This was indeed a wonderful time in the presence of the Lord. We had a time to worship God and talk to Him in prayer.
After that, we went over the sessions of Refreshing Moments that we have been having this year, as well as reviewing the emails that we had received this year.
The reason for this was to find out their effectiveness, and assess whether or not the same need to keep happening, or should stop in favor of something else.
It was found that the times of Refreshing Moments have been of great importance and impact in our lives, giving us a chance to connect with God, as well as learn about being worshipers, and the kind of lives we ought to be leading. People look forward to these meetings, and hope to have many more of the same.
The emails were found to be encouraging and insightful, and people were glad to be receiving and being blessed through them.
We later discussed about our upcoming events, and what we need to do about them. We also talked about having a new uniform. The meeting ended with a word of prayer, and as usual, we continued in fellowship. I love how it is with us, we love to stay together, and that for me symbolizes love and unity. It indeed is a great thing to serve God in a team such as this one!
For more information on this post, please visit www.becominganamazinggirl.org/?p=700
Be blessed!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Practical Steps
Dear Beracans,
Hi, how are you all? I am once again privileged to communicate with each one of you. It’s my prayer that God will enable me to do this task that He has entrusted me with. And I hope that you will be blessed through this ministry.
Lately, things have been on the down-low for many people, and it seems as though it’s a season when there is always something to worry us, something to discourage us, make us feel that life is too hard, and as though we’ll not make it to the bright side on the other side of the proverbial tunnel.
It’s been especially hard for me in some areas, and after trying so many options, I have only God to turn to and rely on, and depend upon. It’s a good thing to have Someone so stable to rest in, but I wish I could remember to go to Him first without injuring my heart and self in so many other ways. I wish we all could.
Recently, during one of my low moments, I cried out to God, my heavenly Father, and begged Him to bail me out and to save me!! “Cause I was feeling really helpless.
Sharing with you now in this email, is the result of that time of desperation. I pray that God’s strength will carry me through this season, and you too. I have listed the practical steps that I was to do, and I hope you can also take some practical steps in your life where the need be.
MEDITATION ON GOD’S WORD
1. Encourage yourself in the Lord; not in anyone or anything, only God.
2. Let God be your security in all your ways and in all His ways. He’s trustworthy and faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. And He loves you unconditionally, eternally.
3. Let God be your guide. Listen to Him from your heart; follow the leading of His inner voice inside you. Don’t look at your surroundings. And don’t consider what others will think. What matters most is your relationship with God and with yourself.
4. You will hear a voice behind your ear saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” It’ll be very close and present. You won’t need to look for it, it will find you.
5. Therefore do your best where you’re at because that’s where God wants you for now. Otherwise He’d already have orchestrated for you to be somewhere else!
6. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. Righteousness comes with a clean slate, no need for alibis, and no anxieties, and thus lots of confidence. Peace is the true consequence of a righteous life. It brings along with it contentment. And Joy in the Holy Ghost, experienced because of purity in one’s relationship with God. Joy is mostly expressed through happiness, but happiness without joy is truly empty.
a. These three are absolutely priceless. Seek after them, seek to do God’s will and everything else will fall into place in your life. Why? Because if you seek the Lord’s kingdom, then battles that come are no longer yours, they belong to the Lord, and who shall ever defeat Him? No one! None ever!
b. So that way He shall make His blessings overtake you, and you shall be a better person because your focus will be on the Lord and on doing His will rather than on money and things money can buy.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ME
1. I believe in God’s work that He has good plans for me, plans to give me a future and a hope. And that all things are working together for my good right now, because I believe in and love God, and I’m called according to His purpose. I choose to meditate on these things instead of worrying.
2. I choose God as my security to replace name1, name2, name3, name4, place1, place2 and all other things I have ever put my security in (identity concealed for security reasons). I chose to put my trust in God because He is the only eternal one in my life, and because His word says so, and because I have experienced His goodness as well as the consequences of disobedience. I choose HIM.
3. Currently, I should be where I am. My part to do is to shine and excel where I’m at all round. God hasn’t told me to go anywhere else in particular, or to do anything else. He’s provided a lot for me to do right here where I’m at, and I choose to be grateful about it.
4. What am I hearing currently? Learn as much as I can where I’m at – ministry-wise, skills-wise, home making (e.g. patience, dependence of God, how to be a good wife, etc), school and relationships (e.g. put my security in God, walk in the light, etc.)
5. Do my best in house management, my studies, my work, my church responsibilities and especially in being a wife.
6. How to walk in righteousness
a. Be excellent in all I do
b. Read, meditate and internalize God’s word
c. Pray and fast
d. Mind about God’s business and work instead of chasing after blessings, and leave Him to come and bless me
e. Seek to bless others
What are the practical steps that YOU can take? You’re welcome to share them with me.
Here are our upcoming events:
1. Leading worship in first service on Sunday 8th Nov. 2009
2. Kesha on Friday 13th Nov. 2009
3. Mission to Gospel Assembly Church, Ruaraka on Sunday 22nd Nov. 2000
4. Worship Experience at Stadview on Sat 28th Nov. 2009 from 9a.m. to 4p.m (entry is free)
5. Thanksgiving Kesha in December.
Let’s continue to hold on to God, and to pray for one another.
In Christ’s love,
Angladys.
Hi, how are you all? I am once again privileged to communicate with each one of you. It’s my prayer that God will enable me to do this task that He has entrusted me with. And I hope that you will be blessed through this ministry.
Lately, things have been on the down-low for many people, and it seems as though it’s a season when there is always something to worry us, something to discourage us, make us feel that life is too hard, and as though we’ll not make it to the bright side on the other side of the proverbial tunnel.
