His Faithfulness & Timing

The other day, I was scrolling through LovePinkie instagram’s feed. I came across a photo and my eyes opened wide! My friend’s baptism photo! I was excited to see it because I used to invite her to church (many times), but she rejected or gave many reasons not to come. Though I lack the eloquence or boldness in sharing the gospel, I used to pray more fervently for my friends’ salvation and invite them to church. But my passion to have them know my faith is snuffed out by the rejections and fruitless days.

But in God’s timing and faithfulness, He sees things through. The seed I have sown, the seed I have forgotten, He has in His time made it bloom into fruitfulness. And in His grace, I got to see/reap the fruit and in turn get encouraged. Encouraged that it’s all in His timing. Encouraged me to keep on doing whatever I’m doing now, I may not see the fruits ….yet, but all has its time. And everything we do has His purpose. It’s really amazing to see someone you know coming to faith, and even baptized! =)

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Singing Over Me

When the failing spirit proves too weak to write, some lyrics bring out the depths of emotions found within.

KARI JOBE – SINGING OVER ME

When I waited so long, when my tears were my song
With my hope nearly gone You held me God
To believe in the face of the dry, weary place
When You felt far away You held me God

Oh, there is freedom in surrender, oh I know it

Your songs have never stopped
You’ve been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You’re singing, always singing over me

The chaos in the cause teaching me to see Lord
The beauty in the storm so I believe
When I see through Your eyes through the testing of time
Every cloud silver lined ’cause You’re with me

Oh, there is freedom in surrender, oh I know it

Your songs have never stopped
You’ve been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You’re singing

Give me faith
Give me strength enough to wait
To stand in faith
And listen for, listen for Your melody

Your songs have never stopped
Your songs have never stopped

Your songs have never stopped
You’ve been singing, always singing over me
Your words are still enough
And You’re singing, always singing over me

Someday, I’ll Fly…

Victoria Boyson:

I’ve not been myself lately or for sometime for that matter.
I’m not sure who “myself” is anymore.
I feel like a caterpillar inside the cocoon.
I’m neither a butterfly nor a caterpillar anymore.
I’m not what I used to be nor am I what I’m going to be.
I cannot go back to what I was,
or what was familiar to me.

I can’t rush forward and be what I have not yet become.
It’s a miserable place to be.
It’s much like a baby in the womb;
you have to wait it out and stay where you are.
I hope every day will bring the end;
I know God is almost done working.
I rejoice because the end is near,
but still the pain increases.

It’s become too easy to not be anything, just a cocoon.
I want to give up, but You won’t let me.
I’m not the caterpillar I used to be
and I’m not the butterfly I know I am becoming.
Becoming a butterfly is scary, painful and exhausting.
I guess I don’t want to remain a nothing,
so I’ll endure the torturous path out of this cocoon.

And I know, someday, I’ll fly!

His Presence

Been pondering on some sensitive questions and trying to look at the issue from different perspectives. Didn’t write out my thoughts because they are a bit jumbled. And some people might get offended and then defensive about some opinions I seem to be concluding.

But I came across a post that seemingly wrote out what went through my mind! So requested for her permission to post.

His Presence in the Surprising and in the Simple

I write this because I want to see what I really think about this issue. And sometimes within my mind and heart, my thoughts are in jumbles, that I cannot pull out any coherent threads just thinking. I need the help of writing to help me see.

Must we always sense God’s presence tangibly to be right with God? Or is sensing His presence, becoming undone before God, the highest ideal in a Christian’s life?

What if God had created some people to become easily undone or during certain periods in their life they can, but others are not the easily undone type (By undone, I mean becoming very high and free.) or they are not just broken down by God to that extent. Is it a bad thing or just a normal thing?

Has becoming undone got anything to do with intimacy with God?

I have hesitations over emphasis on emotional experiences and linking the spiritual life fully to it.

Like all good arguments, like me give my caveats. What I am not saying is that a life in Christ in a dry, boring, purely intellectual exercise.

