Come Back to me
By Patricia Ang
“Come back to me, with all your heart. Don’t let fear keep us apart.” As I sang the lyrics from the song Hosea, I can’t help recalling how indeed I strayed and returned back to Lord.
In the parable of the prodigal son, the man has 2 sons. The younger son asked the father for his inheritance. The father divided the wealth among them and the younger son chose to leave (Luke 11-12). After the younger son had squandered his wealth, he chose to return back to his father. The father, despite what the son had done, welcomed him home with open arms.
Have we ever been like the prodigal son, thinking that the grass is always greener on the other side, we wander off away from God? Every person has the right to say to God ‘Leave me alone. Don’t bother about me.’ (Revelation 3:20)
Yet our Lord, who loves us so much, waits patiently for our return. He is like the shepherd that seeks to find the missing lamb that strayed off from the herd. Our Lord Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep (Heb13:20). He saw us as “sheep without a shepherd. He came to seek and to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).
In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14), it is said that the shepherd will leave ninety-nine sheep on the hills and go to look for the one that had wandered off. He is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, Our Father is not willing to let any one of us be lost.
As I reflected on both the parables, I must confess that I too, am one of those lost sheep. Baptised at the age of 5, I didn’t know much of the catholic faith even though I attended a catholic primary school. As a teenager, it did not help in my faith as I did not attend a catholic secondary school, neither did I attend Sunday school.
When I started working, my faith in God took a nose-dived. I blamed my family for not giving me a chance to choose my religion. When people asked what was my religion, I just kept quiet. There was a period of time, I did not attend the Catholic church. Instead I attended my friend’s Methodist Church.
It took me a while to go back to church. At that time, I was pursing my studies, and I recalled the church advertising the first Alpha course. I could not make it for that course, but somehow the alpha course was on my mind. When the second Alpha course came about, I was glad I was able to sign up for it.
As a guest in Alpha2, I had the opportunity to know people and of which a few of them are my good friends now. It was the prayers and fellowship that bonded us together. Someone told me, when I was a guest in alpha, I was very aloof and distanced. At that time, I was facing several issues in my which I did not know how to deal with it. I was not receptive during this alpha course.
After the Alpha 2 course, someone submitted my name to Spotlight to be a writer and there I slowly began writing articles. Subsequently, I also went on to help out in Alpha 4, 5, 10 and 11. My turning point in my faith was in Alpha 4 during the Holy Spirit weekend. As host of the group, we need facilitate and lead in group discussions. Hence every week, I diligently did my preparations and I started praying daily for our guests and all who were involved in the alpha course. Gradually I realised became less self-centred and cared more about other people. It is about serving the Lord. As I seek him, He in turn guids me to the faith. The Holy Spirit weekend for Alpha 4 was a turning point, as I surrendered all the hurts that was within me, peace just fell within me. From that own day onwards, each Holy Spirit weekend has been eye-opener to me and it is always a humbling experience.
By then, I was just awed by the Lord’s presence as I accepted Him back to my life. As I wanted to know more about him, He leads friends to show me the faith, books to read up on and courses to attend. It was only in 2007, was I finally a confirmed Catholic. I am now proud to say I am so thankful to know Jesus.
It has now been 4 years as a writer for Spotlight and this year I also volunteered to be a contributor for Oxygen (http://thecatholicwriter.com/oxygen). This is a reflection on the daily readings which we as contributors take turns to reflect upon. It has been a joy for me just writing for the Lord and I thank Him for his grace and blessing for this gift of writing. I also thank the Lord for his patience for waiting for me to come back to him.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Generosity
Generosity
Patricia Ang
If your income were to double overnight, how much money would you give away? If you were to be the richest person on this earth, how generous do you think you would be? Is generosity only in the form of money? How about being generous with your time and your gifts and talents?
The way people handle money shows the attitude in many aspects of their lives. Wherever your money is, that is where the focus on your attention will be. In Matthew (6:21), it is written ‘For your heart will always be where your riches are.’
For an investor who invest heavily in the stock market, you will probably check the financial pages or your earning statements frequently. For a new home owner who has spent a large amount of money on your house, you will probably spend time and effort taking care of it. For a donor who has contributed a lot of money to a church, you will probably care how the money is used. However do you realise if you give money to people directly or through a charity, you will care more about people. This helps to foster a more generous spirit in you.
