GCM Weekend Retreat Updates!

Okie guys... Here's a list of those who have confirmed attendance... Please do forgive me if I've missed out on anyone... Just drop me a line and I'll add you right on:

1. Sheila Christabel
2. Michelle Eng
3. Nicolson Jacob
4. Anna Matthew
5. Abraham Philips (Ben)
6. Linda Alafuro
7. Melisa Anne
8. Yew Ching Lee + guest
9. Eugene Tan
10. Crystal Olivia
11. Alison Philips
12. Wang Phei Fern

I'll send ya'll details modes of transportation and the itenarary sometime next week. It's going to be a blast... Come all prayed up to give, serve and bless. It's time to push forward for what God has in store for the world through GCM!

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GcM vIsIoNiNg KiCk-OfF

I've managed to narrow down a few more details about GCM's VISONING KICK OFF:

Objective:
1. To get people talking and sharing about vision for GCM
2. To get, as many as there are, that feel led, to actively get involved in playing their part as the Holy Spirit leads
3. To create an avenue for more and more GOD ENCOUNTERS.

Venue: Possibly KL or Kuching. Someplace nice (Doesn't have to be Ben-Nice...LoL) that fits somewhat 50 people or so. Possibly with affordable accommodation nearby for those from out of town. Suggestions?

Dates: Possibly 21st - 23rd of May 2010. Thoughts?

Theme: FREE TO OBEY!

Funds: Clueless??? Suggestions???

If any of you feel led to help in any way, please drop me a line... Get involved!!! ? It isn't my vision, it's God's... Possess it! Make it yours! We need music, money, transport, accommodation, flights, space, design, publicity, multimedia, ushers, greeters, worship, speakers... THE WORKS.... Time to Sow! Sow! Sow! There's no such thing as a small giver, just a cheerful one! I'm psyched!

Ben

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GlOrY cUlTuRe MiNiStRy!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Calling all Ex-WCCI members here in Malaysia primarily, and just about everyone else who has a similar burden...God is Faithful! I was praying not three weeks ago when God put it into my heart to pray towards having a three day encounter weekend sometime mid-May... Here in Malaysia... The details aren't finaized yet... THREE DAY weekend sometime MID-MAY here in MALAYSIA is all i know for now.... I believe God is Kick-Starting Glory Culture Ministries (GCM)... I'm posting this up to get people talking faith into details... Throw ideas around... It's going to be open not just to all ex-WCCI members but anyone who's hungry for the move of God... Pray! Talk! Discuss! Sow! Believe! I'm excited to get this vision moving...STay Favored!

Ben

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Resting In His Faith That Never Wavers

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, “

Hebrews 12:2

My dear friend, have you been praying for healing to take place in your body? Have you been expecting for a miracle to manifest in your family’s life? Maybe you have been asking God for favor upon your parents’ career.

It might have been days or even weeks since you asked God for this particular miracle. As days passed you by, you felt doubt starting to consume you. You may start asking yourself whether your faith qualified you for the miracles you have been expecting for.

A few years ago, when I did not see God answering my prayer in time, I started to condemn myself. I said to myself, “The bible says that if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, move from here to there. And it shall move (Mathew 17:20). Does that mean that I don’t even have the faith the size of a mustard seed?” Maybe you have been asking yourself the same thing too.

Beloved, there is nothing wrong with your faith. God did not find fault with your faith and He hears your request and petition since the first day you have asked of Him (Daniel 10:12). Do not ever let the lies of the devil sink into your heart telling you that your faith is too small to receive your miracle. Do not feel condemned.

The word of God says in Hebrews that, Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith. When you don’t have the faith for the miracles you have been expecting for, He is the beginning of your faith. When you felt worn out because of your small faith, Jesus has added His faith into yours and has perfected your faith. Your request is presented to the Father in a perfect faith, because Jesus becomes your faith.

Friend, rest in His faith that never wavers. The bible didn’t tell us to focus on how big our request is or on the size of our faith, it says look unto Jesus (Hebrews 12.2). If you have been focusing on how big are your problems, I urge you to turn your eyes upon Jesus now. Jesus is your faith, and you can rest assuredly in His faith knowing that His faith will never fail you.  

