Proverbs 3:4, “4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”
Frankly speaking, I do not really practise any faith or do prayers often. I seem to believe only in myself until this incident. I just finished my test in school but I had a few problems with answering some of the questions. Nevertheless I still wanted to top the class, deep in my heart. Unfortunately when I checked whether I have answered the questions in my test correctly, I was really disappointed with my answers. With my expectation to excel and top the class, I doubt I would be able to make it. Perhaps I should have prayed before I do the test or even as I was preparing for it. All these while, Jesus did not cross my mind.
After 3 weeks of school vacation, I did not know why but I started to pray the night before school reopened. I remembered the test that I previous wanted to do well and I just started praying to get good results earnestly and wholeheartedly.
The next morning, every classmate was expecting to receive their result anxiously particularly me. My lecturer came and showed us an excel file with our results. To my huge surprise, I got the highest score. I was extremely elated and grateful to God! With my result, I was even presented with a prize from my lecturer as a bonus. This prize was not even mentioned earlier.
Looking back, I did well in my test and even received an unexpected prize. I thank Jesus for answering my prayer as well as for His mercy and grace. After all, I did not do as badly as I thought it would be. Probably God had given me the favor of my lecturer as what was written in Proverbs 3:4. I believe God, being my spiritual Father, wanted me to have a fore taste of His goodness despite my passiveness in getting closer to Him. He answered my earnest prayer this time but in future, I have better learn to exercise my faith in a more proper way. That is to do my humanly best in preparing for my test and then pray for God to give me the wisdom that I need before I do my test.
JT
Friday, July 31, 2009
God taught me to stay contented while waiting upon Him through my career
Philippians 4:11-13, “11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
After working for a couple of years in the private sector, I began to be curious how much my peers were earning now particularly in the public sector. So I began to check it out. While it was interesting to keep up to date the development of my friends and knowing that they were doing well in their respective career, it was to my dismay, I was not as well paid as them. I met up with a headhunter and through our discussion; she too felt that I should be earning around 10 to 15% higher than my current package. I felt shortchanged by my company. It has been close to 2.5 years in my existing company and my pay has not been raised to a level that I am satisfied. It does not really help when I am losing my passion in my current role. I began set in my heart to start seeking other jobs proactively by searching for new opportunities in the papers. However, my heart just does not feel right with it. There was no peace.
Soon there was a re organization in the company which led me to a new role with a new boss. My new job title reflected a promotion and so I thought it would be a good opportunity to ask for a pay raise. However I found myself to be disappointed for I was informed that my new job title was a just a change in job designation; no raise will be given. However I would like to admit that this new role actually did inject a new lease of motivation in me, which was painfully needed, despite no monetary gains.
Just that day, Pastor Amos preached about a period of transition as God plans to move you from one place to another where you just wait on the Lord even though there is no answer to your prayers. Thoughts of discontentment sometimes come to derail you from a supposed path that God wants you to take. This spoke to my heart. A week before that, one of our church leaders, Rajan, also taught on our own desire vs God’s desire for our life. It dawned on me that I have been too prideful and not contented with what I have now. I have been seeking around to justify for a higher pay because I felt unfairly compensated and possibly just being competitive. Probably God wants me to stay in the current job a little longer for there might be a bigger plan waiting for me in the near future. Although it is not wrong to desire for a higher pay, it seems like my motivation for doing so is not right and pure.
In the meantime, I will continue to do my best and fulfill my duty to my company but at the same time learn to be content as Paul shared in Philippians 4:11-13, while I wait upon the Lord.
Anonymous
After working for a couple of years in the private sector, I began to be curious how much my peers were earning now particularly in the public sector. So I began to check it out. While it was interesting to keep up to date the development of my friends and knowing that they were doing well in their respective career, it was to my dismay, I was not as well paid as them. I met up with a headhunter and through our discussion; she too felt that I should be earning around 10 to 15% higher than my current package. I felt shortchanged by my company. It has been close to 2.5 years in my existing company and my pay has not been raised to a level that I am satisfied. It does not really help when I am losing my passion in my current role. I began set in my heart to start seeking other jobs proactively by searching for new opportunities in the papers. However, my heart just does not feel right with it. There was no peace.
Soon there was a re organization in the company which led me to a new role with a new boss. My new job title reflected a promotion and so I thought it would be a good opportunity to ask for a pay raise. However I found myself to be disappointed for I was informed that my new job title was a just a change in job designation; no raise will be given. However I would like to admit that this new role actually did inject a new lease of motivation in me, which was painfully needed, despite no monetary gains.
Just that day, Pastor Amos preached about a period of transition as God plans to move you from one place to another where you just wait on the Lord even though there is no answer to your prayers. Thoughts of discontentment sometimes come to derail you from a supposed path that God wants you to take. This spoke to my heart. A week before that, one of our church leaders, Rajan, also taught on our own desire vs God’s desire for our life. It dawned on me that I have been too prideful and not contented with what I have now. I have been seeking around to justify for a higher pay because I felt unfairly compensated and possibly just being competitive. Probably God wants me to stay in the current job a little longer for there might be a bigger plan waiting for me in the near future. Although it is not wrong to desire for a higher pay, it seems like my motivation for doing so is not right and pure.
