Five loaves and two fishes

The story of the five loaves and two fishes always taught me to have faith that God works miracles. Never did I think there was more to that. The Lord taught me that His Word is active and living and this story spoke to me in the most awe-inspiring way.

Paul encouraged Timothy that God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). As a young boy, Timothy would have felt afraid of sharing the testimony of Christ to others who were significantly older than him. Like Timothy, I had to lead other believers who were my senior. The most recent is a Christmas musical in my church that I was in charge of. I started to write the script. I had put all of my heart into writing it and when it was brought to completion, I thought it was good. I thought my co-organizer would acknowledge my creativity and gift, but she felt it wasn’t appropriate. Though it was a constructive criticism, I was crushed. At that moment, I felt like giving up. I thought perhaps I didn’t have the gift to write the musical or even direct it. When I told God I wanted to give up, I didn’t want to do it anymore, and I didn’t want to lead, God responded. I was listening to “Five loaves and two fishes” by Corrinne May:

A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could understand

The hours passed so quickly, the day turned to night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in his lunchbox at the little that he had
He wasn't sure what good it'd do, there were thousands to be fed

But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus
The kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out
With the trust of a child
He said:
"Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all to feed them all"

I often think about that boy when I'm feeling small
And I worry that the work I do means nothing at all
But every single tear I cry is a diamond in His hands
And every door that slams in my face, I will offer up in prayer

So I'll give you every breath that I have
Oh Lord, you can work miracles
All that you need is my "Amen"

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small

I trust in you
I trust in you

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
No gift is too small

What more could I do? What more could I say? Tears rolled down and I said, “God, I surrender”. Overwhelmed, I responded to God and said, “Take my five loaves and two fishes, do with it as You will. I surrender. Take my fears and my inhibitions, all my burdens, my ambitions. You can use it all, to feed them all”.

“God, You knew I wanted to give up way before I started.”

Few days before, I was doing my daily devotion as usual and I read Exodus 36. The minute I began, the first verse struck me. It writes “So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded”. The Lord reminded me that He wanted me to write the article on this and that was days before. It was the time I came across Exodus 31:6, and it writes “Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you”. I wanted confirmation from God and He was gracious to give me two: one in Exodus 36 and the other in Corrinne May’s “Five loaves and two fishes”. Praise the Lord!

I tried to lead, tried to serve, tried to share. But I failed. I thought I did and I wanted to give up. And God responded. He didn’t want me to give up just because I felt that whatever I was doing for Him was insignificant. Yet He bestowed His grace upon me so bountifully. He showed me His twinkling eyes and the kindness in His smile. He said that every tear I cry is a diamond in His hands. Through the pain I had to suffer while serving Him, He was in pain too. His heart ached more than anyone else’s, for one simple reason. And that’s He loves me.

Similarly, my dearest friends, brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ, you might have stopped working for Him because of the pain you had to go through. You told Him you wanna give up. But now, He has responded. And He says, “My grace is sufficient for you”.

Will you then respond to His grace? Will you sing “Take my five loaves and two fishes, do with it as You will. I surrender. Take my fears and my inhibitions, all my burdens, my ambitions. You can use it all, to feed them all”?

God takes delight in your service in His Kingdom. Nothing is too small. Nothing you’ve done for Him is insignificant because what He desires for is your heart more than anything else. He sees your heart. He knows the pain you’ve gone through, and more pain that you’d have to go through. He wants you to surrender to Him, rely on Him while you’re serving Him. He loves you so much that He is willing to carry your burdens. He already did, when he died on the cross.

Much has been said and the decision to persevere or give up lies with you. But now, I want to challenge you with a comment of the Youtube video on ‘Five loaves and two fishes’:

“I am surprised that many people of today are reluctant to give and serve even they have the resources; whereas the young and starving boy was willing to offer all he had- his needs- to Jesus, though he know it may not really do much good...

No contribution is too small...”

It encouraged me; I hope it encouraged you too.

Dearest ones, God sees your tears. He knows exactly what you are going through. And He says, “Whatever you’ve done is precious to Me. I can work miracles and all I need is your Amen. And I want you to know that no gift is too small. And because I have given you the gift to serve Me, You shall obey my command. My grace is sufficient for you.”

Be encouraged my dears, God is always with you. He is with you even though you choose to stay away. Serve Him as He has commanded. And remember, no gift is too small.

Got it? Or, rather, done it?

"Take My yoke, for My yoke is light"

I lied on my bedroom floor – overwhelmed. My body felt weak yet in my spirit, I called out to the Lord.