It’s been especially hard for me in some areas, and after trying so many options, I have only God to turn to and rely on, and depend upon. It’s a good thing to have Someone so stable to rest in, but I wish I could remember to go to Him first without injuring my heart and self in so many other ways. I wish we all could.
Recently, during one of my low moments, I cried out to God, my heavenly Father, and begged Him to bail me out and to save me!! “Cause I was feeling really helpless.
Sharing with you now in this email, is the result of that time of desperation. I pray that God’s strength will carry me through this season, and you too. I have listed the practical steps that I was to do, and I hope you can also take some practical steps in your life where the need be.
MEDITATION ON GOD’S WORD
1. Encourage yourself in the Lord; not in anyone or anything, only God.
2. Let God be your security in all your ways and in all His ways. He’s trustworthy and faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. And He loves you unconditionally, eternally.
3. Let God be your guide. Listen to Him from your heart; follow the leading of His inner voice inside you. Don’t look at your surroundings. And don’t consider what others will think. What matters most is your relationship with God and with yourself.
4. You will hear a voice behind your ear saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” It’ll be very close and present. You won’t need to look for it, it will find you.
5. Therefore do your best where you’re at because that’s where God wants you for now. Otherwise He’d already have orchestrated for you to be somewhere else!
6. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. Righteousness comes with a clean slate, no need for alibis, and no anxieties, and thus lots of confidence. Peace is the true consequence of a righteous life. It brings along with it contentment. And Joy in the Holy Ghost, experienced because of purity in one’s relationship with God. Joy is mostly expressed through happiness, but happiness without joy is truly empty.
a. These three are absolutely priceless. Seek after them, seek to do God’s will and everything else will fall into place in your life. Why? Because if you seek the Lord’s kingdom, then battles that come are no longer yours, they belong to the Lord, and who shall ever defeat Him? No one! None ever!
b. So that way He shall make His blessings overtake you, and you shall be a better person because your focus will be on the Lord and on doing His will rather than on money and things money can buy.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ME
1. I believe in God’s work that He has good plans for me, plans to give me a future and a hope. And that all things are working together for my good right now, because I believe in and love God, and I’m called according to His purpose. I choose to meditate on these things instead of worrying.
2. I choose God as my security to replace name1, name2, name3, name4, place1, place2 and all other things I have ever put my security in (identity concealed for security reasons). I chose to put my trust in God because He is the only eternal one in my life, and because His word says so, and because I have experienced His goodness as well as the consequences of disobedience. I choose HIM.
3. Currently, I should be where I am. My part to do is to shine and excel where I’m at all round. God hasn’t told me to go anywhere else in particular, or to do anything else. He’s provided a lot for me to do right here where I’m at, and I choose to be grateful about it.
4. What am I hearing currently? Learn as much as I can where I’m at – ministry-wise, skills-wise, home making (e.g. patience, dependence of God, how to be a good wife, etc), school and relationships (e.g. put my security in God, walk in the light, etc.)
5. Do my best in house management, my studies, my work, my church responsibilities and especially in being a wife.
6. How to walk in righteousness
a. Be excellent in all I do
b. Read, meditate and internalize God’s word
c. Pray and fast
d. Mind about God’s business and work instead of chasing after blessings, and leave Him to come and bless me
e. Seek to bless others
What are the practical steps that YOU can take? You’re welcome to share them with me.
Here are our upcoming events:
1. Leading worship in first service on Sunday 8th Nov. 2009
2. Kesha on Friday 13th Nov. 2009
3. Mission to Gospel Assembly Church, Ruaraka on Sunday 22nd Nov. 2000
4. Worship Experience at Stadview on Sat 28th Nov. 2009 from 9a.m. to 4p.m (entry is free)
5. Thanksgiving Kesha in December.
Let’s continue to hold on to God, and to pray for one another.
In Christ’s love,
Angladys.
Whether or not you feel like it
Dear Beracans,
Hi, how are you? I trust that the past two or so weeks since we last talked here have found you well. I’ve been fine, was on a bit of leave, but now I’m glad to be back to work.
I’ve been thinking about something recently, and it’s something I’d like to share with you all. It’s definitely about the ministry… but perhaps more about the ministers in the ministry.
There comes times in our lives, all of us, when we are faced with certain tricky situations. Usually it’s something you’d want to do, but you would not want anyone else to know that you did it. In this day of technology, it is possible to do a lot of things in secret, and even the people closest to you may not get to know it. These include especially the phones and the internet, which have so very strongly flooded our markets. And this is not to mention TV as well…
Gee, what really am I saying, what am I getting at? I’m getting at the life of a believer, a worshipper. We have often times been taught that worship is a lifestyle, that as true worshippers we would live holy and righteous lives on and off the pulpit, that what we bring to the pulpit is an overflow of our daily lives.
But I ask us all, how many times is this really the case? How many times have we come for practice, or to lead worship on the pulpit, and as we worshipped, it was just a continuation of our relationship, fellowship and communion with the Lord? How many times?
Would it be wrong to think that many times, what we do on Thursdays and Fridays as we practice, and on Sundays as we lead worship, is simply present a rehearsed piece of music? You know, get the right voice, sound spiritually deep enough, and bam! that was a great time in the presence of the Lord?
No, I am not denying that the Lord’s presence is with us, because I know that He is with us. And I am not saying that we do not live a lifestyle of worship, because I’m sure that we do….at least some of the time. My question and wonder arises when it comes to having a genuine time with the Lord, a genuine time with each other, a time of open-hearted sharing, a time of being real with ourselves…
I just wonder, if someone pulled out your details from your media, what would they find? Having watched Dial-A-Convict, we now know that is possible. What would they find in your histories? Would you be comfortable to still serve in the worship team, if that sheet with all your information was hang behind you as you stood on the pulpit?