Generosity is changing one’s focus from self to others. Isn’t it true that no one likes to be around people who only think of themselves. They enjoy being with people who are givers, those who are willing to take time to be there for you. True generosity is not focusing on income – it begins with the heart. It is about serving others and looking for ways to add value to people. When you are occupied with giving to others and helping them to succeed, it drives away selfishness. You can’t light another path without casting light on your end.
What do people often value other than your money? It is none other than your time and attention. There is no commitment when there is no giving. The people closest to you would rather have you than your money. Ask someone who is in love, nothing can take the place of a spouse’s or partner’s attention. A child would rather have a parent’s undivided attention more than anything else. At work employees with great potential know that a good mentor is more valuable than a mere monetary reward. Hence money is not everything.
The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share. When you look back at the things you have done in your life, you will derive more satisfaction from the pleasures you brought to other people’s lives than when you focus on the times that you outdid and defeated them. When you invest in another person just for the sake of seeing them blossom, with no other benefit that you might receive, you will be the kind of generous person others want to be around.
“One man gives freely, yet grows even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25)
God give us gifts and talents and HE bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Think about it, when you keep your gifts and talents to yourself, do you feel a stagnant growth in your life? How about the times you shared your gifts and talents with the people around you, how did you feel? By sharing what we know, we are also growing and learning.
If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you will get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow or for the next hour but only for the strain of the moment.
I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to those that I meet, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.
Patricia Ang
If your income were to double overnight, how much money would you give away? If you were to be the richest person on this earth, how generous do you think you would be? Is generosity only in the form of money? How about being generous with your time and your gifts and talents?
The way people handle money shows the attitude in many aspects of their lives. Wherever your money is, that is where the focus on your attention will be. In Matthew (6:21), it is written ‘For your heart will always be where your riches are.’
For an investor who invest heavily in the stock market, you will probably check the financial pages or your earning statements frequently. For a new home owner who has spent a large amount of money on your house, you will probably spend time and effort taking care of it. For a donor who has contributed a lot of money to a church, you will probably care how the money is used. However do you realise if you give money to people directly or through a charity, you will care more about people. This helps to foster a more generous spirit in you.
Generosity is changing one’s focus from self to others. Isn’t it true that no one likes to be around people who only think of themselves. They enjoy being with people who are givers, those who are willing to take time to be there for you. True generosity is not focusing on income – it begins with the heart. It is about serving others and looking for ways to add value to people. When you are occupied with giving to others and helping them to succeed, it drives away selfishness. You can’t light another path without casting light on your end.
What do people often value other than your money? It is none other than your time and attention. There is no commitment when there is no giving. The people closest to you would rather have you than your money. Ask someone who is in love, nothing can take the place of a spouse’s or partner’s attention. A child would rather have a parent’s undivided attention more than anything else. At work employees with great potential know that a good mentor is more valuable than a mere monetary reward. Hence money is not everything.
The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share. When you look back at the things you have done in your life, you will derive more satisfaction from the pleasures you brought to other people’s lives than when you focus on the times that you outdid and defeated them. When you invest in another person just for the sake of seeing them blossom, with no other benefit that you might receive, you will be the kind of generous person others want to be around.
“One man gives freely, yet grows even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25)
God give us gifts and talents and HE bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Think about it, when you keep your gifts and talents to yourself, do you feel a stagnant growth in your life? How about the times you shared your gifts and talents with the people around you, how did you feel? By sharing what we know, we are also growing and learning.
If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you will get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow or for the next hour but only for the strain of the moment.
I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to those that I meet, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.
Count your Blessing
Count Your Blessings
By Patricia Ang
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Although millions of people celebrate the birth of the Lord, few seem to be aware of its real significance. What does Christmas mean to you? The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because he was crucified and then rose to the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe. (John 1:12)
The birth of Christ showed us how much God love the world that Jesus came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21) and give us eternal life (John 3:14-17)
Jesus came in the form of a human being, a baby born in the manger in Bethlehem. He grew into manhood, led a perfect life and willingly died for your sins and mine.
Have we taken the Lord for granted all this while? Have we been spiritually blind? Have we been cold and unforgiving to the people around us? Do we count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord daily?
For the family you have given us, thank you Lord. For our parents who brought us up and provided us a home and education. They stood by us through their love and dedication. There are times when we fail to meet up to their expectations or when there are misunderstandings, forgive us lord for those insensitive words and actions. Yes, at times, when words are uttered, the damage is already done. Yet blood is thicker than water, let there be peace and harmony in the family.