In the meantime, I will continue to do my best and fulfill my duty to my company but at the same time learn to be content as Paul shared in Philippians 4:11-13, while I wait upon the Lord.
Anonymous
We committed to give and God was faithful to His words
Ephesians 3:20, “20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
On 21 Jun 09, Sunday, we attended the service at His Harvest Church and Pastor Amos mentioned briefly during his preaching about building God's kingdom. Agreeing with what Pastor Amos had said, we had this desire to offer a 3-digit sum of money to the church by the following Sunday. We made a simple prayer, asking God to remember our obedience and to provide for us.
The next day on Monday, we received news from the company that they are paying out a special bonus on a monthly basis for six consecutive months. And you know what. Each month of that special bonus payout was exactly the amount which we had decided to offer. Praise the Lord! The point is God honored our obedience at the point when we committed our heart to give even though we have not actually gave God the money because the following Sunday has not come to pass.
To be exact, we offered ONCE on that amount and God blessed us back FIVE times more of the very same amount. Hallelujah! Praise God for His faithfulness. On top of that special bonus, we also received an extra blessing of double the amount of money we are going to offer. All glory to Jesus!
God is always so willing to bless and more than we are even ready to receive. Pastor Amos said that we do not have to dig too deep into the things of God by reasoning. We just need to follow what God says in His words and get excited to see how God's going to move in our lives. God blesses us for us to be a channel of blessings.
Tom & Belle
On 21 Jun 09, Sunday, we attended the service at His Harvest Church and Pastor Amos mentioned briefly during his preaching about building God's kingdom. Agreeing with what Pastor Amos had said, we had this desire to offer a 3-digit sum of money to the church by the following Sunday. We made a simple prayer, asking God to remember our obedience and to provide for us.
The next day on Monday, we received news from the company that they are paying out a special bonus on a monthly basis for six consecutive months. And you know what. Each month of that special bonus payout was exactly the amount which we had decided to offer. Praise the Lord! The point is God honored our obedience at the point when we committed our heart to give even though we have not actually gave God the money because the following Sunday has not come to pass.
To be exact, we offered ONCE on that amount and God blessed us back FIVE times more of the very same amount. Hallelujah! Praise God for His faithfulness. On top of that special bonus, we also received an extra blessing of double the amount of money we are going to offer. All glory to Jesus!
God is always so willing to bless and more than we are even ready to receive. Pastor Amos said that we do not have to dig too deep into the things of God by reasoning. We just need to follow what God says in His words and get excited to see how God's going to move in our lives. God blesses us for us to be a channel of blessings.
Tom & Belle
I could have cost someone's salvation had I not submit to church authority
I have learnt the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority that God has ordained over me in church over the years; be it in a group activity or discussion, regardless of race, language or age. Then there was this particular incident that God used to reinforce and internalize this lesson in me.
This happened during my first mission trip to Thailand. We were doing street evangelism during one of the late afternoon when my group was addressing to a group of motorcycle taxi drivers. They were resting and waiting for customers along a small road alley. My leader was preaching over the loudspeaker explaining God’s salvation plan for the people. I could tell that my leader was doing his best to bring the message across to them.
However the group of seven or eight people certainly did not show any level of interest on their faces and to make matter more demoralizing, they start to trickle away slowly as their customers came. Nevertheless, my leader was relentless in repeating the salvation message to them and asking them if they would want to receive Jesus into their lives. Then it got to the point that I started to feel a little impatient and thought of proposing to my leader to stop wasting each other’s time and move on to the next location.
Thank God, the Holy Spirit gripped my heart and reminded me to give all due respect to my leader as he has been appointed to lead the proceedings of the street evangelism. To my huge surprise and joy, two of the men raised their hands in response to the salvation message after my leader asked the group in general for the fourth or fifth time.
This episode has clearly reinforced that it is Holy Spirit who does the work according to Zechariah 4:6, “… Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” At the same time, God further instilled in me the importance of obedience and respecting church authority.
I could have thwarted the God’s plan for someone’s salvation if I had not respected my leader.
Steve
This happened during my first mission trip to Thailand. We were doing street evangelism during one of the late afternoon when my group was addressing to a group of motorcycle taxi drivers. They were resting and waiting for customers along a small road alley. My leader was preaching over the loudspeaker explaining God’s salvation plan for the people. I could tell that my leader was doing his best to bring the message across to them.
However the group of seven or eight people certainly did not show any level of interest on their faces and to make matter more demoralizing, they start to trickle away slowly as their customers came. Nevertheless, my leader was relentless in repeating the salvation message to them and asking them if they would want to receive Jesus into their lives. Then it got to the point that I started to feel a little impatient and thought of proposing to my leader to stop wasting each other’s time and move on to the next location.