I’m not even sure that it’s so much about what others would think that should be our main concern. It’s our relationship with the One who called us to serve Him. Given a chance to excuse ourselves from the worship team based on how worthy we feel after reviewing our lives in this light, how many of us would remain in the worship team? How many of us would still serve?
We meet for Refreshing Moments this Sunday after leading worship in the first service. Let’s get together in the presence of the Lord, and let Him straighten us out, and give us a second, third, fourth, even millionth chance.
In Christ’s Love,
Anngladys.
Hi, how are you? I trust that the past two or so weeks since we last talked here have found you well. I’ve been fine, was on a bit of leave, but now I’m glad to be back to work.
I’ve been thinking about something recently, and it’s something I’d like to share with you all. It’s definitely about the ministry… but perhaps more about the ministers in the ministry.
There comes times in our lives, all of us, when we are faced with certain tricky situations. Usually it’s something you’d want to do, but you would not want anyone else to know that you did it. In this day of technology, it is possible to do a lot of things in secret, and even the people closest to you may not get to know it. These include especially the phones and the internet, which have so very strongly flooded our markets. And this is not to mention TV as well…
Gee, what really am I saying, what am I getting at? I’m getting at the life of a believer, a worshipper. We have often times been taught that worship is a lifestyle, that as true worshippers we would live holy and righteous lives on and off the pulpit, that what we bring to the pulpit is an overflow of our daily lives.
But I ask us all, how many times is this really the case? How many times have we come for practice, or to lead worship on the pulpit, and as we worshipped, it was just a continuation of our relationship, fellowship and communion with the Lord? How many times?
Would it be wrong to think that many times, what we do on Thursdays and Fridays as we practice, and on Sundays as we lead worship, is simply present a rehearsed piece of music? You know, get the right voice, sound spiritually deep enough, and bam! that was a great time in the presence of the Lord?
No, I am not denying that the Lord’s presence is with us, because I know that He is with us. And I am not saying that we do not live a lifestyle of worship, because I’m sure that we do….at least some of the time. My question and wonder arises when it comes to having a genuine time with the Lord, a genuine time with each other, a time of open-hearted sharing, a time of being real with ourselves…
I just wonder, if someone pulled out your details from your media, what would they find? Having watched Dial-A-Convict, we now know that is possible. What would they find in your histories? Would you be comfortable to still serve in the worship team, if that sheet with all your information was hang behind you as you stood on the pulpit?
I’m not even sure that it’s so much about what others would think that should be our main concern. It’s our relationship with the One who called us to serve Him. Given a chance to excuse ourselves from the worship team based on how worthy we feel after reviewing our lives in this light, how many of us would remain in the worship team? How many of us would still serve?
We meet for Refreshing Moments this Sunday after leading worship in the first service. Let’s get together in the presence of the Lord, and let Him straighten us out, and give us a second, third, fourth, even millionth chance.
In Christ’s Love,
Anngladys.
I hope no one finds out
Dear Beracans,
Hi, how are you? I trust that the past two or so weeks since we last talked here have found you well. I’ve been fine, was on a bit of leave, but now I’m glad to be back to work.
I’ve been thinking about something recently, and it’s something I’d like to share with you all. It’s definitely about the ministry… but perhaps more about the ministers in the ministry.
There comes times in our lives, all of us, when we are faced with certain tricky situations. Usually it’s something you’d want to do, but you would not want anyone else to know that you did it. In this day of technology, it is possible to do a lot of things in secret, and even the people closest to you may not get to know it. These include especially the phones and the internet, which have so very strongly flooded our markets. And this is not to mention TV as well…
Gee, what really am I saying, what am I getting at? I’m getting at the life of a believer, a worshipper. We have often times been taught that worship is a lifestyle, that as true worshippers we would live holy and righteous lives on and off the pulpit, that what we bring to the pulpit is an overflow of our daily lives.
But I ask us all, how many times is this really the case? How many times have we come for practice, or to lead worship on the pulpit, and as we worshipped, it was just a continuation of our relationship, fellowship and communion with the Lord? How many times?
Would it be wrong to think that many times, what we do on Thursdays and Fridays as we practice, and on Sundays as we lead worship, is simply present a rehearsed piece of music? You know, get the right voice, sound spiritually deep enough, and bam! that was a great time in the presence of the Lord?
No, I am not denying that the Lord’s presence is with us, because I know that He is with us. And I am not saying that we do not live a lifestyle of worship, because I’m sure that we do….at least some of the time. My question and wonder arises when it comes to having a genuine time with the Lord, a genuine time with each other, a time of open-hearted sharing, a time of being real with ourselves…
I just wonder, if someone pulled out your details from your media, what would they find? Having watched Dial-A-Convict, we now know that is possible. What would they find in your histories? Would you be comfortable to still serve in the worship team, if that sheet with all your information was hang behind you as you stood on the pulpit?
I’m not even sure that it’s so much about what others would think that should be our main concern. It’s our relationship with the One who called us to serve Him. Given a chance to excuse ourselves from the worship team based on how worthy we feel after reviewing our lives in this light, how many of us would remain in the worship team? How many of us would still serve?
We meet for Refreshing Moments this Sunday after leading worship in the first service. Let’s get together in the presence of the Lord, and let Him straighten us out, and give us a second, third, fourth, even millionth chance.
In Christ’s Love,
Anngladys.
Hi, how are you? I trust that the past two or so weeks since we last talked here have found you well. I’ve been fine, was on a bit of leave, but now I’m glad to be back to work.