‘Father, I’m exhausted. Give me strength, Lord. Yet though I’m tired, I choose to put my trust in You, that You’d lift me up.”

My eyes closed tight, tears fell and I was still before the Almighty. Then, the Lord spoke.

“My precious one, why are you weeping? Why are you carrying your burdens alone? Cast all your burdens to me for I will surely give you rest. Take my yoke, for my yoke is light.”

For a transient moment, I felt someone standing behind me. And all of a sudden, a wave of heat came over me and an immense peace filled my heart. Thank You Lord!

The next day, I was playing the guitar and singing ‘With all I am’ (by Chris Tomlin) to God. Then, tears rolled down and He said, “Take My yoke, for My yoke is light. I want you to write about this.” That night, I asked the Lord for a confirmation if He really wanted me to write this. I said if He really wanted me to write, then He’d put this verse in my heart again the next day. And true enough, He did. I was doing my daily morning devotion as usual. I came across Exodus 22:27, “when he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.” Wow, let me tell you, God’s Word is living and active, truly sharper than any two-edged sword, and it pierced right through my heart.

“Take My yoke, for My yoke is light” declares the Lord.

I kept this topic and verse in my head till yesterday, 29^th April 2011. I cried out to God again. I was frustrated with many things and people. Chagrin gripped me. I lied on my bed, still before the Lord, and tears streamed down uncontrollably. Then, the verse Isaiah 40:31 flashed across my mind. I took my phone, ran the Bible application and read Isaiah 40.

Verse 31 says, “But they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”

Then God said to me, “Remember the time I showed you an eagle carrying you on its wings? I am the eagle, and I will carry you through. Though I promised that you will experience miracles upon miracles this year, these things you face are necessary because I want you to write about them.” I saw in my vision that I was sitting on a very huge eagle and it took me and we were soaring in the sky (This was the same vision I saw before, written in my article “Visions from above”).

“Take My yoke, for My yoke is light” declares the Lord.

There is great significance to the verses in Matthew 11:28 – 30.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I could not comprehend why God used the object ‘yoke’ and why His yoke is easy and light. The Holy Spirit illumined my eyes to see that ‘yoke’ illustrates the wooden piece put across the necks of oxen pulling a cart. That yoke is heavy, and the oxen struggle to move. But when God uses ‘yoke’ and He says it’s easy and light, it is because when we put on His yoke, He is in control.

Imagining myself as an ox, I questioned why should there even be a yoke, can’t I just remove the yoke from my neck and I’d be free to do whatever I want, and go wherever I desire. If I do not have any yoke on my neck, it would mean that I’m a wild ox and it could be interpreted as ‘running away from problems’. So the Lord answered me, explaining that with my yoke I carry, I choose to be in control of my own life. But when I replace my yoke with His, then I choose to let Him be in control of everything.

God loves you. He gives you a free-will to choose though He knows what’s best for you. And what’s best is to acknowledge His Lordship and let Him take control over your life.

When God says, “Take My yoke, My yoke is light”, it requires complete surrender to His will and complete would mean all or nothing. Scripture advocates that God will make straight your path when you trust in Him with ALL your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but in ALL your ways, acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:5 – 6).

Be assured, for God promised in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Take God’s yoke for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Got it? Or, rather, done it?

Repent and be fruitful

First of all, I have to tell you why I’m writing this article. Several months ago, the Lord put this topic into my mind and I was to write about the scriptures the Lord had shown me. With my busy schedule and due dates in school (excuses), I negotiated with God and told him that I would write this after my examinations in May. The Lord was silent. And I figured that ‘silence means consent’; I did not start writing. Two months later, the Lord reminded me that He is coming back soon and that I had to start writing. Again, I procrastinated. Then a week later, the Lord asked ‘WHERE IS THE WRITING?’ I begun to break down in tears and repented before the Lord. I praise God that I am now ready to write this article as the Lord have commanded and I know for sure that He is going to do something amazing through this article. Praise Him!

“Repent, for my return is near!” says the Lord.

God wants YOUR repentance. I do not know who and why, but I believe even as you are reading this article, the Holy Spirit will convict your heart.

The Lord showed me a couple of scriptures that I was to write on: Matthew 25: 1 – 13, 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 18, Hebrews 3: 7 – 19, Hebrews 5: 11 – 6: 12 and Hebrews 12: 14 – 29.