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Nothing Can Separate You from His Love

“…nor any created things, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:39 

Have you ever thought of giving up in whatever you are doing, when you felt so overwhelmed with your responsibilities? You might have thought of just running away from all these, go to a place where you could be alone. When you feel the love of God running low in your life, what are you holding on to? Maybe you are going through a time that He seems so far away from you.  
Precious friend, God loves you so much that He gave His only begotten Son to you. Freely He gave His all for you, surrendered His life upon the cross. Do you know what kept Jesus on that cross? It is not the nails on His hand that kept Him on the cross. It is His love for you that kept Him on the cross. 

All He has in His mind when He was on the cross was you. Great is the love poured out for all, this is your God. He knows that it is worth it to give His life for you so nothing can come in between His love and you. Your wrongdoings, the past life you have led, cannot separate His love for you.

God can love you as if you are the only person on earth. When a father is carrying his baby in His arm, He will just spend that time looking at his beloved baby. Our God is like a father, carrying you in His arm of love. He spends so much time with you that He even numbers the amount of hair you have (Mathew 10:30). He knows how much new hair grow on your head every single day. 

Beloved, when you feel the love of God is running low in your life, remember that He went through the cross so that nothing can come in between Him and you. He loves you with an everlasting love. The busyness you face in your work cannot stop His love coming to you. Just take a minute to ponder on His love for you, and you will sense His presence in you.

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Decide To Rest in Him Today

“…and I will give you rest.”

Mathew 11:28

We are living in a modern world where everything is fast. People are rushing to their destinations, struggling to finish their work to meet the deadline, complaining that 24 hours a day is not enough to live by. We strive to meet the expectations of our boss, teachers, friends and parents. We are so caught up in the whirlwind of the moment that we forget that we are supposed to rest in Him.

The world says “If I do nothing, nothing will happen.” Well, that might be true for them, but we are not of the world, we are highly favored children of God called to rest in Him. Living by grace says “God is working” while the living by the Law saying “I will have to work it out by myself”. Worry is an indication of us not resting in Him. When we are worried, we always ask ourselves, “What should I do?”

So should we just stop working, studying and do nothing? Laze around the house, resign from our jobs? Well, people of the world might do that, but in their hearts, it is full of turmoil, troubles and worries. Honestly my friend, is that rest? On the other hand, you may see people in the church serving the Lord, seems busy with their ministry but they are not troubled, they are resting. Their hearts are filled with joy, peace and love.

My dear friend, let us decide to rest in Him, take Ruth for example. When she worked from morning till evening in Boaz’s field, she had one ephah of barley. But when she rested at the feet of Boaz, she had 6 ephah of barley. When we decide to commit to Him what we are holding on to, He will multiply it. Let go and let God.

If you are expecting for breakthroughs in your studies, business, or even your finance, and you don’t see it, don’t get restless, rest in Him. See yourself pregnant with all these. A pregnant woman will say she has a baby, but everybody around her may ask her “Where is the baby?” They don’t see it, but she is pregnant with her baby.

Beloved, Christ has already given you what you have been expecting for. You are not working for it, you already have it. Decide to rest in Him with the full assurance that it is yours.  

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God has Restored His Glory To You

“The glory which You have given to Me, I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are”

John 17:22

In beginning when God created mankind, the bible mentioned that He crowed Adam with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). The word crown in Hebrews is “aw-tar” which also can mean “encircle”. Imagine this, when Adam walked in the garden of Eden He was shinning forth so brightly with the glory of God. They were clothed with the glory of God.

When Adam and Eve fell into temptation, the glory left for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That is when they noticed they were naked, because the glory of God was no longer clothing them.

On one precious day, Jesus, beloved Son of God, came to earth died on the cross for our sins, and He has restored the glory which was forfeited by Adam and Eve. The glory that left Adam and Eve has been restored by the last Adam, Jesus. He said “The glory which you have given to me, I have given to them…” (John 17:22).  

The glory of God in Greek is “Doxa”, means “having a good opinion concerning one that result in praise, honor and glory. In restoring us His glory, God want us to have a sense that we are praiseworthy, honorable and glorious, because of His constant good opinion of us.  

Beloved, because God’s glory is on you there is a weightiness about you. People don’t know why, but their spirits will be lifted when they are in your presence. There is something about you that impact them even if they have only been with you for a short while. When you talk they listen, because there is substance in what you talk.

And because God’s glory is on you, you can expect it to touch every aspect of your life, your finances, your relationship, work and health. Your body is glowing with divine health. You are called to be the carrier of His glory!  