I’ve been thinking about something recently, and it’s something I’d like to share with you all. It’s definitely about the ministry… but perhaps more about the ministers in the ministry.
There comes times in our lives, all of us, when we are faced with certain tricky situations. Usually it’s something you’d want to do, but you would not want anyone else to know that you did it. In this day of technology, it is possible to do a lot of things in secret, and even the people closest to you may not get to know it. These include especially the phones and the internet, which have so very strongly flooded our markets. And this is not to mention TV as well…
Gee, what really am I saying, what am I getting at? I’m getting at the life of a believer, a worshipper. We have often times been taught that worship is a lifestyle, that as true worshippers we would live holy and righteous lives on and off the pulpit, that what we bring to the pulpit is an overflow of our daily lives.
But I ask us all, how many times is this really the case? How many times have we come for practice, or to lead worship on the pulpit, and as we worshipped, it was just a continuation of our relationship, fellowship and communion with the Lord? How many times?
Would it be wrong to think that many times, what we do on Thursdays and Fridays as we practice, and on Sundays as we lead worship, is simply present a rehearsed piece of music? You know, get the right voice, sound spiritually deep enough, and bam! that was a great time in the presence of the Lord?
No, I am not denying that the Lord’s presence is with us, because I know that He is with us. And I am not saying that we do not live a lifestyle of worship, because I’m sure that we do….at least some of the time. My question and wonder arises when it comes to having a genuine time with the Lord, a genuine time with each other, a time of open-hearted sharing, a time of being real with ourselves…
I just wonder, if someone pulled out your details from your media, what would they find? Having watched Dial-A-Convict, we now know that is possible. What would they find in your histories? Would you be comfortable to still serve in the worship team, if that sheet with all your information was hang behind you as you stood on the pulpit?
I’m not even sure that it’s so much about what others would think that should be our main concern. It’s our relationship with the One who called us to serve Him. Given a chance to excuse ourselves from the worship team based on how worthy we feel after reviewing our lives in this light, how many of us would remain in the worship team? How many of us would still serve?
We meet for Refreshing Moments this Sunday after leading worship in the first service. Let’s get together in the presence of the Lord, and let Him straighten us out, and give us a second, third, fourth, even millionth chance.
In Christ’s Love,
Anngladys.
The End...
Dear Beracans,
Gloria a Dios!
I trust that you have been well, although we did not see much of each other this past Sunday.
I hope you received and read our last e-mail, and that it blessed and encouraged you as well. This is a continuation of sorts to that one. I had mentioned two issues that I wanted to share about, and last time I shared about the worship seminar we had with the Mexicans.
Well, today I want to share something about the Olympics, although it’s a little bit past the Olympics. If you watched the races like I did, I’m sure that you did find some things quite fascinating. Like how much money or gold they could win for running….and then that makes you wonder what you’re doing where you’re at, working so hard and (perhaps) (ok, just never) not making even a half of what they make in one race!!!
One of those things caught my attention, and I found it so “mushy” (for lack of a better word.) When the runners would come to the end of their race, there would be someone at the finish line to receive them, hold them up, help them walk to a good place, ….you know, just generally take care of them after the race. Whether or not they had won.
I think they must have felt good, like a hero, love and appreciated; and that what they had done (running) mattered for something. At that point in time, I do not think that anything else mattered to them. They had finished the race, and that’s what counted, and now all they wanted to do was rest. And although they could have sat down right at the finish line and been okay with that, there was someone there waiting to take them to a nice, special and comfortable place to rest. To relax. Wow.
This got me thinking about my own life. Man! That would be a special thing. To be hailed after an event, to be celebrated, honored, shown appreciation. You probably feel like I do, that sometimes what you do doesn’t really matter, you wonder if it counts for anything at all.
But something deep down encourages me. That at some point in time, I have a chance of getting such treatment, such special handling, that will matter for eternity. It will come from not just another human being just like me, but from Jesus Himself, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The best of the best will be honoring me with His presence, love and most precious rewards. Rewards that will matter for eternity.
And what I’ve gotta do for now is run His race with all diligence, observing His guidelines, lest I be disqualified. May God help us all, to live for Him, to be obedient to Him, and to seek our encouragement in only Him.
Today I’m being rather open about my life, so let me share this in closing. After searching for approval for like forever (rolling eyes, it’s so annoying to remember that), I decided to rest in God. And since then I have strongly discovered that God is the one who called me for His purposes. He is the one who knows and understands what it takes to accomplish what He has called me to do. So that makes Him my best encourager, and my best cheerer (like cheering me on), and also the one who receives me at my finish line, because He’s the one who knows where He set the end of my race. And finally, gladly so, He is the one who will reward me for all my work. Let me stop there. We’ll talk about His rewards next time.
Father, help us all out. We need you desperately, in ways that we are sometimes not able to express. But you now our hearts….
Please come and save us once again.
In Your Son’s name we pray,
Amen.
P/S: We have refreshing moments on Sunday 27th September, after leading worship during the first service.
We shall also be leading worship on Sunday 20th September, in the second service.
Gloria a Dios!
I trust that you have been well, although we did not see much of each other this past Sunday.
I hope you received and read our last e-mail, and that it blessed and encouraged you as well. This is a continuation of sorts to that one. I had mentioned two issues that I wanted to share about, and last time I shared about the worship seminar we had with the Mexicans.
Well, today I want to share something about the Olympics, although it’s a little bit past the Olympics. If you watched the races like I did, I’m sure that you did find some things quite fascinating. Like how much money or gold they could win for running….and then that makes you wonder what you’re doing where you’re at, working so hard and (perhaps) (ok, just never) not making even a half of what they make in one race!!!
