God comforted me..

He did.. as always.. He knew exactly what I needed to hear and the sermon yesterday just spoke right to the core of my heart.. aww.. I am so blessed!.. heee..

Wow!..

Five days ago my dad sent me an email on "the Beatitudes of Anger Management".. I actually wondered why did he sent it to me as he never ever sends me emails like this... Now, I know why.. God knew I would lose my cool today and He prompted my dad to send the email in advance... How cool is that? :) This definitely can't be coincident!.. God knows me! and He knows exactly what I need at times like this! aww.. I am so blessed... 

And you know, when I lost it just now, I could feel my fluffy heart harden a little and it was painful.. The pain only went away when I started to pray and seek God.. Ever since God healed my broken heart 1 1/2 years ago, I could really feel clearly the pain of my heart if I get angry. It is like an alert sign to tell me that I have to be careful not to let it harden my heart.. Cool, isn't it? :)

hmm.. do read on the following of what my loving dad has sent to me..... heee..

The Beatitudes of Anger Management 

Today's Truth 

Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin."

Friend To Friend 

Everyone gets angry and everyone must learn to deal with his or her anger. Anger is an emotional warning light that tells us something is wrong. We are hurt, frustrated, wronged or rejected.  Something has changed and we do not like it. It is important to remember that anger itself is not sin. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul warns, "In your anger, do not sin" which means that while God created us with the capacity for anger, it is possible to be angry and yet not sin.

Anger handled correctly becomes a tool for good but anger that is mishandled leads to destruction and can even get in the way of God's justice. We must choose to cultivate spiritual disciplines and habits that will enable us to deal with and express anger correctly. Today, we will examine choices we must make to control and manage anger.

Be still.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Anger is more likely to flourish in a life that is too busy. If we are busy, it is much easier to ignore or refuse to face and deal with the real source of anger.  Anger that is not dealt with in the right way accumulates over time, allowing bitterness to take root and rage to simmer just below the surface of everything we do, say, think or feel.  In order to manage anger, we need to incorporate frequent and regular "stops" into our schedules; time set aside to simply be still and hear the voice of God.  

Be quiet.

James 1:19-20 "Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Our first response to conflict is often not a response at all but a reaction.  We jump in with a brutal rebuttal or a thoughtless correction - which is like pouring gasoline on a fire.  An explosion is certain.  Our first action should be to stop and think instead of rushing to respond sarcasm or an offensive rebuttal. Let the other person(s) have their say and try to understand all the perspectives before taking your turn to offer an opinion. Try to view the facts objectively by seeing the "big picture." Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.

Be wise.

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

Wisdom is doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. Anger management comes from wisdom rooted in self-control. I love the story of Jesus driving the moneychangers out of His Father's temple. In John 2:15, scripture says Jesus "made a whip out of cords."  Don't miss this picture.  At the height of His anger, Jesus wisely took the time to gather several cords with which he braided a whip.  Jesus was so angry that He knew He needed to cool off, so He deliberately chose to be still and quiet for a time.  When we are close to losing control of anger, we need to do what Jesus did - take a break from the situation in order to control our anger in the situation.

Be discerning.  

Psalm 4:4 "In your anger do not sin...search your hearts and be silent."

When you are angry with someone, ask yourself why.  Think back to what led up to the conflict.  Was it something someone said to you?  Could a past problem have triggered your present anger?  Give yourself time to consider why you are upset and what you should do to handle it in the most effective and appropriate way.

We need to deal with anger in the right way for our own good. However, there is another reason - a higher reason to practice anger management. The story is told of a preacher who was putting in a wooden fence. As he hammered away, he noticed a little boy quietly watching him. The boy didn't say a word so the preacher kept working, thinking the little boy would leave - but he didn't. Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the preacher finally said, "Well, son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on building?" The little boy quickly responded, "No! I'm just waiting to see what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer." answered.

The world is watching and waiting to see what we do when our emotional buttons are pushed because what is really inside comes out when anger strikes. Join me tomorrow as we examine four more beatitudes of anger management.

Let's Pray 

Father, I want to thank You for creating me with the capacity to feel and to experience emotions. Please help me learn how to control my emotions and use them for good. Help me eliminate anything in my life that is a source of anger and frustration. I want to please You and honor You but I need Your strength to obey Your commands. Today, I choose against destructive anger and ask you to teach me how to experience and promote peace.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

The longer I work with people the more I realize that there is always a reason for their behavior. Hurt people - hurt people. Anger is often hurt and pain in disguise. When we choose to focus on the hurt behind the anger instead of the anger itself, our response has a greater chance of being right.

