Joel osteen- you have been preprogrammed for victory

Galatians 6:9 says ... Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Joel shares that while you have been given DNA from your parents you've also been given DNA from God. Spiritual DNA. Each and everyone of us have been pre-programmed for a victorious life. God never created us to be average. We're not supposed to drag around, barely making it, defeated and depressed. God put into each of us the ability to live our lives empowered. Empowered with the ability to do extraordinary things when we do what we were intended to do on this planet. God has already pre-programmed our DNA with genes that lie dormant (our unformed substance) until He's ready for us to be empowered by them. Joel uses Michael Jordan as one example of this

-the commentary above is taken from someone by the name of roy

final reflection-hong kong trip

my aunt sudd call in the beginning of the year and ask me am i free on august!!!
after i sow a small offering to God

and offer me to goto an all pay trip to hong kong!!!

i went on august and i can see God is with me!!!!

it was during the time of hurricane but the hurricane just stop the moment i reach hong kong and the moment i left it went up againg!!!!

stock market did not crash that time, so my aunt took me around and spent me generously!!!
after i came back it crash and my aunt lost millions

i went to so many amazing places and i get to take so many pictures!!!
i visited so many places, eat so many delicious food....all for free!!!
my aunt even payed for my souveniors!!!
ohh i even got an ang pau from my uncles father.......
and a very nice formal watch!!!
i cant remember all of them but as i calculated, the trip and all my expenses could easily reach Rm20000!!!
thank you Jesus

2008 was a tough year, at this tough time i received blessings after blessings!!!
i just cannot thank God enough for this year!!!
really looking forward to year 2009!!!
i belive year 2009 will be a year for restoration from all that was stolen from me in my life!!!
2009 for me will not be an addition year, it will be a multiplication year!!!!!!

reflection8-coming back to God

i have been a wonderer, my flame is gone for so many years despite the camps i go, the conference i attended....i cant get my fire back
deep down inside i am crying to God bring me back to the time when i first fell in love with him 5 years ago!!!!

but now i am back and on fire for God again!!!
and He is blessing me richly!!!blessings are chasing after me!!!

i always thought the best speaker or world class christian band can bring my fire back...but it did not....i attended so many conferences....planetshakers, hillsong united, aya festival with delirious and sonicflood
and even went to singapore for delirious/hillsong
attended the very same youth camp that bought me back to God
but it was all useless
was still living a sinful life

but God do things in amazing ways
to cut a long story short, i met this girl who never met me bfr, came to me and we talk and sudd we she ask me to join her cg....and for some reason i dunno y did i agree......
then i had to admit i regret....every week she will ask u want to come cg? u want to come cg? u wnt to come cg....for i dunno 6 months?

finally i went and although i think ppl in cg do not suit me....i just keep attending.....
althoug not frequently, still not on fire.....just keep on attending, on and off
then cg multiply......

and my cg leader kept on calling me to go cg...more and more!!!
and unknowingly, i just keep on going and my fire for God was back again!!!
i prayed more, worship more!!!
and after asia conference i am totally on fire for God
i begin to listening message and even started to read the Bible!!!

even gave my life to God to serve Him!!!
just happy that i came back to Him!!!
when i began to read his word and seek His righteousness, blessing came running after me
within a few months, i received so many things that i wanted!!!

reflection 8-better driving skills!!!

before this year my driving skills were so bad i do not dare to go far!!!
i dont dare to drive at night....
i dont even dare to drive so much
so the car for me was just for decoration.....i dont really dare to use it as i do not trust my driving skills

but since i met my cg......this year....i have no choice but to drive as many do not have transport to go to church n cg....most of the time my cg leader had to go a few rounds to be able to send all my cg members home!!!

so i decided to drive them...to anywhere my cg leader direct........
so as i drive, i learn, and i become better, braver!!!i got used to driving, not scared anymore!!!

and now i can fully utilised my car!!!i use to love to go concert bt never dare to drive....took a bus or ktm instead which is so troublesome
but now i can drive anywhere i want without fear anymore!!!

as i meet others needs, God will meet my needs!!!

reflection 7-canon ixus camera

my mum blessed me with a canon ixus camera worth Rm999 for my 21st bday/dean list/christmas present haha

i actually wanted to have my own camera for a long time.....so many times i wanted to take picture i did not have a camera which is quite sad....as most of my college life i gone through without taking any pictures at all.......so since next year was my last year in college, i wanted to take as many pictures as possible as a memory to keep with me forever!!!

