Jonathan became a strategic ally for the future king. He gave two of his personal weapons to David, changing the arsenal from that of a shepherd boy to that of a man of war. These are two different kinds of weapons - one for distance and one for close combat. These two weapons mirror two separate but important weapons in the arsenal of the believer: prayer and the Word.
The arrows represent the power of prayer. Through prayer, we can be a great distance away and still find our target. We can shoot down the attacks of the enemy and throw the opposition into confusion. I can sit in my study in Denver and fire arrows at the enemy waging war at a sister church in Melbourne, Australia. I can sit in my chapel in Denver and drop bombs on the enemies attacking my friends all over the world. Through prayer, I can shoot arrows at the enemy attacking my two sons. I can shoot into the future and reach into the past. I can break generational curses and decree blessings on unborn grandchildren. The arrow is a distance weapon that mostly meets a moving target. In the hands of a gifted archer, it is most deadly, and David developed this weapon as well.
Jonathan also gave David his sword, which, of course, is not a long-distance weapon. It is a weapon used in closed quarters. One does not hurl a sword. It stays firmly in the hand of the soldier and is used to attack an enemy who is just an arm's length away. The sword is made of forged metal, and it is honed to a razor-shape edge. Throughout the Bible, the sword symbolises the Word of God. In this, we can see that Jonathan symbolically gave David his personal word-his true covenant.
Taken from the 7 day devotions leading to the publication of Walking to Jerusalem: Discovering Your Divine Life Purpose, by Chris Hill
Friday, April 29, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Ephesians 3:14-21
A prayer for the Ephesians
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
23rd April prayer
Father, help me to remain humble, to be aware that all I have is from you and for your glory. Father I know that I am nothing without you! I cannot achieve even a small % of all that I have done if not for you. Thank you, thank you, thank you Father, that you have given me such a sweet & blessed life. Thank you for your grace; giving me what I do not deserve, and thank for you for mercy; not giving me what I deserve. Help me to constantly keep in mind that you are what I'm living for, you alone are my shield, my rock, my comforter. You alone, and not treasures of this world, where they are prone to rot and destroy. I pray that in the upcoming days, I will be able to continue to be in you presence throughout the day. Help me to understand that it is not a 'passing' thing, but rather that it is an on-going battle. It is something that I should be striving for always, not just during periods of my life. I know that with you all things are possible and I know that my declaring so means that the battle is already half-won. Help me to hold fast to that Father, and to always put you as my #1, just like you deserve. LORD, I ask that I will be like John, who fell to his feet at worship. Help me to see you for all your wondrous wonder and glory and help me to understand the magnitude of it. You and you alone LORD, are God Almighty. You are Holy.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Who is Our God?
God is my sovereign, wise, and compassionate Father. He is intimately aware of the details of my life, and I can trust him with my circumstances. Christ took my sins on his shoulders to pave the way for me to enter God's presence. God is transforming me into Christ's image, and his discipline, his training in righteousness, is a blessing because it roots out sin and wrong thinking in my life. Christ is my perfect Bridegroom. The core longings of my heart for relationship are perfectly fulfilled in him. He loves me, he died for me, and he sits at the right hand of the Father eternally making intercession for me.
Practical Theology for Women, by Wendy Horger Alsup
Practical Theology for Women, by Wendy Horger Alsup
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Joshua chapter 18:1-7, 19:49
制伏 means to be in charge of the land, to have control. This verb is also used in Genesis chapter 1, when Adam was entrusted to be in control of the world.
God wanted to give the Israelites the land, but there is still a process of them going to get it. They had to have faith in order to obtain the land.
In this world, in our life, it may seem like we are in charge, but in reality, God is in control. We should use what God provides to go against satan. Be certain that I CAN obtain control and win Satan, because God is with me. 他与我同在
Ask God to help me know my enemy, ask God to help me obtain His promises, to ask and then receive.
What is satan doing in my life?
- Conceited? Too proud?
- Jealousy among friends!
- School work; stress and anxiety, undermining what I can truly do?
What I ask of God:
LORD, since you have brought me so far, can you carry me the rest of the way? Can I leave my stress and just focus, letting you do the 'hard' work? You can do all things. Help me to remember that my battle is against satan, not my friends, not my self competition.
LORD, would you help make me skinny and healthy? Is it wrong to want such a body? Would you help keep me humble and a light for you?
God wanted to give the Israelites the land, but there is still a process of them going to get it. They had to have faith in order to obtain the land.
In this world, in our life, it may seem like we are in charge, but in reality, God is in control. We should use what God provides to go against satan. Be certain that I CAN obtain control and win Satan, because God is with me. 他与我同在
Ask God to help me know my enemy, ask God to help me obtain His promises, to ask and then receive.
What is satan doing in my life?
