No wonder I have been feeling so "dry" these few days. I have been longing to spend some quality time with Father and I was simply too busy to set aside this precious moment. Oh man, I can feel the downside already. Therefore, no matter how busy I am, I lock this time to sit by His side and draw from my Lord. :)
Scriptures
"You are my lamp, O Lord
the Lord turns my darkness into light." 2 Samuel 22:29
"It it God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:33
"The Lord lives! Praise be to my ROCK!
Exalted be God, the ROCK, my Saviour!" 2 Samuel 22:47
"The God of Israel spoke,
the ROCK of Israel said to me:
When one rules over men in righteousness,
when he rules in fear of God,
he is light of morning at sunrise,
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth". 2 Samuel 23: 3-4
Observation
King David certainly knew how to praise God to the max. When His Kingdom prospered, He praised God. When He was hard-pressed, He praised God. In all situation, He worshipped and praised God. He knew that God is the one who is in control of ALL things. He knew that there would always be HOPE no matter whether Death is at his door step.
I am amazed by his faith and hope in God. Many of us will blame God for our suffering and when we prosper, God is far away from our mind.
Application
I want to be like David.
Prayer
God, there is many things to do now. God I pray that I will not be too busy and forgets you. Father, thank you for your love and provision. Thank you for holding me when I am weak. In all things, guide and direct me. I am here, my Lord. Waiting for you.
Wanting you. Loving you.
Dodolemi
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My Source of LIFE!
Year 2000 was the year where I finally graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Marketing and Management from one of the prestigious universities in Melbourne. Alas, I fulfilled my parents’ wishes. I remembered looking at my graduate certificate and this thought came to my mind, “Where do I go from here?”. This piece of “paper” costed my parent’s few hundred thousands of Australian dollars which I know deep within, I will have no way of repaying them. Just like all fresh graduates, my future lies in the reality of securing a well-paid job, be married to a good husband, build a happy family, grow old and eventually, ending up in the cold hard earth. “Is this all that “life” can offer me?” was the question that I had always asked myself since I was as young as ten years old. The answer is no. I do have a choice.
God has a purpose for every person who is made in the image of God. He came to save, redeem and restore His original purposes to all who come to believe and accept Him as their personal saviour. Little did I know, God had set his eyes upon me since I was in my mothers’ womb and had “woo” me until I finally received Him wholeheartedly in May 2000. Just as He gave Adam the responsibilities to be “fruitful and increase in number; fill and subdue the earth and rule over all the living beings and plants on earth” (Genesis 1:28-30), He revealed my calling in developing the dance ministry in Melbourne in October 2002.
As a believer in Christ, I believe in seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, just as written in Matthew 6:33 and also to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 31). Without God as our main priority in life, it is very easy for us to be distracted by the ways of the world. The world desires power and beauty. Wealth and the ability to control and manipulate others, fall under the category of power and beauty. To be honest, the society at the present is not very much different from the time during the Judges, as everyone does what is pleasing to their eyes. But God is looking for those whose hearts are seeking after Him. In all that I think, act and speak, it really depends on the foundation of my relationship with God. Without Him as the lover of my soul, all that I do is meaningless.
“To man belong the plan of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.” Proverbs 16:1. Ever since I began investing my time to develop my dancing skill and drawn plans to invest in this calling, I am careful that as much as I am able to develop strategies and plans, I hold these plans and surrender all that I do, to Him. God is the one who will determine my steps (Proverbs 16: 9). God gives us mission on this earth for the purpose of benefiting the people on the land and to bring glory to Him. That is why we must not hold on to our calling, as if, it is only for our own benefit. The talents are to be utilised and invested into others for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God instead of us. All that we own and have, and even our life, belongs entirely to Him.
We are called by Jesus to “go and make disciples of all nations..” as written in the book of Matthew 28:19. I believe that Jesus has not only call us to bring people into a church compound but to represent Him in our relationships with our colleagues, neighbours, friends and even, strangers. God has given me the opportunity to participate in a non-church dance company in Melbourne since last year, where I was able to minister to a dancer who was going through a tremendous challenge in completing one of her dance routines. We supported each other through prayers and she managed to overcome her fears and anxieties. I was so glad that I had listened to the prompting of the Lord to participate in this dance company or else, I would not be able to witness God’s power in redeeming my friend from the bondages of fear and shame that had held her down in the past. It has become crystal clear to me that my presence in this dance company is more than just being a performer but I realise that God’s love and compassion for His people is far more important at this stage. Hence, I make the point to make friends with my dance companions and when the opportunities do come, I am able to be there to encourage, build and support them.