Thank God, the Holy Spirit gripped my heart and reminded me to give all due respect to my leader as he has been appointed to lead the proceedings of the street evangelism. To my huge surprise and joy, two of the men raised their hands in response to the salvation message after my leader asked the group in general for the fourth or fifth time.
This episode has clearly reinforced that it is Holy Spirit who does the work according to Zechariah 4:6, “… Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” At the same time, God further instilled in me the importance of obedience and respecting church authority.
I could have thwarted the God’s plan for someone’s salvation if I had not respected my leader.
Steve
Some pointers in leading people into the salvation prayer
Recently Pastor Oon demonstrated to me on 3 occasions in leading people into the salvation prayer. There are a few good observations which I have made that would make the process very clear to the person you are leading into the prayer.
He would always start off with telling the person that because they do not know how to pray as pre believers, he would lead them in the salvation prayer while they repeat what he says. Pastor Oon then makes sure he tells the person that while he/ she says the salvation prayer, he/ she must make sure that his/ her heart is towards God and not him (Pastor Oon). However Pastor Oon would tell the person that he will be the human witness of this special moment as he would be listening to the person’s prayer.
In a nut shell
• Ask the person to repeat the salvation prayer after you.
• Tell him to say the prayer with an attitude of telling God in his heart
• Tell him that you will be the witness of his salvation because you hear him.
I believe the above would help to make things clear to the person while he/ she begins to accept the greatest gift of his/ her life.
Having learnt the above, God presented the opportunity for me to lead a friend of mine back into the hands of God. Briefing him exactly what Pastor Oon did.
Steve
He would always start off with telling the person that because they do not know how to pray as pre believers, he would lead them in the salvation prayer while they repeat what he says. Pastor Oon then makes sure he tells the person that while he/ she says the salvation prayer, he/ she must make sure that his/ her heart is towards God and not him (Pastor Oon). However Pastor Oon would tell the person that he will be the human witness of this special moment as he would be listening to the person’s prayer.
In a nut shell
• Ask the person to repeat the salvation prayer after you.
• Tell him to say the prayer with an attitude of telling God in his heart
• Tell him that you will be the witness of his salvation because you hear him.
I believe the above would help to make things clear to the person while he/ she begins to accept the greatest gift of his/ her life.
Having learnt the above, God presented the opportunity for me to lead a friend of mine back into the hands of God. Briefing him exactly what Pastor Oon did.
Steve
I was retrenched but God found me a better job
Revelation 3:7-8, “… He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;[b] for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
Due to the economic recession, our company business was badly affected. Our business earnings dropped from 30 million to 12million. Our management in US started to retrench staff and it was one month later that they wanted the same exercise for Singapore. On 19 June 09 in the afternoon, I was asked by my immediate boss to accompany her to the general manager room and warned me that I would be expecting some bad news. So we sat down, and the general manager began to explain to me that the company was making a huge loss in the business and they were told to execute a retrenchment exercise in Asia. Unfortunately I was one of the candidates to be asked to leave.
At that moment, I was shocked to hear this news because I did not expect the retrenchment exercise was so sudden. Although I was shocked, there was a peace in my heart. I did not have any fear or anxiety. After the meeting ended, the general manager handed me the retrenched package and my immediate boss told me that she would help me find a new job. Suddenly, she remembered that the boss of one of our competitor company mentioned previously that he needed a staff. So she quickly gave him a call and recommended me to him. After speaking to him, he wanted to see my resume but I did not have it with me. So my immediate boss took the resume she had in her record and passed it to me. She wanted me to send it to him and I did so. In the email I mentioned that I would forward him a revised resume with updated information and the testimony which my general manager promised to give me.
The next Monday morning, I received a missed call and a message to ask whether I can meet up for an interview. I told him to meet on Tuesday. After the interview he told me to wait for the reply either on Wednesday or latest by Thursday. On Thursday morning, I received the call from him informing me to sign the appointment letter on Friday.
PRAISE THE LORD! Everything just happened so fast. I got a new job within a week and the retrenched package was an extra bonus for me.
Actually a few months back, I did pray to God for a job that would be nearer to where I stay because travelling to and fro the current job took me 4 hours every day. As a result, by the time I returned home, I would not have much time to spend with my child. Now, the new job is very near to my place and its only about 1 hour traveling time to and fro from work. Even the working time is shorter than my previous job.
God is so real and He does things in such a supernatural and creative manner. He shuts one door and opens another door for me. The peace that I had in me when the bad news was broken to me showed me the reality of John 14: 27: the supernatural peace that God gives and not the world gives. This is the type of peace that sustains us even in bad times, knowing that God is in control. This experience really affirmed me that His promises are always yes and Amen. Trust in Him and cast on your care upon Him. He is always faithful to His words.
Eileen
Due to the economic recession, our company business was badly affected. Our business earnings dropped from 30 million to 12million. Our management in US started to retrench staff and it was one month later that they wanted the same exercise for Singapore. On 19 June 09 in the afternoon, I was asked by my immediate boss to accompany her to the general manager room and warned me that I would be expecting some bad news. So we sat down, and the general manager began to explain to me that the company was making a huge loss in the business and they were told to execute a retrenchment exercise in Asia. Unfortunately I was one of the candidates to be asked to leave.