i was actually looking at olympus and nikon cameras but i am not very convinced about their performance....just dont seem to like those 2 brand that much......
the picture quality of those camera i am looking at are also average only!!

i really wanted a canon ixus camera but i cant afford it....it was totally out of my budget range....
it cost RM999 while my budget is 600-700 max

so was about to buy the nikon camera after doing a lot of survey.......
but still not happy as it is pricey and the pics are not that nice.....
but i dont have a chooice....
sudd walk to a canon camera booth in pyramid.....dunno why i walk there oso seriously....
the canon camera i asked a few shops are 1000....so it was too much for me

but as i walk to the booth the camera ixus 7.0 megapixel(it is outdated) is just 700 ringgit
i was surpirsed and happy.....
sudd i dont want nikon camera anymore
then the guy told me why dont you get the ixus 80is model(which is the one i am dreaming about) for only 750?
i was surprised and wanted to buy it there and then....

but i to be sure my chooice is a good one i went to check all the canon camera store in pyramid all of them are selling it for either 999,899 or 799....weird......same camera so many prices.......
so was about to buy it but the Holy Spirit kept on telling me go to summit to check prices and go home and do research online!!!

summit to buy camera?summit have only 2 camera shops compare to pyramid....and they are not doing promotion either......
but i just obeyed without question
i was thinking if summit were expensive, i will just have to come back again....
but as i think about it, i have to jam all the way back to pyramid, find a parking and walk all they way......
but i just obey....i just obey........

went to summit, the same camera was 799 but they are giving a 4gb high speed memory card and a leather case compare to the booth and all the pyramid store who are just giving 2gb normal speed memory card and a normal case........

it was a good deal even for 799 but after a long long bargaining manage to pull the price to 750....

in the end i no need to go back to pyramid....save me alot of trouble
i pay the same amount of money for a much better offer!!!
i also get a vip card which expire on 2010, i can print photos cheaply!!!
best of all if i got any problem with the camera i can just go back to the store in summit for service!!!no need to go pyramid!!!

God is good all the time!!!!!
i dont need to pay a cent for the camera!!!!!thank you Jesus

reflection 6-formal watch

i spoil my watch....the one with the needle.....
so i had to use a digital watch/sports watch which did not match my formal clothes.......
as i had to wear formal clothes alot i really need a watch to match my clothes as i am quite time conscious......

before i left hong kong....one the last night....1am.....
was about to sleep suddenly my uncle came home....call me over...took out all his watch...there were like 40 of them in total...and tell me pick anyone you want!!!
i was stunned.....

i picked one i really like....which look quite fashionable and suit my personality.......
and it was mine....just like that!!!
amazing
thank you Jesus again!!!!

reflection 5-investment

june this year God teach me how to made an investment....
although i did not make much money myself, i teach my family how to do it and
we made quite a huge sum of money by doing nothing!!!
could have earn more but i am not that good in it yet....but then again i have learned a new way to make money!!!

reflection 4-ipod!!!

48 hours before year 2008 end...and my aunt just call and tell me she is giving me a 4gb ipod!!!
wow amazing.....i never even ask for it....just a wish in my heart
God is the best....how many wishes have He grant me....i just cant thank Him enough!!!

this i believe is also a seed i sown to citycare......
i did not gave a huge amount....but the Holy Spirit ask me to give and i gave....
within 5 days i receive and ipod worth more than 10 times of the amount i gave!!!
Praise God

was just thinking if only i had an ipod to put all my christian music, sermons, bible reading in....
never even open my mouth and ask God for it......
just amazing how God know our greatest heart desire and give it to us through so many ways!!!

Devotion

God’s Viewpoint About Money

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9-11

I. Introduction: What is the proper way for a believer to view his or her finances? The Bible both encourages us to trust in God’s provision and warns about the misuse of funds. Let’s examine what Scripture says about wealth, and how we are to acquire, give, and spend our money.

II. What does the Bible say about our finances?

A. God is the source and owner of all wealth (Ps. 24:1; 50:10).

B. Understanding the Lord’s viewpoint on our finances can prevent us from making costly mistakes. God’s Word contains more verses about money than about heaven, hell, or prayer.