I also believe that being in this non-church dance company, I will be allocated to dance routines or perhaps having to wear dance attires, which may not necessarily bring glory to God. Just last weekend, I was chosen to perform in a Samba dance routine where the dancers are requested to wear skimpy attires. At the same time, I was asked about this situation by one of my church friend who recently joined the dance company. I was so glad that I put forward this dilemma to God during my personal devotion time with Him and He revealed to me to drop the routine. The thoughts of rejection and disapproval from the choreographer did cross my mind initially, but I chose to fear God instead of men. So, I obeyed and immediately withdrew from the dance routine.
My dream is to one day be able to choreograph routines that reveal the many great stories of love, hope, compassion and freedom that God wants to bring to all those who have yet to know Him. Just as a picture that speaks a thousand words, I believe dance that expressed the very heart of God, is able to penetrate hearts that are in search of truth, hope and love. At the end of the day, all that I have, I surrender them to God and all that I do, I do it so that Gods’ name will be glorified. Amen! ☺
God has a purpose for every person who is made in the image of God. He came to save, redeem and restore His original purposes to all who come to believe and accept Him as their personal saviour. Little did I know, God had set his eyes upon me since I was in my mothers’ womb and had “woo” me until I finally received Him wholeheartedly in May 2000. Just as He gave Adam the responsibilities to be “fruitful and increase in number; fill and subdue the earth and rule over all the living beings and plants on earth” (Genesis 1:28-30), He revealed my calling in developing the dance ministry in Melbourne in October 2002.
As a believer in Christ, I believe in seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, just as written in Matthew 6:33 and also to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 31). Without God as our main priority in life, it is very easy for us to be distracted by the ways of the world. The world desires power and beauty. Wealth and the ability to control and manipulate others, fall under the category of power and beauty. To be honest, the society at the present is not very much different from the time during the Judges, as everyone does what is pleasing to their eyes. But God is looking for those whose hearts are seeking after Him. In all that I think, act and speak, it really depends on the foundation of my relationship with God. Without Him as the lover of my soul, all that I do is meaningless.
“To man belong the plan of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.” Proverbs 16:1. Ever since I began investing my time to develop my dancing skill and drawn plans to invest in this calling, I am careful that as much as I am able to develop strategies and plans, I hold these plans and surrender all that I do, to Him. God is the one who will determine my steps (Proverbs 16: 9). God gives us mission on this earth for the purpose of benefiting the people on the land and to bring glory to Him. That is why we must not hold on to our calling, as if, it is only for our own benefit. The talents are to be utilised and invested into others for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God instead of us. All that we own and have, and even our life, belongs entirely to Him.
We are called by Jesus to “go and make disciples of all nations..” as written in the book of Matthew 28:19. I believe that Jesus has not only call us to bring people into a church compound but to represent Him in our relationships with our colleagues, neighbours, friends and even, strangers. God has given me the opportunity to participate in a non-church dance company in Melbourne since last year, where I was able to minister to a dancer who was going through a tremendous challenge in completing one of her dance routines. We supported each other through prayers and she managed to overcome her fears and anxieties. I was so glad that I had listened to the prompting of the Lord to participate in this dance company or else, I would not be able to witness God’s power in redeeming my friend from the bondages of fear and shame that had held her down in the past. It has become crystal clear to me that my presence in this dance company is more than just being a performer but I realise that God’s love and compassion for His people is far more important at this stage. Hence, I make the point to make friends with my dance companions and when the opportunities do come, I am able to be there to encourage, build and support them.
