Mark 4:8
8But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
Perhaps you have marvelled at God's instantaneous healing miracles. Perhaps you believed that He could do the same for you. But now, when you see your own healing taking so long to manifest, you are tempted to give up. My friend, when the manifestation do not come instantaneously, we are not to be discouraged because Jesus let us in on a secret when He told the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-20). The parable of the sower teaches us that once we receive God's Word into our hearts regarding our situation, God's blessings will manifest in progression. When we receive our thirtyfold manifestation, it means that 70 percent of that condition is still there.
But some of us give up at thirtyfold because we still feel more pain than relief. We need to realise that we are thirtyfold better than before! And our sixtyfold is coming! Once we receive our sixtyfold manifestation, there is still 40 percent that is not well. But we are more healed than sick now, and we only need to get ready for the hundredfold manifestation!
For years, I have skin condition. Medication didn't help and, finally, after I had done everything I knew to do, I decided to take Holy Communion and pray about it. I said, "Father, I have an infirmity. I don't know what is hindering the physical manifestation of this healing. Holy Spirit, I am trusting You to make perfect intercession regarding the manifestation of my healing". That was how I prayed for my skin condition. Did I look into the mirror to see how it had left? Of course, I did! I am like anyone else. But did I stop praying? No, I kept on praying until one day, I heard a voice within me say, "Look at your body". When I looked into the mirror, the skin condition was completely gone! I was totally healed, but the manifestation of the healing was gradual.
Today, if you have seen only a thirtyfold increase in your situation, don't give up - the sixtyfold, then hundredfold increases are on their way to you!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Nothing Can Stand Up To God's Love!
Romans 8:35
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
The pastor of our Hokkien-Mandarin congregation, Pastor Mark, suffered from health problems before he became a Christian. His doctor told him that he had to be on medication for life. He also faced a huge financial debt of more than $16 million. But when Pastor Mark caught hold of the teaching that he is God's beloved, he believe it totally. He also believe that nothing could be greater than God's love for him.
Today, Pastor Mark is off medication and completely delivered from that debt - with a healthy million surplus. God caused him to triumph over his sickness and debt because he cannot be defeated when he knows that he is God's beloved.
Tribulation, distress, or persecution cannot stop your heavenly Father's love working on your behalf. His love for you is bigger and stronger than your financial woes, marital problems, physical setbacks or health concerns. And when God's heart of love moves for His beloved, He opens doors that no one can shut and He paves a way where there seems to be none.
Even during lean times, you will never find righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread (Psalm 37:25). Can famine or recession stop God's love providing for His beloved? No! So don't think to yourself, "I must provide for my family. If I don't who is going to take care of them? How are they going to survive?" God wants you to know that His love will continue to provide abundantly for you and your family.
What about deadly pestilences such as bird flu and mad cow disease, natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes and floods or terrorist attacks and biological warfare? My friend, these things cannot devour you because His love protects you. You will enjoy His protection when you know that you are His beloved.
Because God's love is greater than all the evil put together, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8:37). We always win in the fight of life, not because of our love for Him, but because of His love for us!
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
The pastor of our Hokkien-Mandarin congregation, Pastor Mark, suffered from health problems before he became a Christian. His doctor told him that he had to be on medication for life. He also faced a huge financial debt of more than $16 million. But when Pastor Mark caught hold of the teaching that he is God's beloved, he believe it totally. He also believe that nothing could be greater than God's love for him.
Today, Pastor Mark is off medication and completely delivered from that debt - with a healthy million surplus. God caused him to triumph over his sickness and debt because he cannot be defeated when he knows that he is God's beloved.
Tribulation, distress, or persecution cannot stop your heavenly Father's love working on your behalf. His love for you is bigger and stronger than your financial woes, marital problems, physical setbacks or health concerns. And when God's heart of love moves for His beloved, He opens doors that no one can shut and He paves a way where there seems to be none.
Even during lean times, you will never find righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread (Psalm 37:25). Can famine or recession stop God's love providing for His beloved? No! So don't think to yourself, "I must provide for my family. If I don't who is going to take care of them? How are they going to survive?" God wants you to know that His love will continue to provide abundantly for you and your family.
What about deadly pestilences such as bird flu and mad cow disease, natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes and floods or terrorist attacks and biological warfare? My friend, these things cannot devour you because His love protects you. You will enjoy His protection when you know that you are His beloved.