C. The Bible encourages positive use of money. Our cash is simply a means of exchange and is not itself evil (Matt. 25:14-30). God gives us money to be used wisely—for food, clothing, and other basic needs (Luke 6:38), and for enjoyment of His blessings (Eccl. 5:19-20).

D. Scripture warns us about the misuse of money. We are not to wear ourselves out to become rich (Prov. 23:4-5) or fall in love with money (1 Tim. 6:10). Financial blessing can turn into a snare if we aren’t careful (Prov. 15:6).

III. God shows us how to acquire wealth through:

A. Working: A significant way the Lord provides for us is through our jobs (2 Thess. 3:10).

B. Investing: We can put our money to work and see it multiply through wise investments.

C. Giving: The Lord sometimes uses people to provide our needs or leads us to assist others financially. When you and I share our abundance with others, God blesses us with more: “Give and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).

D. Saving: Even a dollar a week adds up over time. Proverbs 21:20 says, “A wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”

IV. The Lord guides us in how to use money.

A. To meet personal needs: Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.”

B. To carry on God’s work: In the Old Testament, one tenth of a person’s income (a “tithe”) was earmarked for God’s work; today, that amount continues to be an appropriate guideline for giving to the church. The Lord uses financial gifts from His people to support missions work around the world. As Malachi 3:10—and many a Christian—testify, God responds by pouring out blessing “until it overflows.”

C. For God-given goals: For instance, you may set a goal to purchase a home, buy a more reliable car, get out of debt, or help your children attend college. While we shouldn’t be greedy, there is nothing wrong with seeking to improve our lives.

D. To meet the needs of others: Follow the Spirit’s prompting and generously assist others who are genuinely in need.

V. God uses money to accomplish specific purposes.

A. To train us: As we rely on the Lord for financial provision, He reveals His faithfulness. He also uses money to teach us self-discipline.

B. To test us: Sometimes God withholds what we need until we’re ready to wholly rely upon Him—not our resources. What we do with our money indicates what holds first place in our hearts (Matt. 6:21) and our willingness to obey the Lord.

C. For our testimony: Talk with others about the way God miraculously provides for you. Share how tithing is a vital part of getting out of debt. When we testify about the Lord’s marvelous provision, the world listens and our heavenly Father receives glory.

D.To share the gospel: Jesus commands us to take the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15 KJV). Giving is one way we participate in taking the good news to the lost.

VI. Conclusion: From the Lord’s perspective, it doesn’t matter how much money you have. Whether you are blessed with much or little, you can choose to obey Him in this area of your life. Put into practice God’s principles for managing your money. The Father will be sure to bless you and provide for you in exciting ways.

More devotion

When Anxiety Strikes

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

I. Introduction: Anxiety interferes with sleep, disrupts concentration, and hinders productivity. But children of God don’t have to allow this destructive emotion to control their lives. Even when believers live through painful circumstances, they can experience peace beyond human comprehension.

II. What is the nature of anxiety?

A. This emotion can be defined as an overwhelming sense of tension that fragments our thoughts and divides our minds.

B. The Bible teaches us how to avoid letting worry take over our lives.

• "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).

C. Why is it so important that we learn to deal with anxiety?

• Worry disrupts our thoughts, so we can’t think clearly or make wise decisions.
• Our productivity decreases because fretfulness wastes time and energy.
• Relationships with our spouses, families, coworkers, and friends suffer.
• Anxiety contributes to a host of health problems.
• It indicates a lack of trust in God and hampers our relationship with Him (Matt. 6:31, 34).

III. How can you and I overcome anxiety?

A. By praying right:

• Christians should pray in all circumstances and situations (Phil. 4:6).
• Instead of focusing exclusively on a list of requests, we should seek to adore and worship the Lord. God already knows our needs, and He has the power to supply them.
• Believers ought to pray specifically, especially when interceding for others.
• Christians should cry out to the Lord in supplication (Phil. 4:6). This word indicates a passionate outpouring of the heart (Ps. 34:17; Heb. 5:7), in contrast to mere lip service (Isa. 29:13). As God’s children, we can trust that He will answer our fervent prayers.
• We should make our requests "with thanksgiving" (Phil 4:6). When God doesn’t answer our prayers immediately—or when He says no—we should continue to be grateful for what we already have.