At that moment, I was shocked to hear this news because I did not expect the retrenchment exercise was so sudden. Although I was shocked, there was a peace in my heart. I did not have any fear or anxiety. After the meeting ended, the general manager handed me the retrenched package and my immediate boss told me that she would help me find a new job. Suddenly, she remembered that the boss of one of our competitor company mentioned previously that he needed a staff. So she quickly gave him a call and recommended me to him. After speaking to him, he wanted to see my resume but I did not have it with me. So my immediate boss took the resume she had in her record and passed it to me. She wanted me to send it to him and I did so. In the email I mentioned that I would forward him a revised resume with updated information and the testimony which my general manager promised to give me.
The next Monday morning, I received a missed call and a message to ask whether I can meet up for an interview. I told him to meet on Tuesday. After the interview he told me to wait for the reply either on Wednesday or latest by Thursday. On Thursday morning, I received the call from him informing me to sign the appointment letter on Friday.
PRAISE THE LORD! Everything just happened so fast. I got a new job within a week and the retrenched package was an extra bonus for me.
Actually a few months back, I did pray to God for a job that would be nearer to where I stay because travelling to and fro the current job took me 4 hours every day. As a result, by the time I returned home, I would not have much time to spend with my child. Now, the new job is very near to my place and its only about 1 hour traveling time to and fro from work. Even the working time is shorter than my previous job.
God is so real and He does things in such a supernatural and creative manner. He shuts one door and opens another door for me. The peace that I had in me when the bad news was broken to me showed me the reality of John 14: 27: the supernatural peace that God gives and not the world gives. This is the type of peace that sustains us even in bad times, knowing that God is in control. This experience really affirmed me that His promises are always yes and Amen. Trust in Him and cast on your care upon Him. He is always faithful to His words.
Eileen
God does not want me to overwork and miss church
Matthew 6:33, “33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Went I just came out NS, I took up a sales job at a pet shop. As this is a retail business, I was required to work on weekends and public holidays at times. As a result, I was not able to attend church every Sunday. Consequently without hearing the Word of God from the sermons that my pastor gave, I was not growing spiritually and was not strong in the Word of God.
My flesh started to get the better of me. From time to time, I was like having depression and even thoughts of contemplating suicide crossed my mind due to my heavy work load. I remembered there was a certain day when the shop was very busy and I found myself unable to cope with all the work. I was the only one managing the shop and I almost broke down then suddenly Pastor Oon appeared at the shop. He dropped by to ask me how I was doing and wanted to catch up a little with me. I did not tell him what emotional feelings I was having at that time. However subsequently, whenever I had depressing and fatal thoughts, I would always receive a call from Pastor Oon or he would simply appear at the shop. It happened so frequently that I felt it was no longer a matter of coincidence but rather God trying to put me back to Him through Pastor Oon. After a few more incidents I was so touched and amazed by God that I decided to quit the job and put God as my priority; by attending church every time to worship Him and hear His words.
After quitting the pet shop job, I started to believe God for a new job that allows me to earn money and attend my church Sunday service. Needless to say, God answered me not long after that.
Anonymous
Went I just came out NS, I took up a sales job at a pet shop. As this is a retail business, I was required to work on weekends and public holidays at times. As a result, I was not able to attend church every Sunday. Consequently without hearing the Word of God from the sermons that my pastor gave, I was not growing spiritually and was not strong in the Word of God.
My flesh started to get the better of me. From time to time, I was like having depression and even thoughts of contemplating suicide crossed my mind due to my heavy work load. I remembered there was a certain day when the shop was very busy and I found myself unable to cope with all the work. I was the only one managing the shop and I almost broke down then suddenly Pastor Oon appeared at the shop. He dropped by to ask me how I was doing and wanted to catch up a little with me. I did not tell him what emotional feelings I was having at that time. However subsequently, whenever I had depressing and fatal thoughts, I would always receive a call from Pastor Oon or he would simply appear at the shop. It happened so frequently that I felt it was no longer a matter of coincidence but rather God trying to put me back to Him through Pastor Oon. After a few more incidents I was so touched and amazed by God that I decided to quit the job and put God as my priority; by attending church every time to worship Him and hear His words.
After quitting the pet shop job, I started to believe God for a new job that allows me to earn money and attend my church Sunday service. Needless to say, God answered me not long after that.
Anonymous
I came to work in Singapore and God helped me to settle down
Proverbs 16:1, “1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”
Psalm 37:23, “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”
I am from Philippines and I want to thank the Lord for ALL the favor He had given me so far. He had remained faithful to me and my family even when I came to Singapore during March of 2009. This trip alone was a blessing because it had been my desire to work abroad with the opportunity to earn more. It was hard for me as I had to leave my wife and my 18-month-old son. But I saw the hand of God moving in my life and allowing everything to happen for a purpose while providing for my family.