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Your Problems Start From Condemnation

“There is now therefore now no more condemnation in Christ Jesus…”

Romans 8:1

My friend, when you go through an evil day, you are like a sickly plant, with sick leaves. You may have leaves of sickness, poverty, broken relationship or depression in your life. But these are just the leaves. We all know that the leaves are just the manifestation of the root. There will be no leaves if there is no root. It will be foolish to attack the leaves because the problem starts from the root.

Before there were present of sickness, poverty or even death, there was stress. Nowadays, medical research has proven that most of the diseases are caused by stress. We can see in the bible that “by the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food…” (Genesis 3:19). Sweat represented stress. Before there was stress there was fear. Adam and Eve hid themselves after they have eaten the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, because they were afraid of God (Genesis 3:10). But before there was fear, condemnation consumed Adam and Eve.  

You may ask “Pastor Nic, if there is no condemnation, how will I know if I have sinned.” People take condemnation as the signs that they have fallen into sin, and accept it in their heart. We used to think that this sense of condemnation will lead us to repentance and make us acceptable again to God. If that is the way for us to be acceptable again to God, Christ died for nothing, (Galatians 2:21) because we still need to bear the judgment of God on ourselves.

What is then the key to getting out of your evil day? What is the key to no condemnation in your life? The only one place where you will find no condemnation is in Christ Jesus. The reason there is therefore NOW no condemnation because God loves us so much that He give his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He was condemned for our sins on the cross. God took the sins of our entire lives and heaped it on Jesus. Then He unleashed the judgment for our sin on Jesus, till Jesus cried out loud “It is finished”.

The reason you and I today experience no condemnation because our sins has already been punished and condemned, but in the body of another-in the body of Jesus Christ.  

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My Word Shall Not Return To Me Void

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth, It shall not return void….” 

Isaiah 55: 11

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth by speaking the word. Jesus spoke to the paralytic man “Get up, take up your mat and go home” (Luke 5:24). The man, who never walked in his life, immediately stood up and walked home praising God. He was healed as Jesus spoke forth the word. 

The bible scripture in Isaiah, tells us that the word of God shall not return to Him void. How can the word of God return to Him? The word of God returns to Him as we confess His word. The word confess in Greek is “Homologia”. “Homo” means “same” and the word “logia” originated from the word ‘logos” which means word. When we confess the word of God it simply means we are standing in agreement with HIs word.

Beloved, you might be telling yourself that you have little faith. Don’t feel condemned because even if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). You may be praying for healing miracle to take place in your body, a breakthrough in your family’s financial crisis, or even expecting God to change the situation that you are in now to work for your favor. 

Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). God is faithful and His word shall accomplish what He desires, and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11). God’s desire is to heal you completely, (1 Peter 2:24), to prosper you (2 Corinthians 8:9) and to make all things work for your good (Romans 8:28). Your faith grows as you keep confessing the word of God. 

My friend, let us not go weary in confessing God’s word. Keep your trust in His word for His word will never fail, heaven and earth shall fade away but His word will remain (Mathew 24:35). Start confessing God’s word into your life, your family, or even your finance today, for His word shall not return void to Him!  

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You Have Been Given the Gift of Righteousness

“….much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” 

Romans 5:17

Many Christians find it is hard to believe that they are still righteous in the eyes of God though they had fallen into sin. Instead of seeking His righteousness as what mentioned in Mathew 6:33, they accepted condemnation into their heart. They thought by condemning themselves they could free themselves from sin, punishing themselves in all kind of methods and ways. Is that the truth? The bible says that, “and you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).

An exchange takes place on the cross, when God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we can become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we don’t believe righteousness by exchange, there is nothing left but “Work Righteousness”. Work righteousness places man and his performance at the very center. If we accepted our righteousness through work, one day we will look at our own failures and shortcomings and say “How can I call myself righteousness? I have all kind of all kinds of problems and sins!” We will never be free from those sins until we receive His righteousness.  

My friend, the gift of righteousness is received by faith. Faith righteousness places Jesus at the very center of all that we are, all we have and we can do in God. This righteousness doesn’t come from you but from the Lord (Isaiah 54:17). You can’t earn God’s righteousness with your good attitudes; it is a gift, given freely to you through the finished work of Christ. 