Because God's love is greater than all the evil put together, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8:37). We always win in the fight of life, not because of our love for Him, but because of His love for us!
Noah's Ark!
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark.
1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float a while.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float a while.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
Live a Different Life - Now!
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.
Dear Susan,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I looked prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or solve anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.
And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
Dear Susan,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I looked prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or solve anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.
And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
Nothing Is Hard For God!
Jeremiah 32:17
17Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Our minds tend to see our problems as big or small. Even when we pray for the sick, we say things like, "You have a headache? No problem. Let's pray for your healing." But when it is cancer, we say, "Oh, let's tell the senior pastor about it. It would be better if he prayed for you." We think of headaches as small problems, but cancers as big ones.
But that is not the way God, the one who made the heavens and the earth, thinks. There is nothing too hard for Him! With God, there is no such thing as a "big" problem. In fact, the "bigger" the problem, the "easier" it is for Him! In the feeding of the 5,000, it took only five loaves to feed the multitude (Matthew 14:15-21). But in the feeding of the smaller multitude of 4,000, it took seven loaves (Matthew 15:32-38).
In man's schemes of things, it should take more loaves to feed more people. But it is not so with God. It took fewer loaves to feed more people. This is God's way of telling us, "The 'bigger' the problem, the 'easier' it is for Me." I am not saying that small problems are hard for God. But it is so encouraging to think that is "easier" for God to heal the cancer than a headache!
Imagine coming to God with a big problem, "So, what is your problem?" God asks. You say, "Father, it is a huge financial debt - not thousands, but millions." He says, "Easy. It is already cancelled."
In another scenario, God asks, "So, what is your problem?" You say, "Father, I have been retrenched and I can't find a job. I am already in my fifties and I don't have the necessary qualifications." He says, "No problem. Consider yourself employed. And in this new job, you won't just have a job, you will have a position."
Beloved, with God, there is never a problem because there is nothing too hard for Him!
17Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Our minds tend to see our problems as big or small. Even when we pray for the sick, we say things like, "You have a headache? No problem. Let's pray for your healing." But when it is cancer, we say, "Oh, let's tell the senior pastor about it. It would be better if he prayed for you." We think of headaches as small problems, but cancers as big ones.
But that is not the way God, the one who made the heavens and the earth, thinks. There is nothing too hard for Him! With God, there is no such thing as a "big" problem. In fact, the "bigger" the problem, the "easier" it is for Him! In the feeding of the 5,000, it took only five loaves to feed the multitude (Matthew 14:15-21). But in the feeding of the smaller multitude of 4,000, it took seven loaves (Matthew 15:32-38).
In man's schemes of things, it should take more loaves to feed more people. But it is not so with God. It took fewer loaves to feed more people. This is God's way of telling us, "The 'bigger' the problem, the 'easier' it is for Me." I am not saying that small problems are hard for God. But it is so encouraging to think that is "easier" for God to heal the cancer than a headache!
Imagine coming to God with a big problem, "So, what is your problem?" God asks. You say, "Father, it is a huge financial debt - not thousands, but millions." He says, "Easy. It is already cancelled."
In another scenario, God asks, "So, what is your problem?" You say, "Father, I have been retrenched and I can't find a job. I am already in my fifties and I don't have the necessary qualifications." He says, "No problem. Consider yourself employed. And in this new job, you won't just have a job, you will have a position."
Beloved, with God, there is never a problem because there is nothing too hard for Him!
Thank Your Way To Peace!
Philippians 4:6
6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Would you like to know how to apply this verse in your everyday life? Let me give you an illustration to help you.
Let's say you are one of those in your company eligible for a promotion, and you will know tomorrow whether you get it. You want the promotion badly because it means more income for your family. So you lie in bed at night tossing and turning. You pray, "Father, please take away all my worries about this promotion. Give me faith." One hour later, you are more anxious than ever. It seems like God is not answering your prayer!
How come? Because you are not doing it God's way.
Pray like this instead, "Father, I cast all my worries about the promotion into Your loving hands because You care for me and love me." The Bible tells us to cast all our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Then, say, "Father, I would like to have the promotion." It is okay to ask that. Now, here comes the most powerful part - thanksgiving. Thank God for His faithfulness.
Say something like, "Father, whether I get the promotion or not, I thank You that You will always provide for my family with more than enough. You who feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the field will take care of us. I thank You that You are faithful to supply all our needs.So I am not going to worry about the promotion. You are the source of all my blessings." (Matthew 6:30, Philippians 4:19).
