well a prophet! and told him otherwise, with deception did he bring the man of God astray, then at the moment when the man of God disobey, did the prophet start being as a prophet, and rebuked the man, telling him of his fate.

So off he went after breaking the rule, and on the way met with a lion, that killed but not consume.

Who is this man of God you say? Even I do not know, I only know he was from Judah. You can read the story of this Man of God in 1 Kings 13.

When I read this story I had 3 main take aways.

1. The Man of God really was a Man of God, when he set out to do what he was told to do, even the sign he spoke of happened! Even the healing of the hand of King Jeraboam did he perform. He was obedient to the Lord with the instructions that was set with him, a simple one. Not to eat or drink or return the same way he came.

It's amazing what happens when you follow God, this man of God was definitely one who had God with him. And when you obey you will see the things of God come to pass.

2. Even a man of God can be deceived by reputable prophet.

Following everything the man knew, and had done, here came an old prophet, lied to him in his face saying that God spoke to him and made the man of God walk in disobedience. Now when a reputable prophet, or any one in that matter of fact comes to you, and says something country to what God has already spoken to you. TEST this spirit, or TEST the word that has been spoken. It's easy to look at credentials and say, oh look, this man is a holy man, surely what he says is the truth. But here's the truth, not everything you hear from others that stand contrary of what God has already said is true, is of God. False prophets, well intending ones who think they are right too, can sway you in the wrong direction. Seek out God for advice, and TEST the word of the so called prophet!

This is not something unknown at least to us, John has warned this before: 

"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." - 1 John 4:1 (or Jacob depending if you use English or another language).

How about Jesus?:

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25See, I have told you beforehand. 26So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.28Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

- Matthew 24:23-28

I used to think what is meant by Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. It has just come to me, Jesus is speaking of the dead.(something like when he said let the dead bury the dead). Anyway this is just a side note/revelation 

Any way, there's ample of warning in the new testament about false prophets. So if you want to know more, just read the bible, it's all there!

But it's good to note, that the man of God was deceived (just like Joshua with the Gibeonites). Though the man of God started well, due to his disobedience, he ended up dead.

3. When God calls you out on your fault. REPENT!

Now this is not exactly how it went, and they do not say if the man of God repented or not, but looking at the text in verse 23, it seems like he just ate and left. If you know you are in the wrong, just repent, and the Lord will surely heal you. What surprises me in this sense is the man of God actually saw how a wicked man like Jeroboam, was healed of his withered hand when he simply asked for forgiveness through the man of God. Surely the Man of God could have done the same. We have seen many times in the old testament, of how God showed mercy when one repents with a true repentance. Yet even so this Man of God went on his way back to his town knowing the prophet said you won't make it. So again, there's no consultation of God, or repentance(normally you see them tear their clothes and put ash on their heads in deep repentance to God in the past), this did not happen. Instead he walked into his death as the prophet has prophesied. And died in his disobedience. 

Friends, brothers, sisters, let us not be of a stubborn heart, if we know we have done wrong by the Lord, ask for forgiveness, for we know our God is a God of mercy, and will forgive us. In fact it's written. 

"8If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." - 1 John 1:8-10

Now be alert! For the enemy is not clothed in bright colours that you may be warned, nor is he one that is lazy and not active. But he seeks to kill, destroy,and steal. But in Christ may you find life and life more abundantly. Stay on the narrow path! 

NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY, GO BACK TO THE WORD, GO BACK TO GOD, AND HEAR FROM HIM!

Where you WILL find rest for your soul.

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When you labour for the Lord, do you feel as though the burden is too great? is it too heavy? have you felt the weight of the world on your shoulders when trying to go through this journey of being a Christian?

The Yoke of Christ is EASY, not hard, and the burden of Christ is LIGHT and not supposed to be heavy. Perhaps we have being doing it wrong all this while, striving our hardest(through our own efforts) and not going to Christ, not listening to His instruction of coming to him. OR perhaps we are so occupied like Martha? (Luke 10:38-42) that we forget to sit and hear His word? to learn from him?

The Lord is not one who holds a whip, and harshly moves you forward, HE is not like a slave driver as one who will force you on. But He has clearly stated, he is gentle, and lowly in heart, he does not puff up in pride, but lowers himself. Have you then perhaps been fearful in the wrong aspect? thinking the Lord is one who will whip you to drive you forward? to perhaps teach you in this manner of way so that you will "learn", Far be it form that. He says I am gentle and lowly in heart - This is the one you learn from. 