B. By thinking right:

• Our thoughts directly affect how anxious we feel. Christians are to dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute…[and] anything worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8).
• Instead of worrying about what the future will bring, try focusing on your relationship with the Lord. Seek His will regarding your goals and life’s purpose—for today, tomorrow, and the future.
• As Christians, we will still face adversity, but God can give us supernatural peace in the midst of suffering (John 14:27). Nothing happens unless He allows it. And the Lord promises to use difficult situations for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28).

C. By living right:

• Those who lead ungodly lives cannot experience lasting peace. And people who don’t know the Lord have no hope of life after death (Matt. 7:23). They may mask their fears with drugs, alcohol, work, or some other distraction. But such people frequently live with apprehension about their eternal future.
• We must be obedient in order to be free from anxiety (Phil. 4:9).

IV. Conclusion: Commit your worries to God. Determine to meditate on truthful and righteous things, and surrender control of your life to Him. The Lord will give you the grace to overcome anxiety. Yes, you may still experience heartache, pain, or difficulty. But you can learn to say with the apostle Paul, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am" (Phil. 4:11).

devotion

When Your Fire Goes Out

Dr. Charles Stanley

I. Introduction: Has your excitement about the Lord grown with time? Or has your enthusiasm faded over the years? Maturing in Christ should cause the flame of your faith to grow stronger, not weaker.

II. Message:

A. Caution: The flame of your devotion to Christ can die out.

1. Even Timothy became discouraged. When the young pastor faced difficult circumstances, Paul encouraged him to fan the flame of his devotion for God (2 Tim. 1:1-11).
2. Cooling off spiritually happens two ways. A Christian’s faith can be doused suddenly by devastating circumstances, or it can dwindle gradually through a loss of interest in spiritual things.

B. What is evidence of a cooling flame?

1. You neglect the Word of God. What wood is to a fire, the Word of God is to your Christian life. As a follower of Christ, you can’t live effectively without it.
2. Your prayer life changes. You begin to feel that God isn’t listening.
3. Your church attendance becomes sporadic. You start making excuses not to go.
4. You give less consistently. You begin to feel that you can’t afford to sacrifice much to God.
5. You become defensive about your lifestyle. You rationalize making compromises.
6. You begin to lose your joy. Serving the Lord becomes a duty instead of a passion. Worry and fear replace your joy.
7. You begin to doubt God.
8. You stop paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

C. How do you recover your fire?

1. Recognize your condition. Ask yourself, Has my fire gone out?
2. Recall a season of life when you were passionate about God. What was it like? How did you spend your time?
3. Repent. Losing devotion to Jesus is usually a direct result of sin.
4. Refocus your attention on the Lord.
5. Read the Word of God. Start with a short book of the New Testament, and ask the Lord to speak through it as you read.
6. Seek God daily in prayer. Go beyond praying for what you need or want. Seek an intimate relationship with Him.
7. Get involved in someone else’s life. Your problems will consume you if you let them. Take the focus off yourself, and meet another person’s needs.
8. Rely on the Holy Spirit to enable you.

III. Closing: Has your fire for God dwindled to cold ashes? If it has, begin to stir up the embers of your faith. Allow the Lord to make your life a bright flame for His glory.

reflection 3-freedom from relationships!!!

this is one of the biggest freedom/relive i had this year
getting set free from that wretched relationship is my biggest happiness this year!!!

i mean wow....i just cant believe i am finally free
there was this girl i dated for around 6 months...she is suicidal, mentally ill, spoil, only care about herself girl......

never have i date a girl as worst as she is....
when i first saw her she was ok....she was pretty....popular....dont seem like theres anything wrong with her....but the moment i got closer to her....all the evil things come out

she is the one girl that almost drive me over the wall....she is crazy

the smses she send are tormenting!!!8 out of 10 of her calls, smses are negative one
she either needs cash, got problems, sick or going to kill herself now....

smses like
right now i am having a breathing problem now...but i choose not to take my medication because i think life is miserable...i just want it to end!!!

then
please leave me alone, this is my last moment i just want to spend my last moment alone

more smses
i am having a headache now but i will not take any medication, its better for people like me to die...i dont deserve anything!!

but surprisingly she seems to be able to live that long despite having a suicidal mentality...
someond told me, those who threathen to kill themselves do not have enough guts to do it....