- Conceited? Too proud?
- Jealousy among friends!
- School work; stress and anxiety, undermining what I can truly do?
What I ask of God:
LORD, since you have brought me so far, can you carry me the rest of the way? Can I leave my stress and just focus, letting you do the 'hard' work? You can do all things. Help me to remember that my battle is against satan, not my friends, not my self competition.
LORD, would you help make me skinny and healthy? Is it wrong to want such a body? Would you help keep me humble and a light for you?
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
This verse has appeared to me 3 times within the last week.
1) At BSF, Joyce said that it is her go-to verse for encouragement
2) At church, Rick reminded us of God's grace
3) At BSF, Angie stating in the lecture that though Babylon will face punishment, God is protective of his believers
Being in control
April 3rd Sermon at Watermark Church, HK
When I feel like things are going out of control, it's just going out of MY control. God is always in control. Fear is when things are going out of my control.
Kinda like pharaoh, he wanted control but could not get it from the Israelites even though he tried 3 different tactics to bring down the Israelites population.
God is great so I do not have to be in control.
When I feel like things are going out of control, it's just going out of MY control. God is always in control. Fear is when things are going out of my control.
Kinda like pharaoh, he wanted control but could not get it from the Israelites even though he tried 3 different tactics to bring down the Israelites population.
God is great so I do not have to be in control.
Joshua chapter 17
At that point in time, the Israelites had not yet met with the problem of having to give inheritance to girls. Yet, He includes this in the bible to let us understand that He is fair. God is fair.
When you have a problem, make sure you go to God. Ask and you will receive. The girls (Manasseh's descendants) had faith - they prayed to God, and God led them to the elders. Their courage is seen earlier on in the bible when they went to Moses to obtain land. Again, they demonstrate courage to ask for what is theirs.
Why don't we ask? Usually, it is because of a number of reasons:
1) No faith in God
2) We think that God is unwilling to give us what we desire
3) Pride
But these are all lies - God does want to give us what we desire.
Let us come to God with His promises in mind (应许) and ask, and pray.
We are all going through spiritual battle
Pray Courageously
Pray for all his 应许
//Pastor Sung made a comment that we are all listening to this message for a reason. Because it is my first time joining the morning prayer with New Life Church, I am even more convinced that God has something planned, He wants me to hear/learn something... but what ?
My concluding thoughts from this morning:
Work hard, excel in school. BUT, do not be overwhelmed, do not let my school work overtake me. It is by the GRACE of God that I can achieve so much.
1) Perserve
- Continue to attend morning prayer meetings
- Read bible more
- Practice the presence of God
2) Faith
- Trust that God is at work for me
When you have a problem, make sure you go to God. Ask and you will receive. The girls (Manasseh's descendants) had faith - they prayed to God, and God led them to the elders. Their courage is seen earlier on in the bible when they went to Moses to obtain land. Again, they demonstrate courage to ask for what is theirs.
Why don't we ask? Usually, it is because of a number of reasons:
1) No faith in God
2) We think that God is unwilling to give us what we desire
3) Pride
But these are all lies - God does want to give us what we desire.
Let us come to God with His promises in mind (应许) and ask, and pray.
We are all going through spiritual battle
Pray Courageously
Pray for all his 应许
//Pastor Sung made a comment that we are all listening to this message for a reason. Because it is my first time joining the morning prayer with New Life Church, I am even more convinced that God has something planned, He wants me to hear/learn something... but what ?
My concluding thoughts from this morning:
Work hard, excel in school. BUT, do not be overwhelmed, do not let my school work overtake me. It is by the GRACE of God that I can achieve so much.
1) Perserve
- Continue to attend morning prayer meetings
- Read bible more
- Practice the presence of God
2) Faith
- Trust that God is at work for me
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Four anchors
Found in Andrew Murray's formula for trial.
1. Say, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place and in that fact I will rest.
2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.
3. Then He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn.
4. In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows.
So let me say, I am (1) here by God's appointment; (2) in His keeping; (3) under His training; (4) for His time.
1. Say, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place and in that fact I will rest.
2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.
3. Then He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn.
4. In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows.
So let me say, I am (1) here by God's appointment; (2) in His keeping; (3) under His training; (4) for His time.
Blogilates - treadmill
Google search:
Hill running (incline)
It's easy to run hills on a treadmill, since you can elevate the grade. The higher the incline, the more you work the quads and calves. According to a 1997 study at the University of Georgia, running uphill activates 9 percent more muscle with each stride than running on flat land. Do fast hill runs or hill sprints as part of a high-intensity interval training workout, or run uphill at a steady pace. You'll build muscle either way, but intensity intervals work your muscles harder and build muscle faster.
