Transformation in Life (John 2: 1-11)

I believe that some of you are quite familiar with this passage regarding Jesus changes the water into wine. I would like to give a brief introduction about this passage before writing this sharing further. In the Jewish wedding culture, they have to prepare their wedding at least a few months ahead which normally lasts for seven days (a week) and the host family is supposed to serve wine for the guests day and night for the entire week. Wine is one of the most important items they should have in celebrating the wedding; guests might not attend the wedding without it. In this passage, Jesus performed his first miracle in Cana, Galilee. Let us have a look into this passage and see how we can apply these verses in transforming our lives.

1. Inviting and surrendering our lives to Jesus (v2 & v3 )
I would say the host is intelligent where he invited Jesus and His disciple to the banquet. I believe that the host did not invite Jesus to come on that day, but invited Him ahead of time. Imagine Jesus is not there when the wine finished. How shameful it is when you have nothing to serve the guests who attended his wedding! Luckily, Jesus is there for the wedding banquet and able to save the host from problems and also from shame. Indeed, Jesus changes our lives when we accept Him into our life and whenever problem comes, God is always there with us to solve our problems and bore our shame. Noticed that Jesus’ earthly mother, Mary turn to Jesus and told Jesus about the problem, lacking of wine [v3]. Mary knows Jesus is able to do something or miracle in that situation. How about us? Do we believe that God is able to work throughout the impossibilities? Who or what are we turning to when we have problems? I would like to assure everyone with this verse saying that “For nothing is impossible with God" [Luke 1:37]. I remembered what we learn in 17th MNC whereby if we use the magnifying glasses on God, God will be bigger than your problems. On the other hand if we use the magnifying glasses on our problems, the problems would appear bigger than God. Today I would like to advice every one of us to turn to God and surrendering all our problems to Him. You’ll be amazed on how God works in the hopeless and impossible situations.

2. Wait upon God patiently (v4)
Most of the time, we lack of patience in waiting for something to be done especially in this fast moving era. All we ever wanted is “Quick! Quick! Quick! Or Fast! Fast! Fast! With the existence of the “hi-five” technology, we are to accomplish things faster compared to back then. However, not everything can be done quickly when we are dealing with the process of transformation in life. God could have just zapped us with His fingers and said “Be changed!” and we are transformed. Instead, God allows certain situations happened in our lives to help us to grow stronger in terms of faith, patience and reliance upon God to transform us. We’ll have to remember one thing always; transformation is not a one-night-process-thing as takes time over the years. Probably you can reflect upon how different your life is now after receiving Him compared to back then. If God has never changed you one single bit, probably it is time to reflect in our lives. In this situation, God reminded me of Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. If you have noticed, God repeated the phrase “wait for the Lord” twice. I believe this is not a coincident or lacking or phrases to put as scriptures, but God is trying to emphasize the importance of waiting for Him. We need to learn to trust upon His divine timing in every work that He does.

3. Obedience in God (v7-v8)
As mentioned in v7 and v8 we are able to observe that the servants quickly reacted and obediently followed Jesus’ instructions in filling the jars with water to the brim, drew some out and took it to master of the banquet. I believed that if the servant didn’t obey Jesus’ instructions, no wine would have been produced out of the situation. The servant could have defied Jesus’ instructions because they will assume Jesus as son of the carpenter and his wife, Joseph and Marry; didn’t know Jesus is God. But the servants reacted in the former statement. We too should react in obedience in what God instructs us to do if we want to see a change in our lives. Most of the time God will give specific instructions to guide us, for example God mentioned the dimensions and the materials to build His tabernacle. All we need to do is follow God’s guidance or instructions with obedience. Have you ever experience that when God ask you to go left but you disobeyed and went to right? We eventually will reach the destination but we will go through some difficulties when we are on our journey. This point is also applicable in fulfilling the tasks or instructions that the church leaders given to us. We are to obey as well!

After we are being transformed by God in our lives inside out, the society will have a change of mindset or perception of people towards you. In verse 9, the master tasted the water which turns into wine and he didn’t realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. People will start to question themselves on how we may have changed over the time, but we know we are transformed by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in us. Noticed that in verse 10, banquet master praised the host for serving a better quality of wine even though it is almost the end of the one week period. Why is that so? Most of the Jewish hosts serve cheap wine or self-produced wine after the guests have drunk because they are no longer able to differentiate between cheap wine and expensive wine. The master of the banquet knows this host is different than others and reacted differently; people will start to notice the differences in us too as compared to the norm of the society.