For the friendship and kinship that you have given us, they have been a pillar of strength and joy. Lord, thank you for the people we meet at the respective stages in our lives. They are there to guide us, to teach us, to support us and to encourage us. Help us to remember, it takes 2 people to maintain a friendship/relationship. Allow us to take time to cultivate such friendship of like-minded people and grow together.
For the opportunities that you have given us, thank you Lord for your guidance. As children, we thank you for providing us with an education and for the teachers that we meet who make an impact in our lives. For the friends that we meet and friendships that are forged along the way. As adults, we thank you for the jobs that we have to support the family and the opportunity to grow in our careers.
Thank you Lord for the gifts you have given us to serve you to you in your glory. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
As we come together to serve you in our respective ministries, allow us to discern your plan. Protect us from distraction and renew us daily with your love and grace to serve you. For those who are trying to figure out what are their gifts, show them Lord by your grace. For those who know and are serving you, allow them to be grow and serve you diligently and humbly. Allow us to speak the good news to the people around us.
For all the things that we have taken for granted, forgive us Lord. Open our hearts to receiving you in our lives. Open our ears to hearing you and discern your plan. Open our eyes to seeing you and the fruits of your love. Open our mouth to proclaim the good news and to reflect on how you have touched us in our daily living.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
As we celebrate Christmas, may we be filled with wonder at His love and His coming.
By Patricia Ang
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Although millions of people celebrate the birth of the Lord, few seem to be aware of its real significance. What does Christmas mean to you? The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because he was crucified and then rose to the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe. (John 1:12)
The birth of Christ showed us how much God love the world that Jesus came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21) and give us eternal life (John 3:14-17)
Jesus came in the form of a human being, a baby born in the manger in Bethlehem. He grew into manhood, led a perfect life and willingly died for your sins and mine.
Have we taken the Lord for granted all this while? Have we been spiritually blind? Have we been cold and unforgiving to the people around us? Do we count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord daily?
For the family you have given us, thank you Lord. For our parents who brought us up and provided us a home and education. They stood by us through their love and dedication. There are times when we fail to meet up to their expectations or when there are misunderstandings, forgive us lord for those insensitive words and actions. Yes, at times, when words are uttered, the damage is already done. Yet blood is thicker than water, let there be peace and harmony in the family.
For the friendship and kinship that you have given us, they have been a pillar of strength and joy. Lord, thank you for the people we meet at the respective stages in our lives. They are there to guide us, to teach us, to support us and to encourage us. Help us to remember, it takes 2 people to maintain a friendship/relationship. Allow us to take time to cultivate such friendship of like-minded people and grow together.
For the opportunities that you have given us, thank you Lord for your guidance. As children, we thank you for providing us with an education and for the teachers that we meet who make an impact in our lives. For the friends that we meet and friendships that are forged along the way. As adults, we thank you for the jobs that we have to support the family and the opportunity to grow in our careers.
Thank you Lord for the gifts you have given us to serve you to you in your glory. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
As we come together to serve you in our respective ministries, allow us to discern your plan. Protect us from distraction and renew us daily with your love and grace to serve you. For those who are trying to figure out what are their gifts, show them Lord by your grace. For those who know and are serving you, allow them to be grow and serve you diligently and humbly. Allow us to speak the good news to the people around us.
For all the things that we have taken for granted, forgive us Lord. Open our hearts to receiving you in our lives. Open our ears to hearing you and discern your plan. Open our eyes to seeing you and the fruits of your love. Open our mouth to proclaim the good news and to reflect on how you have touched us in our daily living.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
As we celebrate Christmas, may we be filled with wonder at His love and His coming.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Treausre of my Life
Treasure of my Life
By Patricia Ang
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
What is your treasure in your life? Is it power, money or material things? What about Jesus being the treasure of our life? Are we able to cast all our cares to our Lord and have faith to trust in HIM? We need to ask ourselves then where are we going? Where do we spend our time? Who are we hanging around with? What are we doing? We need to answer those questions directly, truthfully and it'll show you where your treasure is.
The greatest blessings God gave us was not money but Jesus- his beloved son who died on the cross to atone for our sins in the form of the broken body, the shed blood and the victory won on that cross, The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In 1 Timothy 6-1l, Paul tells believers to stop fleeing after earthy riches and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6: 17-19)
Are we willing to give Christ total control over our life? Jesus said in Matthew.7:13-14 the gate is narrow and the path is narrow that leads to eternal life. A converted heart is one which we give total reliance to God in our everyday life. It is a daily renewing, a daily change from sin and self. Having a heart stirred by the Holy Spirit and a heart willing to please and honor God with EVERYTHING He has given us is the narrow path! Our health, wealth and prosperity comes from Christ, it is not ours to own, but ours to manage for His glory.
