The Parable of the Clothes

Once there was a man who wore a nice suit of clothes. He was proud of the way he looked and felt that he had been a good steward with the money he had been given in his life. He was well respected and looked up to by many.

One day, the man came upon God, and God said to the man, "You have done well. You have been a good steward. But have you dressed yourself the best that you can? Look closer."

And the man looked and saw that his coat was faded and threadbare.

God said to the man, "I have prepared the finest robe of silk and satin, of brocade and embroidery, with the brightest and most splendid of colors. I want to give it to you. Would you like to wear it?"

The man looked at the robe and said, "Oh yes, please Lord, I would like very much to wear such a beautiful garment. What must I do to have it?"

"The way is easy," said God, "Take off the clothes you are wearing so that I may dress you with the finest things."

"But, God," said the man, "If I take off my jacket, they will see that my shirt is ripped and my pants are stained."

And God said, "Take it off."

So the man took off his jacket and revealed that his shirt was ripped and tinged with blood from the battles he had fought in his life. His pants were stained and the cuffs were covered with mud from his long journey. The man said, "I have done as you asked. I am ready for my new clothes."

And God said, "I know that was hard for you. I know it is painful to expose yourself in that way, but your new clothes are not for covering up your imperfections. You must take off the rest of your clothes."

"But God," said the man, "I have worn these clothes for many years. They are comfortable to me. They keep me warm and protect me."

And God said, "Do you believe that your new clothes will be better, warmer, more comfortable, and more beautiful than anything you have ever worn?"

"Yes," said the man, "I believe."

"Then take off the rest of your clothes," said God.

And the man removed his shirt and his pants and stood before God in his undergarments and said to God, "I have done as you asked. I am ready for my new clothes."

And God said, "I know that was hard for you. It was uncomfortable and took a great deal of courage. But the clothes I have prepared for you are fresh and new and will provide for all of your needs. You must take off your undergarments, too."

"But God," said the man, "If I take off my undergarments, I will be naked. I will be ashamed and embarrassed."

And God said, "Do you believe that what I have prepared for you will cover again your nakedness?"

And the man wept.

"Yes, I believe," said the man, "But this is greater than anything you have asked of me. I do not have the strength to do it by myself."

"Then I will send my son to strengthen you and help you," said God.

And God sent his son to help the man, and the man took off his undergarments and stood naked before God.

And God was pleased.

God dressed the man in his new suit of clothes, and the man praised God.

The man then went into the world and was admired by many. And when they asked him how he had received his beautiful garments and where they could get some, too, he led many people to God. The man loved his new clothes and was pleased with what had become of his life. He praised God daily for the beautiful clothes he wore and all he had been able to accomplish.

God saw all this and said to the man, "You have been faithful and a good steward of all that I have given you. I am pleased with what you have done, and I would like to give you far more."
And the man was overcome with joy and said, "Oh Lord, what must I do to receive these additional blessings?"

And God said, "Take off your clothes."

© Margie Remmers 2006

Prayer

Let’s us keep one another in prayer, that our life will be strengthened.

Many years ago I remembered that I heard that when someone pray for you, it will be more powerful than you pray for yourself. :)


Time With God
26/11/2007
PRAYER

Luke 22:31-32Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

The power of God is brought to bear in a person’s life when someone prays for them!

It’s easy to focus on the first part of this verse and get all caught up in the idea of God giving Satan permission to sift Simon Peter like wheat. But the outstanding truth of this verse comes next!

Yes, Peter, it is a terrible thing to be “sifted” by Satan, “BUT I have prayed for you”! Jesus knew that praying for Peter was not just “hoping out loud”. He knew that when He prayed for Peter, He was getting actively involved in Peter’s life. He knew that God the Father would respond to His prayer for Peter and that Peter would come through the trial in direct response to His prayers.

Jesus didn’t say, “If you make it through.” No! He said, “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”God’s reminding you today that you can get actively involved in the circumstances of people in your family, or next door, or on the other side of the world, through prayer!

Ask God: ”Which two people would You like me to focus prayer on today?” Write their names here, then pray expectantly!