Beloved, because you have received the gift of righteousness, you are free from bondages of sin. When you feel as if you are in a storm, tossed here and there, and you begin to experience worry and fear, remind yourself of who you are in Christ. You are the righteousness of God in Christ and you have His righteousness!

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You Are Favored For Life

“…..His favor is for life”

Psalm 30:5

Do you have a problem believing that you are highly favored when you see the things around you working well for you? I believe you will say “No”.

Let me then ask you, are you still highly favored when situation around you seems to be against you? When the effort you have put in does not seem to correspond with the result you received. Sometimes you might be wondering whether you are qualified for the favor of God, when situation around you seems to be against you.

My friend, the goodness of God is no longer being given to us based on our good works, but through the finished work of Christ on the cross. In Psalms, it says “His favor is for life”. God himself gives us the assurance that He is not against us but He is for us (Romans 8:31). If you are going through a tough time in your life now where things doesn’t go well, it doesn’t define His favor on you, for situations can change but His truth will never change.  

Stand on the word of God, saying “All things work for good….” Romans 8:28. God is able to turn the troubles or problems you are in now to work in your favor. He will make it become your benefit. All you need to do is to believe His word and stand still. 

There was a time when my studies were not going well. Out of 12 classes, I failed 4 of my classes. I had to rework all the classes that I failed. It seems like I was not favored, I believed on the verse Romans 8:28. During the final exam, my faith had born its fruit, the teacher favored me and I passed with flying colors. God made it worked for my benefit. God could turn your situation upside down to make sure you are at the place of receiving His goodness and blessings. 

Beloved, now is the time of favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 -NIV) In the day of favor, He heard us, and in the day of salvation He helped us. Be encouraged my friend, knowing that His favor for us is for life. Expect good thing to happen in your life today!  

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Stop Complaining and Hold Your Peace

“….you shall hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:14

Complaining have been such a common thing in our lives. We complain when things around us doesn’t go the way we want them to. A student who doesn’t have enough time to prepare for his final exam that is around the corner might be complaining “I don’t understand why the teacher cannot just make the holiday earlier so I will have enough time to study.” A wife who is preparing dinner for her family might be complaining saying “Why can’t he come back earlier today and help me to prepare dinner?” You might be around those who complain every day, and the reason they give is “I complain because I am concerned”. We can’t accomplish anything in our life if we keep on complaining. The Israelites made a 14 days journey to the Promised Land become a 40 years journey because they kept complaining all the way.

Beloved, the deeper root of complaining is worry. In Mathew 6:31, says “Therefore do not worry, saying...” we worry therefore we complain. When we worry our heart is troubled and afraid. The night before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples that He has given His peace to us; He continued and said “Let not your heart be afraid, neither let it be afraid.” John 14: 27. 

The issues of life springs from our heart, therefore we should guard our heart with all diligence. (Proverbs 4:23). You may ask, “Pastor Nicolson, how would I know if I have guard my heart?” My friend, in Colossians 3:15 Paul wrote “Let the peace of God rule in your heart…” You guard your heart with the peace that has been given by Jesus Christ, not letting it be troubled nor afraid. This peace is different from what the world could offer, and it will never leave you. God doesn’t want us to go after richness, success and happiness, because He intended to let all these things chase after us as we seek Him daily in our life.

Beloved, let us stop complaining and hold on to the peace that Jesus Himself has given to us. I believe that you will start to see your circumstances around you changing and working for your benefit. His blessings will be added unto you as you keep seeking His kingdom and His righteousness (Mathew 6:33). Live a victorious life, soaring high above all your circumstances for God has destined you to reign above them.  

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The Gospel of Substitution

For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

                                                                            2 Corinthians 5:21

In the beginning, God created Adam in the midst of His finished work. Everything was prepared for him. But the devil told him that He needed to do something to qualify for all the things He has already qualify for. Adam believed the devil, ate the fruit and the curse came. Sickness, poverty and death invade Adam’s life. But God loves the world so much that He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ, to reverse the effects of Adam decision.

 
Everything that Christ has done for us has been a substitution for us. He was being made poor, so that we may be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9), He was wounded so we can be heal (Isaiah 53:5), and He himself has become sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus received everything that He doesn’t deserve on the cross, so we can receive what He deserves. The judgment of God that supposes to fall on us, Jesus has put it all on Himself. He has broken the wall of unholiness and release the flood of mercy and grace to all mankind.