One of those things caught my attention, and I found it so “mushy” (for lack of a better word.) When the runners would come to the end of their race, there would be someone at the finish line to receive them, hold them up, help them walk to a good place, ….you know, just generally take care of them after the race. Whether or not they had won.
I think they must have felt good, like a hero, love and appreciated; and that what they had done (running) mattered for something. At that point in time, I do not think that anything else mattered to them. They had finished the race, and that’s what counted, and now all they wanted to do was rest. And although they could have sat down right at the finish line and been okay with that, there was someone there waiting to take them to a nice, special and comfortable place to rest. To relax. Wow.
This got me thinking about my own life. Man! That would be a special thing. To be hailed after an event, to be celebrated, honored, shown appreciation. You probably feel like I do, that sometimes what you do doesn’t really matter, you wonder if it counts for anything at all.
But something deep down encourages me. That at some point in time, I have a chance of getting such treatment, such special handling, that will matter for eternity. It will come from not just another human being just like me, but from Jesus Himself, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The best of the best will be honoring me with His presence, love and most precious rewards. Rewards that will matter for eternity.
And what I’ve gotta do for now is run His race with all diligence, observing His guidelines, lest I be disqualified. May God help us all, to live for Him, to be obedient to Him, and to seek our encouragement in only Him.
Today I’m being rather open about my life, so let me share this in closing. After searching for approval for like forever (rolling eyes, it’s so annoying to remember that), I decided to rest in God. And since then I have strongly discovered that God is the one who called me for His purposes. He is the one who knows and understands what it takes to accomplish what He has called me to do. So that makes Him my best encourager, and my best cheerer (like cheering me on), and also the one who receives me at my finish line, because He’s the one who knows where He set the end of my race. And finally, gladly so, He is the one who will reward me for all my work. Let me stop there. We’ll talk about His rewards next time.
Father, help us all out. We need you desperately, in ways that we are sometimes not able to express. But you now our hearts….
Please come and save us once again.
In Your Son’s name we pray,
Amen.
P/S: We have refreshing moments on Sunday 27th September, after leading worship during the first service.
We shall also be leading worship on Sunday 20th September, in the second service.
Mhhhh
Dear Beracans,
Hi, how are you all doing?
It’s been around three weeks since our last e-mail, and I hope that “yeah” encouraged you.
This time round I’d like to comment on two recent events, and also ask that we pray concerning our lives in those areas.
The first one is about the Mexicans who came to our church during the conference. I really enjoyed their ministry, as I’m sure did most, if not all of you. The seminar that they gave us left me thinking quite a lot. Musa talked about the practice session, how teamwork and punctuality are important, and how each team member ought to play their part faithfully. He also talked about showing enthusiasm as we sing and worship God, emphasizing that it comes from a lifestyle of worship…that it overflows from your daily personal life at home. He went on to tell how effective worship comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, because that’s the only way to lead others to Him – by first having an intimate relationship with Him. He encouraged us also to adapt songs to our own style and that way we will have a more fulfilling experience with them. Yes, he also encouraged us to keep singing the Swahili songs.
That information was to me very good. But the surprising thing is that, this is pretty much what our worship leader, Baba Kamau, has been telling us all along. I think that this is what God wants us to do. Not so much for man, as for Him, which is what Musa concluded with when he shared the story of Samuel. Samuel kept going to Eli when God called him. Sometimes we do the same, and we respond to our physical leaders when really, it’s God calling us. We need to know His voice, and serve Him in response to His call to us. It’s not about serving ANY man; it’s about honoring the call of God upon our lives.
The question now is not what we can do about it, but what we ARE going to do about it. It begins as a personal choice, before it flows on to the whole team. It’s my prayer that we would open our hearts to GOD, to an intimate relationship with Him, which will lead to following Him step by step in all aspects of our lives. I am willing to do this, are you? The Holy Spirit is there waiting to help us on this journey.
As we pray for that, let’s thank God for Mary’s successful wedding, and let’s keep praying for the others in our team who are in relationships. Let’s thank God for schools, jobs, families, and His provision towards us – higher learning, jobs, and relationships. Let’s also ask Him for His guidance and leading concerning new uniforms – the timing, the provision, attire that will bring glory not to us, but to Him, but at the same time also portray a good image of Him. We may also remember Alphy who is on a mission..
I think it’s best to handle the second issue in our next chat, so till then,
Adios,
May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor.
Blessings,
Anngladys.
Hi, how are you all doing?
It’s been around three weeks since our last e-mail, and I hope that “yeah” encouraged you.
This time round I’d like to comment on two recent events, and also ask that we pray concerning our lives in those areas.
The first one is about the Mexicans who came to our church during the conference. I really enjoyed their ministry, as I’m sure did most, if not all of you. The seminar that they gave us left me thinking quite a lot. Musa talked about the practice session, how teamwork and punctuality are important, and how each team member ought to play their part faithfully. He also talked about showing enthusiasm as we sing and worship God, emphasizing that it comes from a lifestyle of worship…that it overflows from your daily personal life at home. He went on to tell how effective worship comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, because that’s the only way to lead others to Him – by first having an intimate relationship with Him. He encouraged us also to adapt songs to our own style and that way we will have a more fulfilling experience with them. Yes, he also encouraged us to keep singing the Swahili songs.
That information was to me very good. But the surprising thing is that, this is pretty much what our worship leader, Baba Kamau, has been telling us all along. I think that this is what God wants us to do. Not so much for man, as for Him, which is what Musa concluded with when he shared the story of Samuel. Samuel kept going to Eli when God called him. Sometimes we do the same, and we respond to our physical leaders when really, it’s God calling us. We need to know His voice, and serve Him in response to His call to us. It’s not about serving ANY man; it’s about honoring the call of God upon our lives.