So perhaps, if you find yourself in a place where there seems to be nothing but stress and turmoil, where you find much disturbance, unrest, and uneasiness, in this case, turn to the Lord, and realize who he is, For He did not say for I am harsh, and proud in my heart, and you will find much stress... NO on the contrary, HE has said, and guaranteed it, since it is a WILL find rest and not MIGHT find rest.

For His Yoke is easy not hard, not with much effort, but easy peasy lemon squeezy. His burden is light, not heavy, it's so light, that you probably don't even know that it's there, like your clothes.

In the Message translation I love how it's put, the unforced rhythms of grace! and I think it describes it perfectly. When we choose Jesus's was it's not supposed to be burdensome, heavy, and difficult. It's easy, light, and restful!

So today, my friend, are you feeling the weight on your shoulders? perhaps it's time to take a step back, turn to Jesus, and say, hey, I want to learn from you, I want rest for my soul. To many this may seem like the most illogical path, because it consists of living in faith, by the Spirit, trusting in God and dying to yourself. Yet if you truly, do it, you will be more than surprised how unenforced the Lord is, how things flow, so gracefully, inexplicably! 

Come to the Lord why don't you my dear friend, there's nothing to fear, come!

Who is my neighbour?

Walking down a dark alley, a man of a society, was journeying his way towards a place where he could find more opportunities, to settle down, and provide for his family. He set his path through the alley as it was the fastest way towards the destination, and he wished not to make it a longer journey than necessary. However, half way through the alley, a mob came out of now where and mugged him!  robbing him of all his belongings, they smashed his knee caps with a metal pipe and left him to bleed out.  

"This is it" he thought to himself, "I am gone, my family I have failed you..".

The environment began to blur to him and he saw a figure, in the dark, he stretched out his hands as to seek help. It was a man of God! Reputable, many of which knew of him as a righteous and pious person. He glimpsed over and walked passed him as far as he could be, ignoring him as one who would ignore a beggar on the road.

Barely holding on, another came by chance, this time it was a prophet, oh how many have heard his prophecies, many a times has he encouraged the masses, he came right up to the man in the ally, looked at him from 2 steps away, and then launched backwards keeping his distance. Paced off as fast as he could.

"It is hopeless, I am doomed" with that the man fainted.

There came a third man, rugged, with an unkept beard, full of tattoos and piercing, with a skull top, and a leather jacket, walking down the alley. He was wheeling down some goods that he was delivering. When he saw the man, he dropped his things and rushed down to check on the man who was left for dead. This third man was looked down on, and despised by the society of which the robbed man lived. Yet, despite that fact, this rough looking man, holstered the man on his shoulders and put him inside the wheeler. carrying the items by hand, and brought him to a hospital to be patched up, after spending a night to make sure the man was okay, this third man walked up to the counter and paid for the treatment, on top of that he gave an advanced payment to the hospital to keep the man in for another 2 weeks if need be and told them, the next time he had a delivery if the man still owed anything, he would cover it. 

--------------

A Neighbour is one who looks beyond society, and shows compassion beyond all else. A neighbour is someone we should strive to be. To love our neighbour as our selves.

36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”Luke 10:36-37, New King James Version

Easier to run than stay

It's always seems easier to run than to stay.

We can run from problems, just one more day and we will be free.

But sometimes a run, could be one in the wrong direction.

So take time to kneel. To think, and to pray.

We have many plans, many ideas on what might work, what we would love to get out of, and be free of, yes, it's never easy being in situations which seem tough and difficult. But sometimes it's those situations which grow you in areas you otherwise would not. In patience, in love, in hope, and hope never disappoints. 

You may right now be in a situation, wondering, how I wish I could get out of this. Could I suggest one thing? Take a break, get on your knee and pray. For many are the plans of man, but it is God's plan that will succeed. So take a moment. Pray. Ask. Abide in Christ and let His word abide in you. Perhaps, the reason you could stand it, was because God gave you this grace to be able to stand.

Gone too soon

You were a dear sister, one of which was an elder.

You were a great teacher, putting those who are young into the right direction.