Matthew 25 writes the parable of the ten virgins. Ten virgins took their lamps out to meet the bridegroom. Five wise ones took oil in jars along with the lamps while five foolish ones took no oil with them. When the bridegroom arrived, the wise virgins who were ready went in with him while the foolish ones were on their way to buy the oil. The door was shut and they could enter no longer no matter how they begged and cried. The kingdom of heaven is as such. Jesus is the bridegroom and He will return out of the blue, when we least expect. The Lord expects you to be like the wise virgins, to be ready for His return – to fulfill all that the Lord purpose in your lives. Have you forgotten that Jesus’ return is soon? Have you neglected and put aside what the Lord has commanded you to do? Thus says the Lord, “Repent and be fruitful. Let there be no more waiting, no backing out, nothing but only My purpose shall remain in your life. Listen, for My return is near.”

There can be no contradictions in the Word of the living God for Jesus is the Word Himself. 1 Thessalonians clearly writes that you must wait for the coming of the Lord. Verse 13 says, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” It is hence our duties and responsibilities to encourage each other about the coming of Lord (V14 – 17). And encouragement involves warning and rebuking. But how can you encourage others to arise if you yourself are asleep? How then can you be watchful and aware to know that your fellow brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ are asleep? 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 writes “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” Thus says the Lord, “Repent and be fruitful. Do as I have commanded. Encourage each other in My Word for my Word is living and active, like a double-edged sword. Sleep no longer, but arise and shine, for my return is near.”  

Again, Hebrews 3 instructs you to encourage each other daily so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (V13). This serves as a warning to you: “See to it that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (V12)

“Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.” (V16 – 19)

Have you heard the Lord’s command and disobeyed? Are you like the Israelites whom God was angry with for a long time? Have you sinned and left God’s righteous path? Have you rejected God’s presence and left His rest? Because of your unbelief, you cannot enter the kingdom of God. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (V7) Thus says the Lord, “Repent and be fruitful. Come to me for I am your God and you shall have no other gods before Me. Abandon your sinful desires, forsake your unbelief because I love you and I want you to be with Me, right beside Me in My Kingdom. Hear my voice, my precious one. I am calling out to you.”

Hebrews 6 warns you from falling away from God’s truth:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

You question God: I don’t know what You want from me? What is required of me? I am tired, and I need to break away from You. Will you not be angry and pour your wrath upon me? Micah 6:8 writes “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Did not the Israelites turn away from God and God’s wrath was upon them. Likewise, God is not unjust; His wrath will be upon those who turn away and disobey His truth. Yet, He will embrace those who live for His purpose and love Him. Thus says the Lord, “Repent and be fruitful, for I will not forget your work in My Kingdom. Repent now, for my return is near. How can you be weary in My presence? Have you not cast all your burdens to me that I may give you rest? Do not fall away from me for when I return, I will not hold back my wrath.”

Hebrews 12 writes “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?” The Lord have spoken. God’s wrath will fall upon those who refuse Him. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (V28) Thus says the Lord, “I am a consuming fire. My wrath will consume those who refuse me. And when that time comes, I come as a judge, the judge of all men. And if you have been faithful to Me, I will receive you with open arms and bless you with eternal riches in My Kingdom. Repent and be fruitful. Listen, for my return is near.”

I urge you, as the Lord have spoken, to listen and repent. Then, be fruitful as the Lord have commanded. Hesitate no more, for Christ’s return is near.

Got it? Or rather, done it?

"My journey to becoming a Christian"

Dear readers,
this article is written by dearest brother-in-Christ Vincent. I was overwhelmed with joy when I knew he had written this article. I believe God is using my articles to inspire others to write as well. It is my prayer that more will write their life testimonies and share them. If you are willing, I am more than glad to have your article posted on my blog. Indeed, through this blog, many will come to know Christ. Take heart dear ones and keep shining for Christ!

Here it goes:

Christianity started reaching out to me during my secondary school time. I remembered the first encounter was when a Christian girl approached me at Bedok Interchange. During that time, I thought I was so handsome that the girl approached me. And she asked, “Do you know why God gave you eyebrows?” I replied, “No”. She said, “Because when you perspire, the sweat will not flow to your eyes. God made every part of our body for a reason”. And she started telling me about what sin is and why Jesus died for us and so on... And in my heart, I thought to myself, “what rubbish is this…”

Many Christians reached out to me in many different ways. I went to a bubble tea workshop organized by some Christians and at the end of the event they started talking about God to us. I went for a basketball game with students from an Australian College. And they shared with us about God at the end of the game. My impression towards Christianity worsened as I felt that Christians always lure me to an event without telling me that they would talk to me about God.