In conclusion, it is important to surrender our lives to Jesus, wait upon His divine timing and obedience in God if we want to see transformation. Besides, everyone should have the desire to be transformed from glory to glory and more Christ-like as we grow in God because we are called to be the salt and the light of the world! That’s all for the sharing. Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.

17th MNC - ABUNDANCE!

Time surely does pass by quickly since the 16th MNC 2011; “Extra-ordinary” in Sarawak, Kuching as it felt like it just happened yesterday. This time the 17th MNC 2012 is held in Riverfront Hotel in Ipoh with the theme “Abundance”. Indeed, I felt blessed at every convention especially in this 17th Convention which bring much abundance in my life even though I have missed 2 sessions. This convention has changed my perspective towards the book of Joel and the word abundance. I have learnt that God values freshness and newness especially in our lives as the term freshness is not only bounded in doing new things and in age. I was also being reminded that having complete freedom in Christ doesn’t mean that we are struggle free. We do have struggles in life so that we can experience Christ in the midst of struggles and have a victorious over struggles; glorifying His name.

In the lesson on influx of souls, I have learnt the types of church’s growth; Biological, Transfer and Conversion. I am reminded once again that we can ONLY prepare for revival not make the revival happens because the influx of souls are the work of Holy Spirit. In the conquest of evangelism and daily lives, God desires partnership with us. In order for a church to accommodate revival, a strong church is needed. There’s a quote said by Pastor Jeffrey “Big is not strong, Small is not strong but STRONG is strong.” A small or big church not necessary is not necessary a strong and vibrant church. However, a strong church is definitely strong and vibrant. A strong church is defined as the lives of the people of the church. What kind of life should we have? We should be obedient to God, persistent and consistent in prayer, teaching the word of God, building a Godly community and involving ourselves in evangelism. Our roles in lives are to be a witness a Christ, reaching out to those around us and participating in the Great Commission.

On the 3rd night, Pastor Denis shared one part regarding being a strong disciple of Christ. In order to be a strong disciple in Christ, we need to know God’s word and experience God in our daily life. The church will also turn into a vibrant church and will never be the same when we encounter revelations or word of Rhemas from God. Pastor Denis also emphasized on the topic of Holiness. God certainly wants His church to be Holy as God is Holy. We are challenged to live a holy life as we are the temple or the host of the Holy Spirit. Finally, we are being reminded of not forgetting God’s goodness after receiving His abundant blessings in life.

Aside of the teachings in this convention, I experienced God in different ways. God spoke to me in one of the Praise and Worship session through Psalm 94: 14- The Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.- I thought it was my own illusion at that moment. However, the confirmation came through a song and I knew I couldn’t deny that the word was from God. As I’m aware that I’m moving into Prophetic line this season, God also assure me that He will activate my prophetic gifting if I were to ask from Him by faith.

No doubt that one of the sessions that I missed I went to serve as a dancer, back-up singer and helper in PKC. Indeed, I had a nice time serving whether as a dancer, back-up singer or even as a helper. On Friday night I was asked to use mic to back-up the leader and dance in the PKC Praise and Worship. I was afraid to use mic to sing due to my pass trauma and experiences in the church and I do believe everyone does know about my problem in singing; my funny voices and running of keys when singing. I happily managed to escape from back-up singing using mic that day. However, I rejoiced too early as I was forced to pick up the role as a back-up singer with mic on the following day! Pastor Willey and a few worship leaders of the congregation were there for PKC Praise and Worship. That moment I felt kind of stress as Pastor Willey is the Pastor who is in-charged Praise and Worship Ministry. Urgh, I knew I couldn’t run and hide anymore. I told God, “God you know me the best, I just want to trust you and if it is your will, let Your will be done! I just want to use whatever I have to worship you. The session turns out from a stress situation into joyful moments in Praising God. Indeed God wanted to give me a breakthrough and not to run or hide! After the Praise and Worship session, a kid came out to me and said “Gor gor, when you sing praise song u seem enjoying and joyful, but when you sing worship song you are full of emotions”. I was stunned at that particular moment. All I could do was to thank him and smiled at Him. Every action we do is observed by the younger generations and the people around us. Therefore, always set yourself to be a good example.