One of my 2008 New Year resolutions this year was to spend more time with God. Amazingly, as I seek HIM daily, I am more conscious of his presence. At the start of the year, a friend of mine presented me with 2 blank books, which came in handy as I use the books, to write quotes and prayers from the bible and the books that I read and which I use for reference when I write my articles. Whenever I go to the Borders bookshop, I will end up in the section with Christian books which at times I will end up purchasing the books. Recently when I visit the music stores, at times I also purchase Praise & Worship cds. Listening the songs and reading the books, I really sense his presence and peace.
Having served in the recent alpha 10 and 11 and attended the post alpha course – A Life Worth Living, I have met many friends and it has been a joy knowing fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. There is this deep bonding and fellowship among the small groups in our sharing session. Sometimes we can be so exhausted from work, but the moment we attend such sessions, we are just filled with the energy to do His work. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” – Isaiah 40:31
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33)
Lord help us to be aware day by day, to depend and trust in you and to reach out to you with hearts of innocence and child-like faith saying to you,” Not my will, but Thy will be done.”
Faith is our unflinching reliance on God. “Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.” (Heb 13:5)
By Patricia Ang
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
What is your treasure in your life? Is it power, money or material things? What about Jesus being the treasure of our life? Are we able to cast all our cares to our Lord and have faith to trust in HIM? We need to ask ourselves then where are we going? Where do we spend our time? Who are we hanging around with? What are we doing? We need to answer those questions directly, truthfully and it'll show you where your treasure is.
The greatest blessings God gave us was not money but Jesus- his beloved son who died on the cross to atone for our sins in the form of the broken body, the shed blood and the victory won on that cross, The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In 1 Timothy 6-1l, Paul tells believers to stop fleeing after earthy riches and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6: 17-19)
Are we willing to give Christ total control over our life? Jesus said in Matthew.7:13-14 the gate is narrow and the path is narrow that leads to eternal life. A converted heart is one which we give total reliance to God in our everyday life. It is a daily renewing, a daily change from sin and self. Having a heart stirred by the Holy Spirit and a heart willing to please and honor God with EVERYTHING He has given us is the narrow path! Our health, wealth and prosperity comes from Christ, it is not ours to own, but ours to manage for His glory.
One of my 2008 New Year resolutions this year was to spend more time with God. Amazingly, as I seek HIM daily, I am more conscious of his presence. At the start of the year, a friend of mine presented me with 2 blank books, which came in handy as I use the books, to write quotes and prayers from the bible and the books that I read and which I use for reference when I write my articles. Whenever I go to the Borders bookshop, I will end up in the section with Christian books which at times I will end up purchasing the books. Recently when I visit the music stores, at times I also purchase Praise & Worship cds. Listening the songs and reading the books, I really sense his presence and peace.
Having served in the recent alpha 10 and 11 and attended the post alpha course – A Life Worth Living, I have met many friends and it has been a joy knowing fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. There is this deep bonding and fellowship among the small groups in our sharing session. Sometimes we can be so exhausted from work, but the moment we attend such sessions, we are just filled with the energy to do His work. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” – Isaiah 40:31
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33)
Lord help us to be aware day by day, to depend and trust in you and to reach out to you with hearts of innocence and child-like faith saying to you,” Not my will, but Thy will be done.”
Faith is our unflinching reliance on God. “Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.” (Heb 13:5)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Thank you Lord
Thank You Lord
By Patricia Ang
I am just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life. Yet as I look back at my life, I must say God is Good and I am so thankful to be in a relationship with HIM.
Coming from a single parent family, growing up was never easy. We just lived within our means. No fancy birthday parties, no holidays, no elaborate meals at restaurants. There were clothes I wanted to buy but didn’t have the means to buy. Yet I must say He blesses the widow and the orphan in HIS own ways.
Lord, I am very thankful for my family. For my grandparents who gave us a place to live when we were homeless and for taking care of us. My late grandfather taught me tuition during my primary school days and my grandmother cooked for us when we needed them in some ways. My mother brought me up singlehandedly all these years, with her love and support. She provided me a life which any ordinary child would have. The books that she bought, the opportunity to learn to play the piano, for taking care of me when I am sick, for taking time to teach me Chinese in primary school, when she herself didn’t know much of the language. She took the opportunity to check the Chinese dictionary and spent time guiding me in my studies when I was younger. God in his ways has taken care of us of our daily needs each day and HE has indeed protected us.