Turning dreams into reality

Yesterday message from Pastor Tan was about turning our dreams into reality. To achieve that, we have to open ourselves up to God for a new life, and give ourselves to God for a higher life. Pastor Tan used a story of a seed who buried itself in the soil to illustrate this point on dying to ourselves so that we can produce much fruits.

Well, it is never easy to die to oneself. The flesh always resists it at all turns. At least mine do. Early this morning, I found this article on ownership in my mailbox which I thought was so apt! It coincides with the message on dying to self and giving ourselves to God. Maybe God wants to reinforce His point to me. So, posting it here to share with all of you.

P.S. even the verse quoted in the article was the same as in yesterday's message, Matt 10.38-39. Almost eerie, right? :p

A Question of Ownership

by Os Hillman, November 22, 2007

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. - Matthew 10:39

Otto Koning was a missionary in New Guinea. He worked among a native tribe that had known only their village ways. One of those village ways was stealing from others. When Otto and his wife arrived and moved into a hut, the natives often came by to visit. The Konings would notice that after the natives left the missionaries' home, various household items had disappeared. They saw these items again when they went to preach in the natives' village.

The only fruit Otto could grow on the island was pineapples. Otto loved pineapples, and he took pride in the pineapples he was able to grow. However, whenever the pineapples began to ripen, the natives would steal them. Otto could never keep a ripe pineapple for himself. This was a frustration, and he became angry with the natives. All during the seven-year period in which this took place, Otto preached the gospel to these natives, but never had a conversion.

The more the natives stole, the angrier Otto became. Finally, one day Otto had a German Shepherd dog flown in from another missionary to protect his pineapple garden after other frustrated efforts failed. This only further alienated the natives from him.

Otto took a furlough to the United States and attended a conference on personal rights. At this conference, he discovered that he was frustrated over this situation because he had taken personal ownership of his pineapple garden. After much soul searching, he gave his garden to God. Soon the natives started having problems among their tribe. They discovered that Otto was the reason for their problems because he gave his garden to his God. The natives saw a correlation between what Otto had done and their own lives being affected by calamities in their village. When Otto gave his garden to God, he no longer got angry and was free from worry. The natives started bringing him fruit from the garden because they didn't want any more calamities to come into their village.

The light came on one day when a native said to Otto, "You must have become a Christian, Otto. You don't get angry anymore. We always wondered if we would ever meet a Christian." They had never associated Otto with the kind of person he was preaching about because his message did not line up with his life. Otto was broken in spirit when he realized he had been such a failure.

At the end of seven years, he witnessed his first conversion, and many began coming to Christ once he fully gave his garden to God. The fruit grew so abundant that Otto began exporting it and growing other types of fruit, such as bananas. His village became the most evangelized in the whole region, yet for seven years he had not one convert.

Otto realized something each of us must realize: To gain your life you must lose it, along with your possessions. It was only when he gave all his possessions to God that he became free from them. God measured back to him manifold once He had complete ownership.

Do you have some possessions that you need to give up to God today? Let God have all that you have. Become a steward, not an owner. You will be surprised at how well God can take care of His possessions.

Sacrifice is the road traveled on the journey to your destiny

Sacrifice Is The Road Traveled On The Journey To Your Destiny.

"Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.'"Matthew 26:42 (NKJV)

No one understood the principle of sacrifice more than Jesus. As you see in the verse stated above, Jesus' only road to His divine destiny was the cross, with the ultimate sacrifice – His life! God calls us to imitate Christ and rely on Him as our divine example. God has a plan for every one of us...but that plan is only fulfilled as we willingly surrender our lives. Jesus does not allow anyone to follow Him without them first being willing to give up their life.
Along with several thousands of Palestinian Jewish volunteers, Moshe Dayan (who served as liaison officer with the British in Jerusalem ) helped organize a daring mission during World War II. Sacrificing all comfort and ease, these volunteers (clearly risking their lives) successfully parachuted German Jews into occupied countries, aiding in the return of downed British pilots. A great sacrifice--a wonderful mission: extremely hazardous, nonetheless.
Everything worth pursuit requires you to pay a price. Abraham became a friend of God, but it did not happen until he was willing to sacrifice his son. Paul is known as one of the greatest apostles of all time, but he was harshly beaten, hideously whipped, stoned nearly to death, and brutally persecuted. We all want to reach the destiny God has for us, but only those willing to pay the sacrificial price ever experience it.
Daily Confession
Father, I thank You that You placed within me the same spirit that dwells in Jesus. I understand that the road to my divine destiny requires a sacrificial life. I willingly give up my life to serve You all my days.

