Artist: Building 429Song
Title: Glory defined lyrics
There's always a better way
there's always a bridge that needs crossings
there's always the straight and the narrow
the wide and the shallow
But I know that you're guiding me
and the best is yet to come
You've given me hope for tomorrow
and I know some day
I'll wake up to find Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
It's always the simple things
it's always the obvious that crashes over me
It's always in front of meit helps me to remember
this is what I live for
and I can't wait
there's never a question in your message
never a moment without your presence
there's never a doubt in my mind
that I'll..
wake up to find Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
Monday, March 28, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
one of those days...
Yesterday was one of the happiest days in my life.. Can't sleep, I don't know why.. i'm being ministered to by songs from United's new album with the song All I need is You and Deeper. Just can't help it but to shed tears of joy just feeling God's love for me.. No words can express how I feel in my heart. There's just such a deep feeling of joy in my heart now. I feel like writing out a song to Him.
Friday, March 18, 2005
So i Look to You... No one else will do...
Been touched by lots of songs lately..
the past weeks been pretty cool experiencing God through serving in missions. what was awesome was when i was talking to pastor Heok Cheow and he was talking about promoting the mission field and all that he said was right on target of what i so wanted to do.. I was smiling and telling God i know this is what You want me to do... I will answer that.
My passion is to do all these things like, videos, photos, brochures, websites etc etc. and it was like a conformation when pastor Heok Cheow told me about that.. Listening to new song form United called Look to You and the words really sink deep into my heart... just bringing all my worries to God.. one other song that really sustained me was 'take all of me' where it says in one part "..Your grace is all i rely on..." it's really God grace that keeps me going..
Really thank You God for all that you've done for me.. it's your grace that sustains me.. without you i'm not strong enough and will fall.. coz of u i'm able...
the past weeks been pretty cool experiencing God through serving in missions. what was awesome was when i was talking to pastor Heok Cheow and he was talking about promoting the mission field and all that he said was right on target of what i so wanted to do.. I was smiling and telling God i know this is what You want me to do... I will answer that.
My passion is to do all these things like, videos, photos, brochures, websites etc etc. and it was like a conformation when pastor Heok Cheow told me about that.. Listening to new song form United called Look to You and the words really sink deep into my heart... just bringing all my worries to God.. one other song that really sustained me was 'take all of me' where it says in one part "..Your grace is all i rely on..." it's really God grace that keeps me going..
Really thank You God for all that you've done for me.. it's your grace that sustains me.. without you i'm not strong enough and will fall.. coz of u i'm able...
Saturday, March 12, 2005
i can only imagine...
Today was awesome.. i mean just the fact that God was moving in our midst. March 11th... man... what a date. A day where people have a date with God. ain't it awesome..? i am refreshed with such wonderful time of worship even though i'm exhausted from playing 18 songs+ i really felt God move and i can only pray that it stays in our hearts as we left. I believe those who were genuine were touched and i believe there were many. from youth camp.. the idea of a youth rally broke out and seemed like sumthing normal.. with someone giving the idea that maybe we should have a rally thing... but slowly things came to pass and looking back i can see God's hand in all this.. the people... the music... the equipment... but what's beyond and above it all is Jesus our King. When He starts something it doesn't end. even if the devil try to stop us from worshiping the almighty he will never succeed because He that's in me is greater than he that's in the world. God is good..
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Quote for today
"... If you expose your children to your anger, make sure they're around when you forgive each other. Teach them how to deal with the issue without attacking the person. Let them know that a difference of opinion can lead to a decision that makes things better for everyone, and also that you can be wrong and still be respected and loved. This may mean teaching them things you were never taught. If so, learn from the mistakes of your parents and pass it on to your children. Forgive when you're hurt and don't take your resentments to bed. Jesus said you must forgive "so that your Father in heaven may forgive you"(Mk 11:25 NIV). Do it for the sake of your children. .. "
am i nerdy? i think maybe just lucky
am i nerdy? i think maybe just lucky
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The prayer of the righteous avails much
Prayer meeting today was great. combined with other churches in praying is totally awesome.
The worship was great even though (hate to say this but) the drums weren't that great but the timing and all was good... ok forget the technical side.