The question now is not what we can do about it, but what we ARE going to do about it. It begins as a personal choice, before it flows on to the whole team. It’s my prayer that we would open our hearts to GOD, to an intimate relationship with Him, which will lead to following Him step by step in all aspects of our lives. I am willing to do this, are you? The Holy Spirit is there waiting to help us on this journey.
As we pray for that, let’s thank God for Mary’s successful wedding, and let’s keep praying for the others in our team who are in relationships. Let’s thank God for schools, jobs, families, and His provision towards us – higher learning, jobs, and relationships. Let’s also ask Him for His guidance and leading concerning new uniforms – the timing, the provision, attire that will bring glory not to us, but to Him, but at the same time also portray a good image of Him. We may also remember Alphy who is on a mission..
I think it’s best to handle the second issue in our next chat, so till then,
Adios,
May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor.
Blessings,
Anngladys.
Yeah!!!
Dear Beracans,
Hi, how are you?
I trust that you have been well. With some of you we have met, with some we haven't for a while, but I trust that the Lord has been good to you, and that you have been experiencing success in your life.
I'd like to share an encouraging thought that has been on my mind this week.
He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. He is greater in power, love, character, being and strength. Because of His great power, I can reach out in confidence and use my abilities, talents and gifts for His glory, to benefit the body of Christ, and to reach out to the lost. Thanks to His love, I know that I will always be surrounded by His love, so I can forgive others when they hurt me, and still remain with a lot of love in my heart. Because of His faithful character, I know that God will accomplish through me the purpose He created me for. Because of His being, I am secure in His unconditional and everlasting love.
Because He is wise and all knowing, I trust Him to guide and lead me, because I know that He has good plans for me. I will therefore walk out in boldness and courage, knowing that when God is for me, no one can be against me and win….because He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world!!
May you experience God's blessings and favor in this and the times to come.
In Christ's love,
Anngladys.
Hi, how are you?
I trust that you have been well. With some of you we have met, with some we haven't for a while, but I trust that the Lord has been good to you, and that you have been experiencing success in your life.
I'd like to share an encouraging thought that has been on my mind this week.
He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. He is greater in power, love, character, being and strength. Because of His great power, I can reach out in confidence and use my abilities, talents and gifts for His glory, to benefit the body of Christ, and to reach out to the lost. Thanks to His love, I know that I will always be surrounded by His love, so I can forgive others when they hurt me, and still remain with a lot of love in my heart. Because of His faithful character, I know that God will accomplish through me the purpose He created me for. Because of His being, I am secure in His unconditional and everlasting love.
Because He is wise and all knowing, I trust Him to guide and lead me, because I know that He has good plans for me. I will therefore walk out in boldness and courage, knowing that when God is for me, no one can be against me and win….because He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world!!
May you experience God's blessings and favor in this and the times to come.
In Christ's love,
Anngladys.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It's understandable to want a hero
Dear Beracans,
Hi y’all? I trust that your fortnight has been great. I’m grateful to God for His refreshing moments amongst us.
I’ve been thinking about where we get our answers from, when we are searching. Many times we tend to look at people amongst us who have accomplished stuff or seem to have connections to what we want. We also make plans and put our trust in them, hoping they’ll succeed. But they disappoint us.
The greatest disappointment, thought, is when we look up to someone, whether directly or indirectly, and they fail to meet our expectations.
Well the bible guides that our help should really come from the Lord, the hills won’t help. The bible says that the earth is God’s footstool, so even the highest mountain to us, for Him could be but just a hill….and hills don’t help us, they only disappoint us.
Stacy Orrico sang a song that I really like. Here’s a bit of it:-
“Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection
Don't look at me I will only let you down
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
But don't look at me
No, no, no
Don't look at me, look at Him
It's understandable to want a hero
But people can't meet all your expectations
Still some can teach you things about the love He brings
Just know the source of life is in the Savior
I'll lead you to the One I found
He'll give you everything you need
Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection
Don't look at me I will only let you down
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
But don't look at me
No, no, no
Don't look at me, look at Him
He's the One who lived a perfect life
He's the One who always gets it right
He's the One and only guiding light, Ohh, yeah
He is everything you want to be
He's the answer to your every need
If you follow Him then you will see He's like no other
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh yeah
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
But don't look at me
No, no, no
Don't look at me
Oh, don’t look at me
I'll only let you down
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
no no no no no oh oh look at Him
yeah, yeah”
As we continue to experience God’s love towards us, even through other people, please let’s remember that God alone is our source, and everything else and everyone else is just but a resource.
Let’s keep praying for the services in which we lead praise and worship, as well as remember each other in the various issues we each are dealing with.
Have a blessed weekend, and do remember our Worship Teams’ Seminar on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Peace out,
Anngladys.
You are special...
A couple of Sunday's ago, we looked at this topic extensively, therefore here we'll just have a summary.
You are special, important, unconditionally and totally loved, and you cannot be replaced.
It would therefore be good to honor yourself and choose wisely where you put your talents, so that it doesn't interfere with what others are doing (God is a God of order), and also so as to honor the authority God has placed over us.
Dear Beracans, you may add to this, and comment also...this is OUR PLACE to do this.
Blessed day!
You are special, important, unconditionally and totally loved, and you cannot be replaced.
It would therefore be good to honor yourself and choose wisely where you put your talents, so that it doesn't interfere with what others are doing (God is a God of order), and also so as to honor the authority God has placed over us.