As a teenager, I have been blessed with all the gifts I have won via radio contests. By HIS grace, I have won several prizes among which Les Miserables concert tickets, movie tickets, food vouchers and a pair of Shasha bears. I used to tease my mother that she need not have to worry about my entertainment expenses as a teenager.
For the education that I have been given, I am so thankful for his blessings and his guidance. For my Masters course which I completed last year, I really felt his presence in the course. Though it was a long journey to NTU, HE sustained me with the energy and the passion. HE blessed me with classmates whom we had good teamwork. I enjoyed the 2 years part time course that I did. It is amazing how I managed to juggle my studies and my work simultaneously. Thank you Lord. For the job opportunities that HE has given me in my career, I am very thankful that HE knows what is best for me.
Cast your burden on the Lord. Release the weight of them and God will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)
Life is a mirror reflection – how you treat others is how people will treat you back. I am so thankful for the friends HE has brought into my life. For those who stood by me all these years, for the advice, the encouragement and sharing the ups and downs in my life. God puts people in our lives on purpose so that we can help them to succeed and help them become all He created them to be. If you will make somebody else’s day, God will make yours. Take time to make a difference. Don’t just focus about you can make your life better. Everywhere we go we should be encouraging people, building them up, challenging them to reach for new heights. When people are around us, they should leave better off then they were previously.
In the bible, God says, “I will guard you and keep you in perfect and constant peace as you keep your mind on me.” (Isiah 26 :3). Learn to commit yourself to me, lean on me and hope confidently in me.
There was a stage of my life I questioned my religion. Yet in HIS time, God led me back to where I am now, serving in the most humble way. Come close to God and HE will come close to you. I am thankful to be able to spend time with him, to serve him, to write articles, to share and pray with fellow brothers and sisters in this journey.
It is a rule of life. God blesses those who give of their lives and resources. Give your time and you will have more time to give. Set no limit on your love and you will have more love for others than before. He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. And he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Dare to trust Him today. Dare to believe that even in your disappointment, heartaches and pain, God is right there with you. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy.
By Patricia Ang
I am just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life. Yet as I look back at my life, I must say God is Good and I am so thankful to be in a relationship with HIM.
Coming from a single parent family, growing up was never easy. We just lived within our means. No fancy birthday parties, no holidays, no elaborate meals at restaurants. There were clothes I wanted to buy but didn’t have the means to buy. Yet I must say He blesses the widow and the orphan in HIS own ways.
Lord, I am very thankful for my family. For my grandparents who gave us a place to live when we were homeless and for taking care of us. My late grandfather taught me tuition during my primary school days and my grandmother cooked for us when we needed them in some ways. My mother brought me up singlehandedly all these years, with her love and support. She provided me a life which any ordinary child would have. The books that she bought, the opportunity to learn to play the piano, for taking care of me when I am sick, for taking time to teach me Chinese in primary school, when she herself didn’t know much of the language. She took the opportunity to check the Chinese dictionary and spent time guiding me in my studies when I was younger. God in his ways has taken care of us of our daily needs each day and HE has indeed protected us.
As a teenager, I have been blessed with all the gifts I have won via radio contests. By HIS grace, I have won several prizes among which Les Miserables concert tickets, movie tickets, food vouchers and a pair of Shasha bears. I used to tease my mother that she need not have to worry about my entertainment expenses as a teenager.
For the education that I have been given, I am so thankful for his blessings and his guidance. For my Masters course which I completed last year, I really felt his presence in the course. Though it was a long journey to NTU, HE sustained me with the energy and the passion. HE blessed me with classmates whom we had good teamwork. I enjoyed the 2 years part time course that I did. It is amazing how I managed to juggle my studies and my work simultaneously. Thank you Lord. For the job opportunities that HE has given me in my career, I am very thankful that HE knows what is best for me.
Cast your burden on the Lord. Release the weight of them and God will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)
Life is a mirror reflection – how you treat others is how people will treat you back. I am so thankful for the friends HE has brought into my life. For those who stood by me all these years, for the advice, the encouragement and sharing the ups and downs in my life. God puts people in our lives on purpose so that we can help them to succeed and help them become all He created them to be. If you will make somebody else’s day, God will make yours. Take time to make a difference. Don’t just focus about you can make your life better. Everywhere we go we should be encouraging people, building them up, challenging them to reach for new heights. When people are around us, they should leave better off then they were previously.