But what I think is that God’s presence is always with us and never leaves us. If not, we do not believe Him when He said He will never leave us nor forsake us. If that is the truth, does it matter whether we feel the heavy weight of His glory fall on us or not? Should our faith be based upon whether God chooses to manifest His tangible presence before us or not? What if He just wants to manifest to us through a gentle whisper? Or what if God chooses certain people or timing to manifest Himself to but not to everyone? (Like the mount of transfiguration)

Do we overrate certain things? The big and surprising things? But underrate the small and simple things?

“Who is saying it and what is left out.”

I’m not saying Christians are dumb people, who cannot critically assess each statement or experience he or she experiences, but if we expose Christians to a form of spirituality that is not under-girded strongly by truth… what we do not say is as strong a message as what we do say.

Another caveat. I’m not against emotional experiences. In fact, I become Christian because of them. God gave me a very amazing experience. As I kept thinking back to that experience, I can remember the great joy that I had that I kept laughing and I saw and felt something heavenly. That experience changed my life. But what ruined my life was that heavy reliance upon that experience. And when I could no longer “feel” it. I felt very bad about my life, my self, my God. I was very bitter towards Him.

I just want to pre-empt or pre-vent anyone having to go through this misconception that the highest ideal in a Christian’s life is being able to live each day feeling his presence so strongly, by sharing this.

One more question. Does living in the Holy Spirit, walking by faith means you always feel the weight of His glory before you?

1 Kings 19:9-14
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

Is it possible to become addicted to emotional high experiences with God that when God chooses to reveal Himself to us in another form, a still small gentle whisper, we miss it completely?

What I also do think is that God made us differently. Some are more mystical. Some are more intellectual. Together as a family of God, we complement and help one another see a picture of God that more fully represents Him. So I’m not happy when someone throws apologetics or systematic theology out of the window, as unhappy I am, as whens someone throws the spiritual experiences of a Christian out of the window. (Cross-sectional view)

I also think that people can change over time. Michael was sharing with me that the balance between being intellectual and experiential is a hard one to find. But I think people who are on either extremes can grow to a more balance position as God and other loving (we must never put down one another even if we don’t agree with them! Putting others’ belief down in a nasty fashion will not help them towards Jesus Christ) Christian guides them. (Longitudinal view)

Personally, I think intimacy with God is an emotional experience. But, as in all relationships, I think there are ebbs and flows? Are there? Or is the ideal a forever 100% emotional experience because it means we have matured to that extent that nothing can sway us from intimate fellowship from God?

Please correct me if I’m wrong or you have an insight that can shape my thoughts into truth, that I may sift truth from a close counterfeit.

Written by Shuyi, posted with permission

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

{Safer This Way}

Reblogged from Payden:

I wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her.

I didn't.

Instead, I took another sip of coffee and listened to the three girls continue to prattle.

It was just a typical conversation among normal littered with hot actors, something that was uncomfortably close to gossip, plans for the future, and problems at home. Oh, and Jesus. After all, it was a Bible study.

Read more… 362 more words

De-clutter (No.1)

I’m a hoarder. I don’t really like to throw things away and I have good reasons, or so I thought.

Well, it’s always good to recycle right? To keep things for some future use, even if it meant in a distant future.  There’s a sense of pride when I whipped them out and save the day – some crafts or emergencies, although most of them are long forgotten in a corner and not utilized even when the need arises.

Then there are other things I don’t like to throw because they hold some figment of my past or memories that I can reminisce in time to come. I hold on to those pieces of remembrance.. even if they are insignificant moments of my past. But this is important for me – because I am forgetful and can’t rem 90% of what happened in the past.

Hence it’s not surprising that my room is in a mess, no, organized mess – mess that is organized in piles. In the seemingly messy situation, I know where most of my stuff are or where to look for them. I save time trying to pack and organize every little thing that fall into my hands. I just chuck them to their space.

I’m okay with such living arrangement.

Yet the other day… I was praying and was asking God, “What should I do now?” (in this season rather than in the moment.)

