the question "WHY"...

Currently, reading a book by Elizabeth Elliot titled "Keep a Quiet Heart".. and just want to share something that she wrote here.. on the whole area of asking the question "why".. She said, "do not be afraid to tell God exactly how you feel. God can take it.".. and according to her, it is not sinful to ask the question. However, what is sinful is when we have resentment against God and His dealings with us & doubt that He loves us.. So, let us not be afraid to ask the question "why" if we need to. The beautiful truth she shared was that in the darkness of her perplexity and sorrow, she has heard God say quietly, "Trust Me". I believe that He is saying that to me this day too.. :)

She ended with saying.. as we ask God, the why... we then listen for His answer... Below are six scriptural answers to the question WHY that she shared. His Word says it rather clearly.. and I have used NKJV except for one of the verses.. Enjoy and reflect.. Allow His Word to minister to us in a deep deep way... *wink*

1 Peter 4:12-13

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Romans 5:3-4

³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

2 Corinthians 12:9

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

John 14:31 (New Living Translation)

³¹ but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Romans 8:17

¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,that we may also be glorified together.

Colossians 1:24 

²⁴ I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,...

Be it unto me....

Been listening to this song for the past two days now.. Just one of those song that speaks so deeply in my heart and I just want to let it be sang over me.. and be transformed in my heart from inside out.. God can do that if I am willing.. *grin*

Lyrics as follows.. :)

Chorus:

Be it unto me

According to your Word

According to your promises

I can stand secure

Carve upon my heart

The truth that sets me free

According to your Word O Lord 

Be it unto me

You promised your word will deliver

Lord, we believe it's true

You promised us joy like a river 

Lord we receive it from you 

These things you have spoken 

And you're bringing to pass

This world's disappearing 

But your word will last

Chorus

You promised to carry our sorrows

Lord, we believe it's true

You promised unending tomorrows 

Lord we receive them from you

These things you have spoken 

And you're bringing to pass

This world's disappearing 

But your word will last

Chorus

Is this true?

"Pentecostal church - prayed 10 days - preached 10 minutes - 3000 saved
vs

Today's church - pray 10 minutes - preach 10 days - ecstatic if anyone saved"

A mate shared few quotes with us in the recent cell group and the above stood out for me.. sad but yet it is true.. and it is scary to see how things are turned upside down these days.. Something for us to ponder about and pray..

Freedom.. New?

Just felt a sense of freedom at this moment of time.. 

Strange yet true.. 

Is this new? New discovery? 

hmm.. whatever it may be, I like it!.. 

Maybe or very likely that God is teaching me great lessons of life.. to prepare me for what is ahead... *wink*

His Word says...

Proverbs 3:9-10 (New King James Version)

⁹ Honor the LORD with your possessions, 

And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 

¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty, 

And your vats will overflow with new wine. 

Believing in God's Word & promises.. Pressing in; claiming His promises in Jesus' Name.. Amen.. :)

James 3:1...

This particular verse seems to stand out for me today... and therefore, decided to look at it from various versions.. and it was interesting to see how things are put into place... I thought it would be interesting to put all the versions here.. just to share.. the seriousness of what this verse implies.. In fact, I think just by looking at the different versions, we could get an overall picture of what God is saying about teaching His Word.. without even me emphasising anything further.. I guess that is really the beauty of His Truth.. How His Word always stands for itself without being defended. I love it!.. *grin*

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 
(KJV)

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 
(NKJV)

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 
(NIV)

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 
(NASB)

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 
(NLT)

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
(ESV)

Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life. 
(The Message; v1-2)

NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. 
(Amplified Bible)

As I reflect, I really think it is so vital to take it seriously with what we say and teach.. In fact, I find myself going to God even more these days, asking Him to show me how to manage this role.. for honestly, I am unworthy to teach His Word as I am still a sinner.. Who am I to bear such authority to teach? However, if this is what the Lord wants me to do, i.e. to teach His Word; He has to show me how and what.. And at the same time, He has to convict my heart in any areas of my life where I am not holy.. O! I pray for mercy and gentleness as He shows me those areas... for I am weak in my flesh..

The only thing that I do know is that I want to obey Him.. to fulfil the calling that He has given me.. "..to impart His Word to His people.." but the first part of His calling is to establish strong foundation in His Word which is something I am constantly looking at.. trying at least.. and by His grace, He always gives me understand as I read His Word. I am thankful for His many gifts upon my life.. and pray that I would be good steward of them as I live this one life... to make it count for Christ!.. *wink*

He will do it again...

This song spoke to my spirit today as I was randomly listening to the music I have on my laptop, while thinking and preparing for the coming talk that I am going to give.. God knows and He never fail to appear at the right time when I need it.. *grin* Hope it speaks to you as it has to me... The lyrics as follows...

VERSE 1 

You may be down and feel like God

Has somehow forgotten

That you are faced with circumstances

You can't get through

But now it seems that there's no way out

And you're going under

God's proven time and time again

He'll take care of you

CHORUS

And He'll do it again

He'll do it again

If you'll just take a look

At where you are now

And where you've been

Well hasn't He always come through for you

He's the same now as then

You may not know how

You may not know when

But He'll do it again

VERSE 2

God knows the things you're going through

And He knows how you're hurting

You see he knows just how you're heart

Has been broken in two

But He's the God of the stars, of the sun and the sea

And He is your Father

You see He can calm the storm

And He'll find some way to fix it for you

CHORUS

BRIDGE

Oh He's still God and He will not fail you

Oh He's still God and He will not change

Know, Know that He's God and He's fighting for you

Yes, just like Moses, just like Daniel,

And just like Shadrach and Meshach, Abednego

CHORUS

TAG

You may not know how

And you may not know when

You may not know how

You may not know when

But I know that He'll do it again

He'll do it again, again

indeed, He will do it again... even though don't know when and how... the assurance is that He will do it again!.. Thank You O Lord for this song.. for speaking deep in my soul and spirit this day...

Is this right? hmm..

Been thinking about something... and a clear thought that came to mind moments ago... and I have decided that until God shows me a very clear "YES", I am taking it that He is saying "NO"... Is this wise? risky? well.. I don't really know but that is the peace that I have as the thought came to mind.. :) and I believe it is the safest to be in God's hands..

Well.. that settles it then!.. coool.... what is next?

2010! such wonderful beginning......

Even though on the last day of 2009 I experienced some challenging thoughts.... God is so good to bless me with such wonderful beginnings for the new year 2010.... especially when I start the new year with my birthday..... and this year, I thoroughly enjoyed myself in a mini adventure with three other lovely friends..... Hope to scribble more as I get hold of all the photos... and post them here.. but for now, I would post this one up...... a gift from a dear sweet gal.... not sure if she is aware or have I told her about it but actually, the little bear is an answered prayer from God through her.. :)

God always gives the unexpected gifts...... I prayed for good weather.. with sunshine and clear sky and He gave me that today.... aww..... I feel so so so loved by Him..... and I know there are so much installed for me from Him in the days to come..... yippee....... and today, God also reminded me of something which I have meant to do..... well.... I am praying for the provision of a car to be able to achieve that in a more effective way.... The other prezzie He gave me is the UK driving license..... I am so blessed!.. *wink*