I started dating Joanne during my polytechnic years. Back then, both of us were free-thinkers. Our relationship went smoothly for 1.5 year until one day on Bus 27, she told me that she was going to be a Christian; I strongly rejected it. I told her that if she became a Christian, our thinking will be different and that we might have many conflicts. During that time, I cared so much for our relationship that I often took things in my own hands and foresaw anything that might hurt our relationship. In the end, she still became a Christian.

We grew further and further apart from each other from then on. Subsequently, Joanne invited me to her church. During the church service, I did not enjoy the worship, I forced my hands to clap, forced myself to sing. The more I read the lyrics, the more doubts I had. When the pastor preached, my heart could not agree with everything he said. In my mind, I was challenging what the pastor was saying and that caused my doubts to grow stronger.

Joanne also started talking to me about God, but it always backfired. I would always challenge her with questions about God which was impossible for her to answer. I told her, “If God is so great, why did He allow disasters to happen?” I still remember one incident that made me really mad. Joanne passed her exam and she said, “Thank God that He helped me pass the exam”. I challenged her by saying, “If you didn’t study for your exam, would you pass?” She had nothing to say; she only remained silent. This made me even sure that I was right about God’s non-existence because she could not answer me.

Four months later, our relationship ended. My heart was full of hatred and I kept blaming God for our breakup. I scolded Joanne almost every day on Msn. My hatred for God grew even stronger.

I graduated from the polytechnic, went for National Service and then graduated from University after. It had been 4 years. I still maintained contact with Joanne and asked her if we could patch up for 7 times but she always rejected me. My hope in getting back with her grew lesser.

One day, I went back to my polytechnic for taekwondo training. Kelvin, who was our common friend, started asking me about Joanne. I told him that we had broken up for 4 years and I had been asking her to patch up many times but she didn’t want to. I told him I was going to give up. He advised me not to give up and try praying to God. In my heart I said, “What? Praying?” He said, “Yes, start praying and even ask Joanne to pray together.” In my heart I questioned again,” What? With her?” During our conversation, Kelvin also shared about his testimony and God. But I reacted differently this time round; I opened my heart and listened. Because I felt that this was the only hope I had left.

So immediately after training, I called up Joanne and told her that I wanted to meet up with her. When we met, I told her what Kelvin had shared with me about God and I asked Joanne whether we can pray together for our relationship. She didn’t say anything at that point of time. When I went back home, right before I slept, I knelt down and pray, “Err…I do not know who You are but I hope You can help me. I would wish to get back with Joanne as I really love her. It’s been 4 years and she rejected me 7 times. It seems so impossible to get back together again. Please help me… In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”.

Joanne invited me to her church, Fruitful Vine Church (FVC) 7^th Anniversary (2009). When I sat down and browsed through the brochure, I saw Joanne in every picture and in every event. She is dedicated towards the church and I felt that Joanne would want her partner to be like her, to be actively involved in Church. From then on, I changed my mindset from a challenging mindset to a willing-to-know-more-about-God mindset.

By wanting to know more about God, I attended FVC and also my friend’s church services. Even though I opened my heart and mind, and tried to accept God’s teaching, it was still a struggle to me because many things didn’t make sense.  For example, when the pastor preached that God is able to give us strength and power, I felt that it’s just a mental boost. When I witnessed someone being slain by the Holy Spirit, I felt that it’s just a show. When people in church rose up their hands up during worship, I felt very eerie. When the church asked for offerings, I felt that it was a scam. The more I went to church, the worse it got, the more doubts I had. Overtime, I felt that I could not accept Christianity. I wanted to give up and forget about everything, since I had tried and I failed.

Few days later, my friend asked if I wanted to attend the Alpha 10-weeks Course conducted by a Church in St-Hilda Secondary School, which was catered for non-believers. I decided to give it a try. Before I went for the course, I had a lot of questions in my minds and I couldn’t wait for them to be unlocked. Over there, I learnt the fundamental of Christianity through videos. Somehow, I enjoyed the teachings from the videos and the sharing sessions. I felt more comfortable attending the Alpha course because I wasn’t the only non-believer there. I asked many questions and they tried to clear all my doubts. I always wanted to encounter God first, only then will I accept Him. During one of the sharing session, one of the organizers asked if I wanted to experience God. In my heart, I thought that he wanted to let me see God physically. So I said “Yes”. He brought me to another room and he led me to say the sinner’s prayer and after that, he said, “Congratulations, you are a Christian now.”  I was like “What? That’s all?” but I thought I should let things be, that I would just be a Christian then. I accepted Jesus as my Savior there on 14 August 2009.