And so God replied, “De-clutter. De-clutter your heart and room. Things will look clearer. And peace will come as you work towards a cleaner room. The things of the past, things not of use and things not relevant – throw them away in your heart and room. Don’t hold on to things and don’t hold on to things that don’t matter. When the time comes I will provide. Don’t think of what-if I can use this and that… because I will bless you with even better things to come. And know that I am God.”

To my chagrin, I replied, “Lord, is there a word Lord? A verse to know that the above is from You?

Galations 5:12 came to mind.

NKJV: I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
MSG: “Why don’t these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves!”
ESV: I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
NIV: As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Emasculate: Make (a person, idea, or piece of legislation) weaker or less effective.

Probably out of context, but nevertheless the words in the verse bring across God’s point of wanting me to de-clutter my room. Those that trouble, agitate and unsettle me… cut them off, let them be weak and not have a foothold over me. =)

Want to know what happened during the de-cluttering process? Stay tune for the next post. =)
In the meantime, do you need to de-clutter your life and heart too?

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Holding on

Read a writing by Bonnie Gray.. and bits of it spoke to me much.
So quoted those parts that spoke to me here:

Holding On

I’ve been holding onto to all the different pieces of my life –
My dreams, my hopes, my fears, my past, my future.
My strengths, my weaknesses, my memories and my prayers.

I’ve been holding onto –
– People. People who tell me they are friends, but don’t have the strength to walk through the valleys.
– People who did not love me. Even though they said they did. But, they only said so, to conform me to their expectations.

I took it all in. Since I was a little girl. And here I am now, a full grown woman, loved by her husband, children and friends. I know this. I really do.

But, I have also lived this other life. Inside.
Unloved. For so very long.

Where no one except myself would understand the pain of neglect.
But, what has been neglected doesn’t go away.

Alone. Sometimes, holding on takes you to the loneliest place in the world.
It’s overwhelmingly lonely when God leads you find that innermost place within yourself.

What Matters More

Yes, it matters that Jesus loves me. But, to me right now, what matters more is that Jesus loves the lonely parts of me — and He wants me to step out into the world from those places — as I am too. Don’t wait until there is no more loneliness.  We don’t have to be alone before the brokenness recedes.

You are loved deep enough to be beautiful to Him right where you are traveling through. I’m on this same journey, struggling to believe this to the extent where I can live from that place of faith, every moment.

But, I’m daring to live out in that place more, when I can. This is after all, our testimony of faith — that Jesus is keeping company with us, in those very places.

So,
– when I’m tempted to say yes — when I really want to say no,
– when I’m tempted to push past what I’m really feeling, and tell myself it’s not important,

I want to bring all of me into the present — into the moment with Jesus.
*All the places that are frozen, that I left long ago, I’m trusting Jesus is leading me back. He’s leading me back, so that the lonely parts within me can walk out into the open, into this world.

Jesus understands this loneliness of the journey to travel back home, paved with brokenness. He lived His life fully out in the open, because He was the Beloved.

On the days we feel tired, when we feel lonely — in Jesus’ arms, we become the Beloved.

Full article here: http://www.faithbarista.com/2013/02/where-do-you-go-when-you-are-lonely

God’s favor

I don’t blog as often now, because like a war veteran returning from the battlefield, one becomes too tired and battered, spiritually or emotionally, to talk about war stories. It sometimes becomes too painful to recount those times. It’s probably easier to bury than relieve those memories.

But tonight, after reading a blog post about a friend’s visit back to the place where it first inspired her to do youth and social work 10 years ago, something stirred within me. It made me revisit the place of hope and dreams. This gave my spirit a little boost to write this post.

I recalled the child-like faith I once had to the extent of invoking spiritual jealousy in others.. my love for God which was once first above all.. the calling I was once so sure and held on to.. all these precious gems got lost through the disappointments in life – the turn of events and people’s reactions.

There are many lessons that transpired along this journey in the narrow road. I will try to share bits and pieces in my next few posts.