The speaker tonight was Pastor David Crabtree from Australia.. at first i thought it's ok but when He started preaching it was so passionate. Totally caught my attention. He was refering to the passage in Acts 3.
Now i know where my prayerfull instincts come from... my parents.. he was praying for people and all in general.. then he called those who were intecessors to stand then i saw my mom and dad stand... then i knew... :D. really appreciate my parents for what they are i mean the good side hehe. prayed for leaders of the church in penang..
It's awesome to see the church in Penang gather together to pray.. ( am saying church coz we are the church not the building) There was unity in the room.. and one time Ps David asked us to listen to what God wants to say and i felt God say He was proud of us. i almost cried :D.
Ps David was very encouraging... he said thet sometimes we hear God saying things to us and we think that we are not worthy of it but as a matter of fact we have been made worthy when Jesus died on the cross. It's true that we are not worthy on our own, but through Jesus all are made worthy.
Been reflecting on lots of things lately..
one of the things was are we being Christ like as christians. Do we really act the way we should? i know there are many times when the flesh come in and only later when we realized what we've done but it's too late. It's just simple small things that we aren't aware of. In our daily lives, like driving.. do we drive the way we should? are we following the rules and all that.. or when someone cuts our line.. do we let them pass? or do we curse them... or do we pray and bless them. When we order our food.. and it's not what we order.. do we scold the person? or do we treat them nice and tell them properly? or do we just take it? it's our everyday thing that we just dun realize because it has been part of us and a habit for years.. We should always be an example and reflect God in our lives. I for one am not perfect and have many flaws.. recently was around with my classmates and we were talking about laziness and all when i generalized a particular race to be lazy.. it's true that a lot of them are lazy.. but we shouldn't discriminate and say they have brought this on themsleves. when i generalized.. one of my classmates who wasn't a Christian but knows a lot about catholics and some bible stuff said.. that a devout Christian should not discriminate and that totally hit me.. immediately i said a prayer to God for forgiveness.. people are watching us even though most times they do not say anything but it's a fact that as Christians we are being watched closely for any thing that we do, by people and also by the enemy. So live our lives as an example always.. and this will be my message in April :D
ps: those who visit.. read 1 Tim 4:12 through and through.
The worship was great even though (hate to say this but) the drums weren't that great but the timing and all was good... ok forget the technical side.
The speaker tonight was Pastor David Crabtree from Australia.. at first i thought it's ok but when He started preaching it was so passionate. Totally caught my attention. He was refering to the passage in Acts 3.
Now i know where my prayerfull instincts come from... my parents.. he was praying for people and all in general.. then he called those who were intecessors to stand then i saw my mom and dad stand... then i knew... :D. really appreciate my parents for what they are i mean the good side hehe. prayed for leaders of the church in penang..
It's awesome to see the church in Penang gather together to pray.. ( am saying church coz we are the church not the building) There was unity in the room.. and one time Ps David asked us to listen to what God wants to say and i felt God say He was proud of us. i almost cried :D.
Ps David was very encouraging... he said thet sometimes we hear God saying things to us and we think that we are not worthy of it but as a matter of fact we have been made worthy when Jesus died on the cross. It's true that we are not worthy on our own, but through Jesus all are made worthy.
Been reflecting on lots of things lately..
one of the things was are we being Christ like as christians. Do we really act the way we should? i know there are many times when the flesh come in and only later when we realized what we've done but it's too late. It's just simple small things that we aren't aware of. In our daily lives, like driving.. do we drive the way we should? are we following the rules and all that.. or when someone cuts our line.. do we let them pass? or do we curse them... or do we pray and bless them. When we order our food.. and it's not what we order.. do we scold the person? or do we treat them nice and tell them properly? or do we just take it? it's our everyday thing that we just dun realize because it has been part of us and a habit for years.. We should always be an example and reflect God in our lives. I for one am not perfect and have many flaws.. recently was around with my classmates and we were talking about laziness and all when i generalized a particular race to be lazy.. it's true that a lot of them are lazy.. but we shouldn't discriminate and say they have brought this on themsleves. when i generalized.. one of my classmates who wasn't a Christian but knows a lot about catholics and some bible stuff said.. that a devout Christian should not discriminate and that totally hit me.. immediately i said a prayer to God for forgiveness.. people are watching us even though most times they do not say anything but it's a fact that as Christians we are being watched closely for any thing that we do, by people and also by the enemy. So live our lives as an example always.. and this will be my message in April :D
ps: those who visit.. read 1 Tim 4:12 through and through.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
God's in da house, and all God's people say AMEN!!!