A miracle happened after that, Joanne accepted me on 19 August 2009. My heart rejoiced! This is a miracle to me and I thank God for His grace. From then on, praying to God became very real to me because I know now that He listens. He is a Living God who died for me on the cross and rose again after 3 days.

When I became a Christian, problems started pouring in. My dad opposed me of being a Christian and we quarreled for months. My friends felt that I became a Christian because of Joanne. I felt that I could not mix with my church friends too. But, I just prayed to God and somehow most of the problems were solved overtime.

Now, the way I handle my relationship with Joanne, is very different in comparison to the past. After my conversion, I had learnt not to rely on my own strength and understanding but rely on God’s ways. Whenever we have problems, we encourage each other with Bible verses and we would pray together. Our problems seemed so small each time we looked upon God.

I had always wanted to experience God first before accepting Him. It was when I accepted God as my Savior that I started to experience His goodness. I never regretted being a Christian “accidentally”.

Being a Christian is not as easy as I thought it would be but I will press on till the day Jesus returns or till the time the Heavenly Father calls me home. Press on, my dearest brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ!

Your Dearest Brother,

Vincent Tay

visions from God

Visions. Pictures. Images. These exist both real and unreal. Visions we see, could be of a person or an object, they are real. Visions we see, images and pictures in a storybook or in an animation, are unreal. They are created. Yet, have you ever wondered if there are visions that exist having infinite reality in them? Visions that are always realistic even if they are simply images or pictures or motion – they are real. How is that possible?

It isn’t, not here, not in this world. But, I have seen them. Yes I have, and I pray that you will see them too because they are special. These are the visions from God, visions from heaven. And in His Kingdom, it is ABSOLUTELY possible.

They came to me unclear at first. Then, they became crystal clear. I can’t tell exactly when I first saw one, but I can vaguely recall the times I figured I did.

If you have read an article I have written previously, “23.10.10”, then you might have identified a vision from God in there. It was the vision I had before my beloved grandma’s death. Several weeks before her death, God seemed to have DRAWN in my mind a picture of my grandma on her deathbed and beside, stood two of my cousins and my aunt. This vision, not a prediction of the future then, but something God allowed me to see that I may glorify Him through this, is a revelation from the above. It came to pass 23^rd October 2010. Just when my sister and I left the hospital, I saw the exact two cousins and aunt going up to visit my grandma and it was them who witnessed the death of my dearest grandma. It was then that I realized the vision was from God and not something my wildest imagination created. I grieved, but I thanked the Lord for I know through this His name is glorified. Amen!

If you have also read the article “The glory of God revealed”, you would be awed at the sort of visions I received from God. It was in a mission trip in Ipoh, Malaysia, in November 2010. I was ministering in tongues, along with my mom, praying for the individual members of the local church. When we came to a young man, God WROTE (note the difference in verb used as in the previous vision seen and subsequent ones) in my mind the word “heart” in mandarin. Confirmation of this vision took less than a minute when my mom uttered to him, “God wants your heart.” It was indeed revelation from above. Praise God! A second time I saw a vision was during the next day morning when I was praying in tongues for an elderly lady. Again, God WROTE in my head “intercession”. I struggled with the Lord because I wasn’t sure if that was from Him or of my own imagination. It was unclear. It became clear minutes later when my mom came to pray for her saying that God will raise her up to be an intercessor for Him. The visions God give could come unclear at the beginning, but when you begin to ask Him to show you more clearly, He will. And He will give you a confirmation to it in His appointed time. Faith and patience is all that’s required.

My church, Fruitful Vine Church, is located at Lion City Hotel, Paya Lebar, Singapore. We are looking for a new venue due to the decision of the hotel owner to sell it. The church has been praying for God to reveal to us and show us where the new church location He has prepared for us is. A couple of times while we were praying, God WROTE “Eunos” in my mind and DREW a picture of Eunos MRT. Initially I thought it was again my imagination but no, it isn’t! Confirmation came when my mom told me God had told her that it would be at Eunos area as well. Then, another sister in the church shared with me how God had impressed upon her heart that it would be in Eunos while she was in the cab praying, going past Eunos MRT. God is amazing because He didn’t just give me one confirmation. The more confirmations God provides, the more my doubts shrink, and the more faith is added to me. God’s ways are higher than our ways; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. All we need to do it trust and obey.