All in all, walking in God’s will meant His favor will bestow on us. BUT I have learned that favor doesn’t always come in forms we expect it to. God showed Mary favor and through her the Messiah was born, yet she is not without having to go through accusations of being unfaithful by her lover Joseph and ‘shame’ of being an unwed mother. Mary also had to give birth to Jesus in a manger instead of a A-class single hospital ward. Mary had to flee for life because of the favor (Jesus) upon her. She was highly favored. Yet, when God’s way of favor and blessings don’t meet human expectations or standards of comfort and material, we get grumpy. We start to doubt. We start to waver and wonder if this is really God’s will for us.

It’s easy to rejoice, pray and give thanks when all’s good, rosy and smooth; when doors are open and divine connections happen. This is the type of favor we prefer and sing hallelujah to. But there’s another type of favor from God which is more obscure – like discipline to His children, tough love doesn’t seem like favor in the fleshy minds of ours. It’s sure harder to do all the rejoicing, praying and giving thanks in tough circumstances, when our flesh is weak and lies from the enemy interfere with our thoughts.

But that’s when I learned that this is an intimate place of worship where we draw near to God as He molds and matures us to produce a fruit that’s far above all other blessings: the faith and trust in Him, regardless of circumstances. This place is where we behold His face and be secure in Him, our rock, as we face the volatile and unpredictable circumstances of life.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess 5:16-18

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Give me words to Speak

How often when you are lost for words, and you come across a song that perfectly describe what you are feeling inside?

Give Me Words To Speak (by Aaron Shust)

Calloused and bruised
dazed and confused
My Spirit is left wanting something more
Than my selfish hopes
and my selfish dreams
I’m lying with my face down to the floor
I’m crying out for more (crying out for more)

Chorus:
Give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can’t think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don’t let my Spirit sleep

Every night, every day
I find that I have nothing left to say
So I stand here in silence awaiting Your guidance
I’m wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your Words
Let them be Your words

(chorus)

I just don’t understand this life that I’ve been living
I just don’t understand (x2)
I just don’t understand these lies I’ve been believing
I just don’t understand (x2)

(chorus x2)

I know that I owe you my life
Owe my life
Owe my life
(x2)

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Joel 2:25-26

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.”

Joel 2:25-26 (NKJV)

God will restore all things, and even more than expected.

LAW vs GRACE

Les Miserables – A story of LAW vs GRACE .

[LAW] “Javert does not understand the concept of grace. It is completely foreign to him. He lives only by the law. He knows that the ex convict, Jean Valjean has broken his parole and so he pursues him relentlessly. It doesn’t matter that Valjean has a new life, is raising a child and is a reformed person. He has broken the law. He must be punished. There is no mercy for Javert. There is no grace. He wants only to capture Valjean and bring him to justice—back to prison for breaking his parole. “

[GRACE] “Jean Valjean, released from prison, steals again, this time from the home of a priest. He is arrested, but the priest does not press charges. In fact, he sees to it that Valjean is set free. He shows him grace. Unmerited favor. This act of kindness changes Jean Valjean forever and he spends the rest of his life showing grace to others. When Jean Valjean extends the same grace to Javert, Javert rejects it. As a recipient of grace, Javert is utterly confused and conflicted about what to do with it. Javert’s concept of the law does not leave room for Valjean to be both a lawbreaker and a gracious man.”

[VS] The contrast of Javert and Valjean is deliberate and clear. Valjean is determined to live a life worthy of the grace he’s received, and his sense of calling leads him to radical sacrifice for the sake of others. Javert, on the other hand, lives with unflinching loyalty to the law. His confidence in the law makes him utterly certain of both his own righteousness and also Valjean’s sinfulness.

Food for thought: Are we self-righteous in thinking we are right all the time? Do we blindly follow the rules and laws with no flexibility of grace? When with grace & compassion to love another person is to see the face of God?