Sacrifice Is The Road Traveled On The Journey To Your Destiny

A champion is not someone whom never loss, but someone never give up. Keep on keeping on.

Champions aren’t made in gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

Rain? its ok :) because there is rainbow only when there is rain. Out of the rain will paint a beautiful picture. Agree? :)

Prayer before starting work

I got this meaning powerpoint slide from my Christian colleagues. Thought I will share it with all of you here.

Harvest of vouchers

Since my last post, I've gotten another sixty dollars worth of vouchers. $40 worth of Metro vouchers and $10 World of Sport voucher, $5 Starbuck voucher and a $5 Old Chang Kee voucher. Now, I'm thinking, had I unknowingly sowed vouchers in the past? I can't remember. But I admit I like to give vouchers as gift. Is it why I'm reaping a harvest vouchers now?

Oh, another thing, I was given a free MP3 player by my dad. Out of the blue. I always want an iPod. Ok, this is not an iPod, just a "plain", normal MP3 player but still. It's a blessing.

I'm still waiting for my big financial blessing. News are already out that there will be a pay adjustment and more bonuses this year. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I hope I am not the only one sharing my blessings and testimonies here. Hope that soon, there will be more postings from you guys about your harvests and blessings from God as you sacrifice and sow faithfully into the His Kingdom! Remember, He is our Jehovah Jireh!

Eurovision 1991 Sweden Carola - Faangad Av En Stormvind

Hi Guys, this is the video of the winning performance by Carola in 1991 that Fann wrote about.

Powerful Carola

It was such an uplifting performance by Carola, the Scandinavian superstar at our home church last weekend. Her voice was so powerful and full of the anointing as she lunged out songs like "Invincible" and "I Believe In Love". I loved especially how she would introduce the background of every song, and how the song would relate to her relationship with God.

One thing that impacted me the most was when she shared how Pst Ulf prophesied to her to prepare herself 2 years before she participated in the Eurovision contest, which is liken to the American idol contest in our context today. She shared how one day, she knelt down at her kitchen table in the middle of doing her assignments, and cried out to God that she will surrender everything to Him. Later, she took part in the Eurovision 1991 and emerged as champion.

After that, I went home and did a little "research" at youtube, hoping to find some videos on Carola. To my gladness, I found the video on young Carola's song performance in the Eurovision 1991! I thought it was an amazing song she did... You can watch her winning performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGthdv_N8zQ

Here's an even more amazing thing... I found another video announcing the winner for Eurovision 1991. After tabulating the scores, guess what? Carola from Sweden was actually on equal score with another contestant from France. Both scored 46 points! The judges decided to go on votes to decide the champion... then the intense atmosphere of awaiting the results... and finally, the winning champion goes to Carola from Sweden! Exhilaration was in the air as they celebrated the new crowned champion. Catch this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxlJVGTtCZo&feature=related

I was so moved in my heart because I was reminded of this verse in the Bible...

"Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them."
- Ps 139:16 (NKJV)

God already knew Carola'a destiny even before she became a star. He deposited a talent of singing within her, prepared her and launched her into the entertainment industry through Eurovision. He already knew that she would win the contest not a year before that, nor the year after that, but exactly in 1991. He also knew that Carola would face such a stiff competitor and by the miraculous hand of God, she would emerge champion and begin her life as a secular singer to the influence she holds today in her world.

My mind almost blew off. That means who I will be in 2 years' time.. 5 years' time.. 10 years' time.. 20 years' time have already been fashioned and written in God's book entitled "Book of Fann". Though I can't see all that I would be, but the blueprint has already been established. And as long as I stay close to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, as long as I keep hearing and obeying the word, I will ultimately see the final product of my life, according to what has been designed for me by God. Made-to-measure, unique and original.