I also believe that being in this non-church dance company, I will be allocated to dance routines or perhaps having to wear dance attires, which may not necessarily bring glory to God. Just last weekend, I was chosen to perform in a Samba dance routine where the dancers are requested to wear skimpy attires. At the same time, I was asked about this situation by one of my church friend who recently joined the dance company. I was so glad that I put forward this dilemma to God during my personal devotion time with Him and He revealed to me to drop the routine. The thoughts of rejection and disapproval from the choreographer did cross my mind initially, but I chose to fear God instead of men. So, I obeyed and immediately withdrew from the dance routine.
My dream is to one day be able to choreograph routines that reveal the many great stories of love, hope, compassion and freedom that God wants to bring to all those who have yet to know Him. Just as a picture that speaks a thousand words, I believe dance that expressed the very heart of God, is able to penetrate hearts that are in search of truth, hope and love. At the end of the day, all that I have, I surrender them to God and all that I do, I do it so that Gods’ name will be glorified. Amen! ☺
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day of REST.. YAY!!!! :)
Dear God,
Arggh.. it's only 5.41am now and I am awake. Imagine that. Truthfully, I think I am stress. This kind of feeling reminded me of my uni time, a day before an assignment of mine is due. As usual, what I did was I will give myself a "stress-free" activity just to chillex despite knowing that I need to hand in the assignment in less than a day. I told myself that I do have the time, so no worries.
Back at the present state, I believe that I need to take the "chillex/breather" time again and so, I declare today as my REST Day. I shall go to my dance class in the morning and proceed to attend the King Tut and the rest of the permanent exhibitions in Melbourne Museum. Yay!
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
Dearest Father, I will rest today just as you had on the 7th day. I declare today as my sabbatical day. I desire to be surrounded by your work of arts, nature and your creations. Father, I know I will find many of your finger prints left by you long before I was borne. Father, thank you for your unconditional love. I will remember and receive this love. I will cherish all that you have given me, family and friends and miow. :) Even in this situation, you are my rest. I will return to you for strength and rest.
Loving you always,
Doremi
Arggh.. it's only 5.41am now and I am awake. Imagine that. Truthfully, I think I am stress. This kind of feeling reminded me of my uni time, a day before an assignment of mine is due. As usual, what I did was I will give myself a "stress-free" activity just to chillex despite knowing that I need to hand in the assignment in less than a day. I told myself that I do have the time, so no worries.
Back at the present state, I believe that I need to take the "chillex/breather" time again and so, I declare today as my REST Day. I shall go to my dance class in the morning and proceed to attend the King Tut and the rest of the permanent exhibitions in Melbourne Museum. Yay!
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
Dearest Father, I will rest today just as you had on the 7th day. I declare today as my sabbatical day. I desire to be surrounded by your work of arts, nature and your creations. Father, I know I will find many of your finger prints left by you long before I was borne. Father, thank you for your unconditional love. I will remember and receive this love. I will cherish all that you have given me, family and friends and miow. :) Even in this situation, you are my rest. I will return to you for strength and rest.
Loving you always,
Doremi
Friday, May 6, 2011
Posture of my heart
Oh my, I'm glad that my school work is chugging smoothly. This is actually an "understatement". I am using the word "smoothly" in faith. :):):) Or a better scenario of how I am holding on now is kinda similar to a "duck in a pond". On the surface, she looks calm and happily spending her time on the pond but from the view of her cute tiny feet, she is frantically moving her tiny feet just to stay afloat. :) :) :) Hahahaha It's not that bad really. I believe we are made to face and withstand challenges. As in the scripture, we are MORE THAN CONQUEROR. :)
What's for breakfast today, Lord?
- 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
Scriptures
- "But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" 2 Samuel 11:27
- "Create in me a PURE heart, O God,
and RENEW a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me." Psalm 51:11
- "The sacrifices of GOD are a BROKEN SPIRIT;
a broken and CONTRITE heart,
O God you will not despise." Psalm 51:17
Observation
- It happened in spring which was the time where King David would normally joined his armies for battle against Israelites' enemies. Instead he stayed home to rest. He followed the lust of his eyes and slept with Bathsheba. King David fell deeper and deeper into sin where he tried to manipulate Uriah to sleep with his wife (Bathsheba) and when unsuccessful, he came up with an evil scheme to have Uriah killed in the frontline. A letter was sent to His commanding army, Joab to place Uriah at that position where the fight was at its worst. Uriah died and King David took Bathsheba as his concubine.