But now you're gone, gone too soon.

I wish you didn't have to go, that I would hear you play and worship the Lord together.

But now you're with the Lord, you're gone home, and I'm glad He has received you.

You will be missed on the days we live out in this earth, 

but the memories you have made keeps you close to our hearts.

This is not good bye, but see you, till the time we meet again, in the new home which is promised unto us.

We miss you sister.

A post in 2017

I have no idea who still reads this blog, but Happy 2017! haha I know the month is almost through. But I am thankful for each day that passes.

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, whoever reads this. I trust God has been well with you, I trust that He has dealt bountifully with you, through your lows and losses, through the brokenness and hurt, through the happy and joys moments in life, and through the memories of people we can only now cherish. For many of us, we might have lost loved ones last year, for some of us lost the only one that might have understood you. But I want to tell you God has not given up on you, that He still desires you, and loves you. Sure there's still pain as long as we live in this decaying world, but it doesn't mean we can't look forward and enjoy the moments that come by. Our hope and our race will lead us to the time when He returns for all of us in Christ Jesus, but until then, rise and shine His glory throughout the world, give that cup of water to your enemies, and leave God to do the rest. Our lives are set in eternity with Him. Praise His name and give Him the honour. Forever and ever amen.

Do not lose heart, do not think He has abandoned you, for He has definitely not done so.

What's in it for... what??

I realise that blogspot posts die down these days, and probably a miniscule if not no one actually reads my blog anymore. But that is fine, i will continue to write none the less.

What's in it for me? A common question always asked and sought after, if i dont benefit from any of this, then I will not bother being a part of it.

While it does make sense, i mean if it adds nothing to your life why would you want to invest in it, it can also backlash in a different direction. As always I will speak to brothers and sisters with regards to this who are in the Lord Jesus saved by grace through faith(this includes myself). Do not fall away from assembling together, for by it only can the true meaning of church exist. It isnt a building but a gathering of saints, whom by which are cleansed by the very blood of Christ. I wish to implore to you, don't give up your race, just because some one offended you, for if we are taught to bear with our enemies by the turning of the cheek in Matthew 5:39, what more a brother and sister. We are all growing together, sharpening each other as proverbs 27:17 says iron sharpens iron, the process is not one that is smooth, nor is it one that destroys one another, but through the process of sharpening do we become more better equipped for the glory of our heavenly Father!

I am reminded of a story, of a man who was hired to chop wood, when he was first employed he managed to chop huge amounts of wood with the swing of the axe, but as time went by and years passed, it became less and less, though he was working so hard, he could not match how much he cut in the early days. The employer wondered why and the employee also felt discouraged... the employer then asked the employee to pass him the axe, looking at it he noticed how dull it became, he went to sharpen it and handed it back to the employee and asked him to try again, and once again he was able to chop as much if not more wood than the beggining. 

Sharpening is a painful process but it wont destroy you only make you better. We can go on without sharpening but the effort would be tremendous. So bear with one another in doing so, we will be sharpening one another!

So don't be discouraged when correction arrives, but be not decieved. The word of God is always final, always true so with everything that comes, let it be of the word and not the world. If correction arrives contrary to what the word of God says, do not take it in as sharpening, for that is not sharpening but shattering. This does not mean you argue it till the cows come home, but you may discuss it with the person to find out more, perhaps we have misunderstood what they said, in everything if it is found that it is indeed contrary to the word of God then dimiss it.

Yet after writing all this alas it may seem i was not able to talk about whats in it for me.. perhaps i will save it for another day, if the Lord wills it. But as it is now, if this even encourages one family member or pours cold water on burning coals of anger, then it is much better than whatever i was going to share. Turn and forgive your brother who offended you. Calm down and give glory to God, mend your relationship and continue to sharpen one another.

Blessings,

Chris

Passing moments fleeting time

Days pass and I believe that what I hope for will come to pass.

But each time it gets so vlose, it drifts away like a leaf gliding through the wind.

I am unable to handle the pressures that come falling down, filled with fustration turned to disappointment.

Yet in all this, why is there a sense of security.. a love that holds on, an embracing of which i can feel but not see.

It must be none other than you oh Lord of my life, the conforter of my soul.

You embrace me to let me know you are still there. I still hope in you, you are still my rock of salvation.