Beloved, if you are sick today, Jesus has already become your substitution so you could be healed. If you went through financial difficulties in your life or in your family now, Jesus has already pay the price, so you may prosper and find success. If you have fallen into sin, come to the throne of grace boldly, so you will obtain mercy and help (Heb 4:16).

That is the good news my friend, that Jesus, our perfect High Priest, has already finished everything that is require for us to step boldly into His throne room, by being a substitution for us to receive what we deserve. Today Jesus is sitting on the right hand of the Father, the Father is always reminded that Jesus has already paid the price for you and me, and He is more than willing to lead you through whatever you are going through now. Be at rest and see what He will do for you.  

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Come To the Throne of Grace

Imagine this scene in a court, there is an accuser pointing his finger to the defendant, accusing him. The prosecutor keeps listing out the wrongdoings of the defendant. The defendant’s face is sad, looking defenseless and speechless. The high judge is sitting on the judgment seat; calmly listening to the prosecutor listing out what the sinner has done against the law. Now the prosecutor has finished listing the wrongdoing of the sinner and the court goes quiet, waiting for the decision of the high judge to raise his hammer and hit the table approving the punishment on the defendant. Suddenly he rises from his seat and he said to the prosecutor, “Let all the punishment for the sin that this man has committed be on me, and set him free.” This picture depicts the mercy and grace bestowed upon us by our heavenly father.

Because of His mercy, we are not justified according to our sins. The full punishment of sin that brought us peace is on Jesus as he was stripped, whipped, tortured and humiliated by the Roman soldiers. He carried His own cross to Golgotha, and hung on the cross giving his own life for us. His mercy and loving kindness endures forever. God is just, and punishment has to be executed by Him, but Jesus has exhausted the judgment of the father on himself. Today, His mercy can flow freely. Anytime and any day of this present moment He chooses mercy over judgment (James 2:13)

Today, Jesus is sitting on the mercy seat, on the right hand of the father (Hebrews 10:12), and the Father is sitting on the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). What a beautiful picture! We can now come boldly to His throne, knowing that He will never condemn nor judge us for He is no longer sitting on the judgment seat, but on the throne of grace. The accuser might still accuse you about the things you have done, but remember that the punishment has been executed on the cross. Righteousness and holiness has been attributed to you.

If you are going through the storms in your life today, if you are suffering from sicknesses in your body, if you have any lack, come to the throne of grace and receive freely from Him. He bore your sicknesses so that you have your health; he carried your burden and gave you His peace. On the cross He nailed your lack together with Him, so that you can prosper in your life. Make a decision today to step into His throne room, He longs for you and all He wants is for you to have the best of what He has stored for you in life.

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The Finished Work of Christ

“It is finished.” With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. The finished work of Christ allows the Heavenly Father’s grace to be released and flow freely. Jesus has broken the wall, which is built of all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The veil that separated the Holy place and the Holy of Holies is broken. God’s glory that has been stored in the holy of holies is set free and spreads till the outer courts, reaching to the lost souls and calls them His own. The message of LOVE and GRACE is being preached by the apostles. It is Good News, to the sick, to the poor, to those who are in sorrow, those who are in the bondages of sin. The Son of Man has come to heal, to prosper, to give His inexpressible joy and to set us free.

Jesus is the revelation of the fullness of God, demonstrating His grace (undeserved, unmerited, unearned favors), love, mercy, righteousness, holiness and justice. Sin is being justified on the cross; the punishment of sin is being satisfied by the death of our Christ. The cross enables God to show that He is love, full of mercy, always choosing to forgive and slow to anger. Though we might have fallen into sin, His forgiveness and arms are always open to accept us. The finished work of our Lord Jesus has put us in the place to be the heir of our Heavenly Father. The authority over sickness, poverty, bondages, fear or even death with all the curses of sin have been given to us freely as we accepted Him as our savior. Being a Christian has made us to be the most prosperous and blessed nation in the world. The world is seeking for peace, joy, health, prosperity, and we have the answer and direction to all these.

Being a Christian is great and exciting for we have the Good News. The word “Christian” means the anointed one. We are anointed everyday by His fresh oil to declare the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are the salt and the light of the world. Go today; start proclaiming the finished work of Christ in you. The Holy Spirit, your Helper will guide you and teach all things and bring to your remembrance all things that He has taught you. Hallelujah!

