The Aroma of Prayer

I never grew up thinking I would join the prayer ministry. Even today, bible studies/ teachings/ seminars are probably more popular than prayer meetings at most churches. A good friend I met for tea today said that many churches today are more focused on feeding the mind than the heart. Hmmm.

Anyway, in my 20s, when I had settled back in my homechurch after 5 years overseas, I drifted in and out of different ministries, trying to find my giftings and where God wanted me. In all, I probably tried 7-8 ministries over a number of years. Yet, none seemed to ignite true passion. None seemed to say, Yes, this is Home.

Then one day, I read Ps Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire". Ps Cymbala is the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle; which is today home to the world-famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. His book is the story of how when he first pastored the church, it was a decrepit, motley crew of a handful of people; who were dregs of society. Even the ushers were stealing the Sunday offering. It left him at his wits' end. Then he sensed God saying that he was to make the prayer meeting more important than any other meeting in the church - even the Sunday service. That book so pierced my heart - and I saw how much sense this made - that I immediately enrolled myself in the Wesley prayer team. And when I did, that felt like Home! :) It was the best thing I did. And it has been the most exhilarating ride with God - to know that He speaks to us; He loves us; He bids us to come boldly to the throne of grace!

Last night, I re-listened to one of Ps Cymbala's sermons on Mp3 - "The Aroma of Prayer". He is still one of the best teachers on prayer, because he is a practitioner. His whole church is run on prayer. He doesn't teach from theory; he teaches from a life lived out believing wholeheartedly that prayer should be central to every church.

To listen to Ps Jim Cymbala's sermons "The Aroma of Prayer", "My House Shall be Called A House of Prayer" and "Calling On the Name of the Lord", click here.

Obedience: this, too, is love

Obedience.

Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

Obedience is something we do if we love God.

Today, as I was reading Watchman Nee's thoughts on spiritual authority, I suddenly saw why God wants us to obey.

I saw it from another perspective.

This is what Watchman Nee writes.

When the Son left the glory, He did not intend to return on the basis of His divine attributes; on the contrary, He desired to be exalted as a man. Jesus was exalted by God after He was obedient. In like manner, God wants to affirm this principle of obedience in us now, so that we also will be worthy to be exalted in that coming Day.

I always thought God wants us to obey Him because He is God. He is the ultimate authority. He is the Law. And there is nothing wrong with that.

But today, I saw things from another perspective. I realised that God wants us to obey Him so that He may be able to exalt us.

God wants us to obey Him because He LOVES us. He LOVES us. That caused a pang in my heart. He wants us to obey Him because it is good for us.

Obedience - this is a demonstration of love. Our love for God. His love for us.

Amazed - by Lincoln Brewster

Every morning, I have a short 5-minute walk down the road from my house to the main road, where I catch the transport to work. These days, in my busyness, sometimes those 5 minutes are all the private time I get to really spend alone with God (I really should do more, I know!). Anyway, these days, as I walk down that little road, have been plugging into Lincoln Brewster's song "Amazed" on my ipod. It never ceases to make me marvel at God's love, and to praise Him. It's such a favourite song of mine! :) Here are the lyrics:

You dance over me while I am unaware
You sing all around but I never hear the sound

(chorus)
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
And how You love me

(verse 2)
You paint the morning sky with miracles in mind
My hope will always stand
For You hold me in Your hand

(bridge)
How deep how wide
How great is Your love for me

The God I Know (City Harvest Church)

Heard this song last week - such a beautiful worship tune - which originated from Singapore!