At times i wish i can come to see you sooner. At times i contemplate to end my earthly vessel to just arrive at eternity's shore. But i know that is not your desire. You are life and not death, you are lighr and not darkness.

So my soul oh my soul, trust in the Lord. Find Him because surely we will praise Him on the rooftops. Surely He has a better plan. Trust in Him.

Help me this saddened soul, to be lit with your light and love, give me wisdom and knowledge, but more so give me comfort and my needs.. which you oh Lord knew before i even ask. Only you can help. Only you can sustain. Hope is found in you.

Grace, Faith, Obedience

It has dawned upon me, the more I read the more I understand, the more I walk.. That the Christian walk is more than just salvation, yes Salvation through the blood of the Lamb is by far one of the most fundamental truths in our Christian walk, but it's also just the beginning of it all. Through my life as a Christian(basically my whole life) one this is for sure, a personal relationship with God is awesome, and definitely hits the top priority of everything, as I went along, Abba Father actually performed quite a few miracles in my life, healing was the most apparent one, healing for my grandparents when I was very little, healing from my fits, healing for my friends back, my mum's back, oh how wondrous and might is He! :D Seriously He is awesome!

Then I moved on in my walk, before I left UK, I prayed, that I wished to grow deeper in my walk with Him, I would say He granted it a year after I landed, I don't know but I've always had a draw towards God even when I was small. I joined a church that taught about grace, it was wonderful! I never heard anything about grace before this, I knew of it's existence to some extent but never knew the word for it, i learned about prophecy, which He so graciously provides through the Holy Spirit, about the Holy Spirit and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit... It was all good and I was glad, on a personal level during that time I also learned about love, Christ's love in us, Our Father's love displayed through Christ, and how important it is, that it becomes the greatest among Faith and Hope... Love binds things together, it's not weak of fluffy, actually it will come hard on people who are doing wrong in order to save them from a greater pain and to direct us back on the same path, it's not boastful, there in love, there is not a single bit of pride involved, it's all servitude to the Most High, it takes you to a humbleness, a humiliation if you would like to call it that, there's nothing to boast about, when it's all about God and Him using you as a vessel to serve others, it is slow to anger, now this doesn't mean it's slow to discipline what I have learned was it's very patient with people, understanding their situations, and encouraging their growth in the right direction, but as mentioned it's not weak, nor is it slow to correct, but when some one is on the path to becoming more like Christ, it's patient enough to see you through it. I could talk so much about love, it's an on going experience and sometimes you don't walk in it, but love itself, who is God will correct you.

Now Grace, it's what we call merited favour, so that is what I have learned, that it's His grace was that exchange, that enables us to become Children of the most High. His exchange. But it is not the same as Mercy, which I find more and more of the two being mixed together, making it really confusing, and confusion isn't from God. Mercy is the forgiveness of God, As my walk continued, grace became an apparent two edged sword, which it should not have been to start with, as you dwell in the Scriptures, the more you will realize grace is not the license to Sin, but the power to choose not to, but never forget if you do fall, 1 John 2:1New King James Version (NKJV) My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Grace is much more than a covering, its the power to do God's amazing work, the power to live our God's plans for you, the power to obey! and Christ has never said you don't have to obey anything I say, just do what you want and some how or another you'll get there. He always called for obedience(I'm not going to qoute anything here, you can read it yourself, the great commission verse after the famous 19.. revelations, Corinthians, Christ's walk itself was an obedience and if we are called to be more like Christ, how can we live in sin and live in Christ at the same time?).

Now I'm not saying you can earn your salvation, there's no way to earn it, God paid for it, through Christ, as a free gift, but I am saying a new life in Christ requires a death to our old life in Sin, Sin has no more power, though we know we struggle in this life between flesh and spirit, but we also know what the scriptures say about this, walking in flesh - destruction, walking in spirit - life. But that transformation happens, and should continue to happen as you accept Christ and become more and more like Him.

