THE DEATH OF LAZARUS (JOHN 11:6)

Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

We are always impatient. When we are sick, we pray for healing IMMEDIATELY. When we are anxious about our loved ones who are sick, we pray that God will heal NOW. After taking medicine for 1 day, we will doubt the effectiveness of the drugs. When our prayers are not answered soon, we will question where God is. We are always so impatient. We always want instant gratification.

But look at Jesus. He is never in a hurry. His timing is always perfect - never too early nor late.

Reflections:Lord, help me to trust in You. Even though I am so short-sighted and could not see any good or improvement, help me in my myopia. Empower me to just leave my every concerns upon that Cross and ....... well, just leave them there!

FIREWORKS DISPLAY!

As we celebrate our National Day, burst after burst of fireworks light up the sky. And without fail, everyone utters collective ooohs and aaahs! (especially children)

But when God lights up the sky with His fireworks, most people (especially children) are so terrified and tremble in fear.Why are we afraid of God's lightnings in the sky, and why can't we hear God's powerful voice in the thunder? God's fireworks are for our good - not just for entertainment. They usually come with rain that cools us and water our thirsty land so that we can have food. All God's deeds are done for a purpose.

God's fireworks reveals His power and His bounty for His glory!

On the Shoulders of the Father

As a toddler, you may have sat on your daddy's shoulders to see more things. You did not worry of falling down because your daddy's hands were holding you, giving you security. This is just like a very young Christian - our Heavenly Father putting us on His shoulders so that we can get a better perspective of what's happening all around us. We are so small - small in stature, small in faith, small in wisdom and knowledge, so Papa God helps us along by putting us upon His shoulders and though we are afraid of falling at first, but we are confident as His hands are holding our hands.

As an adult with worries of a different sort, I need the support and comfort of my Father. I can tell Him my problems and know He will shield me all day long. Challenges diminish when I am resting on His shoulders, reassured that He is in charge. Shielded by His shoulders, I see that my concerns are really quite small.

The Lord is my helper.

Our Lord is very good. He knows what's bothering me and come to my aid even before I asked!

Recently I was very bothered and concerned about a practical test I had to go through. I was rather worried about it because I don't feel good about someone sitting beside me watching what I do! It's nerve racking. Anyway I don't know the day I have to sit for the test, so I just push it right at the back of my mind. But I know the 'fear' was residing at the back of my mind. I refused to think about it - though I know that sooner or later, I will have to take the test.

On Tuesday night I had a dream. I dreamed I was taking the practical test! When I woke up, I remembered the dream very vividly. So I wondered could it be my test is today? Well, so I took out my notes and read up on the subject matter. I would not have done that if I did not have the dream. Guess what? I was called in to sit for the test on that particular day! Praise the Lord. The examiner said I actually did pretty well! Would I have done well if I did not dream about it?

Reflections: Thank You Lord, I knew You are the one who helped me - giving me strength and peace and calmness. All glory to Your name. Amen

Search me, O Lord.....

Ever since I shifted into this house in 1988, I have never cleared or cleaned my store-room. Countless times I have done spring-cleaning of all the other rooms and wardrobes, but never the store-room.

But this time, I pluck up my courage and just go ahead with the job I disliked. Why? Because this room is so cluttered with junk that I just don't know where to start. Golf-sets, bowling balls, umbrellas, broken sewing machine, obselete typewriter, lots of stationery and base-ball caps (smelly too!), luggage bags with winter clothings, even dirty army boots and sleeping bags, tool boxes etc etc etc......

Reflections:Dear Lord, cleaning and clearing the store-room is like cleaning my heart! I have a hard time doing a fair job of it, I believe You too had a difficult time cleaning up my heart that is so cluttered with unwanted attitudes - jealousy, pride, self-righteousness, self-reliance, complacency, selfishness, conceitedness, apathy, judgmental attitudes, lack of love and compassion etc etc etc Dear Holy Spirit, please strengthen me with the joy of the Lord for You are the one I rely on. In Jesus' name, Amen

STORE UP TREASURES IN HEAVN

Recently I have been busy doing some spring (or summer) cleaning in my house. I renovated my apartment about 2 1/2 years ago, and at that time I had discarded many unused and unwanted items - giving them away or sold them to the Cash Converters.

But less than 3 years on, I realised I have started accumulating many items that are useless and worthless. I begin to search the house (especially the store room) and found a large amount of things that I need to discard, once again.

Reflections: Lord, help me to store up treasures in Heaven above and not things that will rot and rust here on earth. The treasures in heaven will not be discarded for they are of value in God's eyes!

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

How can someone look at the ocean and not feel small in the presence of God? Or look up at the endless blue of the sky and not give thanks for the creation of our universe? Or feel a summer breeze and not know that it's God touch? How can anyone look at a baby and not know that God's greatest blessing is the miracle of life? God is merciful and loving and He wants everyone to come to know Him, I want to shine my light so that others see Him living in me. Extracted.