When you pray like this, all of a sudden, you are no longer held hostage by the promotion. I call this the "thank You" therapy. The more you know God's Word, the more you can thank Him. The more you thank Him, the more His peace reigns in your heart. And many a times, before you know it, it is morning! You don't even remember falling asleep. The peace of God reigns like that.
My friend, whatever your concern is, bring it to your Father in prayer and thank your way to peace!
6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Would you like to know how to apply this verse in your everyday life? Let me give you an illustration to help you.
Let's say you are one of those in your company eligible for a promotion, and you will know tomorrow whether you get it. You want the promotion badly because it means more income for your family. So you lie in bed at night tossing and turning. You pray, "Father, please take away all my worries about this promotion. Give me faith." One hour later, you are more anxious than ever. It seems like God is not answering your prayer!
How come? Because you are not doing it God's way.
Pray like this instead, "Father, I cast all my worries about the promotion into Your loving hands because You care for me and love me." The Bible tells us to cast all our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Then, say, "Father, I would like to have the promotion." It is okay to ask that. Now, here comes the most powerful part - thanksgiving. Thank God for His faithfulness.
Say something like, "Father, whether I get the promotion or not, I thank You that You will always provide for my family with more than enough. You who feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the field will take care of us. I thank You that You are faithful to supply all our needs.So I am not going to worry about the promotion. You are the source of all my blessings." (Matthew 6:30, Philippians 4:19).
When you pray like this, all of a sudden, you are no longer held hostage by the promotion. I call this the "thank You" therapy. The more you know God's Word, the more you can thank Him. The more you thank Him, the more His peace reigns in your heart. And many a times, before you know it, it is morning! You don't even remember falling asleep. The peace of God reigns like that.
My friend, whatever your concern is, bring it to your Father in prayer and thank your way to peace!
Your Next Stop - A Place Of Abundance!
Psalm 66:12
12...we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out to rich fulfilment.
Are you in a situation where people are stepping all over you and they seem to have the upper hand? You feel as if the challenge you are facing is so big that you are going through fire.And you are so overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you that you feel as if you are drowning.
My friend, I want you to know that your heavenly Father hears your cry for help and He will rescue you. The psalmist says, "....we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out to rich fulfilment." If you have been through the fire and water, then your next stop is a place of rich fulfilment or abundance!
This place of abundance was indeed the next stop for a church member who had suddenly found himself facing allegations involving some money laundering activities within the bank where he was one of the top executives. Investigations later exonerated him, but because of the bad vibes caused by the incident, he was asked to resign.
He was then aged 52. Friends told him to retire and relax, but retirement was far from his mind. This brother believed that if God had allowed this to happen, it must be that he was leading him to a better place, one of rich fulfilment. And indeed, soon after this difficult experience, one of the top banks offered him a handsome salary to join them in one of their top positions.
Four years later, at age 56, he was headhunted by one of the biggest public-listed companies to start a new division. He accepted the offer and was paid double what he had been earning.
Beloved, your heavenly Father does not lie when He tells you that He will bring you out to rich fulfilment if you are going through a difficult time. Trust Him and you will find yourself stepping into your place of abundance!
12...we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out to rich fulfilment.
Are you in a situation where people are stepping all over you and they seem to have the upper hand? You feel as if the challenge you are facing is so big that you are going through fire.And you are so overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you that you feel as if you are drowning.
My friend, I want you to know that your heavenly Father hears your cry for help and He will rescue you. The psalmist says, "....we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out to rich fulfilment." If you have been through the fire and water, then your next stop is a place of rich fulfilment or abundance!
This place of abundance was indeed the next stop for a church member who had suddenly found himself facing allegations involving some money laundering activities within the bank where he was one of the top executives. Investigations later exonerated him, but because of the bad vibes caused by the incident, he was asked to resign.
He was then aged 52. Friends told him to retire and relax, but retirement was far from his mind. This brother believed that if God had allowed this to happen, it must be that he was leading him to a better place, one of rich fulfilment. And indeed, soon after this difficult experience, one of the top banks offered him a handsome salary to join them in one of their top positions.
Four years later, at age 56, he was headhunted by one of the biggest public-listed companies to start a new division. He accepted the offer and was paid double what he had been earning.
Beloved, your heavenly Father does not lie when He tells you that He will bring you out to rich fulfilment if you are going through a difficult time. Trust Him and you will find yourself stepping into your place of abundance!
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