I challenge each of you who reads this, and is a brother and sister, to go through the gospel, year after year it's something new and refreshing, old and reminding for me, God doesn't contradict Himself, what He says in the word will ALWAYS, I say again ALWAYS overrule, supersede anything preached on the pulpit yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You will find that the Christian walk is more than just preaching the gospel, more than just grace and having your sins forgiven, it's in fact, what I see it as, and what the scriptures say, and new life in Christ. Where the old has gone and the new has come. Not where the old has stayed and the new covers it like a carpet hiding rubbish. :)

Blessings! Keep the good fight of Faith, as we continue to walk with Christ, ain't going to be all rainbows and butterflies but His Grace through Faith will enable you to go through it all!

-Chris

I thought

I thought...

I thought I am strong, but I am not,
I thought it gets better, but it did not,
I thought so long, but I thought wrong.

I thought about death, about where is it's sting,
I thought I heard from heaven above,
I thought I had strength to carry on,
But I might have thought wrong.

Oh what am I but a mere human,
here today and gone tomorrow,
why must the heart feel so heavy,
as if in deep sorrows, pain and anguish.

There's supposed to be hope,
but a human is so short sighted he cannot see,
oh God my God, I don't know how strong I can be,
help me be strong, help me be strong.

O death where is your sting,
but why is it that you call to me?
My Savior Lord, won't you come and take me?
Rescue me from this earthly vessel.

I am pierced so grievouslym
I thought maybe if this and that,
but all I thought, was wrong.
So now I stand in a place of doubt.

To live or to die?
to prepare all things well.
I thought. But I thought wrong.

Rescue me. Save me. Call out to me. Let me hear your voice, take me and counsel me, make me understand. You are my last hope and my first. don't let me mishear you, my shepherd, my Lord....

A year of turning back to God

I have not written in my blog for a long time now, since July I noticed, but you know God is much more faithful than I am in my writings. I wanted to write about this year, what I hear and see it becoming is a year of turning back to God, it really spells out the word repentance.

As much as it seems a taboo, this word repentance, it's actually an amazing word.. to turn your back to sin, and turn your eyes to God. There's a sense of grace in it, to have this opportunity to even turn back to God, that shows His mercy, whether or not you notice it, it shows His grace, no matter what you have done, He is able to forgive, if you turn your back to sin and turn to Him, to get down on your knee and say, Yes, I declare, you Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Saviour, that I admit I am a sinner and I need you in my life, I thank you Father God for sending your son, my Lord, to die for me, so that I can be set free, from the bondages that hold me down. Amen.

This isn't a prayer only for those who are unbelievers, it can be for those who have fallen away, for those who just fell away. Repentance, is necessary, God is able to work in us a great work, if we allow Him to, He can change the heart, that we constantly battle with, He has faith, and we can have faith in Him, that He will finish anything that He starts in us for His name sake.

Romans 3:21-25New Century Version (NCV)

How God Makes People Right

²¹ But God has a way to make people right with him without the law, and he has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about. ²² God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same: ²³ Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, ²⁴ and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. ²⁵ God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith in the blood of Jesus’ death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair, as in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. 

I like the amplified version for verse 23 in particular:

Romans 3:23Amplified Bible (AMP)

²³ since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,

As good as we are, we have all fallen short, some might think they fell too far, and that there's no hope for them, I say to you who think this way, that is not true! Christ died even for the worst sinner and can change them completely! To you who say I sin a little, but my good out weighs my bad, I say, does breaking one law and keeping the rest make you justifiable not to be arrested and tried by the law? Either way we have fallen short of the glory of God, in His eyes, we are like dirty rugs, yet in His love for us, He sent His son, my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to die for all of us! includes the worste to the best of us. But it all requires this action of repentance, to turn to God, accept His help, and turn away from the evil that was once capturing us like a master to a slave.

There's so much I could write in this one post, but I will leave it as it is for now. I hope this year will be a blessing for you, that you will find peace, that you know God is ever waiting, and when you seek Him you will find Him, that He will help you through this year, ride on His help, and be strengthened beyond all measure!

Many Blessings!
-Chris 

 

Strike in the heart, the purpose of life

It has been a real busy time in Singapore, working late nights day after day... But some how God's been faithful, He's been good to me, and I can't say that He has left me in this stressful time, but in fact, He has held me, and is probably the only reason I am not flipping tables and have this strange sense of peace, amongst all my frustration... Few things have happened that aren't considered joyful to most, since my last post, but God is faithful!