its really torture, at times when i receive those smses i cant sleep, i cant convince her to stop killing herself, i cant do anything!!!worst of all sometimes she close her phone so when i try to call i cannot reach her......this is seriously madness!!!!
in my life i never faced anything like this, i always dont know what to do....its such a torture....
and worst of all i cant do anything, i cant tell my friends, i cant seek help....or she will kill herself(that is what i believe)

but after she moved to inti and i moved to segi i got used to her threats and just ignore it....or play along......
at times because of her my midterm exams is on 1pm....i have to rush to her place at 12pm to give her cash as she claims that she got no money and will get gastric and die lol......

at times she will go balistic because she did not study for her exams....which in the end she get 93 marks....swt

but thank God i am able to concentrate in my exams!!!
then i have to on my phone all the time and hold it close to me!!!
if she cannot reach me, i will find my phone filled with emm 85 smses....or 34 miscalls
and from a normal sms it can turn to a suicidal threat....at times even at night i have to leave my phone on!!!

worse thing is when threathening me and using me as her supplier or shelter, i heard rumours about her going out with guys in her college.....and eventually we broke up......
but even after broke up she still kacau me....alot........

but when the night is at its darkest, the sun will rise...
true enough when she goes to US to studt, she cant bother me anymore!!!
except through email, msn, and yahoo......well i do as any smart person would, block her, become invisible when i come online and commit her and her life to God!!!

one post is impossible to sum up what she did to me or take from me......or the horrid experience i had
i have to say i am not perfect either....i take alot from her too....but not as much as she took from me......

so to sum this up i thank God for setting me free from relationships....i am just so sick of it...
and when this girl comes along, i will think twice...em think 1000 times before i get into the next one!!!
i am more happy than any single men in the world now.....i know alot of single 21-year-old who are so depress when they dont have a gf.....
when i hear their story i could only smile and thank God for my freedom!!!
will i get into another relationship soon?

nope....i am enjoying my single life so much....i mean no need to worry about not listening to phone calls, no need to care for another, can sleep anytime i want and no need to call the girl and make sure she sleeps first and the list goes on.......
for now i will make as much friends as possible and maybe after my studies who knows.......

reflection 2-double dean's list

wow despite all the hardships i've gone through this year there are just so many good things!!!
wonder will i reach reflection 10 haha

this year i did not expect much in my exams....even though i worked hard........
but surprisingly all my results....even the ones i am upset about made me enter the dean's list

on that day i went up the stage to receive my dean's list, instead of one that almost everyone had, i received 2!!!!
my "friends" were all jealous....they thought it was segi that did not print....and i also thought it is a mistake but when i went home i found out that the other dean's list, the UIU dean's list is given because i took 4 uiu subjects on one semester and scored all A's.......
i am satisfied and proud!!!

at first i thought the dean list award ceremony is just another mediocore award ceremony where there is no standard!!!for instance

• students who took one subject per semester instead of 5 per semester got a dean list
• students who took easy subjects got dean list
• students who are in year 1 and year 2 get the very same thing as 3rd, 4th year students
  

but this UIU cert me apart from the mediocore/average performers.......

when i was given the third to go up the stage to receive the dean list, i already suspect something....as they did not arrange by the letters of your name or height(of course) lol...perhaps they arrange it by the toughness of the subjects or the number of UIU(3rd,4th year) subjects you take i guess.....
so in my own opinion, i am the third best dean list recipent in segi adp!!!

i deserved to say this as the son of the living God, I am the head and not the tail!!!

so there goes reflection 2!!!despite all the hard times i manage to get the dean list through excellence and hardwork!!!
(i know of people who got there by begging for marks or participate in activities)

so many more of what God has done....but i will start with small small things first

Christmas story

taken from lincoln brewster newsletter......

It's been awhile since I've had time to send you one of my stories, but I feel like it's time! So I want to share a story with you that happened to me around last Christmas. A woman I know was struggling in her life, her marriage was failing, money was tight, and things were looking pretty bleak. It wasn't the picture perfect Christmas that she dreamed of. She prayed for answers, but it felt like she wasn't being heard.