haven't had tiome to write my jounal for sometime now coz been pretty busy with projects in college and stuff. God's been good these few days even though i didn't have much time to do my quiet time. Saturday nite worship was awesome felt God strong while worshiping. March 11 coming soon. Practice was a little noisy today. God do something please. We need God to move and prepare our hearts and keep us humble before Him. Keep our focus on Him and He'll take care of the rest. Whether people comes or not is up to Him what we need is to do our part in worshipping Him and Him alone.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
carefull now...
| UCAUTION |
| IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY IT IS ADVISABLE TO KEEP JAMES AWAY FROM FIRE AND FLAMES. |
From Go-Quiz.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
me? maybe dunno not sure just for fun
| How to make a james |
| Ingredients: 3 parts competetiveness 1 part courage 1 part beauty |
| Method: Layer ingredientes in a shot glass. Add fitness to taste! Do not overindulge! |
Unity
a recap of what Pastor Cowen preached. more of my own points :D
Unity..... the heart of fellowship.
there can't be fellowship without unity coz when we're not united we don't think alike and like wise have problems.
Romans 12:3-21
it says "...we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to think soberly as God has dealt to each one o measure of faith."
it goes on later to say that we are one body in Christ and that means we work together... and that mean we are to be united. We need to work together in order for the body to be functional.
For if one fails to do his part the whole body is affected. So in the same way as we sin the whole body is corrupted not just us. The churh is then affected. this is why we need to e an example.
this reminded me of a verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 where it says "Do not despise you youth... but be an example..."
Unity..... the heart of fellowship.
there can't be fellowship without unity coz when we're not united we don't think alike and like wise have problems.
Romans 12:3-21
it says "...we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to think soberly as God has dealt to each one o measure of faith."
it goes on later to say that we are one body in Christ and that means we work together... and that mean we are to be united. We need to work together in order for the body to be functional.
For if one fails to do his part the whole body is affected. So in the same way as we sin the whole body is corrupted not just us. The churh is then affected. this is why we need to e an example.
this reminded me of a verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 where it says "Do not despise you youth... but be an example..."
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Do we have to wait for Revival?
"Revival is waiting for us to get hungry"
Just been doing some thinkin lately and this thought just came to my mind about revival..
i'm reminded of what Eunice Lim said before, something about "...do we have to wait till somthing bad happens before we start to seek God for revival..."
We've seen a lot of videos and heard lots of stories about revival happening in various places, among tribal groups and even in cities and countries. What's the similarity between all these places and these people? Desperation. The people were desperate for God and were longing for him to move and change things, why?
The place where they were from was suffering and deteriorating. The people needed somthing to happen because the situation was so bad to the extent that nothing can be done unless a miracle happened. The real question is whether we want to wait until something really bad happens to this nation before we start to seek God and ask Him to move and perform a miracle.
Do we have to wait until it happens before we are desperate for God? I think the answer is no and should be no.
In places where revival happened, the people were so desperate for God to do somthing in hte community that they weren't just praying they were wailing and crying their hearts out to God. We don't have to wait for anything to happen before we do that. We as the church need to have a heart for people, a heart for this nation and a heart for this generation so much so that we get down on our knees and cry out to God to make a change in this community and this nation. Pray for the government, the leaders and elders of the churches in Malaysia. When we do that God's hand will be upon this nation because He hears the cry of His people and He is faithfull to answer our cry. God sees our hearts, what is our desire. Who do we focus on? Is it Him and His kingdom or is it ourselves that we are focusing on. He is faithfull, 1 Thess 5:23-24 "..He who calls us is faithfull, who also will do it..."
So let us start praying and ask Him to move and send revival. Let's get hungry for God. Let's cry out to Him to change this nation.