Now today is actually the first day since being married going to church in Singapore, and though the message was very particle and about prosperity with a purpose (examples weren't amazing, but the just of the message was great!). I got a different hit of revelation, it hit my soul so hard I couldn't not feel somewhat convicted. It came to me from a new song from Mat Redman There is no one like our God. 

"Your Death has spoken life to us and every Accusation, all our condemnation silenced at the cross...." Suddenly something in me didn't say with an audible voice, but definately gave a knowing of this, hey! this is why we are here, remember? Christ died for all! all condemnation are silenced at the cross! Not to say all things are good, that we have a license to sin or anything. But more of here I am forgiven, for the things I have done in life, This is the love and forgiveness that Christ has thrown to us as an example, this is the forgiveness we should show others, as wrong as we think they are. Now it doesn't mean we love their wrong doings, but we love them as the person and forgive them for anything they do against us... A love that impacts, not one of just praying for someone, now I didn't say don't pray, I said not JUST praying for someone, it's the extension of your hand, and your act of kindness despite the hostility against all else. The real purpose, to love, to show who and what Christ is to His bride, the church. :)

Second thing that hit me was the Philippians 4:6 - Very stuck in my heart as I used to meditate on this a lot, Do not be anxious about anything but through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Normally the first half of this is stuck in my head, Do not be anxious about anything but through prayer. Then the thanksgiving then the request to God because frankly I didn't understand what it meant by petition, yet, somehow or another today, it made sense, with the help of pastor How's explanation it clicked... corporate prayer, which has answered that question in my head, why do we do this corporate prayer when we can do it at home? because this is the way you do it, instead of being anxious, as a group, as if signing a petition to a higher authority, instead of signing, it's that Amen, that togetherness in praying. Oh How great our God is! Unfailing, Beyond measure, Full of Grace, More than Enough, the Provider, The Peace, The Father, The Shepherd, The Banner, The life, The Word, The king above all kings, The creator, the ruler of All, Beyond all patience, love and virtue, HE is the purest of all! Hallelujah and all glory to Him forever and ever! Amen

Reflections

You know sometimes you think on days, and these are one of those days for myself. We try to be happy and keep a positive vibe in life, but we all know its' never going to be all ups and now downs, highs without lows. But I suppose that's what makes life beautiful, and gives us a reason to be able to give honour where honour is due, praise where praise is due, to be able to think of these things. I know as you read my blog, you will see a huge mix of emotions from the teenager version of myself 10 years or more ago, to a very "Christian" version of myself posting as much encouragement as possible. But I have no regrets on those posts, I am more than glad if even one person stumbles on this blog and finds encouragement. But because I am real, there's other things thrown into the mix.

Well, I've been in Singapore for almost 6 months now, the initial phase was hectic, I have always been longing to go home, but I know some how, this project was by God's grace, in order for the correct financial flow to come in for wedding preparations, with the ringgit weakening and the exchange rate increasing it was good money.  But my honest reflections were that my heart was low, as if covered in a black murky clouds, lonely, and yearning for friends.But Praise to God for helping sending colleagues down as well as a friend who helped show love. An act of Christ I would say, stretched out an arm and offered what I would say a cup of water. Thank you Pheobe :). However now I am being extended for another 6 months I don't feel too bad, but I don't feel great either. Perhaps its me missing my poiema family back in Malaysia.. Not that I am the most sociable, But I do miss others that have left. Rosy, is one those :).

As I continue to reflect on lives, I realise it's not the place you are put in, but the people who make the place what it is. I am thankful for the few but great friends I have, William, Alicia, Ash to name a few. I am also very intrigued by a few such as Esther and Melissa, but they will probably never know, but that doesn't matter because I will write it here none the less, I saw them when they were young, not so tall, till they grew to extremely beautiful women, both of which would hit very high numbers if guys were to rate them, but with the physical they too have an amazing heart and personality, something of which is a rarity in this world where people are always trying to find themselves. I wish that they will continue on this path of light, and that one day God will send some one extremely special to them, who will treat them with respect, honour and love! As well as other things. May God satisfy their souls.

I am so grateful for people, genuine friends, who stuck by my side, I enjoy their company. And so my life will change soon too. I will have another entering into unison with myself :). I am glad, I will rejoice, because I am certain this is God's blessing into my life. Thank you kaylee, my dearest, and closest to my heart. You have been with me a long time, and through that time we have stretched through things that have been both bad and good, but that's what makes our relationship so much more real than anything else, a huge part of my heart belongs to you, I hope we have more days ahead as we become one flesh, and leave our parents to make a new life in God. What an electrifying and amazing thing to expect. God is good :).