It is scary when we allow sin to creep in slowly into our life. When we fail to take notice of it or brush it aside intentionally, the sin will eventually grow bigger and eat us up. It is just like having a python as a pet. It may be cute and adorable in the beginning but when its size overshadow us, we will be eaten up by it.
- Psalm 51 was written by King David as a psalm of repentance for the sin that he did. I can see that David truly repented from his heart and he sincerely regretted the crimes that he committed. After he was rebuked by Nathan, the sin that so greatly blinded him was revealed in the light. I am amazed that God will not allow us to continue with our sin and truly, it is because of his love for David, Nathan was sent to rebuke him. God forgave David but not without consequences though.
Application
In all that I do, I want to seek first His direction. This goes the same to the dance item that I am involved in. At the end of day, the dances that I do is to reflect his glory and not vice-versa.
Prayer
Father, please continue to guide me. See right through me and reveal to me what I need to be aware of. Sometimes I may be "blinded" by my own desires and therefore, I need you, Holy Spirit to reveal my actions to me. Just as you say, your sheeps know your voice. I do.
Loving you,
Your beloved....
What's for breakfast today, Lord?
- 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
Scriptures
- "But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" 2 Samuel 11:27
- "Create in me a PURE heart, O God,
and RENEW a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me." Psalm 51:11
- "The sacrifices of GOD are a BROKEN SPIRIT;
a broken and CONTRITE heart,
O God you will not despise." Psalm 51:17
Observation
- It happened in spring which was the time where King David would normally joined his armies for battle against Israelites' enemies. Instead he stayed home to rest. He followed the lust of his eyes and slept with Bathsheba. King David fell deeper and deeper into sin where he tried to manipulate Uriah to sleep with his wife (Bathsheba) and when unsuccessful, he came up with an evil scheme to have Uriah killed in the frontline. A letter was sent to His commanding army, Joab to place Uriah at that position where the fight was at its worst. Uriah died and King David took Bathsheba as his concubine.
It is scary when we allow sin to creep in slowly into our life. When we fail to take notice of it or brush it aside intentionally, the sin will eventually grow bigger and eat us up. It is just like having a python as a pet. It may be cute and adorable in the beginning but when its size overshadow us, we will be eaten up by it.
- Psalm 51 was written by King David as a psalm of repentance for the sin that he did. I can see that David truly repented from his heart and he sincerely regretted the crimes that he committed. After he was rebuked by Nathan, the sin that so greatly blinded him was revealed in the light. I am amazed that God will not allow us to continue with our sin and truly, it is because of his love for David, Nathan was sent to rebuke him. God forgave David but not without consequences though.
Application
In all that I do, I want to seek first His direction. This goes the same to the dance item that I am involved in. At the end of day, the dances that I do is to reflect his glory and not vice-versa.
Prayer
Father, please continue to guide me. See right through me and reveal to me what I need to be aware of. Sometimes I may be "blinded" by my own desires and therefore, I need you, Holy Spirit to reveal my actions to me. Just as you say, your sheeps know your voice. I do.
Loving you,
Your beloved....
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Halleluyah
What a crazy week. Ive never danced so much in a week, in my entire life. Danced for 1.5hrs on Sat, 3hrs on Sun and 4hrs on Monday night. By the end of Monday, I was soooo tired. But, the feeling was GREAT. :)
Here I am again, on a lovely Thursday morning, a day after my weekly Wednesday night dancing class. :) Am recuperating physically and am loving my time, drawing upon the word of the Lord.
Todays' scriptures are:
i) 2 Samuel 8, 9, 10
ii) 1 Chronicles 18, 19, 20
iii) Psalm 20
iv) Matthew 21, 22
**************************************************************************************************
Scriptures
Psalm 20:4-5
"May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests".
Matthew 21:22
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you asked for in prayer".
Observations
i) King David requested God to give him success in his battles. He asked in boldness and in great faith, trusting that Gods' favour is with Him. Indeed, God was with him in all of his battles. Davids' heart was with God. This was seen from how David offered all the plunder to God at the end of each victory. This psalm gives us encouragement and hope, believing that God will be the one who will fulfill the desire that is in our heart. A desire that is in accordance to His purpose.
ii) Jesus challenged His disciples to ask in boldness and faith in the things of Gods' Kingdom. God listens and will grant our prayers that are in alignment to His purpose.
