A few nights before Ignite(lifegroup) on 2 weeks ago, I flipped through some notes that I'd taken during Bible study. From without knowing what those lines really meant to where they've taken me to, it's AMAZING! By just writing a few Bible verses from that notebook of mine, I "coincidentally" found that they're linked to one another. God has planned them for me! Suddenly, I'd an idea to do the offering for Ignite during that Thursday. It's not normal for me to want to make a speech in front of everyone there with a mic but I just knew I have to! Without hesitating, I sent an email to Jamie telling him that I wanna do it.
When that night came, I was so happy to go up there to share with everyone but I started to shed tears which I didn't expect I would... However, it's all about HIM! It's the tears thankfulness and gratefulness! When I look back, I can see how clear and bright the paths that He has directed me to!
I know I used to be a cry baby but not anymore. I remembered they're worries for my tax law result and family trouble for the last 2 times I did. Sometimes, I tend to worry about 'problems' which they don't even exist. I have to put all trust in Lord and don't let my imagination run away with me for I've tasted the real goodness of Him!
Prayer: Lord, I'm so grateful to know You and be able to have this relationship with You and my relationships with people which You've given me. What else could be better than this! Please help me to mend those insecurities which I have sometimes because I know You are with me and what else could I be afraid of. Restore me, Lord! I also pray for Brayan that one day he'll grow up to be the man that you want him to be because he's one of the chosen ones, Lord! There're times when I've hard time in hearing and obeying your Words but please help me to be alert and be an obedient sheep at all time. In Your Name, Amen.
Anyway, below is what I'd said that night. They actually made up a 'journey' of mine!
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DESIRE:
Do you guys have something in your heart that you want to pursue/ own it so badly?
E.g., a gadget, a relationship, a career, a person, a car
I concluded them as DESIRE(S).
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PROMISES, PLANS, PURPOSE, PLEASURE:
In the Bible, God has made a lot of promises that will prosper us. The Bible also tells us that many have been prospered by God's promises because
they trusted God has the best for them.
In Jeremiah 29:11, '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.' (NIV)
Romans 8:28, Paul says: 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' (NIV)
To me, 'plan' and 'purpose' from these 2 Bible verses seem to be highly related.
1. God created us for his pleasure and that's His purpose because He loved us.
2. Therefore, our purpose is to please God, not someone else.
3. For we're the creation of God, we should always remember whatever we have are all blessings from Him.
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GIVING:
What can we do to please God?
In Matthew 25:40, 'The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (NIV)
=Obviously, one of the ways is by GIVING.
What can we give?
- skills, knowledge , talent
- time
- money
- food
- blanket for the refugees
- transport - private car, public transport...
I don't own a car but God blessed me by having Ann to give me a lift to Ignite. When she couldn't pick me up, she will arrange someone else to do that. If no one can, I still have other options, such as taking the public transport!
Ponder this: Have you in your life short of anything which you won't be able to live without it?
Yes/ No
I'm bold enough to say that I've received uncountable blessings from God. And He has proved with His power, many things which seemed so impossible at the beginning in my own thoughts and power can be realized. Without realizing God is pleased by the things I did, good things just happened to me!
Regardless of what you're doing, do it with a WILLING HEART! GIVE, PRAISE, WORSHIP... with a willing heart. Just as when you say you surrender ALL to God, you do it wholeheartedly. When God is pleased by what you do, you're worshiping him!
Besides giving in the church, this can be practiced outside of the church too. As God's blessings to us do not just stay in the church but wherever you're at.
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God's plans, promises, pleasure, giving, blessings.
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When we look after God's people(business), He'll look after our DESIRES.==>Encourage you all to give generously.