To all those who have read so far, and have been coming back to my blog now and again, I thank you for reading, May your life hold many blessings, many exciting things, many happiness and comfort in times of sorrow. Keep a smile on your face, God loves you, Jesus knocks on the door of your heart, it's all good!

Blessings!
Chris

The year of ... Well 2015

It's been ages since I last blogged, I guess the trend of blogging has been left in my past and the days when creative juices were shooting up in huge quantities.  But as time goes by, life takes you on a ride, and you become more aware of the things that happen around you and some what the eyes that are penetrating deep into your every move.

But I must say a lot has happened. In my life and all that is around me, I learned that money is important, but useless without a community, a friend, a group, a partner to share your life with. As such is the things we learn when we chase after careers then look around and find no one to share joy with.

But God is good.

He sends people to you, and reminds you of the joy and value of each person around you, the heightening of happiness bursting forth, just by meeting for but a short period of time. He sends colleagues to aid you from sinking into the deepest darkest hours. Sets joy in your heart even in the most depressing times which stretch you wide and thin... till you feel the tightness of stress surrounding you. Yet still you don't break, you may hurt, you may feel pressured, but you have joy, you have someone, a sense of stability, of which is our rock, The Christ.

I appreciate each and everyone I meet as I go along this journey of life. I want to bless you guys, encourage you, never to give up, always knowing that God is by your side, He has you on His right hand, He will provide a way even if it doesn't feel like a super happy and stress free life, but He makes it worth it. He will cover you so that the arrow by night does not destroy you, the flame in a cold shivering winter, and the light in the darkest moments. This is our God, El Shaddai, The great I AM, creator and Father of us all.

So Sing Alle-lu-ia. Coz God's got your back. and He'll love you, after all, He did it all for us.

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Many blessings and love to you who are reading this.
-Chris

Finding my First love again

Revelations 2:1-6

1 To the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:

² I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.

³ I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.

⁴ But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

⁵ Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

⁶ Yet you have this [in your favor and to your credit]: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans [what they are doing as corrupters of the people], which I Myself also detest.

something just speaks to me, when I was reading this, I hear many a times in worship, the phrase finding my first love again, or going back to my first love and all. I couldn't really understand it fully but I knew it meant God and that was good enough. But today I read the above it kinda swung a new perspective in all that I have been thinking and doing. I was reading what the church of Ephesus did according to Revelations, it seemed all well, you know dicerning teachings that were false, enduring, bearing Christ's name and not giving up or falling weary on such things.. Yet the thing that Christ holds against them just blew me away. 

You have left the love that you had first! When I read this, it really hits the nail on the head, that we can do so much, and miss the point, miss who it was at first that is the foremost important, the one whose relationship we should seek out most of all. This has been on me for many days, that if we are doing everything a Christian is suppose to do, BUT the most important thing, then we are all missing the mark by a space shot... By that I mean, we love each other, care, we give to the poor, reject heresy's, accept those who come back into repentance and so forth... But we forget God, forget Jesus, forget everything about them, not that we forget them in a sense that we can't recall who they are or what they have done, nah, if we did then we wouldn't be able to bear His name sake, what I am talking about here is forgetting to commune with God, to speak to Him, to seek Him, and even to embrace Him. It is true, we can pray prayerless things. What do I mean by this? we pray, out of duty, not out of our hearts and minds towards God as a person, but pray and not be attentive to who we pray to, and make it some ritual, when you talk to someone, you talk to them. Just as you talk to God, you talk to Him, you build a relationship with Him, and you rejoice with Him. 

Just a thought of mine when I read this. But the beautiful part of it all, is when you do find your first love again, you realise how amazing His love is for us, forgiving and gracious. When we find out first love again, we can smile and thank Him for all He has done. Give Him the praise and honour and glory, and live a life with Him.

Father, Today I pray, I thank you, and I honour you. Keep my feet in your presence, and my eyes fixated upon you. I thank you for your grace, your love, and your mercy. I thank you for all you have done, forgive me for walking away, or around you. Thank you for always being there, always being faithful, I return to you, my first love. Teach me daily, walk with me, I know you will. I praise your name and my your kingdom reign forever and ever.