And as it often goes, she was so upset that while she was backing up her car with her thoughts so present in her problems, she backed into a pole and knocked the bumper off of her car. She was at the breaking point! She didn't even have the money to live on right now, much less fix her car! She felt lost and defeated, but kept praying for answers.

She decided to call a body shop to at least see how much it might be to fix her car, and wept when they told her that it would be around $800. It might as well have been $8000! Something told her to get a second opinion, and she happened to be driving by another shop so she pulled in. She asked the man at the shop to look at her car, and he agreed. As they talked, her story unfolded, and with tears in her eyes, she told him her plight. He looked at her and said, "Let me see what I can do". As she waited inside, there was a flurry of activity around her car. The man came back in and told her that everything was okay, and when they walked out, the body shop crew had miraculously straighted out the bumper and managed to bolt it back on her car. She immediately felt axiety and asked how much she owed them. He smiled and told her Merry Christmas.

So how this comes back to me, I get a phone call while I'm trying to finish up my Christmas shopping in a very loud mall, and all I can here is a woman sobbing! I can't hear her very well, and I'm imagining something horrible has happened! I finally get to a place where I can here her talk, and through the sobs she says, "God answered my prayers! He sent me these wonderful Christmas angels! They fixed my car!" It made me cry to hear her.

A few days later she stopped back by and took them cookies that she baked and wrote them a poem to thank them. Since that day, she's made many trips back to the shop to say hi, and they have remained friends to this day.

I've always known that the best gifts aren't wrapped! So if you're having a hard time this year, remember that you are a gift, and you have two hands and two feet and a beautiful mind to give and that you are filled with gifts to give that don't cost a thing! You can be a Christmas angel!

reflection 1-gastric healed!!!

I've listen to tons of message....but i just cant rephrase or sumarise them....just not good at it....
but will try my best.........

right now as the year 2008 comes to a close i just want to reflect on one of the things God has done for me.........healing!!!

i was actually suffering from gastric for a very long time....which makes me eat like a mad pig....i've gained easily 7kgs or 14 pounds from the eating!!!
i just can't help it.....i have to eat breakfast....lunch...eat at 5pm....eat another 2 bowls at 8pm as one is never enough....eat at 12pm and eat at 3am again!!!!

so how did the gastric start.........
well at times i don't have anymore pocket money....my dad gave me only Rm400 per month...to survive with 3 meals in subang, its not easy....so many times i dont have money to eat......

the other reason is because my housemates usually eat at 8.30 while before i met them i eat at 6-7pm....and i was lazy without transport(i don't have a car that time).....so the acid burns me....

and gastric started.......suffer, suffer and suffer.......
so one day went to this healing crusade by vernon fall....dont really believe but was hoping i will be healed as i really am suffering......
the service started....felt the anointing but don't have enough faith to believe as i stopped going to church......

after the service....if i'm not wrong there are still gastric so i thought nothing happened...little did i know the healing was taking place...not immediatly...but slowly!!!

and in a few months time i do not believe it, but my gastric is gone....at times i did not eat for half a day and i dont feel a thing!!!i was healed and i did not even realized it!!!

i was Healed!!!gastric is gone!!!today i can skip meals and do not feel a thing compare to last time....even if i dont skip meals i suffer!!!

Praise God I am Healed!!!

this is just one of the good things God has done for me.......plenty more to come!!!!next post coming soon........

How great is our God

Speaker: Louie Giglio

i am not good at summarizing talks or telling story......something i really have to improve in

in this talk Louie showed us how big our God is by letting us see how big the universe he created is and how small we are.....
and when i am lost in wonder....
he turned the entire message to tell us that as big as our God is, he cares for us...he loves us, he know what we are going through

God promise no matter how diffcult the road, no matter how dark the night, no matter what we are going through He will hold us together!!!
then he show us a photo of laminin....a protein that hold our body together....
in a shape of a cross!!!

which means when we thought no one cared, there are millions of crosses in our body holding us together.....

to conclude, Louie show us a verse in isaiah 40.......
we know that God is big enough to create the universe
we know that God gave us his son
God have overcome the world......

but did he see what we are going through?
isaiah answer this question by saying.....he is big, a star breather, a universe maker but he is also know what we are going through!!!
and he promise that when we are facing crisis, we are in places that we cannot move on anymore....when we thought we cant take one more breath......
God did not promise that we will wake up in rosy circumstances or our troubles will dissapear but He promised that:

Isa 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
Isa 40:29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,
Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

he promise that he will renew our strength so that we shall run the race and not be weary....so that we will have enough to moved on!!!