Quoted from: thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/12/20/law-and-grace-in-les-mis & abf4him.org/archives/472

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

7 Beatitudes of Revelation

7 Beatitudes in the book of Revelation:

1. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. (1:3)
2. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” (14:13)
3. “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” (16:15)
4. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” (19:9)
5. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (20:6)
6. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (22:7)
7. Blessed are those who do His commandments,[wash their robes] that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. (22:14)

Come to think of it, the verses above relate to other parts of the bible – in a similar way.
Quick summary: Obey, die to self and be in the Lord, keep watch and keep the oil of intimacy burning [virgins Mt25:1-13], supper of intimacy [banquet/Lord's supper], saints reigning with Him for 1000 years, obey His word and obey His commandments. Much about obeying the Lord!
Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Goodbye #2012

2012 went by in a blur, yet I struggled much internally to emerge from the pupa case. [ From the outside of the pupa, it looks as if the caterpillar may just be resting, but the inside is where all of the action is. Inside of the pupa, the caterpillar is rapidly changing into a butterfly. ]

2012 hit many lows – stripped away of things, people and past, I am left with a more broken and contrite heart than before. Even the last day of 2012 was not spared from a major hit.

2012 seems not to bear much fruit in the seen, yet I choose to believe that many things are happening in the unseen to bring forth the many fruits in 2013 and beyond.

Through it all, I am learning to be contented, joyful and thankful; to praise God regardless of circumstances. The journey is tough, yet all the more His grace abounds. His grace has kept the flickering hope in me burning. His angel (Stephen Tan) for me has also encouraged and supported me in many ways.

Above all, thank You God for a 2012 where You provided daily manna, revealed Your hidden mysteries in the Word and gave me much time to seek and know You more intimately.

As the last day of 2012 hit a new low, I guess, the only way left is up! Butterfly will emerge eventually.

2013 – a beautiful dawn; His mercies are new every morning.
2013 – new expectations, new hope, new adventures.

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Hatchdays!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jer1:5

God knew me when I am in the womb, before I was born.
God knew him when he is in the womb, before he was born.

Our birthdays, a day apart – 6 , 7 Nov – with him leading 6, and me coming to him in perfect 7.  A belated post. But it’s a 2-3 days joyous celebration worth blogging about. =)

HIS BIRTHDAY

Happy that I managed to surprise him one after another – the line up, cake and gifts. Thankful that God blessed us with COMPLIMENTARY Arteastiq jamming sessions, spa massages  and Starbucks coffee!

It’s true – Art reflects our personalities, thoughts and feelings. The organized-mess me came up with a mix & mash art piece, embedded with hidden meanings, which he said looked like a prophetic painting! On the other hand, his quiet and steady love balloons for me float up to God while anchoring on God’s faithful nature.

The final pieces & us … and work – in – progress

the spa, the ( secret ) gifts, starbucks coffee, and dinner at Brotzeit. <3

HER BIRTHDAY

Him cooking for me! woots~

birthday lunchie cookout – awesome spread of meat, veg and soup!

his favourite mango cake. my airflown cheesecake from japan.

♥♪ ♫ H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   T O   U S ♪ ♫♥

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Ps 139:13-14

Being faithful to Jesus Christ

by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest

It is only a faithful person who truly believes that God sovereignly controls his circumstances. We take our circumstances for granted, saying God is in control, but not really believing it. We act as if the things that happen were completely controlled by people. To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith – the Lord Jesus Christ. God may cause our circumstances to suddenly fall apart, which may bring the realization of our unfaithfulness to Him for not recognizing that He had ordained the situation. We never saw what He was trying to accomplish, and that exact event will never be repeated in our life. This is where the test of our faithfulness comes. If we will just learn to worship God even during the difficult circumstances, He will change them for the better very quickly if He so chooses.

Being faithful to Jesus Christ is the most difficult thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else; just don’t ask us to be faithful to Jesus Christ. Many Christians become very impatient when we talk about faithfulness to Jesus. Our Lord is dethroned more deliberately by Christian workers than by the world. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers.

The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own Son.

