During my Junior Year in University, which is like 5 years ago amazing how great I look, anyway I remember listening to a sermon by a Taiwanese pastor. He was preaching at our tiny Pilipino church in the area that I lived in.
The Sermon was mainly about how we need to believe that God is our father and that there's nothing more that pleases God than to be loved by us.
While listening to the sermon I suddenly thought of my own father and my relationship with him. I reflected on my childhood and how my father's attention and love, sitting on his lap, listening to him tell stories made me feel so loved. I thought about how my Father always had a solution for every problem even buying me a pair of shoes, He was like superman and still is to me. I had always known that my father loved me and that in his love for me he also loved my attention. My father's temper used to get me soooo angry, especially when I became a teenager I just did not want him to have the last word. But every time I acted that way my mother would give me a look and I knew from that look that I had gone too far. But even then when those heated moments were over, I truly believed that my father loved us all, and He always had a way of making up time for either over working, and His way of apologizing was not an audible sorry but it was through his actions, either taking you out for a treat, taking us on a surprise shopping trip, a calorie infested meal or giving you money to waste on yourself.
While I listened to the sermon, it finally dawned on me that I had never said that I love you to my father, like actually say it I love you. I had never even said it in my own native language.
I started thinking to myself how I could possibly deeply say I love God and never had uttered those same words to my earthly father. Actually growing up the only time my father would say I love you is when he was just about to spank you or after spanking you, or disciplining you, or refusing to let you go out with your friends, so for me if He said I love you, It was because He was Pisst haha.
So during my epiphany in church I started thinking if ever I were to meet the man that I would marry someday, it would be unhealthy to tell him I love him when I haven't been able to say that to the one man whose always been there for me.
So after the sermon we sang a " Father" related song and I felt the holy spirit prompt me to call my Father and tell him that I love him and that I truly appreciate him. After the service and repenting my heart out I made that phone call and I told him that I loved him and appreciate everything He and mom have done for me. After I said this my father's first words were, “is everything ok”?? This is a normal response for a family that is lives oceans apart from each other. I said to him I felt I should call him because I just listened to a touching sermon. His response back was "Thank you Sisi(an affectionate word in my native language) praise the Lord for your phone call".
Now that was the response I was expecting knowing my for father so long. After that phone call, my mother called and told me that my father was “very touched” by my call.
WHAT’S BEHIND THE TOUCHING STORY” :)???
What does this story have anything to do with prayer?? Especially because I've shared it before, well recently on my vacation,I asked the Lord to help me to grow in prayer. I specifically asked the Lord to show me how to live a lifestyle of prayer that touched His heart, and being in his presence knowing that I'm touching the matters and concerns of his heart.
A scripture in Matthew 6:8 came to mind. "Do not be like them for your father knows what you need before you ask Him". I spent some time meditating on this scripture. Why would the Lord give me this word? I realized that a majority of my prayer time in the past has been mostly about needs. Not necessarily my needs but even interceding for the "needs" of others, the Needs of a specific vision, the needs of government, nations, family, work, healing on an on.
The Lord showed me that living a lifestyle of prayer and intimacy with Jesus that is mostly "need" oriented can get you burned out. Now my personality Just like most Women of Worth, I have a gift to see need and pull my resources together or me together:) to pray for God to intervene or I just figure out how to intervene , just simply feel the need do something about it.
THE WORD
However; reflecting on Matthew 6:8 I realized that praying from a need focused stand point gave me quantity time with the Lord, but not quality time.
Now there's nothing wrong with that, but as children of God we're meant to grow and not remain stagnant. Since I had asked the Lord to help me to grow in Him ,this was something that He pointed out has a already has a solution.
I realized that for me to CONTINUE grow and walk steadily in my intimacy with Jesus, I need to believe that God is concerned way more about my needs, than I could ever be concerned. However constantly praying about my needs or the needs of others kept me from Enlarging my territory and that is communing with God and knowing what touches his heart.
EMPOWERMENT
Basically what Matthew 6:8 is teaching me is that God is reminding me that He’s Got my back on what I need, but He wants to empower me in our intimacy walk and rejoice with Him in breakthrough prayer, He wants to empower me in my prayers by knowing the secrets of his heart, the things that are on his heart, the things that touch his heart, and those things definitely also include me.