The night before New Year 2011 was simply amazing. The church had thanksgiving service and I stood before the Lord, committing all my plans for 2011 and just soaking in His presence. God DREW in my mind a picture of a horse. This time, I knew for sure that this vision was from God and not my untamed imagination. But, I wasn’t certain what the vision interpreted to be. Just as the Bible says “ask and you shall receive”, so I did. I asked the Lord what the picture meant. The Lord ANIMATED the picture and it was as if the horse started to gallop, like in a race which in the vision I saw, had a very misty finishing line. The Lord said, “Persevere in the race I have set for you”. I figured the misty finishing line meant that despite how far the finishing line is, God wants me to persevere. Then, I recalled a part of the verse from the Bible I have read earlier that morning. It was something about running the race and persevering. It was a confirmation of the vision. I was deeply encouraged by the Holy Spirit and I knew that I will be empowered to serve in 2011.

The final one I’ve had was during church service this morning, 2^nd January 2011. I walked forward to be prayed for and I was enjoying the presence of the Lord when the Lord PAINTED a picture of an eagle in my mind, and I was sitting on it. Then, He BROUGHT IT TO LIFE and I saw myself soaring with the eagle. Image to motion. I just love it when God shows me this. It’s like an illustration in the storybook coming to life and becoming reality. It is an awesome experience. The eagle in the vision was extremely huge and I knew the Lord was telling me that I will soar on eagle’s wings in 2011. This just means that in all I do; the Lord will be my strength. He will deliver me from my troubles. Scripture says in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  God gave me a confirmation to this when my mom prayed for me. She said, “2011, you will soar like the eagle.” I believe with all my heart that God will seal this word and vision and indeed if God is for me, then who can be against me? If God is for you, then who can be against you?

I am certainly looking forward to more visions from God. And I pray with you that you too may experience these visions from God that your walk with God and your life in Christ will NEVER be the same again. It is God’s desire that every son and daughter would see visions and testify of His Name and He is looking for that someone with a heart fully submitted to Him, desiring to be empowered to serve Him, and to walk with Him to the finishing line. Ask, and you shall receive! In these last days, it is time we ARISE and finish the work Jesus started.

Got it? Or rather, done it?

Expectations of God in a church camp

Church camps are fun and exciting, but really, what entice me the most are the revelations and wonders God work through them. I was amazed at how God was faithful in fulfilling my expectations of Him during the church camp. It is important to expect something from God if we want to experience Him. There has to be some form of expectation, which could be expressed as a desire to be touched by the Father, the Holy Spirit.

I have been to countless church camps but this church camp 2010 is the first one that I expected something from the Lord and in turn gained much from Him. I was telling the Lord of how I desired to experience Him in a different way and as much as I wanted all of Him for myself, I wanted everyone else to have a little something from Him too. I wanted salvation upon my best friend and I wanted God to reveal Himself to every individual camper in His own special ways. I did not want just one or a few to be touched by Him, but everyone. And I saw how, progressively, the Lord revealed His glory to us in all three days at camp.

I honestly did not expect much in Day 1 because I thought in most church camps I’ve been to there weren’t ministry time after the night teachings. Being a faithful God as He is, He allowed the speakers Pastors Elijah and Deborah Chan to minister to us after teaching. I could not possibly remember (or eavesdrop) every single one’s prayers and prophecies but I could remember God answered our cries and my best friend received salvation that very night. Prior to the camp he had some issues with his visa and coming for the camp was simply impossible. Somehow I knew God would make a way and bring Him to the camp because a few days before that, I had a vision of him standing right where he stood that night, lifting his hands and in tears, which also came to past. This was the first experience, an amazing one, I encountered with the Lord.

That wasn’t all. When I got prayed for, the Lord said that He will harvest the seeds that I’ve planted and Pastor Elijah had a vision of God holding a sickle in His hand and angels as well, ready to harvest the ‘crops’. The Lord encouraged me with his promise that the tears I shed did not go in vain but certainly He has seen and collected every drop of tear and that He would take control from now on. I stood on the floor, lifting my hands high up thanking the Lord for being so good to me and tears just couldn’t stop flowing down my cheeks.

Much as I was deeply encouraged by the Lord, others were delivered from their past and bondages. Many were slain by the Holy Spirit; others receive emotional, physical and spiritual healing. In short, everyone was moved that night. No one was left untouched.

Second night was a more in-depth manifestation of God’s glory and presence. I told the Lord I wanted to be prayed for last as I wanted to see everything God has done for the rest before I received my share. And I did. I stood by the side, praying in tongues, asking the Lord for more. I felt like His presence needed to come even more strongly and I hoped that His fire would fall so mightily. Again, God is faithful. More were slain by the Spirit, hearts were set free, prophecies were released, two new believers received the gift of tongues and God’s healing grace came upon those who needed it.