For with God nothing will be impossible

Christmas is a reminder that we must always keep our focus on His Divinity and
not on our frail humanity.

- Youversion.com

Luke 1:34-38 //
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. //

Nothing is impossible with the Lord – giving a child to an old-aged woman or a virgin girl. The young and old will be used to display His miracles.

As seen in the verses above, the angel didn’t answer Mary’s question directly in a sense of how God was going to make her conceive. But the angel simply asked her to trust the Lord, supported with the testimony of God’s work displayed through Elizabeth, which proves the point that – with God nothing will be impossible.

Sometimes we don’t understand or see how God is going to bring forth the deliverance or fruit in our lives. We asked and we asked, yet sometimes God simply reminds us of His divinity and asks of us our faith and trust in Him.

Our response should be like Mary in v38. When she didn’t get the specific answers like us, she had the faith to trust and believe God will do a good work in her. And she proclaimed – let it according to your word (i.e. let Your will be done).

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

In All Things Behold the Blessings

Gabby Douglas, who won gold for best gymnastics in the recent Olympics, said in an interview, “Hard days are the best, because that’s when champions are made. If you push through the hard days you can get through anything.”

She also shared that when she looked up at the scoreboard and saw her name in lights with the gold medal, it dawned on her that “all those days of practice when it was difficult and painful and I wanted to quit, it was worth it all.”

The hardest days ahead will be our best days. It’s what will make us champions and bring out God’s almighty strength in us. God uses the enemy in our lives to turn things around.

We would have never heard of David if there hadn’t been a Goliath. We would never have heard of Moses if there hadn’t been a Pharaoh. The lion that came out against Samson only brought out God’s anointing in him. Samson didn’t know what was in him until the lion came against him. The lion brought it out of him. He later ate honey out of that lion’s belly. Glory! These saints discovered that their enemies and trials came with upgrade attachments.

A Champion’s Medals Are His Scars
I have never seen a champion bull rider leave the arena without his face in the dirt, a limp, or wounded in some way. In spite of the glory of the moment, every bone in his body cries out with pain and he often requires assistance to get away from the bull and out of the arena.

When you see someone being used by the Lord and you think they are a champion in the Spirit, you don’t know the pain that comes with overcoming their enemy. You can spot true champions from the false. They walk with a limp, and if you look real close, they will have a tear running down their championship face. And to your surprise, they are not confident after all, as their security has just been shaken at the very core of their being at the height of their success. I am learning not to be jealous of anyone who seems to be strongly anointed and being used by the Lord. I don’t know how deep the scars go that brought them to this place or the suffering their anointing will cost them in the days ahead.

God’s Delays Are His Appointments
Waiting to become the next king of Israel while stuck with those few sheep probably caused David great frustration at times. The key to David’s kingship was and still is, “Don’t focus on what you are waiting for. Focus on the blessing right where you’re at.” What the Lord wanted to convey to David as well as us today is…”There’s a bear coming to give you an upgrade in the Spirit! And the lion rug you always wanted on the floor of your tent is in the mail. If you miss Me in the waiting, you will miss what you are waiting for!”

In all things, behold the blessings.

Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministries

Creativity in Worship

A divine appointment today. The place was crowded with people whose creative spirits are awaken. The creative side of God is revealing more through His people now. People are using more of their creativity to express the heart of God.

OT, years of theology and church structure have accentuated the authoritative and bookish side of God. The left-brained people reflect this side of God. As for the right-brained… there are awesome church paintings, but the creative side of God has flourished more in the secular world of fashion, art and design.

Yet it’s when people create that they become more in touch with their souls and spirits. They bring out emotions from within and project them unto their art. If they are in touch with the Holy Spirit…. I can only imagine what wonderful and beautiful creations they can bring to this world, for the Holy Spirit is part of the Creator of this earth and those in it.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2

……………………

Simply awesome, powerful, refreshing #worship tonight. God’s presence was thick. God comforted and lifted me up. God reminded me of His grace, goodness and promises. God refreshed my Spirit that has gradually grown tired after prolonged wilderness and battle. It’s only at the end of my rope, that I learn to surrender all to Him.