In the bible, God says, “I will guard you and keep you in perfect and constant peace as you keep your mind on me.” (Isiah 26 :3). Learn to commit yourself to me, lean on me and hope confidently in me.
There was a stage of my life I questioned my religion. Yet in HIS time, God led me back to where I am now, serving in the most humble way. Come close to God and HE will come close to you. I am thankful to be able to spend time with him, to serve him, to write articles, to share and pray with fellow brothers and sisters in this journey.
It is a rule of life. God blesses those who give of their lives and resources. Give your time and you will have more time to give. Set no limit on your love and you will have more love for others than before. He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. And he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Dare to trust Him today. Dare to believe that even in your disappointment, heartaches and pain, God is right there with you. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy.
Monday, August 4, 2008
In Total Submission
In Total Submission
By Patricia Ang
“I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through him who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:12-13)
In Matthew 4:18, Jesus said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” HE tells us to follow him and let HIM make something out of our lives.
Have you encountered difficult circumstances or strong temptations that invade our lives and remind us of our powerlessness, and we have an all powerful god who works on behalf of those who trust Him? Why is it so difficult to surrender everything to God? Could it be pride, stubbornness, greed, fear or doubt? Yet it is God’s unconditional love for us that HE sent his son Jesus to die on the cross to atone for our sins. The Lord wants to meet us at every intersection of every dream, every choice, every desire and every thought and He urges us to turn towards Him.
Don’t we all face disappointments in our lives – the loss of passion in one’s jobs, a failed relationship or a rebellious child? As a result, it triggers off a chain reaction of bitterness, anger, frustration and disappointment. How about failures in our lives which can result in anxiety, stress and even despair?
Learn to keep your disappointments and failures in stride. Learn from your disappointments and failures and with God’s help, seek to overcome them. Sometimes God uses life’s disappointment to draw us closer to Himself or teach us patience and trust. When God closes one door, He often opens another, if we seek it. When life turns against you, ask God “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4)
Personally at times, I find it so difficult to surrender my situations to God because I tend to think I can do it my way, but whenever I choose to do things my way, I end up more exhausted and hurt. It is only when I surrender the situations to God, seek clarity and direction, do I experience that peace that it is by relying in HIM that I am able to achieve the things I need to do.
To become a Christian requires that we admit our helplessness and acknowledge our total dependence on God. “Without me, you can do nothing,” said Jesus. (John 15:5)
I remembered the stage when I was pursing a part time course at NTU. I had my doubts on how to juggle work and studies, but I surrendered that to the Lord. By God’s grace, I managed to do that – completing my assignments on time, studying for exams and doing my job professionally. During that period, HE blessed with good team mates, family and work support and friends who were there to encourage and pray for me.
A true Christian isn’t peaceful or arrogant; his confidence is not in himself, but in God and he humbly trusts in HIM every day. My salvation and my honour depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62 :7)
Whenever I travel overseas, I always pray for a safe journey and good health. There were times when we faced bad turbulence on the planes and they can be really scary experiences. Safety too in terms of not losing our luagges, our passports, money and the bus driver driving us safely to the various destinations.
God’s love for you has not changed. At times we see God’s love most clearly when life is at its darkest. God’s love for us never fails, He always stands ready to forgive and restore us to Himself. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, and it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
Paul wrote : “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one sows to please the Spirit, from the Sprit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8). Those who work for self interest and think only of themselves are sowing seeds that will provide a harvest of misery in themselves and in others. Those who love God and care for others are sowing seeds that in time will yield a harvest of joy.
We can choose to submit our wills to God each day, asking Him to give us strength to live for Him and for others. As He works in us, we will grow in grace and in kindness. God delights when we walk in a surrendered way with Him.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
By Patricia Ang
“I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through him who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:12-13)
In Matthew 4:18, Jesus said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” HE tells us to follow him and let HIM make something out of our lives.
Have you encountered difficult circumstances or strong temptations that invade our lives and remind us of our powerlessness, and we have an all powerful god who works on behalf of those who trust Him? Why is it so difficult to surrender everything to God? Could it be pride, stubbornness, greed, fear or doubt? Yet it is God’s unconditional love for us that HE sent his son Jesus to die on the cross to atone for our sins. The Lord wants to meet us at every intersection of every dream, every choice, every desire and every thought and He urges us to turn towards Him.
Don’t we all face disappointments in our lives – the loss of passion in one’s jobs, a failed relationship or a rebellious child? As a result, it triggers off a chain reaction of bitterness, anger, frustration and disappointment. How about failures in our lives which can result in anxiety, stress and even despair?