I encountered the Lord the first night; the second night was an affirmation from the Lord.  First, He assures me that He sees my hard work and the seeds I’ve planted will grow and bear fruits. Then, He anointed me. The word for me is that the Spirit of the Lord is upon me and I would carry the presence of God wherever I go. As Pastor Deborah could feel heat radiating from my face and toes, I felt it too. It was like fire, burning, consuming. It was for the first time I knew how to really enjoy His presence. My mind was just resting in the Lord. I felt so light, literally. It was an amazing experience I had with the Lord. I can never express enough these experiences with God. You have to experience it on your own, only then would you be convinced, and only then would you fully comprehend this joy.

Likewise, the third day morning was like new bread from heaven. The Lord didn’t fail to minister to us again. And this time, it was all four, Pastors Elijah, Deborah, our home pastor Charis and Elder George, praying for every one of us. Again I couldn’t have listened (or eavesdropped) everyone’s prayers but I remembered mine so clearly. That God was going to use the articles I’ve written in a much more powerful way and that God has a mission for me that I am to accomplish. I hold on to that prophecy and I believe that the eternal God’s promises are Yes and Amen and His kingdom will be established on earth.

I am so grateful to the Lord for these fulfilled expectations and I believe in His time, His appointed time, you too will return to Him, to the heart of worship – and the heart of worship is God Himself. Take courage, my friends, and expect something from the Lord for He will surely show you great things beyond your comprehension.

Got it, or rather, done it?

"the day I came to receive Christ"

This is a wonderful testimony written by my dearest friend who have just received Christ. I was deeply moved as I read this article and it is my prayer that many will come to know Christ after reading it. Praise be to God for salvation belongs to Him and Him alone!

Written by: Anonymous

17^th December 2010, a day I will never forget.

That was the day I came to know Christ, and here is my testimony to His greatness.

It all began when I first got to know Grace through a mutual friend. One day, she asked me whether I was keen on joining her church camp in December. I told her I would, without hesitation. At that point of time, all I thought was it would just be a normal holiday to Johor Bahru where I’d learn a little more about Christianity. Little did I expect that those 3 days would be a turning point in my life.

(Disclaimer: Many miracles have occurred in my life, thank God! However, this is the first miracle, relevant to the camp)

God’s First Miracle

Being a Permanent Resident of Singapore holding a Chinese passport, I required a Visa permit to grant me entry into Malaysia. When the date of departure drew nearer, after much procrastination, I finally decided to go down to the travel agents to get my Visa done. Thinking that visa applications would take only 3 days to be processed and given to me, I went down to the travel agents (the Malaysian Embassy doesn’t handle walk-in visa applications anymore) on a Friday afternoon – 3 working days before the departure.

Upon arrival, I enquired about visa applications and to my horror, the agent told me that processing time would require 5 to 6 working days. This meant that I would receive my visa only on the following Friday, which was also Day 2 of the camp.

I began to panic. I tried calming myself down and started looking at the options I had:

1. Call other agents and whine

2. Call my mum and whine

3. Call the Malaysian Embassy and whine

So I tried everything I could, 1 didn’t work very well because they sounded like they couldn’t be bothered; 2 didn’t work very well either because my mum was not sure what else I could do.

Left with no other option, I decided to call the embassy, already knowing that the embassy does not do direct visa applications. After relentless re-dialing, the personnel at the embassy finally answered the phone. To my extreme joy, the person told me that Visa-On-Arrivals (VOAs) were available at the customs (VOAs were actually visas with an expensive price tag that could be acquired directly at the customs, for the convenience of travelers who could not get their visas in time in their own country).

Taking that for granted, I sat back, relaxed and waited for Thursday 16^th December to come.

On Tuesday, two days prior to the trip, Grace asked me to check with the embassy again regarding the VOAs. This time, another person answered the phone and (I almost fainted, really) she told me that VOAs were revoked in August. Simply put, there was no way I could enter Malaysia.

Utterly defeated by my own procrastination, I was lost. I didn’t know what else I could do to gain entry into Malaysia. On Wednesday, one day before the trip, I texted Grace to apologize and tell her I couldn’t go anymore. I even called my camp to cancel my leave. Agnes tried to email the embassy but received no reply. It was then when Grace’s mum, Pastor Charis, told me to go down to the embassy personally.

I hesitated. I’ve read online and I’ve called them before, they don’t do visas anymore, would it be of any use if I went down? Someone in my head told me, “You have nothing to lose.”