Just been doing some thinkin lately and this thought just came to my mind about revival..
i'm reminded of what Eunice Lim said before, something about "...do we have to wait till somthing bad happens before we start to seek God for revival..."
We've seen a lot of videos and heard lots of stories about revival happening in various places, among tribal groups and even in cities and countries. What's the similarity between all these places and these people? Desperation. The people were desperate for God and were longing for him to move and change things, why?
The place where they were from was suffering and deteriorating. The people needed somthing to happen because the situation was so bad to the extent that nothing can be done unless a miracle happened. The real question is whether we want to wait until something really bad happens to this nation before we start to seek God and ask Him to move and perform a miracle.
Do we have to wait until it happens before we are desperate for God? I think the answer is no and should be no.
In places where revival happened, the people were so desperate for God to do somthing in hte community that they weren't just praying they were wailing and crying their hearts out to God. We don't have to wait for anything to happen before we do that. We as the church need to have a heart for people, a heart for this nation and a heart for this generation so much so that we get down on our knees and cry out to God to make a change in this community and this nation. Pray for the government, the leaders and elders of the churches in Malaysia. When we do that God's hand will be upon this nation because He hears the cry of His people and He is faithfull to answer our cry. God sees our hearts, what is our desire. Who do we focus on? Is it Him and His kingdom or is it ourselves that we are focusing on. He is faithfull, 1 Thess 5:23-24 "..He who calls us is faithfull, who also will do it..."
So let us start praying and ask Him to move and send revival. Let's get hungry for God. Let's cry out to Him to change this nation.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Becoming More Like Jesus
We are like clay, and You are the potter. - Isaiah 64:8 NCV
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way! His goal for you is to grow, change and begin to reflect the nature of Christ. That means you aren't stuck with today's personality. You don't have to spend the rest of your life with your phobias and hang-ups. You're changeable! You've got real possibilities! Even if you've worried every day of your life, you don't have to worry for the rest of your life. So what if you were born in bigotry and prejudice? You don't have to die that way!
Where did we get the idea we can't change? What's the source of comments like, "It's just my nature to worry," or "I'll always be pessimistic, I'm just that way." Who says so? Would we make such a statement about our body? "It's just my nature to have a broken leg, I can't do anything about it." Of course not! If our body malfunctions we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our soul, our sour attitudes and our selfish tirades? Isaiah writes: "We are like clay, and You are the potter." God does not consult your past to determine your future. Like the potter, He can take you, mold you and make you into a vessel of honour.
In Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado writes: "God can no more leave your life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched." Maybe this will explain some of the discomfort you're going through right now!
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way! His goal for you is to grow, change and begin to reflect the nature of Christ. That means you aren't stuck with today's personality. You don't have to spend the rest of your life with your phobias and hang-ups. You're changeable! You've got real possibilities! Even if you've worried every day of your life, you don't have to worry for the rest of your life. So what if you were born in bigotry and prejudice? You don't have to die that way!
Where did we get the idea we can't change? What's the source of comments like, "It's just my nature to worry," or "I'll always be pessimistic, I'm just that way." Who says so? Would we make such a statement about our body? "It's just my nature to have a broken leg, I can't do anything about it." Of course not! If our body malfunctions we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our soul, our sour attitudes and our selfish tirades? Isaiah writes: "We are like clay, and You are the potter." God does not consult your past to determine your future. Like the potter, He can take you, mold you and make you into a vessel of honour.
In Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado writes: "God can no more leave your life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched." Maybe this will explain some of the discomfort you're going through right now!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Don't Lose Your Peace!
Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. - Colossians 3:15 NCV
The first thing you lose when you step out of God's will is your peace. So if you don't have peace, don't proceed! Many times peace is all God will give you to let you know whether you're in or out of His will.
But how do you get this peace? Listen: "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest" (Php 4:6-7 TLB). Notice the words, "Don't worry...instead pray." Prayer transfers the problem from you to Jesus!
Peter writes: "Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan...stand firm when he attacks" (1Pe 5:7-9 TLB). Don't give the devil a few days to work you over! The longer you wait to resist him the stronger his hold becomes. The moment you begin to worry, stop and ask yourself, "What's the enemy trying to do here? If I give in to these negative emotions what will the result be?" Paul writes, "Do not give the devil a foothold" (Eph 4:27 NIV). Learn to be smarter than your enemy! Each time he attacks put him to flight by standing on God's Word and declaring: "It is written!" Which brings up the question - how well do you know God's Word?