So I asked the Lord what is on your heart?? How can I partner with you in this? One of the things the Lord said was on his heart was He desires me to journal the things He'll teach me through His word, to learn to walk in courage and not let the things of the past slow me down,to pray for the Salvation of President Nelson Mandela, My native country and for Taiwan.
It is empowering to know that not being need oriented in my lifestyle of prayer means having a valuable partnership with God and to “Be still and know that He is God”.
We'll continue with our Prayer series on how to touch the father’s heart.
You mean so much to God and you're a child of His and that means you're of Great worth. Jesus adores you.
WOW.
Recomended Reading
Eat the cookie Buy the Shoe (Joyce Meyer)
Recommended Song
Running (Mary Mary)
"The Father's Song"(Matt Redman)
To Encourage Women and the men in their lives.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A Relentless 2011
Hello dear Sisters!!!
This is the first blog of 2011. I haven't been very good at sharing all the special beautiful wonders I experience with Jesus in my walk with Him.
Every year I try to ask the Lord to give me a gift for every year. And a lot of the time The Lord has been faithful to give me exactly what's best for me, not more not less. I remember in 2009, I asked the Lord to let that year be a year of surprises, and boy did I get some serious surprises that year, some of the surprises were meant to shake me up and help me grow. Some of them were a solid reminder of God's love for me and the friends and family He had placed around me as a celebration of His Love. I remember that year for my birthday I had a surprise birthday party combined with the launching of my business. So the Lord truly did surprise me in ways that affirmed my Identity in God and His love for me.
The year 2010, I did not actually ask God for a specific gift but instead, I listed a list of goals I wanted to accomplish for the year 2010, and I dedicated that List to the throne of grace and let Jesus guide me as I took steps of faith. It was an amazing time to really experience the joy of seeing my goals for that year being accomplished through the strength and wisdom of the Jesus. I truly believe in John 15, when Jesus says that "apart from him we can't do nothing" This does not mean that we should just sit back and do nothing, but I feel that the revelation of this scripture is that, what we do is not who we are, but who we are is in Christ and that births value and joy in the things that we do.
My Prayer for this year 2011 is to have a relentless spirit a determined spirit to continue seeking and loving God not for the gifts but for who he is. I Know that seeking God for who He is instead of the gifts can be a challenge but I do desire to see God as the Gift that He already is.
Challenges will always be thrown at us at all times, and there will be times when we feel that we can't face the challenges, that they're too much, they're so thick, but my most heartfelt prayer is to have a relentless spirit through it all in Jesus name. A relentless spirit that will help me face these challenges with love, joy, peace, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control, and patience. God is good and His Love endures forever. I Bless you to continue discovering who you are in Christ and to know that you're a woman of great worth.
WOW
Recommended
The Power Of Thoughts By Joyce Meyer
Recommended Song
I wont relent Till you have it all (Kim Walker Smith)
I need you more (Kim Walker Smith)
This is the first blog of 2011. I haven't been very good at sharing all the special beautiful wonders I experience with Jesus in my walk with Him.
Every year I try to ask the Lord to give me a gift for every year. And a lot of the time The Lord has been faithful to give me exactly what's best for me, not more not less. I remember in 2009, I asked the Lord to let that year be a year of surprises, and boy did I get some serious surprises that year, some of the surprises were meant to shake me up and help me grow. Some of them were a solid reminder of God's love for me and the friends and family He had placed around me as a celebration of His Love. I remember that year for my birthday I had a surprise birthday party combined with the launching of my business. So the Lord truly did surprise me in ways that affirmed my Identity in God and His love for me.
The year 2010, I did not actually ask God for a specific gift but instead, I listed a list of goals I wanted to accomplish for the year 2010, and I dedicated that List to the throne of grace and let Jesus guide me as I took steps of faith. It was an amazing time to really experience the joy of seeing my goals for that year being accomplished through the strength and wisdom of the Jesus. I truly believe in John 15, when Jesus says that "apart from him we can't do nothing" This does not mean that we should just sit back and do nothing, but I feel that the revelation of this scripture is that, what we do is not who we are, but who we are is in Christ and that births value and joy in the things that we do.