I was so blessed to find a church that loves the Lord and made me feel as a part of the family. I saw the heart of Pastor Amos that hungers for God and the accommodating spirit of Pastor Oon. The other members later became brothers and sisters to me. I was overwhelmed! I know that I am at the right church with the right people at the right time.
The adjustment period was never that difficult because I know that the Lord brought me here to Singapore. I was excited to come to church every Sunday. However due to the nature and schedule of my job as a fitness trainer, I was stopped from attending Sunday services for the fact that I had to work the whole day on Sunday.
I started knocking the gates of heaven asking for favor from God for me not to miss Sunday services. My wife backed me up in prayer. I began to bring up my desire to my manager and to my surprise; he immediately granted it the moment I asked for his permission. Praise God for touching the heart of my manager! My schedule now allowed me to not only attend the Sunday service but also the Wednesday night service as well. The Lord knows what's best for us. I believe that nothing is impossible with our God; we will run and not grow weary and we will walk and will not faint.
I remembered worrying about my sales performance in getting clients previously because I was not having good sales at all while all of my colleagues were doing great. My wife even advised me to be patient, to pray that God would bring me the right clients and just continue to give my tithes. She also advised me to just give my best and not to worry and simply allow God to move. Amazingly, my clients started to increase in numbers and thus my sales. Unknowingly, I became the top seller in our company, that means more commissions and more tithes to give to the kingdom. Praise Jesus! As long as we are faithful, the Lord will reward us. This is one promise in the book of Malachi that if we give our tithes, the Lord will open the windows of heaven for us, He will pour out a blessing so great that we won't have enough room to take it. Amazing! The Lord even told us to test him with this and he will prove it! What a big God we serve!
Just recently, our manager arranged for a one to one meeting session with him at his office. When it was my turn to meet him, he greeted me with a wide and congratulated me for my good performance. I was almost moved near to tears when he gave me all the praise reports and compliments. He said that I was responsible and was able to complete tasks given to me all the time. He said his first impression of me was that I am a shy and silent person and therefore was not expecting a lot from me. However he said what I had accomplished today was way beyond his expectations. All I know was I was just doing my best in my work place and adding excellence to it. If anyone will boast, let him boast in the Lord.
The word of God says: It is impossible to please God without faith. I believe by faith that the Lord will bring my family here to Singapore. I know that it's not the will of God for families to be far from each other. It was a blessing in disguise that my wife did not clinch a seeming attractive job offer in Singapore earlier due to the foreign quota imposed by the government; because I later realized that my son actually need her presence at a very young age. I know that the Lord has a perfect timing for everything. So soon, I believe we will be together. There is no turning back now. Pastor Amos, Pastor Oon and Pastor Jo D (my spiritual father back home in Cebu) were right. Jesus takes the highest place and glory.
Eric
Psalm 37:23, “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”
I am from Philippines and I want to thank the Lord for ALL the favor He had given me so far. He had remained faithful to me and my family even when I came to Singapore during March of 2009. This trip alone was a blessing because it had been my desire to work abroad with the opportunity to earn more. It was hard for me as I had to leave my wife and my 18-month-old son. But I saw the hand of God moving in my life and allowing everything to happen for a purpose while providing for my family.
I was so blessed to find a church that loves the Lord and made me feel as a part of the family. I saw the heart of Pastor Amos that hungers for God and the accommodating spirit of Pastor Oon. The other members later became brothers and sisters to me. I was overwhelmed! I know that I am at the right church with the right people at the right time.
The adjustment period was never that difficult because I know that the Lord brought me here to Singapore. I was excited to come to church every Sunday. However due to the nature and schedule of my job as a fitness trainer, I was stopped from attending Sunday services for the fact that I had to work the whole day on Sunday.
I started knocking the gates of heaven asking for favor from God for me not to miss Sunday services. My wife backed me up in prayer. I began to bring up my desire to my manager and to my surprise; he immediately granted it the moment I asked for his permission. Praise God for touching the heart of my manager! My schedule now allowed me to not only attend the Sunday service but also the Wednesday night service as well. The Lord knows what's best for us. I believe that nothing is impossible with our God; we will run and not grow weary and we will walk and will not faint.
I remembered worrying about my sales performance in getting clients previously because I was not having good sales at all while all of my colleagues were doing great. My wife even advised me to be patient, to pray that God would bring me the right clients and just continue to give my tithes. She also advised me to just give my best and not to worry and simply allow God to move. Amazingly, my clients started to increase in numbers and thus my sales. Unknowingly, I became the top seller in our company, that means more commissions and more tithes to give to the kingdom. Praise Jesus! As long as we are faithful, the Lord will reward us. This is one promise in the book of Malachi that if we give our tithes, the Lord will open the windows of heaven for us, He will pour out a blessing so great that we won't have enough room to take it. Amazing! The Lord even told us to test him with this and he will prove it! What a big God we serve!