My story
every time i listen to this message i wanted to cry....it was so amazing when we thought no one care...God cared......

many of my friends even people who lived with me thought i am always happy, never sad, no problems, carefree........
but they are far from the truth.....as one of my main ability or talents is to control my emotions
even at the toughest time of my life....i can put on a smile and encourage others
even when i received smses or calls that could break any men, i can still joke around and act like nothing happen.......
no one cares for me as they thought i have no problems

besides that i am not the type of person that like to share my heart to others unless its is life and death...
i never share my problems with anyone, because i do not want to burden people
i am also strong enough to face the problems myself as i have proven in the past that even at the toughest time, i can still performed in everything i do....
most of the time, when i shared...90% of the people i tell my problems to cant help...

and perhaps most of the time when i shared, no one understands as no one gone through things that i have go through......or they will try to give advice and worst still they talk about their problems until instead of them helping me, i have to help them haha

but at the end of the day, it is never easy to stand alone.....when i walk back to my room, at times i don't know what to do, at times i just hope this life just ends then everything will disappear....and sometimes i just go to sleep to escape all those pain.....

when i heard this sermon, i realize that my God not only understands, He is always there for me and are willing to help me through impossible circumstances like this!!!and i realize that when i can't take one more step in life, He will renew my strength

td jakes

not easy to write a review about his sermon as it is kinda long........

one of the things he mentioned that really enlightened me is an illustrated example he gave...
a boy saw one eagle was flying,flying and flying....then it went down to hunt for the weasel....
flew up again and suddenly dropped dead!!!
the boy rush to see what happen only to notice that the weasel have been biting his chest but the eagle refuse to let go!!!

as eagles we must learn to let go of the weasel(something which is eating and taking from us be it a relationship, a bad habit)if we dont, we will be eaten and died

Devotion Day 2 Night 2

Speaker: Matthew Barnett
Title: The miracle within

the purpose of this blog is i guess is to keep track of my daily devotion

Matthew Barnett the pastor from dream center LA shared amazing testimonies
i learned that greatest achievements are not success but the miracle that happens inside of you!!!

he share so many amazing testimonies of how lifes are touched

let us start with how his church grow
he started the church with 18 and in 6 months time the attendance dropped to 9 and then 2....
it was so sad....he went back home and cried and cried.....
then God worked a miracle in him and his life changed....its no longer about the size of the church...its no longer about "I"...its all about Jesus...its all about other people

and he go out help people...give children candy....go into the inner city to help...and within 6 months his church grow from 18-600!!!

another story he shared is about the homes he built for drug addicts and prostitute, he was driving past holywood and saw an old hospital...he wanted to buy it for the homeless and drug addict and made it a rehab center however paramount picture already made a mega offer of 16 million usd...and here is he a 23 year old trying to bid for this place....but he just move ahead trust God tell the owners their plan for the building and made a bid of 3.9million....surprisingly the owner rejected the 16 million offer and accepted their 3.9 million!!!praise God

despite making that offer, he did not have that money....he had to pay the 3.9million in 18 months...after 9 months of raising, they did not raised any money at all....
then one day...there is this businessman who was very negative met up with him.....he took him for a tour through the bulding...the businessman was unimpressed with everything he is going to do....but when he saw those prostitutes whos lives were changed....he broke into tears and gave him 1 million!!!he even ask his son who was as rich as him to meet up with Matthew and his son gave him 1 million too!!!in 2 days 2 million were raised!!!

he went on to share a testimony on a prostitute who wanted to kept her baby....when he took her into the dream centre, she was very unhappy...everyone loved her but her attitude was so bad....one day he(matthew barnett) confronted her....she told him her story....she had a baby when a guy pick her up and wanted to kept the baby....the pimp came in told her he wont allowed this to happen, pull out a gun, shoot the baby and use the iron and burn her until she will not be able to have a baby again!!!
they cried together for hours....(sometimes you dont need to be the best counselor, just give her a shoulder to cry on) and he said to the prostitute if someone would love you will you give your life a chance? she said she would and today she is going back to the streets of LA and bringing girls in!!!