My Prayer for this year 2011 is to have a relentless spirit a determined spirit to continue seeking and loving God not for the gifts but for who he is. I Know that seeking God for who He is instead of the gifts can be a challenge but I do desire to see God as the Gift that He already is.
Challenges will always be thrown at us at all times, and there will be times when we feel that we can't face the challenges, that they're too much, they're so thick, but my most heartfelt prayer is to have a relentless spirit through it all in Jesus name. A relentless spirit that will help me face these challenges with love, joy, peace, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control, and patience. God is good and His Love endures forever. I Bless you to continue discovering who you are in Christ and to know that you're a woman of great worth.
WOW
Recommended
The Power Of Thoughts By Joyce Meyer
Recommended Song
I wont relent Till you have it all (Kim Walker Smith)
I need you more (Kim Walker Smith)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Loved For ALL of YOU
This past Tuesday Night Our dearest Friend, and everyone's beloved grandma, shared a beautiful Story about the woman who was caught in Adultery found in John 8:1-11. It’s a story about a woman who caught red handed having an affair and the Pharisees decided to use her to test Jesus' Knowledge about the Law of Mosses. They told Jesus everything they saw and they suggested that the woman be stoned to death.
The woman was absolutely hopeless, and the entire time the Pharisees were screaming for her death, Jesus kept silent.
As we read the story, Jesus says if anyone among those accusing the woman has no sin, they should be the first one to cast the first stone. No one dared to throw anything at her because those who were accusing her, also knew that they had some serious stuff too they had going on and they too needed to have somebody throw something at them for.
As I reflected on the story, I kept thinking that no one actually even asked what was the woman's name or even her background. No one even knew where she had come from and even why or how she was having an affair.(we know the How part haha)
But Jesus knew her, not for her sin but for who she really was. As we read along Jesus is so gentle with her and He specifically tells her that he does not accuse her and even forgives her of her sin.
As Jesus was talking to her, He even straightened as way of showing this woman that in spite of her sin; she is someone worth respecting, worth paying attention to, worth receiving forgiveness from her savior. I just feel that Jesus did not care about defending Himself publicly, He knew the Law of Mosses that the woman and the man were to be both stoned. He didn't get all religious and started quoting the Law; instead He reacted with compassion by not even identifying the sins of those ready to stone her. (Even though He knew them all). But He instead responded with compassion.
I just feel when our Father in heaven looks through us, as much He is capable of seeing our crap, our ugliness, He chooses to see us, love us and forgive us for who we are and are meant to be, and that is Women Worth everything, women worth of receiving His forgiveness, not because of what we can do or have done because of his love and grace through the cross.
So when people accuse you, or you're experiencing days when your past is accusing you and bringing you down,(just tell those accusing voices to just SHUT UP in Jesus name) and also MOST importantly, remember that with Jesus its all in the past and He is restoring your future!!!.
You're loved
WOW.
Recommended Reading:
BattleField of the Mind (Joyce Meyer) this is an awesome WOW book 5 wows.
Reccomended Song
I have Found (Kim Walker Smith)
See you Tuesdays 7:30pm on the 9th Floor Takashimaya department store.
The woman was absolutely hopeless, and the entire time the Pharisees were screaming for her death, Jesus kept silent.
As we read the story, Jesus says if anyone among those accusing the woman has no sin, they should be the first one to cast the first stone. No one dared to throw anything at her because those who were accusing her, also knew that they had some serious stuff too they had going on and they too needed to have somebody throw something at them for.
As I reflected on the story, I kept thinking that no one actually even asked what was the woman's name or even her background. No one even knew where she had come from and even why or how she was having an affair.(we know the How part haha)
But Jesus knew her, not for her sin but for who she really was. As we read along Jesus is so gentle with her and He specifically tells her that he does not accuse her and even forgives her of her sin.