Just recently, our manager arranged for a one to one meeting session with him at his office. When it was my turn to meet him, he greeted me with a wide and congratulated me for my good performance. I was almost moved near to tears when he gave me all the praise reports and compliments. He said that I was responsible and was able to complete tasks given to me all the time. He said his first impression of me was that I am a shy and silent person and therefore was not expecting a lot from me. However he said what I had accomplished today was way beyond his expectations. All I know was I was just doing my best in my work place and adding excellence to it. If anyone will boast, let him boast in the Lord.
The word of God says: It is impossible to please God without faith. I believe by faith that the Lord will bring my family here to Singapore. I know that it's not the will of God for families to be far from each other. It was a blessing in disguise that my wife did not clinch a seeming attractive job offer in Singapore earlier due to the foreign quota imposed by the government; because I later realized that my son actually need her presence at a very young age. I know that the Lord has a perfect timing for everything. So soon, I believe we will be together. There is no turning back now. Pastor Amos, Pastor Oon and Pastor Jo D (my spiritual father back home in Cebu) were right. Jesus takes the highest place and glory.
Eric
3 family members saved within a month
Colossians 4:3-4, “3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
Last month, 3 family members of my wife’s family received their salvation. First her grandma, followed by her aunt and then her mum. This was how it happened.
Her grandma was had a heart problem and had to go through a major operation .The doctor gave a probability of 20% success rate. In other words, the possibility of her grandma passing away was very high. The family was in a dilemma but her grandma wished to go through the operation. My wife then requested me to ask Pastor Oon to visit her together before operation. We went in there and she was alone. It was an excellent opportunity for us to share the gospel with her. Without wasting much time, Pastor started to share the salvation message with her by explaining to her the importance of receiving God into her life, the reality of heaven and hell and how a personal choice must be made to accept her salvation. She made a decision to accept Christ into her life that moment. Next we prayed for her healing. The next day her grandma was due for operation. Some of the church members were informed to lift her up in prayers and believe she will walk out of the operation theatre well and alive. It was not long before we received news that the operation was a success!
A week later, I received news from my wife’s aunt that she has been admitted into a hospice due to cancer, she is already in the terminal stage. Again Pastor Oon and I went down to pray for her and to share the love of God with her. She too accepted her salvation that day. When Pastor Oon asked how she felt. She said she felt the peace of God in her. Although she considered herself to be a Christian, she has never said the salvation prayer and it was the first time she experienced the reality of the peace of God coming into her heart after Pastor Oon led her into the salvation prayer. Coincidently, my wife’s mum happened to be there and she too accepted Christ into her life. God had amazingly opened the doors of opportunity for us to spread His love and goodness – 3 souls were saved just over a short period of time. Praise God!
Steve
Last month, 3 family members of my wife’s family received their salvation. First her grandma, followed by her aunt and then her mum. This was how it happened.
Her grandma was had a heart problem and had to go through a major operation .The doctor gave a probability of 20% success rate. In other words, the possibility of her grandma passing away was very high. The family was in a dilemma but her grandma wished to go through the operation. My wife then requested me to ask Pastor Oon to visit her together before operation. We went in there and she was alone. It was an excellent opportunity for us to share the gospel with her. Without wasting much time, Pastor started to share the salvation message with her by explaining to her the importance of receiving God into her life, the reality of heaven and hell and how a personal choice must be made to accept her salvation. She made a decision to accept Christ into her life that moment. Next we prayed for her healing. The next day her grandma was due for operation. Some of the church members were informed to lift her up in prayers and believe she will walk out of the operation theatre well and alive. It was not long before we received news that the operation was a success!
A week later, I received news from my wife’s aunt that she has been admitted into a hospice due to cancer, she is already in the terminal stage. Again Pastor Oon and I went down to pray for her and to share the love of God with her. She too accepted her salvation that day. When Pastor Oon asked how she felt. She said she felt the peace of God in her. Although she considered herself to be a Christian, she has never said the salvation prayer and it was the first time she experienced the reality of the peace of God coming into her heart after Pastor Oon led her into the salvation prayer. Coincidently, my wife’s mum happened to be there and she too accepted Christ into her life. God had amazingly opened the doors of opportunity for us to spread His love and goodness – 3 souls were saved just over a short period of time. Praise God!
Steve
God used a simple incident to mould my character
Romans 12:18-20, “18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 Therefore “ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.””
I remembered there was once when I left the main door to my house wide open over the entire night after I came home late one night. It was only discovered by my dad the following morning and I was woken up by the huge commotion caused by the uproar of my family members as they thought someone had broken into the house. Actually I did not even know I forgot to lock the door. It was the first time such an incident had happened and this was probably due to my carelessness that my hands were full from carrying something bulky into the house. My elder sister was particularly angry as she was very particular about safety matters in the house. It was no wonder that she kept complaining and complaining to my dismay. While I felt guilty over the incident, I was also annoyed by my sister’s behavior. No one likes to be scolded over and over again. Of course I apologized for my carelessness and promised my family that I would not allow this to happen in future.