Is there any hurt or pain in your life that you have not addressed?

How has that pain affected your life?  Your relationships?

Are you ready to experience God's healing in your life so that you can lay down your hurt and anger?

Which one of the four attitudes listed above do you struggle with most?

What first step do you need to take in order to correct that attitude?

It shouldn't...

Thoughts just come.. Sensing comes.. that it shouldn't be like this... hmm.. all the more need to pray.. all the more need to intercede... My heart yearns for God to intervene.. Only God who could turn things around.. and with hindsight, I know I will testify of His Goodness... heeee..

Oh... saw a little ladybird.. (ladybug) tonight at C-group... aww.. my heart just melted.. hehehee.. so, just wanna post a picture of ladybird here!.. Little things make my day!... yipppeee..  *grin*

Reminiscing...

This morning woke up with a sense of remembering and recalling... of what was; of what had it been.. strange and weird as it seems yet with a chuckle and knowing that God was with me then.. and He is with me now.. everything else change; everyone else change but He doesn't.. And I am glad & thankful that He didn't let me go and I didn't let Him go either.. 

Experiencing life changing moments could throw us off-course if we are not careful.. yet, they are needful in lives, to keep us in check of our hearts and thoughts.. 

Spring is here in the UK and perhaps it is reminding me of new lives.. of new things in a new morning.. of new things in a new season.. and all my heart wants to say is "Thank You O Lord..." *wink*

I graduated with masters! hehe..

One of the photos taken I like very much.. heee.. :D
and I also wanna take this time to praise God for all that He has blessed me with.. family, friends and so much more... I really feel so so blessed and loved!.. *grin*

New release...

the release of my very first newsletter.. that I have written for my friends back home to update them of what I have been up to and for them to remember me in prayers.. *grin* Hope there will be many more to come!.. hehe.. and I know that if the inspiration does not come from God, it will be done in vain.. My prayer is that it will always be inspired by God.. hee.. :)

"There is no going back..."

hmmm... got this as a title to the daily devotion I receive everyday... and that is today's title.. and it just spoke into my spirit... this reading talks about Abraham that

'By faith Abraham… went out, not knowing where he was going' (Hebrews 11:8 NKJV)

I am pondering upon Him the Almighty.. *wink*

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*

My sweet family.. :D

Miss my sweet family.. think I emo today.. lol..

all about me!.. is it?

well... it seems like it.. with my recent photos... they were taken while having hotpot with the uni students group that I am part of and involved in currently... I love these two photos taken.. and so, I put them up here.. *grin*

and it is not all about me.. in this particular scribbling... coz I wanna put the group photo of the uni students group here too.. the recent one where almost everyone were there.. :) and each & every one of them are precious to God... please say a prayer as you look at the picture... that each of us in the group would personally encounter God in special ways.... that is my daily prayer.. *wink*

by the way.. not sure why but I was right smack in the middle!.. hehehe..

who is right?.. who is wrong?...

it just boggles my mind as I think about words spoken by people.. I wonder, who is right and who is wrong.. or is that such a thing, in fact? or could it be that both are right to some extend? in a sense, that is what I call the complexity of communications... so, how do I handle this confusion? this bizarre thought..? My first instance would be to run to my sweet Lord Jesus and ask Him.. but sometimes (unfortunately it does happen), I try to unravel it myself... and I fail tremendously with more "heartaches".. and it just dawns on me.. "aiya.. why didn't I ask God?"... *doink* *doink*.. call it "pride"... call it "ego".. well.. that is what people call "learning process", I guess.. or at least, that is what I would call it.. hehe..

Why are we so preoccupied of being right? ah-ha.. something to ponder about.. something to ask God about.. hehe.. *wink* and I also remembered a saying that goes something like this.. "does it matter in 1000 years time? if it doesn't, means it is not worth the time 'arguing' about".. but what is the balance? how do we strike a balance? I am learning.. heee..

Reconciliation...

The ministry of reconciliation as written in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NIV)......

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

first, be reconciled to God.. and then to one another......

May the word of God speaks true in our hearts..