In conclusion, I had wonderful and fruitful sessions in this 17th MNC 2012. I managed to catch up with some brothers and sisters as well and managed to witness a proposal session. I also realized that we Christians have so much to do to make impacts in all the aspects of society including in entertainment as well. I would like to encourage anyone who likes to share their experience regarding 17th MNC can always feel free to email me so that I can post it for you, especially the first timer. Had a blessed day ahead and God Bless!

A Letter From God

for a musical feel for this post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qVkzdK6N20

To: Elden

When I say "I love you"
I say it gentle, I say it soft

When I say "I love you"
I say it with an all knowing smile
I know my dear, I know

When I say "I love you"
I know you inside out, outside in
I know exactly what you need

When I say "I love you"
It may be short
But I'm telling you my all

When I say "I love you"
I know Your tiredness
And I'm encouraging you to not give up

When I say "I love you"
I see your anger
And I'm telling you that I'm not giving up on You

When I say "I love you"
I'm telling you
you think too much when all You need is just me

When I say "I love you"
I desire to give you my peace, my love and my joy
It's yours, can't you see?

When I say "I love you"
I'm telling you that
your focus is wrong, just focus on me

When I say "I love you"
I see your weaknesses
And my choice is still to love you

When I say "I love you"
I see your imperfection
And I'm saying that you are still worth it

When I say "I love you"
I see your emptiness
And I am saying that I am your filling

When I say "I love you"
I'm saying don't give up
For I'm with You always, forever

When I say "I love you"
How I long for intimacy with you
How I yearn for a lover in you

Yours sincerely
God

Transition of Seasons

           As I’m browsing through a sermon, God inspired to take down some points. I think it would be better for me to share with everyone since most of us are in the period of transition, whether in terms of ministries, academic or even in holidays Different people will experience different seasons of life when you are on a journey with our Lord Jesus; dry season, season of manifestation, provision season, and the list goes on. I’m convinced and convicted that God has plans for each individual to participate in His great work. As God promised “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [Jeremiah 29:11]. Besides, I believe in each and every one who participated in His great work will experience a period of transition before a new “season” or work you are going to be involved.. However, there are few things to be taken note of when we are in the transition of a season.

No doubt when we are in the period of transition we always full of uncertainties because we are leaving from our comfort zone or at least the one we have already adapted to. Questions like “What is God’s plan for me now? What kind of new ministries will I be involving in? What kind of arrangement and people will I face?” and many more. Abraham’s life is full of uncertainties when God called Abraham to leave his land to go Canaan. However, what matters or what is to learn from Abraham is his confidence and faith in God. He obeyed God and he left his luxuries and went on a journey with God to the land of Canaan. Therefore, I believe the same case occurred to Abraham will happen to us as well when we put our confidence and faith in God. God will definitely guide us and provide us everything when we are on a journey with God.

The next thing that we should be looking into is the matter of dependency. A test of faith is surely to come when we walk in the promises of God. But the question is, when your faith is challenged and tested, who or what are you depending on? God? your flesh? materials? If we were to depend on our flesh, we will end up broken, worn out, filled with frustration and nothing is accomplished in the end. Nonetheless if we rely on God’s grace we are able to do things beyond your expectation, and able to glorify God’s name. Other than relying in God, involving God in whatever circumstances we are going through will help us experience something new; the outcome will never be the same though everything is similar. Most of the time we leave God out of our circumstances, we miss out the best God has for you. If you haven’t been involving God in the circumstances you are going through, God would love to intervene and involved in whatever you are doing. All we have to do is just ask!

In conclusion, transition period before a new season of life can also be known as period of break through where we are preparing ourselves to face whatever in the next season to come.
Transition period is a process where we grow and walk through it with God; You are not alone! In this process you can face it with two options; either with FAITH or with FEAR. Remember, change is always an event but transition is always a process!

God's Ministering Part 2

As I was snorkeling in Pulau Sapi; one of the beautiful island in Sabah, God continued to minister and inspire me through nature again. God told me that our lives are like corals. I whispered in my heart, "Lord, corals??"

Life as corals were never easy from the start, as hit by waves, attacked by "wild life" and may be destroyed by human activities. They get broken in many parts and ways then they will grow stronger and stiffer. But when corals are in the growing stage or "repair" / regeneration stage, they may look ugly and awful. If you realized after the corals have completed their stages, they become as beautiful as ever. It applies to our lives as well, God allows hardships and circumstances in our lives to break us, mold us, make become stronger and to remove the "ill" side of us which is full of sinful nature. God reminded me that He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful [John 15:2] . I personally also believed that through Christ working in us; re-shaping us but removing the branches that bears no fruit, we will transform to be more like him and making us "beautiful" and become attraction for people to draw closer to God. We do get attracted by beautiful corals right?? Same as people to attracted to God through our uniqueness in Christ.