That means there are books in the gigantic library of God entitled "Book of Yah Lan", "Book of June", "Book of Sebastian", "Book of Eunice", "Book of Chingling", "Book of Wai Sin", "Book of Mike", "Book of Emily", "Book of Kasey", "Book of Janice", "Book of Rebecca", "Book of Ophelia", "Book of Claudia", "Book of Celine", "Book of Alana", "Book of Sherlyn", "Book of Alison", Book of Eric", "Book of Helen", "Book of Isabel", "Book of Leslie"..... and many, many others more!

Each is given different gifts, talents and abilites, planted as seeds in different areas of the marketplace. All have a special made-to-measure destiny unique to each's personality, gifts and experiences.

But what we all have in common is this : We are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

May we all fulfill the destiny that God has given to us, and emitting not a little lesser than the full glory that God has conceived in His mind for us before time begun.

All about Chingling

Last last Saturday, we crowded into our favorite chi-cha store at Bugis to celebrate Chingling's birthday.

Keep the flame going!

Presents! Wonder what Kasey was sniggering about?

Mind power: Chingling visualizing her presents...

Mhmmm, let me feel and guess.

Mystery gift - what could it be?

A red T-Shirt - our cellgroup's attempt to brighten up Chingling's wardrobe!

Pressie no. 2! Will it be another colorful piece of garment?

It's white! What is it this time?

The cellgroup attempted to re-make Chingline into a more feminine, kawaii look! But don't worry, Chingling! We love you just the way you are.

The time to tell the truth... about Chingling. Tom: she reminds me of a candidate in the Apprentice.

Sebas: Chingling's quite caring. She's always concerned about my "target".
Luke: Chingling is like my kindergarten teacher who always laughed at all the jokes.

Claudia: Chingling's like a sunflower!

Chingling: Am I like that?!!

Janice reminsicing about her neighbour's sister who took care of her when she was young. Just like Chingling took care of her.

Ophelia: Chingling is someone who's passionate about the elderly.
Celine: Like a business woman.

Fann: Chingling is like an egg. Hard on the outside, soft on the inside....

... but when you fried it, you get a sunny-side up!

The birthday gal was obviously amused with the egg description...

Eunice: Referred to Prov 31:25 - Chingling is like the woman who laughs at the days to come.

June saved her views of Chingling for the last.

June: Thought that Chingling was a tough nut to crack, but found out that the tough nut could be quite teachable too!

So, that's the gist of Chingling.

Arise & Build Testimony - Baby Harvest

I've yet to pay my first pledge instalment but have already received a baby harvest today. Baby because it's just the beginning. The baby will grow, ya know! ;)

Actually right up to the service last weekend, I was still uncertain of how much I want to give and what amount to pledge. Taking the advice from Sebas, I minus off my fixed expenses from my total income and from what's left over, I decided to give a portion to God. However, after writing down my amount in the pledge card, I still didn't feel good about it. It was a substantial amount to me, but the problem was, I didn't feel the pinch. Though I would have to give up somethings after pledging, I was still in my comfort zone. It didn't require any faith from me to give that amount. While people were standing up and praying, ready to drop their cards into the bucket, I was still deliberating and asking, "God, is that what You want from me?!" And there and than, an amount came to my mind which made me go, "Siao!" (that's just how I responded to God, sometimes) Now, this amount requries faith, considering all my bills and instalments. It's financially illogical for me to give that. But suddenly, I felt God asked me, do you trust Me? I took a deep breath. And felt like how Peter must have felt when Jesus asked him to walk on water. Do I trust God enough to step out of my boat? Hey, it's water out there! God, are You crazy?!

But yes. I could sit in my comfy little boat or I could step out and have a adventure of a lifetime with Jesus. I wanted the later. So I sat down quickly, dug out my pen, scratched out the old amount and filled in the new. The moment I did that, the joy came. I knew I had made the right choice, done the right thing. I have stepped out of the boat. I'm dancing with Jesus on water! It was exhilrating!

Okay. After the initial high on Saturday, I came back to reality. Welcome back to the world. The world of bills and expenses and instalments. Honestly, I get apprehensive. I wonder when and how God will provide because if He doesn't, I'm gonna sink and drown in the sea of bills.