So I went down to the embassy. I headed straight for the Visa counter which was closed but with people handling visa applications from travelling agents there. I tried to explain my situation and asked for their help but to no avail. The only replies I received were “No” and “Here’s the list of authorised travel agents, please go to them, thanks.” No matter how hard I tried talking to them, they just ignored me.

Defeated once again, I decided to head home.

At the very moment, somehow God spoke to me. At that point of time, I didn’t know it was Him. He told me that I came all the way down here for a reason, that I had nothing to lose, why was I giving up just like that? I stopped at the door and turned back.

“I want to see your superior.”

After waiting for 10 minutes, I was asked to meet the superior in an interview room. Feeling extremely hopeful, I walked in only to get reprimanded by her. She told me off for requesting for an urgent visa even though it was ultimately my fault for applying for a visa at the very last moment and that I had so many excuses to cover up for my mistakes. Knowing that it was pointless to negotiate with her, I was ready to leave.

“Sit down.” She said, as I was heading towards the door. “Write down your name and your contact and I’ll see what I can do, let me talk to my superior.” Those were the exact words she said. She asked for a copy of an official invitation to the camp from the camp commandant which,  thankfully, Agnes, Grace and Pastor Charis helped me with. She told me to go home and wait for her call, but she had no guarantees.

I reached home at roughly 1.40pm and at 2pm, she called.

“Can you get down here in 30minutes? Bring your IC and your relevant documents.”

I almost fell from my seat upon hearing that, I sped (sorry traffic police) down all the way to the embassy in 15minutes. There, everything was settled and I was to collect my visa the following day before I left for JB.

As I look back, I wondered why God put me through all the trouble and still gave me the Visa. I realised that He was teaching me a lesson – never to procrastinate. Being the merciful Lord He is, he still gave me a chance and granted me the visa. J

God’s Second Miracle - Accepting Christ, the day I embraced the Holy Father

On the day of departure, my mind was everywhere. What was I to expect from the camp? Was it going to be really awkward for me, being the only non-Christian? Was it worth all that trouble just to come for a camp that I might potentially feel like an outcast?

However, thank God for the awesome family of brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ, not only was I not an outcast, I was treated like an awesome guest (really, couldn’t thank everyone enough).

After a day of ice-breaking games and sumptuous meals, we reached the highlight of the night, the night service. Pastor Elijah was invited to this camp to speak to us in relation to the camp’s theme “Empowered to serve”. Listening to his captivating talk, my understanding of Christianity grew so much in those few hours! However, it ended there, I thought we could call it a night and feel happy that we learnt something new.

However, God’s work didn’t just end there. Then came the ministry. We were all asked to step forward to be prayed for, one by one.

Standing there, waiting for my turn, my mind started to wander. I thought about my paternal grandfather who passed away one year ago, I thought about my parents and how my family wasn’t close-knitted like many other families, and I thought about a rough relationship I had with a girl. Somehow, I just couldn’t get those thoughts out of me and I was overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed with sorrow, disappointment and guilt, so much so that I began tearing.

Pastor Elijah finally came to me, and that was when God spoke to me.

“Before I can pray for you, I need to ask you, are you ready to accept Christ?”

At that point of time, I felt His presence. It was so strong, my knees began shaking uncontrollably, and I felt warmth inside me and everywhere around me. I began tearing and I opened my eyes and looked at Pastor Elijah for a moment. Then I closed my eyes again and there I was, in the face of God. He was there, reaching His mighty hand out to me and ready to hold me like how a grandfather would embrace his dear grandson.

“Yes, yes, yes I am ready.”

I couldn’t articulate my words properly as I felt so overwhelmed by His presence that my mind just went blank and I felt like I submitted myself to Him. Having never thought that religion was my cup of tea, feeling His presence was another miracle.

Pastor Elijah led me in a prayer, and there I was, a newborn child of God.

It was at that point of time, my sorrows, disappointment and guilt vanished as if an emotional atomic bomb was dropped, wiping out all the demons in my heart.

This is the testimony of my journey which led me to accept Christ. Praise God!

As I look back at that very day, it all came to me as a revelation: All this time, God had it all planned out for me. He sent Grace into my life, then her family, then He brought me to the church camp and it was there, did He embrace me.

And it was there, did I feel safe, peace of mind and utmost joy.

I hope that whoever reads this will understand that every single word I have written here is nothing but the truth and none of it is from the figments of my imagination. My only wish is that this would serve as in inspiration to fellow brothers and sisters out there who have yet to accept Christ as their Saviour, that you would open up your arms and embrace Him as I did; and to fellow brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ, that you will never forget God’s love for you and that He will never forsake you.

Thank God and may God bless all of you.

27/12/2010