Dear Beracans, you may add to this, and comment also...this is OUR PLACE to do this.
Blessed day!
What really is love?
Yeah, what really is love? Is it being in a relationship and hoping to get married and live happily forever after? Is it the feeling you get when someone does something really great for you, makes your dream come true, and you feel that they really do love you? As we continue praying for those of us who are in relationships, the upcoming Sunday Service in which we are leading during first service, and the very soon-coming Super Soul Sunday…let’s think about this awhile.
So, what really is love? Does God love us? Do we love God? The question I really wanted to ask was, what really is prayer?? Because we have often times been told that prayer is communicating with God, but what really does that mean? Having a relationship with Him…that’s getting closer…but what really is love, prayer?
I would imagine that if prayer were communication with God, then both God and man should be able to express their deepest feelings, thoughts, fantasies, dreams, and for man, include anxieties there.
This mostly happens with us…we tell God all our dreams, thoughts, needs, everything we need. And then at a moment of excitement and exhilaration, we shout our praises to Him and express our deepest gratitude for something He has done, a miracle He has done in our lives. Great.
But then there’s side two to this whole scenario. We normally express ourselves to God, yes, and He answers us, and we thank Him. So far so good. Can we really say that we listen to God when He expresses Himself to us? No, I don’t mean when He answers our prayers…I mean, when He tells us what is in HIS heart. Do we listen to Him? Do we honor His wishes? Do we do what He says? Do we try to fulfill His wishes…do we really hear what He is saying to us from the bottom of His heart?
You know, one of the best things Jesus did for us was to die on our behalf, so we wouldn’t have to be punished for our many many wicked and horrible sins. That, is LOVE. But mostly, we look at salvation as a chance to go for some shopping…and ask for all the things we think would make us happy. Let’s see, what kind of a response is that, to someone who has just taken away our pain….and He is there, on the cross, bleeding, sighing, dying…telling you, “Child, I love you.” At that point in time, is it when to ask for that raise, that new job, ….or is a better response to say “Jesus, I love you too. I choose to devote my life to serve you…you have given your all for me, and I want to give my all for you too…”
In Your Name I pray,
Amen.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
St. Elizabeth, Karen, WOW!
Wow!
That's how to first describe the mission that we had on Sunday, 24th May 2009.
We had a great time serving God at St. Elizabeth, Karen, a school which houses students all the way from grade school up until Form 6. (A-levels).
We arrived some time in the afternoon, and then spent some time listening to the girls' wonderful presentations. Boy are they talented or what?
Then we introduced ourselves after the Christian Union Patron gave us the chance to take over. We led in Praise and Worship, and we all enjoyed worshipping God. We then ministered to the girls with one song.
The preacher then preached, and we all listened....
We later prayed for many many girls for various needs that they had, and ten girls came to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! All glory to God!!
We counselled with them a bit before our time to go. It was indeed a blessing being there...I don't know who was more blessed, us or them.
We look forward to continue serving God wherever He calls and leads us.
Cheers y'all,
and tonnes of blessings.
That's how to first describe the mission that we had on Sunday, 24th May 2009.
We had a great time serving God at St. Elizabeth, Karen, a school which houses students all the way from grade school up until Form 6. (A-levels).
We arrived some time in the afternoon, and then spent some time listening to the girls' wonderful presentations. Boy are they talented or what?
Then we introduced ourselves after the Christian Union Patron gave us the chance to take over. We led in Praise and Worship, and we all enjoyed worshipping God. We then ministered to the girls with one song.
The preacher then preached, and we all listened....
We later prayed for many many girls for various needs that they had, and ten girls came to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! All glory to God!!
We counselled with them a bit before our time to go. It was indeed a blessing being there...I don't know who was more blessed, us or them.
We look forward to continue serving God wherever He calls and leads us.
Cheers y'all,
and tonnes of blessings.
Monday, May 11, 2009
More than I asked for...
Dear Beracans,
Hi. I hope that the past two weeks have been okay for you, and that you are continuing to grow in the faith. My utmost desire is that each of us would form and enjoy a personal, intimate relationship with God. It’s one of the most beautiful things in life, the very essence of life.
This time around I’d like us to look at some Benefits of Prayer, benefits that we can actually enjoy in our daily lives. I’d like to look at two benefits today. The first one is PEACE. When we give our concerns to God, we have a shift of burdens, and God carries our burdens and we do not carry them any more. We have to trust Him, though, and not take them up again after praying. The second benefit we enjoy, is that, after we trust God to do something, He goes ahead and gives us not only the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4), but also OVER AND ABOVE WHAT WE SEEK (Isa. 55:8-11).
Sometimes this sounds like cliché, but I think it helps when we have an example that we can identify with. So I’ll give an example from my life. I prayed to God about having a job, something that I would enjoy doing, something that would use my talents, and make me know that I am serving God’s purpose in my life. After a couple of disappointments earlier on, I had prayed to God that my next job would need me and find me, that I wouldn’t go through the process of “tarmacking” only to be fired or to lose my job for whatever reason. Now, that was a big challenge, because, if it was my desire that my job finds me, then I had to wait patiently for that to happen. Given that condition, the best way I could show my trust in God would be to wait. If I chose to go out and “hassle” for a post, then that would go against the desire of my heart to have my job “find” me. And then, I could also not truly say that my job found me, if I went looking for it. So my best option obviously, was to wait.