Well, today out of the blue, I received an email that says that my idea has gotten the 1st prize for the Technology Day contest held in our organization some time back. I couldn't even remember what idea I gave! When I went to collect my prize, I was given an NTUC envelope. Great, must be a $20 voucher inside. $50 at most. But when I counted it, there was $150 worth of NTUC vouchers inside! Wow!

I really want to thank God for His timely providence. Though $150 is not the biggest amount, it's really a substantial amount to me right now, when every dollar counts. I can imagine how much grocery my mum can buy with it. And I believe, this is just the beginning of the harvest. So let us keep believing and not be weary of sowing into the Kingdom of God. For in due season, we shall reap a bountiful harvest!

Guys, You Got To Have This!

Hi guys, for the past 1-2 years, I have been subscribing to free Daily Success Keys by Dr Robb Thompson, and his daily nuggets have blessed me tremendously. It has helped to keep me in perspective during times when my thoughts and attitude went astray, and also challenged me to move further on the road of excellence when I am doing well.

Here's the latest key that I have received..

CONTRIBUTION

"Each Time You Enter The Workplace, You Must Passionately Pursue What Your Contribution Can be, Never What Your Reward Will Be"

I am so blessed by this attitude that I ought to embrace when it comes to workplace, be it whether I am salaried or commissioned-based.

It means when I step into the office, sit down and look at my tasks to do for the day, the first thing I should not consider is what's in it for me? What kind of reward can I get by doing this? On the contrary, I ought to think from the perspective of a giver. It means how can I serve more with my talents and abilites? How can I contribute more for the betterment of my superior, my department and eventually my company? I am just visualising that if I do that, God will make sure that all my "secret" labour will be brought out to the light, and that it will capture the eyes of my superior and eventually, promotions, increments and commissions will coming running after me!

The heart of the matter will indeed be determined by the matter of the heart, for out of our hearts will flow the issues of life, our geographical boundaries in life.

You can sign up for the free subscription to your email at Dr Robb Thompson's ministry at http://www.winninginlife.org/ and click on Success Key at the left bottom corner.

With a renewed mindset, we can reach a new level of excellence. Let us all rise to greater promotions, increments and commissions in the next 6 months!

We love you Qingling!

"1,2,3 We love you Qingling!"

That was how we ended yesterday's birthday dinner celebration for Qingling. We celebrated at a not so posh chinese restaurant (a.k.a kopitiam) at Bugis, cos the bday girl likes chinese food. And we ordered a lot, think got at least 10 dish bah, hehe. Simple celebration we had, but I believe it did touch your heart. And the 2 tops, must wear lei, especially the sweet sweet one, I so wanna see you in it lor. Hee, a sweet sweet Qingling in gentle white top, visualise visualise...

You have walked a road less travelled. As I have commented at the celebration, you have displayed boldness and courage to want to walk God's way. It's this attitude that God will honor, the attitude that is totally dependent on Him, a heart sincerely wanting to seek His truth and way. I respect this willingness, and I believe that as you walk with Him, obeying Him to the best of your ability, you will find that place where He wants you to be, there would be a greater level of freedom than that which you are currently experiencing.

I am not a poetic person, so can't really compose a poem to you. Found one which I thought is quite nice, let this be my birthday wish for you gal :)

Another year older, a year of living in the light of the Lord,
A time of changing, a time of growing,
A time of learning to use His Sword

Maturing more as the days go on,
Telling others what Christ has taught you,
Touching hearts as you travel along,
Living love - we can see Him in you.

A miracle is working there in your heart,
A new beginning, He changed you right from the start,
And now you know that there is no turning back,
The grace of God you will never lack.

You're a picture of what our great Redeemer can do,
When you walk in His love, you make an excellent view,
You are changing on the inside, it's really plain to see,
Like a stranger to this world - living for eternity,
Committed to our Saviour, you are resting in His hands,
He planned your future long ago, before your life began.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY QINGLING!!

Terima Kesih

Thank you N394 for making my day!

I would like to sincerely thank each of you for freely sharing about your views about me. My comments are in my blog. :-) Awaiting for the day of the multiplication of our cell gp.

I read this somewhere - "If you change yourself, you change the world!"

I am a person of destiny, and so are you.