God also showed me that corals live in the same area and conditions; hit by waves, attacked by "wild life" and human activities can result in two circumstances. Either the corals are removed or they remained strongly in their places. God reminded me of the Parable of Sower in Mat 13 :5-6 [Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.] It's because we have not rooted deep enough in God ; whether in His promises and His presence, we could be easily up-rooted and fall away from God, just like the corals are being removed away from their ground.

Lastly as I was deep in my thinking / conversation with God while snorkeling, a fish bit me while I was swimming across one of the corals. I asked the Lord, "what was that all about?" . God told me "Just like the fish living "in" the corals [practically some fish does], my spirit [Holy Spirit] lives in you. "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" [1 John 4:4]. God assured me there's no need to fear, like the fish guarding its home.. God's spirit will guard us, His temple as well.

Well that's all I received from the Lord through nature during my vacation. It's fun to include God in everything as I always discover something new with God. I would like to suggest you to have an open heart and include God in everything you do so that God can minister to you in any ways. You will be surprised how God uses our surroundings to minister to you. =).

God's Ministering Part 1

          I had a wonderful trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah lately, as God never fail to continue to minister to me even when I'm traveling / on my vacation. As I was traveling from the train station [KL Sentral] to the airport [LCCT] I was awaken by a prompting by the Spirit of God saying "Open your eyes and look at the window, what do you see?" As I look out the window, I saw a small pond with grass and most of them were practically dead, some barely survived and some grow fresh in the pond. I was asking God, why is that happening, since all of them living the same place and sharing the same water source. God said "Look at them carefully." As I took a closer look I noticed that the ones which lived fresh had small lumps of soil surrounded them while the rest of them didn't had soils with them.
       God told me that we Christians are like the grass that live on the pond. Everyone lives in the same world or community, may go through the similar experiences in lives but what matter is the most is we stand on His words, grow deeper and rooted in Him just like the grass live afresh on the soil. It is the soil that preserved the lives of the grass as the word and His presences of God preserves our lives [preventing "death"]. Therefore, it is important to grow in the Word of God, Stand upon His words and grow deeper in relationship with Him! I would also urge everyone to have an open heart so that God can minister to you wherever and whenever.

A Letter to God -- 14

My soul cry out unfair!!
You are unfair to me
I see no fruits but only scourge
I see no progress but only destruction

You had cast me down in suffering,
Cast me on a road no one I know walked
Unfair!!
Why have You smite me?
Why have I not taste the water of salvation?
Why have You cast me down so my soul have no rest??

My mind understand not Your ways,
For You ways are higher,
You want to shape me,
But I cry out enough, I cry out its too much

You shape me to be humiliated
My words are words of fool!
The fools words come to accomplishment
My words fails always
Why are there two standards for fools?

 I am angry, anger of a fool
You smite not the unrighteous
You smite me
You discipline not the unholy
You discipline me
In Your love, You make me worst than dust

I wish I was never born, I wish death consumes me now
For my soul does not understand Your fire
I cannot understand Your anger
I have enough, I have too much
Why did you make me like this?
Why have you create this standard in me?
Is it for people to sneer?
Or is it for people to isolate from me?

I have enough, my soul is in deep distress
Restless beyond comprehension at Your works in my life
Create in me a new heart, one that follows You
For my heart rebels against You and me
For my heart is cancerous

Anger shrouds me, Your scourge is on me
I am ruined, I am downcast
My mouth You had close, so my fire will burn


Give me Your peace,
Give me Your love
Give me Your joy
Give me Your abundance and presence

For all these I lack,
The 3rd son, worn out with no blessings
Indeed I see not the fruits of my labor, only pain
Indeed my soul is downcast as my hope stands in You

Give me Your peace, dear LORD
For in my anger, You will still be Yahweh
My provider and covenant keeping God
Show me the fruits of my sacrifice
That my life will not be in vain

Restore in me once again the joy of Your salvation
Your thoughts are not mine, but indeed You know my ways
You shield me and protect me
You draw me near from the pain of my life

My heart will submit although I do not know
For You know what I must
You know what I should be
As You hold me in Your palm
Yet another angry child in Your loving palm
Forever in Your loving presence