Sprinting:
Sprinting, unlike jogging and running, builds your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves and abs. According to Shape magazine, running at a steady pace can lead to muscle loss, whereas doing sprint intervals builds muscle and burns more fat. For a great sprinting workout on the treadmill, do high-intensity interval training. That means running at a steady pace for a few minutes, then sprinting at full intensity for a minute.
Min's comments on the workouts:
Both are okay but serve different purposes. The first one (pink) is low intensity (LISS) so it's good if you have no carbs or better yet no food in your system. Your body will switch to converting fats for energy, instead of let's say carbs that you just ate before your workout. It's basically aerobic exercise. So do in morning or if you feel tired/weak.
The other one has sprints so it's high intensity (HIIT). You can do this after you've had food because its anaerobic. You'll be more efficient in converting carbs to energy and subsequently fat later on. I don't really recommend doing this kind of HIIT in the morning or on empty stomach because it's very taxing on your body. But if you ate a big meal the night before then yes, can!
Me (in regard to Min's notes): "better than google!!"
Hill running (incline)
It's easy to run hills on a treadmill, since you can elevate the grade. The higher the incline, the more you work the quads and calves. According to a 1997 study at the University of Georgia, running uphill activates 9 percent more muscle with each stride than running on flat land. Do fast hill runs or hill sprints as part of a high-intensity interval training workout, or run uphill at a steady pace. You'll build muscle either way, but intensity intervals work your muscles harder and build muscle faster.
Sprinting:
Sprinting, unlike jogging and running, builds your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves and abs. According to Shape magazine, running at a steady pace can lead to muscle loss, whereas doing sprint intervals builds muscle and burns more fat. For a great sprinting workout on the treadmill, do high-intensity interval training. That means running at a steady pace for a few minutes, then sprinting at full intensity for a minute.
Min's comments on the workouts:
Both are okay but serve different purposes. The first one (pink) is low intensity (LISS) so it's good if you have no carbs or better yet no food in your system. Your body will switch to converting fats for energy, instead of let's say carbs that you just ate before your workout. It's basically aerobic exercise. So do in morning or if you feel tired/weak.
The other one has sprints so it's high intensity (HIIT). You can do this after you've had food because its anaerobic. You'll be more efficient in converting carbs to energy and subsequently fat later on. I don't really recommend doing this kind of HIIT in the morning or on empty stomach because it's very taxing on your body. But if you ate a big meal the night before then yes, can!
Me (in regard to Min's notes): "better than google!!"
Saturday, April 9, 2016
10 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Add Prayer to Your Day
Here are 10 Surprisingly
Simple Ways to Add Prayer to Your Day:
One – Say “Good Morning” to the Lord.
§ Acknowledge Him
as you begin your day.
§ Look toward
heaven and speak to Him.
§ Spend a few
moments at the first of your day in the Word.
§ Talk to Him as
you are getting dressed, driving carpool, or driving to work.
*
To look to heaven and acknowledge Him each morning is PRAYING!
Two – Share your needs as they arise.
§ Make your needs
known to the Lord throughout the day.
§ As needs arise,
pray.
§ As you need
wisdom, ask for it.
§ As you think
over problems, present them to God and ask for His help.
§ As you worry
about one of your kids or grandkids, pray!
§ Talk things
over with Him just like you’d talk to a friend.
*
To talk over your cares, problems, and worries with the Lord is PRAYING!
Three – Thank Him all day long.
§ How has He been
sweet to you?
§ What has He
done for you?
§ What are 10
things you could stop and thank Him for right now?
§ You can thank
Him for the sunshine, rain, life, breath, a car to drive, a place to live, food
to eat, friends, a job, children, grandchildren, and so much more.
§ You can thank
Him as you are driving down the street.
*
To thank the Lord for His goodness and kindness is PRAYING!
Four – Offer sincere praise to Him for His
character.
§ Take time to
consider how awesome He is.
§ Go through the
alphabet and thank Him for one of His traits that starts with each letter.
A-Awesome, B-Bountiful, C-Compassionate.
§ Look around you
and praise God for His creation.
§ Thank Him for
gorgeous sunny days or beautiful flowers or refreshing rain.
*
To sincerely praise God is PRAYING!
Five – Repent as the Spirit convicts you.
§ Agree with God
as He puts some sin on your heart.
§ Keep short
accounts with Him.
§ Ask for His
help to make things right with others as needed.
§ Check in with
Him often and ask Him if there is anything you need to confess.
§ Think of it as
keeping things right and reconciled.
*
To admit our sin to God and to make things right is PRAYING!
Six – Make appeals to the Lord.
§ Just as a
lawyer would appeal to a judge, you can appeal to God.
§ Discuss your
concerns and frustrations with Him.
§ Talk things
over with Him just as you would talk to a close friend.