That same night when I was back, I discovered the lock was arranged in a manner that it would be difficult for me to open. My family members knew that due to my bigger hands, the lock need to be arranged in a particular way such that I could easily reach it and open it. However this time, it was arranged otherwise. To my frustration in trying to reach it, I had no choice but to press the door bell for help even though it was late. This moment my sister opened the door and told me that she deliberately wanted to teach me a lesson for leaving the door open the other night. I was so angry that I almost threw a punch at her. At that time, I was still a very young Christian and my aggressive nature was still in me. I could not imagine she could think of doing something so childish for her age. Thank God the Holy Spirit in me arrested me. My heart stopped me from doing something foolish. I just kept quiet while I accepted her comments and went in. My blood was boiling and my face fiercely red though. However I wanted to obey God and keep His ways.
Interestingly a week later, I came home late again and this time I saw a bunch of keys dangling in the key hole of my main door. The key pouch hanging from the keys clearly indicated that they belonged to my sister. “I got you this time!” I cried to myself. While the thought of creating a huge scene out of this rare opportunity did crossed my mind, I humbly took out the keys, entered the house and left the key pouch on my sister desk quietly. I knew what Jesus would do if He was placed in the same situation. I obeyed Him again. In fact my sister did not just leave her keys in the key hole once but twice!
Two times I repeated the same response. Although I never bring up my sister carelessness to anyone including her following the events, somehow I felt that she knew what had happened and I believe she felt convicted to a certain extent.
Although I felt that Romans 12:18-20 speaks very intimately of this situation but at the same time, Hosea 6:6, “6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” would also speak of this story in a better manner.
This was one of the few incidents which God used to mould my character as I obeyed His prompting. It was very uneasy for me in these situations as my flesh was always screaming to do otherwise, but it got easier and easier each time. Nevertheless, it was always to my own benefit whenever I obey Him. He is my spiritual Father after all; always wanting the best for my life.
Anonymous
I remembered there was once when I left the main door to my house wide open over the entire night after I came home late one night. It was only discovered by my dad the following morning and I was woken up by the huge commotion caused by the uproar of my family members as they thought someone had broken into the house. Actually I did not even know I forgot to lock the door. It was the first time such an incident had happened and this was probably due to my carelessness that my hands were full from carrying something bulky into the house. My elder sister was particularly angry as she was very particular about safety matters in the house. It was no wonder that she kept complaining and complaining to my dismay. While I felt guilty over the incident, I was also annoyed by my sister’s behavior. No one likes to be scolded over and over again. Of course I apologized for my carelessness and promised my family that I would not allow this to happen in future.
That same night when I was back, I discovered the lock was arranged in a manner that it would be difficult for me to open. My family members knew that due to my bigger hands, the lock need to be arranged in a particular way such that I could easily reach it and open it. However this time, it was arranged otherwise. To my frustration in trying to reach it, I had no choice but to press the door bell for help even though it was late. This moment my sister opened the door and told me that she deliberately wanted to teach me a lesson for leaving the door open the other night. I was so angry that I almost threw a punch at her. At that time, I was still a very young Christian and my aggressive nature was still in me. I could not imagine she could think of doing something so childish for her age. Thank God the Holy Spirit in me arrested me. My heart stopped me from doing something foolish. I just kept quiet while I accepted her comments and went in. My blood was boiling and my face fiercely red though. However I wanted to obey God and keep His ways.
Interestingly a week later, I came home late again and this time I saw a bunch of keys dangling in the key hole of my main door. The key pouch hanging from the keys clearly indicated that they belonged to my sister. “I got you this time!” I cried to myself. While the thought of creating a huge scene out of this rare opportunity did crossed my mind, I humbly took out the keys, entered the house and left the key pouch on my sister desk quietly. I knew what Jesus would do if He was placed in the same situation. I obeyed Him again. In fact my sister did not just leave her keys in the key hole once but twice!
Two times I repeated the same response. Although I never bring up my sister carelessness to anyone including her following the events, somehow I felt that she knew what had happened and I believe she felt convicted to a certain extent.
Although I felt that Romans 12:18-20 speaks very intimately of this situation but at the same time, Hosea 6:6, “6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” would also speak of this story in a better manner.
This was one of the few incidents which God used to mould my character as I obeyed His prompting. It was very uneasy for me in these situations as my flesh was always screaming to do otherwise, but it got easier and easier each time. Nevertheless, it was always to my own benefit whenever I obey Him. He is my spiritual Father after all; always wanting the best for my life.
Anonymous
Someone just gave me money for my mission trip
John 15:7, “7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Last year December 08, our church is organizing a Thailand mission trip which cost $600 per person, I wanted to go badly because I would like to expose myself to the things of God. However at that time I did not have a stable job and therefore I was not able to come out with the sum of money. In my quiet time, I made a simple prayer to God, “Let not my will but Yours to be done. God, if You want me to go, I believe you will provide me with all the needs that I need for me to go.”
About a few weeks later, God answered my prayer and supernaturally provided me with more than enough finances for the mission trip through a fellow church member. The person just came up to me and offered to pay for my expenses even though I did not share with the person my financial concerns.