The first thing you lose when you step out of God's will is your peace. So if you don't have peace, don't proceed! Many times peace is all God will give you to let you know whether you're in or out of His will.
But how do you get this peace? Listen: "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest" (Php 4:6-7 TLB). Notice the words, "Don't worry...instead pray." Prayer transfers the problem from you to Jesus!
Peter writes: "Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan...stand firm when he attacks" (1Pe 5:7-9 TLB). Don't give the devil a few days to work you over! The longer you wait to resist him the stronger his hold becomes. The moment you begin to worry, stop and ask yourself, "What's the enemy trying to do here? If I give in to these negative emotions what will the result be?" Paul writes, "Do not give the devil a foothold" (Eph 4:27 NIV). Learn to be smarter than your enemy! Each time he attacks put him to flight by standing on God's Word and declaring: "It is written!" Which brings up the question - how well do you know God's Word?
Friday, February 11, 2005
Living in last days
What is the time we're living in? Many scholars and teachers have said that Christ is coming and it's true. Even though there are many false prophets. We should always becarefull.
Christ coming is near, if we read the book of revelation we will know that we're living in end times. There are already signs that show.. "...wars and rumors of wars..." Israel and Palestine have been at war for ages and ages but now as we know.. they are slowly coming to a treaty and when that happens it's when anti-Christ comes. I believe the tsunami is a wake up call from God to us Christians to rise up and reach out to the world. There isn't much time left before the 2nd coming. The end is near.. are you ready ? or will you be caught unaware and left behind? He comes quitely, will you be sleeping or will you be watching for Him? Stay aware and be prepared. Like Pastor Christina said "WATCH"
BE PREPARED
Christ coming is near, if we read the book of revelation we will know that we're living in end times. There are already signs that show.. "...wars and rumors of wars..." Israel and Palestine have been at war for ages and ages but now as we know.. they are slowly coming to a treaty and when that happens it's when anti-Christ comes. I believe the tsunami is a wake up call from God to us Christians to rise up and reach out to the world. There isn't much time left before the 2nd coming. The end is near.. are you ready ? or will you be caught unaware and left behind? He comes quitely, will you be sleeping or will you be watching for Him? Stay aware and be prepared. Like Pastor Christina said "WATCH"
BE PREPARED
Always Tell The Truth!
When we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. - Ephesians 4:25 TLB
Honesty isn't just the best policy; it's the only one! Paul says, "When we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves." When trust is broken it's hard to restore. While telling the truth sounds simple, it takes commitment on three levels.
(1) Verbally. Lying undermines confidence. For example, when somebody denies blowing the family budget or covers up a drinking problem, inevitably there's trouble. But when each partner knows in his or her heart that the other "will hold to the truth in love" (Eph 4:15 NLT), the relationship becomes stronger and more likely to weather storms.
(2) Behaviourally. The Bible says, "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be...in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities" (Lk 16:10 NLT). You become known as a person of integrity by keeping your word. So, if you make a commitment to do something, do it - even if it costs you or you get a better offer.
(3) In actuality. Why make such a big deal about telling the truth? Because every relationship in your life is based on one thing - trust! When you violate that, you: (a) end up losing your influence and respect with others; (b) constantly live with the fear of being found out, which makes you insecure; (c) have to worry about what you said, and to whom; (d) ironically, get to where you can't believe others, for "as you live your life, you judge your neighbour." So, tell the truth!
Honesty isn't just the best policy; it's the only one! Paul says, "When we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves." When trust is broken it's hard to restore. While telling the truth sounds simple, it takes commitment on three levels.
(1) Verbally. Lying undermines confidence. For example, when somebody denies blowing the family budget or covers up a drinking problem, inevitably there's trouble. But when each partner knows in his or her heart that the other "will hold to the truth in love" (Eph 4:15 NLT), the relationship becomes stronger and more likely to weather storms.