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iT's My B'dAy!

It's my B'day!

8 years ago, this day, Nov 5th, I gave my life to Jesus. It is by far, the best decision I've made and most certainly the most important one that has contributed solely and exclusively into the process of making me who I am today. I was born into a Christian family, raised in a christian church and community, and tought good christian values. I knew almost everything there was to know about God, but I never knew Him. God and I were seperate entities, programmed to live seperate lives and destined to meet someday in eternity. The idea of spending eternity with someone I hardly knew blew me away. All that drastically changed the Sunday morning of November the 5th, 2000.
'God's Light Exposes The Heart's True Condition' - that was the theme for the week. Pastor Sandra Ee was scheduled to preach and she did a great job at reminding us that nothing was hidden from God. Everything is laid bare in His presence. He sees me just as I am. Toubled, broken, torn, hurt, sinful and weak. It was honestly and potentially, the most depressing and condemning sermon I had ever heard until then had it not been for her big finish. "God's light esposes the heart's true condition and God loves you just the way you are," she said.
That struck a chord within me. For years, I had gone through life from one failed relationship to another, continuously seeking for approval from all the wrong places and people, trying to fit in, struggling to find someone who knew and understood me. My life was a pile of ashes and the few feeble pieces left standing were being engulfed fast by the flames of hurt, anger and misery. All I ever truly wanted was for somebody to look at me and see me, and I had found Him.
It was love at first sight. I fell head over heels for God that day. I was so blown away by His indescribable, unfailing, eternal love that's beyond comprehension. I knew what it was to be loved and to be able to love. He sought me out. He found me. He encircled me. He guarded me as the apple of His eye.
Many around me deemed my new found love for God a temporal teenage phase, an excitement that would eventually give way to the harsh dampening realities of life. It's been 8 years now and I am more excited about God today than I ever was in my entire life. God is more real to me than anything or anyone else. He is faithful and He will never let me go. I'm carried in everlasting arms.
That day, I pledged to go where He sent me, to do what He commissioned me to do and to demonstrate His glory to the world and I'm being accountable today to keep to my word. The offer still stands and I know He isn't just able but also willing to keep me to my word and to see me through from glory to glory.


8 Y.O.,
Ben

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IsAaC pRoSpErEd & So WiLl I

Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 26:12 - 14

Isaac prospered in famine! WooHoo! I receive that for myself in Jesus' name. Verse 1 of chapter 26 says that there was a famine in the land. I looked it up and famine occurs when the population outgrows it's regional carrying capacity. The carrying capacity may be diminished due to various reasons (Drought & other natural calamities, war, ect). So, while the size of the population keeps increasing, the supply of their demands run short. Isaac, living in the Middle East, would have probable been faced with a scenario of diminished regional capacity due to drought.

I am gearing up to start my own business. Everyone around me seems to think that 2008/2009 is going to see us through a rough time, financially and economically, probably the worst we've seen ever. In a nutshell, naturally and logically, I couldn't have picked a worse time to spread my wings and venture out on my own in the business arena.

While I do appreciate, very much indeed, these words of caution offered by many around me, I have made it my standard and outlook in life to not consult my circumstances on decisions that I make. The Word of God and the leading of the Spirit are my final sources of authority and despite what can sometime seem to people as a foolish move forward, I'm choosing to trust in the Lord with all my heart and to not lean on my own understanding. He has made my paths straight and I'm gearing up to tread forward with my head held high and collect spoils of war that Christ has won on behalf of me.

I'm putting myself out there. I'm choosing to not play it 'safe'. I'm choosing to get out of my comfort zone. I'm choosing to trust God. Senseless obedience brings senseless blessings. I'm blessed to be a blessing. If God be for me, none can be against me. Doors that God has opened, no man can close. He is the captain of my ship, the God over my circumstances, the answer to my questions and the Lord of my life. I'm being accountable to keep my eyes on the goal and to keep marching forward. I'm being accountable to trust in Him and to follow His leading. He'll never lead me astray and I'll never be sorry I followed.

Isaac prospered in the time of famine and so will I. Isaac built the largest part of his fortune in a time of financial, economical and social degradation and devastation. He planted when others conserved. He sowed when others saved. He dug when others filled in. He expanded when others downsized. All nations will look at me and call me blessed because of everything the Lord has done for me. Isaac prospered, and SO WILL I.