Learn to keep your disappointments and failures in stride. Learn from your disappointments and failures and with God’s help, seek to overcome them. Sometimes God uses life’s disappointment to draw us closer to Himself or teach us patience and trust. When God closes one door, He often opens another, if we seek it. When life turns against you, ask God “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4)
Personally at times, I find it so difficult to surrender my situations to God because I tend to think I can do it my way, but whenever I choose to do things my way, I end up more exhausted and hurt. It is only when I surrender the situations to God, seek clarity and direction, do I experience that peace that it is by relying in HIM that I am able to achieve the things I need to do.
To become a Christian requires that we admit our helplessness and acknowledge our total dependence on God. “Without me, you can do nothing,” said Jesus. (John 15:5)
I remembered the stage when I was pursing a part time course at NTU. I had my doubts on how to juggle work and studies, but I surrendered that to the Lord. By God’s grace, I managed to do that – completing my assignments on time, studying for exams and doing my job professionally. During that period, HE blessed with good team mates, family and work support and friends who were there to encourage and pray for me.
A true Christian isn’t peaceful or arrogant; his confidence is not in himself, but in God and he humbly trusts in HIM every day. My salvation and my honour depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62 :7)
Whenever I travel overseas, I always pray for a safe journey and good health. There were times when we faced bad turbulence on the planes and they can be really scary experiences. Safety too in terms of not losing our luagges, our passports, money and the bus driver driving us safely to the various destinations.
God’s love for you has not changed. At times we see God’s love most clearly when life is at its darkest. God’s love for us never fails, He always stands ready to forgive and restore us to Himself. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, and it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
Paul wrote : “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one sows to please the Spirit, from the Sprit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8). Those who work for self interest and think only of themselves are sowing seeds that will provide a harvest of misery in themselves and in others. Those who love God and care for others are sowing seeds that in time will yield a harvest of joy.
We can choose to submit our wills to God each day, asking Him to give us strength to live for Him and for others. As He works in us, we will grow in grace and in kindness. God delights when we walk in a surrendered way with Him.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
why does god allow suffering
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
By Patricia Ang
Why must we go through disappointment, sorrow, suffering, heartbreak, temptation, trials & tribulations? If your life were perfect, would you remember God? If you were healthy, would you thank God for his blessings? It is when we are suffering, when we encounter problems, when our health gives us problems, do we remember and turn to God.
Do you believe that God has a plan and purpose for each of us? The very thing that you want least to talk about, the very thing that you want to keep in your closest is the very thing God wants you to share. God wants you to yield to Him and allow Him to recycle the pain in your life for the benefit of others.
Often our sufferings are not about us but about people seeing the power of God working through our weakness. In the bible, the story of Jonah was faced in a helpless situation, yet God used him to lead a pagan nation to repentance.
“My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak. I am most happy then to be proud of my weakness, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me,” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Many of us have this misconception that God uses only the really talented and gifted people. On the contrary, God uses ordinary people. He does his best work through the weak people. When we share our weakness, others are able to relate to what we are going through. So why Does God allow suffering?
God has given us a Free Will
In the book of Genesis it is written that God created man in his own image. Hence we are given the freedom to choose. We have a choice of right or wrong, good or bad, life or death. You can’t really choose good unless you have the option to choose bad. You can’t really love someone unless you have the opportunity not love that someone. Yes there are times when the poor choices that we make bring about poor consequences. God gives free will to all of us and there is a possibility when others choose to do wrong, one of us may be hurt as an innocent victim. We may make choices that bring pain to ourselves and others. God wants us to love HIM voluntarily. He does not want a bunch of puppets. God gives us the free will to follow him or to turn away from HIM.
God uses Pain to Get Our Attention
Our anxieties and our fears are warning signals telling us that something is wrong and we need to deal with it. At times it is meant to be a wake up call for us. When we are working too hard, we do not take care of our health, and we fall sick. We could be stricken by the flu bug, fever, gastric, it could be a sign to take care of our health, and to pray and spend time with God. Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. There are some of us who are so used to doing things our way but you realise that we are either unhappy at our jobs or are in stagnant relationships which drains off our energy. It is such moments, we seek god and pray for strength and discernment for his plans for us.