As Jesus was talking to her, He even straightened as way of showing this woman that in spite of her sin; she is someone worth respecting, worth paying attention to, worth receiving forgiveness from her savior. I just feel that Jesus did not care about defending Himself publicly, He knew the Law of Mosses that the woman and the man were to be both stoned. He didn't get all religious and started quoting the Law; instead He reacted with compassion by not even identifying the sins of those ready to stone her. (Even though He knew them all). But He instead responded with compassion.
I just feel when our Father in heaven looks through us, as much He is capable of seeing our crap, our ugliness, He chooses to see us, love us and forgive us for who we are and are meant to be, and that is Women Worth everything, women worth of receiving His forgiveness, not because of what we can do or have done because of his love and grace through the cross.
So when people accuse you, or you're experiencing days when your past is accusing you and bringing you down,(just tell those accusing voices to just SHUT UP in Jesus name) and also MOST importantly, remember that with Jesus its all in the past and He is restoring your future!!!.
You're loved
WOW.
Recommended Reading:
BattleField of the Mind (Joyce Meyer) this is an awesome WOW book 5 wows.
Reccomended Song
I have Found (Kim Walker Smith)
See you Tuesdays 7:30pm on the 9th Floor Takashimaya department store.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
God's Faithfulness in A Barren Land
Hey what Up ladies!!!
You know since we're only 1 month away from the end of 2010, it is probable that in the next months most of us will be reflecting on this past year and how fast it has gone by. During this time of the year we mostly reflect on the great, beautiful horrible, amazing things that God has walked us through during the year.
This morning I was reading Lamentations 3:22-24. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him!"
My favorite part of the verse is "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed" it’s just amazing to me to think of all the things that could have possibly consumed me (mostly my own doing) but the Lord never allowed it to happen, not because I prayed every nano-second of the day but simply because of His great Love the Lord remains faithful.
The other day I was also listening to a Kim Walker Song called “Faithful”, it also made me think about God's amazing faithfulness especially during the times where I really feel I need to be affirmed and be reminded of His great Love.
I was reading the story of Hannah in 1Samuel 1. To try and make it short, Hannah was a woman who seemed to have everything, really beautiful, talented Her name even meant Beauty, grace & passion and she even had a great loving rich husband:))))) who really loved her. This can definitely make a woman feel like she has everything she needs. However the Bible continues to say that "the Lord had closed her womb" So she was barren and couldn't conceive. To make matters worse, her Husband had another Wife name by the name of Penninah which means treasure or pearl who literally had a womb that was a child production company. She even made fun of Hannah for not being able to have children, which makes a lot of sense if I were Penninah I would expect to get more attention and loving since I’m having all the kids anyway
So eventually Hannah fervently prayed to the Lord, to give her Children and she eventually gives birth to Samuel.
When I was reflecting on the Story of Hannah, I couldn't help think that the Lord eventually opened up her womb at the right time, just right when Hannah made the commitment to dedicate her first child to the Lord.
I feel perhaps that's the reason God had closed up her womb ,was not to punish her as some would assume but to help her conceive her purpose & calling in the Lord which was beyond anything Hannah could dream.
WOW!!! I feel God's love for us is so amazing. when He gives us gifts, He makes sure that he gives us the whole package. Hannah's Son Samuel became a major prophet and even went on to anoint future Kings.
I personally feel God had a dream for Hannah as she continued to pray, through her prayers God prepared her to conceive not only a son, but a master plan & purpose in her life.
So there'll be times when we feel there certain areas in lives that "SEEM" barren, perhaps you've been feeling as if God does not listen to your prayers or He is taking forever. You even have started to compare yourself to your married girlfriends, or women that seem to have it all but you. And you're asking the Lord "Jesus when is my time coming?? I've been working so hard on this project, or I have been patiently waiting for "Mr. Right" I serve you blah, blah blah.
My desire for you is that through your prayers, God's grace will lead you to conceive not only your heart's desires but God's loving master plan for your life.
You're a beautiful Princess and God is so passionate about you and just wants to shower you with all of his grace and faithfulness. Keep trusting in Him "Your Time Is Here".
You’re Loved and you're a woman of great purpose & worth..
WOW
Upcoming Events:
We’re still Continuing with our women in the Bible series.