(2) Behaviourally. The Bible says, "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be...in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities" (Lk 16:10 NLT). You become known as a person of integrity by keeping your word. So, if you make a commitment to do something, do it - even if it costs you or you get a better offer.
(3) In actuality. Why make such a big deal about telling the truth? Because every relationship in your life is based on one thing - trust! When you violate that, you: (a) end up losing your influence and respect with others; (b) constantly live with the fear of being found out, which makes you insecure; (c) have to worry about what you said, and to whom; (d) ironically, get to where you can't believe others, for "as you live your life, you judge your neighbour." So, tell the truth!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
The Cost Of A Critical Attitude (5)
Miriam... began to talk against Moses... and the LORD heard this. - Numbers 12:1-2 NIV
Who will want to spend time with you if you monopolize conversation with your latest 'Top-Ten-People-to Hate-List'? Are you constantly pointing out others' weaknesses and faults? Look out! The very people you need most are the ones who'll distance you when you become known as a faultfinder.
Sometimes criticism is inadvertent. On a better day, filled with the Spirit and focused on what's right we'd never say those things. Notice how Aaron said, "We have acted foolishly" (Nu 12:11 NASB). He didn't try to defend his position by saying, "Yes, Moses did marry the wrong person" or "We should have more prominence." No, he realized his position then repented and retreated from it. And you must do that too! Why? Because criticism blocks the flow of God's blessing!
Oswald Chambers wrote, "Whenever you're in a critical temper, it is impossible to enter into communion with God." That's a sobering thought. The momentary relief you get from criticizing others isn't worth the loss of God's presence, is it? To restore the flow of God's blessing you need to confess and forsake your critical attitude, then replace it with a loving one. Why don't you pray: "Lord, forgive me for thinking that my perspective is always right. I acknowledge my arrogance. Give me grace in dealing with others. Help me to celebrate differences and not demand that everyone sees things exactly as I do. Give me victory over my critical attitude today. In Jesus name - Amen."
Blurry
everything's so blurry
And everyone's so fake
And everybody's so empty
And everything is so messed up
Pre-occupied without you
I cannot live at all
My whole world surrounds you
I stumble then i crawl
You could be my scene
You know that i'll protect you
From all of the obscene
I wonder what your doing
Imagine where you areT
here's oceans in between us
But that's not very far
Can you take it all away
Can you take it all away
When ya shoved it in my face
This pain you gave to me
Can you take it all away
Can you take it all away
When ya shoved it in my face
Everyone is changing
There's no one left that's real
To make up your own ending
And let me know just how you feel
Cause i am lost without you
I cannot live at all
My whole world surrounds you
I stumble then i crawl
You could be my someone
You could be my scene
You know that i will save you
From all of the unclean
I wonder what your doing
I wonder where you are
There's oceans in between us
But that's not very far
[chorus]
Nobody told me what you thought
Nobody told me what to say
Everyone showed you where to turn
Told you where to runaway
Nobody told you where to hide
Nobody told you what to say
Everyone showed you where to turn
Showed you where to runaway
[chorus]
This pain you gave to me
You take it all
You take it all away...
This pain you gave to me
You take it all away
This pain you gave to me
Take it all away
This pain you gave to me
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
The Cost Of A Critical Attitude (3)
Miriam... began to talk against Moses... and the LORD heard this. - Numbers 12:1-2 NIV
While a critical attitude doesn't destroy your relationship with God, it certainly hurts your capacity to enjoy His love and presence. Miriam and Aaron started out criticizing their brother
Moses, and ended up feeling the consequences most in their relationship with God. Why? Because God pays attention to the way we treat each other!
"But why does God make such a big deal of this?" you ask. Because when you choose to sin you choose to suffer! Everything God classifies as sin is injurious to you - everything. When God says, "Don't" what He really means is "Don't hurt yourself." When He says, "Don't criticize," He's not trying to deprive you of satisfaction. No, He's saying, "Having a critical attitude goes against the nature of who I've made you to be. Fish were made to swim, birds were made to fly, and you were made to live in fellowship with Me. A critical spirit hinders that fellowship."