God uses pain to teach us to depend on HIM
For the past month I fell sick twice. The first time I had fever, the second time I was down with flu. As it is, whenever I fall sick, I take a long time to recover, and I am easily tired. To worsen such situation, there are so many things to do at work, datelines to meet and the people around me don’t seem to emphatize my situation. At times what you really need is assurance, affirmation and a listening ear. Yet during this period, I learnt to depend on God to heal me and to handle the issues I face daily. It has indeed been a humbling experience. When all is falling apart and you have lost it all, you will realise, God is there for you. HE is the only real problem solver.
God allows pain to give us a ministry to others
Pain makes us humble, sympathetic and sensitive to others’ needs. It prepares you to serve. When we turn to God to heal us from the pain we are going through, He comforts us and wraps his loving arms around us and gives us the help we need. All of us have our hurts, hang-ups and habits. When we are hurting, we want someone who understands who has been going through what we are going through, not someone who has a perfect life.
No matter what others have done to you, God can recycle it and use it for good. God never wastes a hurt. Unless you learn from the hurt and share it, you will waste it. Others will be blessed and encouraged if you share the problems and strengths you have gone through. God can and will use your pain to help others, if you let Him.
God alone is our “rock of refuge, a fortress of defence” (Psalm 31:2). HE is our reliable source of strength and protection.
By Patricia Ang
Why must we go through disappointment, sorrow, suffering, heartbreak, temptation, trials & tribulations? If your life were perfect, would you remember God? If you were healthy, would you thank God for his blessings? It is when we are suffering, when we encounter problems, when our health gives us problems, do we remember and turn to God.
Do you believe that God has a plan and purpose for each of us? The very thing that you want least to talk about, the very thing that you want to keep in your closest is the very thing God wants you to share. God wants you to yield to Him and allow Him to recycle the pain in your life for the benefit of others.
Often our sufferings are not about us but about people seeing the power of God working through our weakness. In the bible, the story of Jonah was faced in a helpless situation, yet God used him to lead a pagan nation to repentance.
“My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak. I am most happy then to be proud of my weakness, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me,” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Many of us have this misconception that God uses only the really talented and gifted people. On the contrary, God uses ordinary people. He does his best work through the weak people. When we share our weakness, others are able to relate to what we are going through. So why Does God allow suffering?
God has given us a Free Will
In the book of Genesis it is written that God created man in his own image. Hence we are given the freedom to choose. We have a choice of right or wrong, good or bad, life or death. You can’t really choose good unless you have the option to choose bad. You can’t really love someone unless you have the opportunity not love that someone. Yes there are times when the poor choices that we make bring about poor consequences. God gives free will to all of us and there is a possibility when others choose to do wrong, one of us may be hurt as an innocent victim. We may make choices that bring pain to ourselves and others. God wants us to love HIM voluntarily. He does not want a bunch of puppets. God gives us the free will to follow him or to turn away from HIM.
God uses Pain to Get Our Attention
Our anxieties and our fears are warning signals telling us that something is wrong and we need to deal with it. At times it is meant to be a wake up call for us. When we are working too hard, we do not take care of our health, and we fall sick. We could be stricken by the flu bug, fever, gastric, it could be a sign to take care of our health, and to pray and spend time with God. Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. There are some of us who are so used to doing things our way but you realise that we are either unhappy at our jobs or are in stagnant relationships which drains off our energy. It is such moments, we seek god and pray for strength and discernment for his plans for us.
God uses pain to teach us to depend on HIM
For the past month I fell sick twice. The first time I had fever, the second time I was down with flu. As it is, whenever I fall sick, I take a long time to recover, and I am easily tired. To worsen such situation, there are so many things to do at work, datelines to meet and the people around me don’t seem to emphatize my situation. At times what you really need is assurance, affirmation and a listening ear. Yet during this period, I learnt to depend on God to heal me and to handle the issues I face daily. It has indeed been a humbling experience. When all is falling apart and you have lost it all, you will realise, God is there for you. HE is the only real problem solver.
God allows pain to give us a ministry to others
Pain makes us humble, sympathetic and sensitive to others’ needs. It prepares you to serve. When we turn to God to heal us from the pain we are going through, He comforts us and wraps his loving arms around us and gives us the help we need. All of us have our hurts, hang-ups and habits. When we are hurting, we want someone who understands who has been going through what we are going through, not someone who has a perfect life.
No matter what others have done to you, God can recycle it and use it for good. God never wastes a hurt. Unless you learn from the hurt and share it, you will waste it. Others will be blessed and encouraged if you share the problems and strengths you have gone through. God can and will use your pain to help others, if you let Him.
God alone is our “rock of refuge, a fortress of defence” (Psalm 31:2). HE is our reliable source of strength and protection.
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