I can still feel the intoxication of His Spirit hours after. The hunger and thirst for more of Him grew. And there in the place of worship, He birthed another idea in me. One that requires a bigger step of faith than writing a book. Well…a step up and up – a progressive faith is what the Lord desires to see.

Of course, at the back of everything I do, I’ll keep this birthday wish from BA in mind – “You are specially made to delight in Him.”

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

Of Testimonies.

We don’t often hear testimonies of tough journeys, hard struggles and lessons that people are currently facing. Some might not even consider these as testimonies, simply because they yet have a good conclusion. Yet testimony is an open declaration or profession, as of faith. Hence, missing out on these might bring about a misconception to this generation that seeks immediate gratification. Many will expect milk and honey to flow immediately, and if not, they easily give up on this journey of faith/God’s vision. But often, God will break and mould us till we become fit vessels to contain His blessings. Breaking precedes blessings.

Winners and wonderful testimonies are celebrated everywhere – which is good. We should live in an atmosphere of praise and worship. But this sometimes tread dangerously into the realm of positive thinking rather than trusting in God. Can positive thinking make us not real anymore? Showing the positive and good side and ignoring what pains us?

Sometimes people in the dark valley do get bitter and feel worse if all they see/hear are people at the top. They feel like they are the only ones in the valley (remember that it’s dark for them to see people around them. so this adds to them feeling alone.). They stand/sit/lie in the dark, wondering if the Lord has forgotten them. So when we become real and share our struggles, it is as if we shine a torch light to see the other people around us. And in that fellowship, we can encourage each other to pick ourselves up to climb the mountain the Lord has designated for each of us.

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

/ 创世纪 / Genesis

A piece from my dearest Stephen Tan, followed by a few thoughts I had, of our lifegroup (LG) meeting on Friday.

Stephen Tan says…
I think it’s probably divine that we spoke about the book of Genesis at LG today.

1. It’s Celeste’s birthday. Birthdays are a reminder of us being formed by Him even before the foundation of the earth. And there’s much to be thankful about.

2. Babies. “Is it better not to have a baby so that he/she won’t have to suffer in this world?”. But I think G’s command is still “be fruitful & multiply”. I supposed God won’t be upset with one more boy/girl on this earth bringing him worship – the reason for our creation – the story of Genesis.

3. Bible Study. First chapter. 6 days. Creation. God made, saw, and was well pleased with all that They have made. Like I said during LG, it’s an eternal question why God will choose to create us knowing that we will fall, knowing that He’ll have to send His son to redeem us, and knowing that we will ultimately reject Him and condemn Him to death on the cross. But I supposed by asking that question, the ans presents itself. That it’s because of Love. What other explanation could there be? That a Man would lay down his life for another (unworthy) being?

I’m grateful.
For His love, grace and salvation.
For everything He has given in my life – friends, family, a good job, a loving bb, a wonderful life basically.

But knowing that He has created us to more than just give us a good life fills me with expectancy as to what He want to accomplish through me.

I am but a dot on this unending line call eternity. Trapped between the dashes we call “time”, and waiting to be called back into everlasting.

The question remains – what do I do with my slot within these 2 dashes? What am I supposed to accomplish for my lot in this journey call… life?

This is the first, and greatest commandment – to love The Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

So help us, Lord. Amen.

Christina Siew says…
Genesis. It’s been ages since I read that chapter. A chapter I’ve yet to meditate upon.

ST posed this eternal question to the LG, “Why will God choose to create us, knowing that we will fall, and that He’ll have to send His son to redeem us? Not only that, He knew that some of us will ultimately reject Him and condemn Him to death on the cross.”

My mind immediately drew a parallelism. The first question we could ask ourselves to better empathize/understand God is, “Why did we as men, want to bring our children to earth, knowing that this is a sinful and corrupt world? A world that our children will fall into a labyrinth of bondages and curses?” So the parallelism steps in – The reason why we want to bring babies to this world may be why God want to bring us, His children, to this world. As we want to love our children and be loved, God wants to love us and be loved by us, His beloveds.