Even people who don't claim to be particularly religious are observing the negative effects of criticism upon each of us. Doctor David Fink, author of Release >From Nervous Tension, studied thousands of mentally and emotionally disturbed people. He observed two groups: the stressed-out group and the stress-free group. Gradually one fact began to emerge. The stressed-out group members were habitual faultfinders and constant critics of people and things around them. The stress-free group members were loving and accepting of others. No doubt about it, the habit of criticizing is a self-destructive way to live.
While a critical attitude doesn't destroy your relationship with God, it certainly hurts your capacity to enjoy His love and presence. Miriam and Aaron started out criticizing their brother
Moses, and ended up feeling the consequences most in their relationship with God. Why? Because God pays attention to the way we treat each other!
"But why does God make such a big deal of this?" you ask. Because when you choose to sin you choose to suffer! Everything God classifies as sin is injurious to you - everything. When God says, "Don't" what He really means is "Don't hurt yourself." When He says, "Don't criticize," He's not trying to deprive you of satisfaction. No, He's saying, "Having a critical attitude goes against the nature of who I've made you to be. Fish were made to swim, birds were made to fly, and you were made to live in fellowship with Me. A critical spirit hinders that fellowship."
Even people who don't claim to be particularly religious are observing the negative effects of criticism upon each of us. Doctor David Fink, author of Release >From Nervous Tension, studied thousands of mentally and emotionally disturbed people. He observed two groups: the stressed-out group and the stress-free group. Gradually one fact began to emerge. The stressed-out group members were habitual faultfinders and constant critics of people and things around them. The stress-free group members were loving and accepting of others. No doubt about it, the habit of criticizing is a self-destructive way to live.
Monday, February 07, 2005
The Cost Of A Critical Attitude (2)
Miriam... began to talk against Moses... and the LORD heard this. - Numbers 12:1-2 NIV
When Miriam criticized Moses, God smote her with leprosy. Notice 3 things:
(1) Not one of us is immune! Miriam was very godly; not only had she saved Moses' life as a child, she also wrote the song of worship to celebrate Israel's crossing of the Red Sea. So we never become so spiritually advanced as to be incapable of a critical attitude.
(2) Sometimes what we focus on isn't the real issue! Listen: "Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married." But was that the real issue? No, listen: "And they said, 'Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?'" Moses' wife was the surface issue; the real issue was Moses' prominence. Their complaint was, "How come he gets all the attention?" Look out! When there's competitiveness in your attitude or resentment in your heart, there'll be criticism on your lips.
(3) Doing God's will doesn't guarantee immunity! Listen: "Moses was very humble, more than any man...on the face of the earth" (Nu 12:3 NASB). Yet even he couldn't escape the pain of self-appointed critics attacking the work he was doing for God.
It was only when Aaron acknowledged, "We have acted foolishly...we have sinned" (Nu 12:11 NASB), did God show mercy and heal Miriam of her leprosy. Now we'd rather reclassify criticism as a weakness, but from God's perspective it's a sin - a genuine, bona fide registered sin! And there's only one way to deal with sin: Repent and stop practicing it.
When Miriam criticized Moses, God smote her with leprosy. Notice 3 things:
(1) Not one of us is immune! Miriam was very godly; not only had she saved Moses' life as a child, she also wrote the song of worship to celebrate Israel's crossing of the Red Sea. So we never become so spiritually advanced as to be incapable of a critical attitude.
(2) Sometimes what we focus on isn't the real issue! Listen: "Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married." But was that the real issue? No, listen: "And they said, 'Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?'" Moses' wife was the surface issue; the real issue was Moses' prominence. Their complaint was, "How come he gets all the attention?" Look out! When there's competitiveness in your attitude or resentment in your heart, there'll be criticism on your lips.
(3) Doing God's will doesn't guarantee immunity! Listen: "Moses was very humble, more than any man...on the face of the earth" (Nu 12:3 NASB). Yet even he couldn't escape the pain of self-appointed critics attacking the work he was doing for God.
It was only when Aaron acknowledged, "We have acted foolishly...we have sinned" (Nu 12:11 NASB), did God show mercy and heal Miriam of her leprosy. Now we'd rather reclassify criticism as a weakness, but from God's perspective it's a sin - a genuine, bona fide registered sin! And there's only one way to deal with sin: Repent and stop practicing it.
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