§ Express your
deepest hurts, needs, desires, passions, and wishes to the Lord. Share your
heart with Him.
*
To pour out our hearts to God and to appeal to Him is PRAYING!
Philippians 4:6
encourages us to, “Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God;”
Seven – Think about Him.
§ Silently direct
your thoughts to Him during the day.
§ Lift your eyes
to heaven and focus on Him for a few seconds.
§ Think about how
much to love Him.
*
To think or contemplate about the Lord and to focus on how much we love Him is
PRAYING!
Eight – Sing to Him.
§ Raise your
voice and sing.
§ Turn up the
praise music and sing along.
§ Singing is a
form of prayer!
§ If you can’t sing, hum the tune and
think about the words!
§ Or, just listen
to the words of a wonderful hymn or inspirational song.
*
To sing or hum words of praise to the Lord is PRAYING!
Nine – Listen for His voice.
§ Tune your ears
to listen for His voice.
§ Allow Him to
speak to you through a friend, the Bible, a sermon, music, and even a beautiful
sunset.
In John
10:27-28, Jesus teaches, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they
follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;
neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
*
To tune in and listen for the Lord is PRAYER!
Ten – Say “Good Night” to the Father.
§ Close out your
day with Him.
§ Go to sleep
thinking about Him and talking to Him.
*
To whisper “Good Night” to the Lord is PRAYER!
“Prayer is a
little like eating salted peanuts; the more you do it, the more you want to do
it.”
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Birthday wishes
Mama:
Happy birthday darling girl, may you continue to grow in the Lord and shine for Him.
May you stay forever beautiful, healthy and young
Daddy:
Darling girl, wishing you a blessed birthday! May the Lord continue to look after you, show favour upon you, and love you always. All the best girl. Love you 💋💋💋
Godpa:
Blessed birthday dearest Siyin 🎂🎉🎈💓❤😘
Thank you Father God for bringing this precious god-daughter into our lives. We thank you for creating her so wonderfully ; for her love & commitment to You & the many blessings that she brought to people around her.
On this special day, we ask for your blessings of love, joy, peace n good health to be with her always. May the Holy Spirit grant her strength, wisdom & guidance throughout her life journey empowering her to achieve much success on all her endeavors; touching many lives in her own special way & bearing much fruits for Your Kingdom's glory.
Abba Father, may You also continues to draw Siyin ever closer to You- that with each passing day she grows steadily in faith & Christlikeness & be a living testimony of your love & grace to all around her. In the name of Jesus, our Loving Lord & Savior we pray. Amen.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Godma:
Blessed birthday dear Siyin 😘🎂👏
Thanking God for you being such a blessing in our lives 😍
May the Grace of our Heavenly Father always be with you and the Holy Spirit be your guide and counsellor all the days of your life in Jesus' Name Amen 🙏
Love you ❤❤❤
Kristi:
Dearr sarahhhhh
Happy happy happy birthdayyyyy
Sincerely wish u all d besttt 🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻
Hope u had a blastt
God bless ur study and work, ur ministry and family and relastionship!
And may you grow more and more to be a woman of God, to be His vessel of loveee
😘😘😘😘😘
Happy birthday darling girl, may you continue to grow in the Lord and shine for Him.
May you stay forever beautiful, healthy and young
Daddy:
Darling girl, wishing you a blessed birthday! May the Lord continue to look after you, show favour upon you, and love you always. All the best girl. Love you 💋💋💋
Godpa:
Blessed birthday dearest Siyin 🎂🎉🎈💓❤😘
Thank you Father God for bringing this precious god-daughter into our lives. We thank you for creating her so wonderfully ; for her love & commitment to You & the many blessings that she brought to people around her.
On this special day, we ask for your blessings of love, joy, peace n good health to be with her always. May the Holy Spirit grant her strength, wisdom & guidance throughout her life journey empowering her to achieve much success on all her endeavors; touching many lives in her own special way & bearing much fruits for Your Kingdom's glory.
Abba Father, may You also continues to draw Siyin ever closer to You- that with each passing day she grows steadily in faith & Christlikeness & be a living testimony of your love & grace to all around her. In the name of Jesus, our Loving Lord & Savior we pray. Amen.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Godma:
Blessed birthday dear Siyin 😘🎂👏
Thanking God for you being such a blessing in our lives 😍
May the Grace of our Heavenly Father always be with you and the Holy Spirit be your guide and counsellor all the days of your life in Jesus' Name Amen 🙏
Love you ❤❤❤
Kristi:
Dearr sarahhhhh
Happy happy happy birthdayyyyy
Sincerely wish u all d besttt 🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻
Hope u had a blastt
God bless ur study and work, ur ministry and family and relastionship!
And may you grow more and more to be a woman of God, to be His vessel of loveee
😘😘😘😘😘
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