So Please join us every Tuesday night @ 7:30pm, Takashimaya department store 9th floor. Taipei City taiwan
So far women in our group have Shared:
About Dorcas, Bersheeba, Deborah, Ruth, the Adulterous woman that almost got stoned to death.
Recommended reading
The Wives of King David (Abigail) By Jill Eileen Smith
Review: Great drama there's no corny romance in this one!!! I personally give it 3 WOWs out of 5. And that's really good coming from me.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Love in Action
Hey Ladies!!!
We've already started our Tuesday evening fellowship time FROM 7:30PM-9PM. We've decided to move from our small apartment to the 9th Floor of Takashimaya Department Store. So far its been great!!!.
We've started a new series studying Women in the Bible.
Last night our Dear friend Karen Chambers Shared about a Woman of Worth, Love & Action. This woman's name was Tabitha also known as Dorcas, Her amazing story is found in the Book of Acts 9: 36-42
The Bible says that Dorcas was a disciple and made clothes for widows and orphans in her community. She was a great woman of influence who reflected the love of her savior Jesus Christ.
It got me thinking that our walk of intimacy with Jesus should be witnessed by others through our actions of Love. Most of the time we think intimacy as "ME" focused, "ME" spending "MY" Time with the Lord, "ME" Getting More revelation of God's Love for "ME". However as we see Jesus work through us , there should be an outward expression of our intimacy with Him that makes a difference in our Home, community, work, church &country. We need to be careful not to mistaken our intimacy with the Lord as only meaning an intimate life centered on ourselves,however; we should be careful not to work for intimacy with Jesus through deeds.
Our actions of Love for others should be a constant reflection of the intimate relationship we have with Jesus. I sometimes feel that as I live in intimacy with Jesus it’s so easy for me to become the focus instead of him being the focus of my life. A few weeks ago the Lord reminded me that sometimes the distractions we have in our lifestyle of intimacy with Jesus is not the "ENEMY" or outside "Forces"(that’s just giving them too much credit), but that, I'm often my own distraction, its like the Enemy of our souls will do anything to make sure that he uses "ME" to distract "ME" from my intimate life with Jesus and my purpose in Him.
Karen mentioned that, Everything Dorcas made was beautiful and not only did she make garments for the poor, she perhaps even prayed over them, that they would be "Garments of Praise" for those with a Heavy heart. Our Friend Debbie Wong mentioned that Dorcas was resurrected from the dead because she was needed in God's Eyes. She was perhaps a widow herself, but she did not make that the focus and center or her life in Jesus.
Our prayer for you, is that you would be a Women of Worth that sees the needs of others in your family, home, work, community, church & country. That your lifestyle of intimacy with Jesus would be reflected by the difference you make with Love in action.
Upcoming Events!!!
WOW THE EVENT FRIDAY OCTOBER 22, 7:30Pm & SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 10AM-4PM.
JESUS ADORES YOU
WOW
We've already started our Tuesday evening fellowship time FROM 7:30PM-9PM. We've decided to move from our small apartment to the 9th Floor of Takashimaya Department Store. So far its been great!!!.
We've started a new series studying Women in the Bible.
Last night our Dear friend Karen Chambers Shared about a Woman of Worth, Love & Action. This woman's name was Tabitha also known as Dorcas, Her amazing story is found in the Book of Acts 9: 36-42
The Bible says that Dorcas was a disciple and made clothes for widows and orphans in her community. She was a great woman of influence who reflected the love of her savior Jesus Christ.
It got me thinking that our walk of intimacy with Jesus should be witnessed by others through our actions of Love. Most of the time we think intimacy as "ME" focused, "ME" spending "MY" Time with the Lord, "ME" Getting More revelation of God's Love for "ME". However as we see Jesus work through us , there should be an outward expression of our intimacy with Him that makes a difference in our Home, community, work, church &country. We need to be careful not to mistaken our intimacy with the Lord as only meaning an intimate life centered on ourselves,however; we should be careful not to work for intimacy with Jesus through deeds.