Highly favored of Him,

Ben

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HiS pEoPlE

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

What [other] one nation on earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be a people for Himself and to make for Himself a name? You have done great and terrible things for Yourself and for Your land, before Your people, whom You redeemed and delivered for Yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their gods.

2 Samuel 7:23

As I read the two verses above this evening, I was gripped with such a feeling of awe and wonder. I am to God, today, every bit as chosen, redeemed, delievered, purchased, designed, dedicated and called as Israel was in the Old Covenant. The revelation however, wasn't just that.

The portion in the scritures above that stood out to me the most was this; God's 'awesomeness', magnificence, wonder, power and omnipotence are all set on display just for ME. God's got His best lined up just for me. Everything that He is and everything that He owns, He showcases for me to see, experience and indulge in.

Israel sat on the sidelines and watched the magnificent displays of God's power and majesty. The best they were given were courtside seats. I'm called to play in the game. He doesn't just call me to watch behind the scenes, He's offering me a chance to be able to display the same magnificence, wonder, power and 'awesomeness' that He displays.

I am to God, today, so much more than Israel could be to God in the Old Covenant. I can display the virtues and perfections of him who called me because I am who He made me to be. I am HiS pEoPlE

HiS pErSoN,

BeN

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ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe

He found him in a desert land,

And in the howling waste of a wilderness;

He encircled him, He cared for him,

He guarded him as ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe.

Deuteronomy 32:10

Just today as I was pondering over the flow of the next chapter of one of my books, the Holy Spirit, very gently, as He always does, dropped this phrase in my heart; 'ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe'.

The phrase apple of the eye refers to the pupils of one's eye. It was first used in early english literature to symbolize something that was of great importance, something that was the center of attention, something that was most important above all else. To be called the apple of one's eye, was to be called one's muse, one's inspiration, one's motivation and drive.

Deuteronomy 32:10 speaks of God's perception of Jacob. While he was in the wilderness, exiled, cast out, alone, friendless, aimless and desperate, God found him. While he was reducing to nothing and everything around him was wasting away to utter ruin, God encircled him and cared for him. Years before He allowed God to make something of himself, while he was without accomplishment, acchievement and glory, God guarded him as ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe.

As God's children, we are the apple of His eye. We are His inspiration, His motivation, and His drive. We are His all in all, His everything, His heart's one desire.

A man in love does crazy things for the one He loves. No price is too expensive, no distance too far, no mountain too high and no sea too deep. He will dare the impossible, defy the conventional and deny the logical in demonstration of his love for his beloved. Jesus is the ultimate expression of LoVe. If you don't know him, you don't know love. He did the impossible, the unconventional and the illogical so that we can indulge in His lavished best.

Let Him love on you today. Let Him show you that you are truly ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe.

ThE aPpLe Of HiS eYe,

Ben

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MeRcY & gRaCe

God demonstrates MERCY when He doesn't give us the penalty we deserve for our sins. His heart is not aimed at pusnishing. He's looking to restore, reconcile and revive. His heart goes out to the lost, hurt, tormented and dying. Sin ravages every part of us that God had originally intended to use for His glory and purpose. Satan has been on his feet and working his best to dilute the urgency and importance of the demonstration of God's glory.
God loves us just as we are but He also loves us too much to leave us where we are (Max Lucado). Everytime we mess up, God's waits, on His toes, at the edge of His throne for us to but motion for aid. His ears are attentive to our cry. His heart, sensitive to the faintest whisper for help that escape our lips. God's mercies are new every morning. It extends past the borders of religion, rules, regulations, cultures, traditions, mindsets and the ways of men. His MERCY is made available for all those who desire it.
God demonstrates GRACE when He gives us the rewards we don't deserve. Jesus is the demonstrated GRACE of God. He took everything I deserved for my sin, so I can enjoy everything that He deserved. GRACE empowers, enables, equips and causes us to walk in His ways. We can because He can. It's all God! Our very existance is in His keeping. He sustains! He empowers! He makes straight. He first loved and still loves. He is faithful. He is good. We know how to live because He first demonstrated it all. We give because we have been given! We bless because we have been blessed. We love because we're loved. We can do for others what Christ first did for us. The GRACE of God is awesome and wonderful.


His banner over me is love,
Ben

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