Amen.  

Psalm of exaltation

(plucking, psalm, literal to pluck)

C Em Am G x2 (intro)

C Em Am G

Constant and wonderful,

C Em Am G

Full of love and hope,

C Em Am G

Ever present and ever seeking,

C Em Am G

Comforter and ruler,

C Em Am G

The perfect Sacrifice.

C Em Am G

Never failing,

C Em Am G

Always ruling,

C Em Am G

Healer, and maker of all things.

C E Am E

Fill our hearts with light,

C E Am E

Fill our hearts with your glory,

C E Am E

Consume us with your fire,

C E Am E

Purify us in your love.

C Em Am G

C Em Am G

Seeker of the lost,

C Em Am G

And restorer of hope.

C Em Am G

Truth and life,

C Em Am G

Bread of life.

C Em Am G

The blood that cleanses.

C Em Am G

Ever seeking,

C Em Am G

Ever open,

C Em Am G

Embracer of those who return.

C E Am E

Fill our hearts with light,

C E Am E

Burn within us a passion,

C E Am E

Your unrelenting love.

C E Am E

Cause us to love.

To my Father

There is truly none like you Father,
There's really no one who could compare to you.

The greatest human pales in comparison to the weakest in you.
You formed the stars and galaxies in the skies,
in the heavens you spoke your word and made this world.
With your breath you gave life, to the empty body.

You called bones without hope into your glory,
You called those without purpose to find hope,
You caused the foolish to be wise
and the weak to strength!

God, My Father in Heaven, who made the universe,
whose Kingdom reigns forever in glory,
The one who set me apart, who made the most inavluable thing,
to store great treasures within!
You are Great!
You are Magnificient!
In you I will find my peace, My guidance, my substanance!
I am who I am because of who you are!
I pledge my life before you, but what I pledge is nothing compared to what you gave on that Cross for me.

Because, you gave it all that day. Oh light of the world,
Creator of all,
The word became flesh,
The lion of Judah
And the worthy lamb.

You are exhalted! You are worth, You are truth, You are guidance, You are the comfort, You are the cure to purposlessness, You have the plan, you have the hope, In you all things sustain, because of you we all live, it is you who holds the key, it is your word that stand final! because no one, no one in this world will ever compare to you.

Because you love the poor,
You love the hurt,
You love the broken, the lost, the ones that have lost all hope.

It is you who calls them, It is you who Calls them Qualified! It is you who calls them Children it is you who exhalts them and say This is my child, in whom I am well pleased! It is your glory that shines through them, that causes them to tremble in fear and awe, to walk in humbleness and still shine the greatness of all who you are.

Because you have called the foolish things of this world to shame the wise. You, are incomprehensible, You are God, You are My Father, You are the blessed and most Holy one in all the earth! God Almighty!

Amen.

A Reminder, and a blessing

It's funny how life brings you into lows, and how things occur to make you angry, sad, and frustrated. But yet in all these situations, there's still happiness, joy, love and peace. I am reminded that God is love, and in Him there is no darkness. I am reminded that we are God's children and that we too are called to love. But I am even more thankful that through trials and burden situations, i have friends whom surround me, brothers and sisters whom God has put into my life. To remind me of all the good things that God has put into my life, simply by causing each of us to speak of what God has done in our lives..

No doubt that sometimes life is screwed up royally, but the royalty in God supersedes the screwed up parts of life, and brings me to a place of peace. It's God who takes care of me, gives me peace. It is God who rules, and It is He who is with Me. Somehow when we speak and pour out in an audible voice to our Father in heaven, He gets us to where we need to be, He encourages us, and He places peace in our hearts and reminds us to pray for those who may have offended us or want to cause harm to us. To pray for those who are to judge us, and for those who rule and govern. Some how or another God cares no matter what comes our way, He cares in every way possible.

People may speak into your life, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it angers, sometimes it brings joy, sometimes doubt. But when God speaks, it'll always be better, if it hurts, it heals. If it frustrates, it brings peace, when it brings joy it excites. That is God's words, amazing in every way.

Thank you God!
Thank you Father!
I love you!

-Chris