Application
i) First and foremost before I ask God, I need to know that what I'm asking for, is in alignment with His purpose. At the moment, I am going through "battles" that was not of great urgency but there are things that I am asking God for. For example, a car. My next question is, do I really need one? I know that God is a God who cares for all things, which include what we need and desire. How about necessity such as a car?
What do I need a car for?
i) To travel to my dance practices (Hawthorn, Kew) - Every Sundays from now until October
ii) To travel to my dance practices (Southbank/City) - Every Saturdays (2 Trimester)
iii) To travel to work and from work. Usually, I need a car to go home when I stayed late at work.
iv) Ease of bringing my dance stuff and laptops.
Which car should I get?
i) Honda Jazz 2010
Pro
- Near new
- Spacious
- Economical
Con
- Total Cost: $15K. Slightly expensive by $2K
- High maintenance cost?
ii) Holden Barina Spark
Pro
- New
- Affordable cost
- Low maintenance cost
Con
- Very small
- Dislike the clutch handling
iii) Toyota
Pro
- Less $$$
- More space
- Low Maintenance Cost
Con
- Old car
Prayer
Lord, I offer this desire to you. Father, you alone know whether this is worth consuming my time. Father, I have seen the Honda Jazz two days in a row. Father, can you guide and direct me. Father I know you care for the big things as well as the small things in my life. Father, all that I do, let it be in accordance to your purpose for me. Father, I do not want to worry but I trust that you will show me the way. I trust in you.
Loving you always,
Doremi
Here I am again, on a lovely Thursday morning, a day after my weekly Wednesday night dancing class. :) Am recuperating physically and am loving my time, drawing upon the word of the Lord.
Todays' scriptures are:
i) 2 Samuel 8, 9, 10
ii) 1 Chronicles 18, 19, 20
iii) Psalm 20
iv) Matthew 21, 22
**************************************************************************************************
Scriptures
Psalm 20:4-5
"May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests".
Matthew 21:22
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you asked for in prayer".
Observations
i) King David requested God to give him success in his battles. He asked in boldness and in great faith, trusting that Gods' favour is with Him. Indeed, God was with him in all of his battles. Davids' heart was with God. This was seen from how David offered all the plunder to God at the end of each victory. This psalm gives us encouragement and hope, believing that God will be the one who will fulfill the desire that is in our heart. A desire that is in accordance to His purpose.
ii) Jesus challenged His disciples to ask in boldness and faith in the things of Gods' Kingdom. God listens and will grant our prayers that are in alignment to His purpose.
Application
i) First and foremost before I ask God, I need to know that what I'm asking for, is in alignment with His purpose. At the moment, I am going through "battles" that was not of great urgency but there are things that I am asking God for. For example, a car. My next question is, do I really need one? I know that God is a God who cares for all things, which include what we need and desire. How about necessity such as a car?
What do I need a car for?
i) To travel to my dance practices (Hawthorn, Kew) - Every Sundays from now until October
ii) To travel to my dance practices (Southbank/City) - Every Saturdays (2 Trimester)
iii) To travel to work and from work. Usually, I need a car to go home when I stayed late at work.
iv) Ease of bringing my dance stuff and laptops.
Which car should I get?
i) Honda Jazz 2010
Pro
- Near new
- Spacious
- Economical
Con
- Total Cost: $15K. Slightly expensive by $2K
- High maintenance cost?
ii) Holden Barina Spark
Pro
- New
- Affordable cost
- Low maintenance cost
Con
- Very small
- Dislike the clutch handling
iii) Toyota
Pro
- Less $$$
- More space
- Low Maintenance Cost
Con
- Old car
Prayer
Lord, I offer this desire to you. Father, you alone know whether this is worth consuming my time. Father, I have seen the Honda Jazz two days in a row. Father, can you guide and direct me. Father I know you care for the big things as well as the small things in my life. Father, all that I do, let it be in accordance to your purpose for me. Father, I do not want to worry but I trust that you will show me the way. I trust in you.
Loving you always,
Doremi
Sunday, May 1, 2011
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