But why did God still made us when He knew He had to send His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and face rejection and condemnation? A question asked by many doubters of Christ as well.

God DOESN’T go into 没把握的战争 (a battle He’s unsure of). God’s purpose predetermined, perhaps even before He made men. He knew… what will happen, but He also has the solution in place – Jesus! God has no worries in making us, for He knew He can send Jesus to redeem us from darkness and back into His embrace! ST added: God already know the end from the beginning and that’s why He chose to go into the battle. (:

This brings me to my earlier point about babies. If given a choice, I will still want to bring my child/children to this world, because I know there is a hope of salvation and eternal love waiting for them. Though they may be born as fallen creatures, all’s not lost! For they are able to rise in light with the resurrected Jesus. They are able to enjoy and be joyful in the worship of God..on earth and to a greater measure in heaven. Shouts of praise, songs of jubilee and dances of joy abound. Heavenly.

Christina Siew (www.christinasiew.com) is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).

RISE :: by Josh Garrels

I hung my head, for the last time
In surrender and despair
Before I’m dead, I’ll take the last climb
Up the mountain, face my fears
The time has come, to make a choice
Use my voice for the love of every man
My minds made up, never again
Never again, will I turn round

Though they may surround me like lions
And crush me on all sides
I may fall, but I will rise
Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords
Only through, Your love, my Lord
All we’ve lost, will be, restored

Take courage sons, for we must go under
The heart of darkness, and set them free
But don’t lose heart when you see the numbers
There’s no measure for, the faith we bring
It’s given us, to overcome
If we run, where the spirit calls us on
The greatest things, have yet to come
With the dawn, we will rise

 

God’s timing

“We don’t always understand God’s methods. His ways don’t always make sense to us, but we have to realize that God sees the big picture. Consider this possibility: You may be ready for what God has for you, but somebody else who is going to be involved is not ready yet. God has to do a work in another person or another situation before your prayer can be answered according to God’s will for your life. All the pieces have to come together for it to be God’s perfect time.

But never fear; God is getting everything lined up in your life. You may not feel it; you may not see it. Your situation may look just like it did for the past ten years, but then one day, in a split second of time, God will bring it all together. When it is God’s timing, all the forces of darkness can’t stop Him. When it’s your due season, God will bring it to pass.

You must learn to trust God’s timing. You can be sure that right now, God is arranging all the pieces to come together to work out His plan for your life. He has been working in your favor long before you encountered the problem. Don’t grow impatient and try to force doors open. Don’t try to make things happen in your own strength. The answer will come, and it will be right on time.”

Naeem Callaway

The Change

It’s been 3 years since I took that step of faith. It was fairly easy to step out because I didn’t see what lies ahead. If I had known the pain, I might not have that courage to do so.

Facing with discouragements and doubts recently, someone reminded me ..
who I was 3 years ago is not the same as who I am now.

We see the outside for results, but God is more concern about the inside.

And I believe God will stun me for the work He has done and is still doing inside me.

I am reminded of the potato story – you don’t see the growth underneath, until it’s the time of harvest.

Indeed.

A 'zine for young women

Reblogged from Little girl from a little place with a big God:

I have a new friend, a woman named Christina Siew. Christina  "descends from an Asian heritage and lives in a sunny little island called Singapore. With big dreams in a small city she calls home, she has this simple wish to inspire and bless whoever she comes across or meets" (taken from her biography).

Christina wrote a book called 

Read more… 323 more words

Hear from Wendy Andrews - the new author at zine.lovepinkie.com! =)

黄国伦做见证 Huang Kuo Lun’s Testimony

A testimony of God.
So timely for me.
Encouraged me sooo much. I hope it will do the same for you too.

(chinese-english)

Christina Siew is the author of the book, ‘Love, Pinkie >.<’ (www.lovepinkie.com).