he closed with this story
on his way to church...the first day he is pastor....he saw a dead boy by the roadside....killed in a drive by shooting he felt so burdened that he cant preach and went to that house to knocked the door to see if he can help with money....
he went in there were tons of hardcore gangmembers there...he was scared so he gave the mother of the boy the money, pray for her and was about to leave....then a hand touched him and said pastor please stay and pray with us....
he went on to pray a formal prayer as he was scared he might offend the gang members but the Holy Spirit convicted him and he started to pray boldly....in one of the words he said "God may you change the life of these people that moms wont need to lose their child like this"...to pray like this you may be killed anytime as you are offending them but he don't care......
all the gang member were touched by his prayer and when he ask for salvation everyone of them lift up their hands and gave their lives to Jesus Christ!!!

he go on to share a few more testimonies but an important lesson i learned here is that

• its not about me, my dreams and ambitions all the time....
• sometimes when we chase for success we will not get it....but if we choose to run after Jesus Christ, we will find him all the time
• when you build others dream, God will build your dream
• it is more satisfying to help and put a smile on others face than focusing on your own achievements...i personally experience this....sometimes i achieve so much like gaining top results or getting into deans list, it is not as satisfying as building others dreams.......sometimes a tear of joy in the eye of my cg member when we did something for them is better than going up the stage to receive various awards......

Devotion Day 1 Night 1

Speaker: Rick Warren
Title: What is in your hand?

simple but inspiring message from one of the most influential christian today......

taken from exodus the part where moses encounter the burning bush
God ask moses what is in your hand?
and moses was holding a staff that time....God ask him to throw it down and it became a snake
a miracle took place
then God ask moses to pick it up and it became a staff...

throw it down and it became alive, pick it up and it die
rick warren

before i explain what it exactly means, let me explain what is in moses hand....
a staff
according to rick
a staff is your identity....moses is a shepard
your wealth....last time people judge your wealth by the flocks you have
your influence....you use the staff to lead the sheep...

another example
what is in a basketball players hand
a basketball
his identity....a basketball player
his wealth....he earn money playing basketball
his influence....when he plays basketball he is a basketball player....his teammates listen to him...10 years down the road people will listen to him as a basketball player too like Michael Jordan

so when you throw down what is in your hand and surrender everything you are to God, he will use what is in your hand to do greater works than what you can do now....

watching this message rick is exceptionally humble...bowing down on stage and praying next to brian houston (hillsong).....

not only that he did not take a cent from the sales of the multi million dollar book the purpose driven life for his own benefit.....he still lives in the same house he lives in 15 years ago....he still use the same car he had 6 years ago....
all the money he earned goes to ministry!!!
when everybody in hillsong conference applaud he stopped them!!!telling them im not here to boast im here to teach you!!!

i personally never see any preacher like that!!!preachers nowadays wants appreciation....
when people become famous they become a celebrity!!!they are no longer the same anymore!!!
they walk differently, talk differrently, and act differently in front of friends!!!
even with a little bit of fame like maybe a lead vocalist in a 100 member church......
but rick is different he stands out!!!he is so humble....and thats what everyone should be like when they are famous!!!

he ended the message by asking who wants to give everything they had to God?
one by one they stand up!!!
and together they proclaim this declaration.....


Purpose driven life declaration
Today, I Am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"

Provision Confession

• Blessed be the Lord who daily loads me with benefits - Psalm 68:19.

• I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He adds everything I need unto me - Matthew 6:33.

• No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly - Psalm 84:11.

• My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:19.

• I give and it is given unto me, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over do men and women give into my life - Luke 6:38.

• This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth, but I will meditate in it day and night that I may observe to do all that is written in it; for then I will make my way prosperous and I will have good success - Joshua 1:8.

• It is God's will that I prosper and be in health, even as my soul prospers - 3 John 2.

• I serve Jehovah Jireh - the God who provides. He sees ahead and makes provision for me in the future steps of obedience He asks me to take - Genesis 22:8,14.

• God is El Shaddai, the all bountiful Supplier of the needs of His people - Genesis 17:1,2.

• And God is able to make all grace abound toward me, that I, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor 9 : 8)

Purpose of this blog

since i am doing a devotion to get my life back for Christ, this blog is created to see my progress and at the same time help those who need hope......

i will include prayer, sermon notes and testimonies in this blog too so stay tune!!!