Our actions of Love for others should be a constant reflection of the intimate relationship we have with Jesus. I sometimes feel that as I live in intimacy with Jesus it’s so easy for me to become the focus instead of him being the focus of my life. A few weeks ago the Lord reminded me that sometimes the distractions we have in our lifestyle of intimacy with Jesus is not the "ENEMY" or outside "Forces"(that’s just giving them too much credit), but that, I'm often my own distraction, its like the Enemy of our souls will do anything to make sure that he uses "ME" to distract "ME" from my intimate life with Jesus and my purpose in Him.
Karen mentioned that, Everything Dorcas made was beautiful and not only did she make garments for the poor, she perhaps even prayed over them, that they would be "Garments of Praise" for those with a Heavy heart. Our Friend Debbie Wong mentioned that Dorcas was resurrected from the dead because she was needed in God's Eyes. She was perhaps a widow herself, but she did not make that the focus and center or her life in Jesus.
Our prayer for you, is that you would be a Women of Worth that sees the needs of others in your family, home, work, community, church & country. That your lifestyle of intimacy with Jesus would be reflected by the difference you make with Love in action.
Upcoming Events!!!
WOW THE EVENT FRIDAY OCTOBER 22, 7:30Pm & SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 10AM-4PM.
JESUS ADORES YOU
WOW
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A ThankFul kiss
A few days ago I recalled a childhood memory about my father. I used to love it and I still do, when my father would come home with groceries. Usually it was the essential stuff like bread, sugar blah blah, but I loved it the most that in those plastic bags there would be a tiny treat hidden for us to either share or have it all to myself.
I would of course help out with the groceries and my father would tell us to be careful because there was a special treat in those bags. We would all race into the Kitchen and take all the essential stuff and look for that small treat. When we finally found it we wouldn't open it right away instead, we would either run up to my mother or father and ask them if this is the treat and if it was ok for us to open it and eat it all at once.
I remember the heart felt thank you that I would say to my father and the warm kiss I would give him to show my approval. I would either sit on his lap and devour my treat or go somewhere else to enjoy it.
I feel the Lord used this childhood memory to remind me to be thankful, it’s like God is always faithful to make sure that He always provides the essential groceries of our intimate walk with him, because that's what we need and then there are those special treats that he wants to give to you, not because you can't live without them but because God not only Loves you He adores you.
Growing up my parents had a very tight budget(with six kids and all the other fostered kids) so when my father would come home with a treat I would feel wow He is willing to go over the budget just to get me this treat it would honestly make me feel so loved and treasured. Now that I'm older and my parents don’t necessarily have a tight budget, I feel wow at 27 years old with a full time job, my parents are still willing to take the time to get me a high calorie delicious treat , I still devour it and remind myself to do 100 extra sit ups (haha)
So for the past two days I've been reminded to thank the Lord for every delicious treat and Kiss him back for it. So I just spent my time in Gdo's presence singing to him and thankfully kissing Him.
Jesus delights in you because you're worth it.
I would of course help out with the groceries and my father would tell us to be careful because there was a special treat in those bags. We would all race into the Kitchen and take all the essential stuff and look for that small treat. When we finally found it we wouldn't open it right away instead, we would either run up to my mother or father and ask them if this is the treat and if it was ok for us to open it and eat it all at once.
I remember the heart felt thank you that I would say to my father and the warm kiss I would give him to show my approval. I would either sit on his lap and devour my treat or go somewhere else to enjoy it.
I feel the Lord used this childhood memory to remind me to be thankful, it’s like God is always faithful to make sure that He always provides the essential groceries of our intimate walk with him, because that's what we need and then there are those special treats that he wants to give to you, not because you can't live without them but because God not only Loves you He adores you.
Growing up my parents had a very tight budget(with six kids and all the other fostered kids) so when my father would come home with a treat I would feel wow He is willing to go over the budget just to get me this treat it would honestly make me feel so loved and treasured. Now that I'm older and my parents don’t necessarily have a tight budget, I feel wow at 27 years old with a full time job, my parents are still willing to take the time to get me a high calorie delicious treat , I still devour it and remind myself to do 100 extra sit ups (haha)
So for the past two days I've been reminded to thank the Lord for every delicious treat and Kiss him back for it. So I just spent my time in Gdo's presence singing to him and thankfully kissing Him.
Jesus delights in you because you're worth it.
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