In the end, I went ahead with the mission trip and through this trip, God opened up my eyes and let me experience the things and move of God that I have experienced in Singapore. Praise God! God is good.
Anonymous
Last year December 08, our church is organizing a Thailand mission trip which cost $600 per person, I wanted to go badly because I would like to expose myself to the things of God. However at that time I did not have a stable job and therefore I was not able to come out with the sum of money. In my quiet time, I made a simple prayer to God, “Let not my will but Yours to be done. God, if You want me to go, I believe you will provide me with all the needs that I need for me to go.”
About a few weeks later, God answered my prayer and supernaturally provided me with more than enough finances for the mission trip through a fellow church member. The person just came up to me and offered to pay for my expenses even though I did not share with the person my financial concerns.
In the end, I went ahead with the mission trip and through this trip, God opened up my eyes and let me experience the things and move of God that I have experienced in Singapore. Praise God! God is good.
Anonymous
The love of God expressed at a funeral
2 Corinthians 5:14, “14 For the love of Christ compels us…”
Recently a relative of mine passed away. She accepted Christ a few weeks before she went to the Lord. Subsequently, the family has requested His Harvest Church to conduct the funeral service even though her husband was not a Christian. Being a relative and a member of His Harvest Church, I was involved in the preparation of the funeral as well. However there is something worth mentioning during the period from the day she received salvation to the day the funeral service ended.
It was Pastor Oon who led her in the salvation prayer while she was lying on her bed. She has contracted cancer and was placed for further observation in the hospice. Upon receiving God into her life, she witnessed that she experienced a supernatural peace which she had never felt before. Following on the church was notified of her condition and we prayed for her both corporately and individually. For almost everyday, Pastor Oon went down to pray for her and encourage her during her time of rest. Members of the church also made their way down on a frequent basis and we tried all means to help her to know God better through songs, dvds, books, audio bible etc. In addition, we even tried to introduce her to Chinese speaking Christians from other churches who could overcome the language barrier and minister to her better. During this period, I have witnessed the demonstration of God’s love pouring out of the various individuals and the amount of sacrifices that could possibly be made in the area of pastoral care.
During the funeral wake, our church members were asked to attend the service if they were available during the 2 days. Our worship team was also mobilized and everyone was so willing to help out in whatever they could. Justin, for example, sacrificed his studies and work to help in leading the worship service. The point is most of them have never knew the deceased personally even myself. However God supernaturally connect us together and brought the church to a point of unity in demonstrating the love of God towards the family. Personally, I felt compelled to help in whatever means I could. While her relatives were few I am sure our presence during the worship service and sermon have brought in the presence and peace of God and the comfort to her immediate family.
One interesting observation was while Pastor Oon was giving the sermon, a Chinese interpreter was requested from another church and another couple from another different church had volunteered to sing dialect songs for the family. 3 important functions from 3 different churches coming together in one accord to facilitate and comfort the deceased family clearly demonstrate the solidarity and the willingness of Christians to come together and do something good for the people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:16, “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Steve
Recently a relative of mine passed away. She accepted Christ a few weeks before she went to the Lord. Subsequently, the family has requested His Harvest Church to conduct the funeral service even though her husband was not a Christian. Being a relative and a member of His Harvest Church, I was involved in the preparation of the funeral as well. However there is something worth mentioning during the period from the day she received salvation to the day the funeral service ended.
It was Pastor Oon who led her in the salvation prayer while she was lying on her bed. She has contracted cancer and was placed for further observation in the hospice. Upon receiving God into her life, she witnessed that she experienced a supernatural peace which she had never felt before. Following on the church was notified of her condition and we prayed for her both corporately and individually. For almost everyday, Pastor Oon went down to pray for her and encourage her during her time of rest. Members of the church also made their way down on a frequent basis and we tried all means to help her to know God better through songs, dvds, books, audio bible etc. In addition, we even tried to introduce her to Chinese speaking Christians from other churches who could overcome the language barrier and minister to her better. During this period, I have witnessed the demonstration of God’s love pouring out of the various individuals and the amount of sacrifices that could possibly be made in the area of pastoral care.
During the funeral wake, our church members were asked to attend the service if they were available during the 2 days. Our worship team was also mobilized and everyone was so willing to help out in whatever they could. Justin, for example, sacrificed his studies and work to help in leading the worship service. The point is most of them have never knew the deceased personally even myself. However God supernaturally connect us together and brought the church to a point of unity in demonstrating the love of God towards the family. Personally, I felt compelled to help in whatever means I could. While her relatives were few I am sure our presence during the worship service and sermon have brought in the presence and peace of God and the comfort to her immediate family.
One interesting observation was while Pastor Oon was giving the sermon, a Chinese interpreter was requested from another church and another couple from another different church had volunteered to sing dialect songs for the family. 3 important functions from 3 different churches coming together in one accord to facilitate and comfort the deceased family clearly demonstrate the solidarity and the willingness of Christians to come together and do something good for the people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:16, “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Steve
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