Saturday, September 21, 2024

The Authority of God's Voice

Earlier this week, I listened to the following sermon by Rev. Bonnie Chavda. In it she shared how the voice of God sustained her impossible pregnancy for her to deliver a miracle baby.

Click here for The Voice of the LORD| Rev. Bonnie Chavda | Cornerstone Community Church | CSCC Sermon

Just this evening (21/09/2024) at City Harvest Church, Pastor Kong Hee shared on how Pastor Christine had a miracle baby because her husband prayed audibly to the baby in her womb (around the age of 2 and a half years old, the baby recounted hearing her dad's voice while still in her mother's womb).

These timely messages remind me that God's voice and the voice of the believers have authority over circumstances much like in Genesis when God spoke the world into existence.

All the promises of God to us are "Yes" and "Amen". Who are we then to question or doubt what God has said concerning His words?

If we can have faith for our salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, surely we can take God at His Word on all other areas of our lives that require His deliverance and empowerment to overcome.

What words have your inner person heard from God through the preaching of His Word? Believe in Him and claim these words over your situations audibly; make your faith concessions with utterances of His words to you by the Holy Spirit.

What dreams or miracles do you need to see come to pass? Speak the word of God to your mountains of challenges and difficulties, and let God do only what He can do while you trust Him and lean on Him in alignment to His Word.

Remember how the people marveled at Jesus because He spoke with such authority? His words are life and spirit.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

"But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” " Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Truly, God's Word is life-giving with spiritual authority. Let us study the Word of God and speak forth the Word of God as little Christs and ambassadors for Christ with authority by the Holy Spirit for His Kingdom sake and for the glory of His Name. Amen.

With the Word of God, we will experience spiritual prosperity and more abundant life. The following painting and wordings are by Santi Teo for your meditation.

"Spiritual Prosperity" by Santi Teo



"Psalm 1:2-3 (NIV)
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers

Meditate on the word of God day and night is a crucial part as a Child of God. It is not a law of instruction, but a reflection of our love for God.

His word is like nutrition; it refreshes our soul, mind and strengthens us in our difficulties. It is likened to a tree planted by streams of water and never dries up. It doesn't fear the heat when it comes, bears fruit in its season and whatever it does, it shall prosper.

Let's connect with the vine that provides everything you need.

Santi Teo
AZ Division
City Harvest Church"


Saturday, September 7, 2024

Jehovah Shammah (The LORD is There)

"The distance around the city shall be 18,000 (4 x 4,500) cubits; and the name of the city from that day [and ever after] shall be, ‘The Lord is There.’” (Ezekiel 48:35; AMP)

Gratefulness by Kylie Koh 

The following article is adapted from Rev Dr Kong Hee's preaching at City Harvest Church on 24 August 2024 regarding JEHOVAH SHAMMAH (The LORD is There), which is yet another name for YHWH.

God is there wherever you are and every moment of each day. God's Presence is tangible towards your entire day. Turn your thoughts towards God in simple conversations with Him all day long such as: "Thank you, Jesus, for another day. Please help me with the meetings for the day." and "Help me to be kind and patient. Let me be a blessing as I interact."

Gleaning from "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence, Pastor Kong shared on the following practical actions we can emulate to experience the Presence of God:

1. Put God in your thoughts all day long

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3; NKJV)

When we are conscious of God, a special grace comes upon us as God's omnipresence transcends into manifested Presence. Our hearts will follow who we cherish. The more we know Him, the more we love Him.

2. Converse with God while you work
 
"pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV)

Talk to God continually... "Father, I love you. Jesus, help me. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom."

Don't put any limits to what you speak with God. Have a humble and loving heart. Give thanks in all circumstances. Be in constant communion and fellowship with God. Sweet communion of inner joy and strength.

3. Transform ordinary moments into tiny holy encounters with God

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17; NKJV)

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men," (Colossians 3:23; NKJV)

Brother Lawrence suffered a serious injury to his leg in the French Army. He worked in the kitchen of a monastery for 50 years. While rugged in appearance, he was full of the love, joy and the gentleness of Jesus. He spoke with such wisdom and many came to seek him for spiritual guidance. All of Brother Lawrence's actions is out of love as an act of worship unto the LORD.

Click here for Wikipedia's coverage of Brother Lawrence.

Click here and fast forward to 1:01:17 for Pastor Kong Hee's sermon on Jehovah Shammah (Part 1).

Click here and fast forward to 50:15 for Pastor Kong Hee's sermon on Jehovah Shammah (Part 2).


God is there all around and within us notwithstanding
the vastness of our planet.