I must admit that waiting isn’t easy, because you want to see results; you want to prove that your salvation is “real” and that it “works”, etc. but I chose to wait. I knew that there was nothing I could do to answer my own prayer. I prayed to God, and I left it with Him. Now it was up to Him to prove His word (By experience you will see that the Lord is good; happy is the man who has faith in him, Psalm 34:8 Bible in Basic English). Whenever I tried to think about my options, I got stressed out. But when I decided to let God do His thing in His own way and in His own time, I felt indescribable PEACE flood my life. Well, God did answer my prayer, and in a SURPRISING WAY too. I love being near my home. Soon after my total surrender, someone came asking me to join where I’m at now. Talk about surprises. My job found me, and also, it was a great deal – I now enjoy my serving God with my talents knowing that I am living God’s purpose for my life. And the icing on the cake – although I had not directly prayed for this, but it was always in my heart, my working place is NEAR MY HOME!
That for me is very special. It encourages me to trust God more and more with even the details of my life. I want to serve Him with my entire being. And surrender all of my needs to Him - always.
Here are a couple of things to pray about these two weeks.
a) Events: 2nd service on Sunday 24th May this year (we’re leading), and Super-soul Sunday.
b) Growth: spiritual (intimate relationship with God), as a team (unity, love, care for one another), musical (skill)
c) Relationships: Ernest, Mary, and upcoming ones. Pray for holiness, grace and wisdom.
d) Our country: leadership, food, security.
e) Kawira: I got a message this morning (Monday) that she’s unwell.
I will be updating you soon on the Beracah blog, as well as a day that we shall fast and then meet to pray.
I wish each one of you a special week full of God’s favor. May you experience the benefits of prayer.
In Christ’s service,
Anngladys.
Hi. I hope that the past two weeks have been okay for you, and that you are continuing to grow in the faith. My utmost desire is that each of us would form and enjoy a personal, intimate relationship with God. It’s one of the most beautiful things in life, the very essence of life.
This time around I’d like us to look at some Benefits of Prayer, benefits that we can actually enjoy in our daily lives. I’d like to look at two benefits today. The first one is PEACE. When we give our concerns to God, we have a shift of burdens, and God carries our burdens and we do not carry them any more. We have to trust Him, though, and not take them up again after praying. The second benefit we enjoy, is that, after we trust God to do something, He goes ahead and gives us not only the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4), but also OVER AND ABOVE WHAT WE SEEK (Isa. 55:8-11).
Sometimes this sounds like cliché, but I think it helps when we have an example that we can identify with. So I’ll give an example from my life. I prayed to God about having a job, something that I would enjoy doing, something that would use my talents, and make me know that I am serving God’s purpose in my life. After a couple of disappointments earlier on, I had prayed to God that my next job would need me and find me, that I wouldn’t go through the process of “tarmacking” only to be fired or to lose my job for whatever reason. Now, that was a big challenge, because, if it was my desire that my job finds me, then I had to wait patiently for that to happen. Given that condition, the best way I could show my trust in God would be to wait. If I chose to go out and “hassle” for a post, then that would go against the desire of my heart to have my job “find” me. And then, I could also not truly say that my job found me, if I went looking for it. So my best option obviously, was to wait.
I must admit that waiting isn’t easy, because you want to see results; you want to prove that your salvation is “real” and that it “works”, etc. but I chose to wait. I knew that there was nothing I could do to answer my own prayer. I prayed to God, and I left it with Him. Now it was up to Him to prove His word (By experience you will see that the Lord is good; happy is the man who has faith in him, Psalm 34:8 Bible in Basic English). Whenever I tried to think about my options, I got stressed out. But when I decided to let God do His thing in His own way and in His own time, I felt indescribable PEACE flood my life. Well, God did answer my prayer, and in a SURPRISING WAY too. I love being near my home. Soon after my total surrender, someone came asking me to join where I’m at now. Talk about surprises. My job found me, and also, it was a great deal – I now enjoy my serving God with my talents knowing that I am living God’s purpose for my life. And the icing on the cake – although I had not directly prayed for this, but it was always in my heart, my working place is NEAR MY HOME!
That for me is very special. It encourages me to trust God more and more with even the details of my life. I want to serve Him with my entire being. And surrender all of my needs to Him - always.
Here are a couple of things to pray about these two weeks.
a) Events: 2nd service on Sunday 24th May this year (we’re leading), and Super-soul Sunday.
b) Growth: spiritual (intimate relationship with God), as a team (unity, love, care for one another), musical (skill)
c) Relationships: Ernest, Mary, and upcoming ones. Pray for holiness, grace and wisdom.
d) Our country: leadership, food, security.
e) Kawira: I got a message this morning (Monday) that she’s unwell.
I will be updating you soon on the Beracah blog, as well as a day that we shall fast and then meet to pray.
I wish each one of you a special week full of God’s favor. May you experience the benefits of prayer.
In Christ’s service,
Anngladys.
Dear Beracans...
Dear Beracans,(really, this should be hi to all readers of this blog)
Hi. Hope your week has began well.
You know, God says we can do anything and be anything (Phil 4:13). But there are conditions for us to fulfill such as reading, observing and continually meditating on His word (Ps. 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9). He will usually bring the opportunities to us, but it’s up to us to seize them. He won’t force us or make us do it. We have to be proactive and take initiative.
But how can we be sure it’s God’s will? By having an intimate trust relationship with God, (I Kings 19:11-12), so that we already know how He speaks to us. It could be by giving you passion about something (Acts 18:5), or a peace beyond your comprehension (I Cor 14:33), or making your dreams possible by giving you open doors (Esther 7). Whichever your particular case may be, the best way to know is from God Himself, seeing as the devil also has great signs and wonders, although those are meant to lead us away from God.
So what’s the challenge for this fortnight? To develop a personal intimate trust relationship with God so we can know for sure His was and leadings. (Isa. 30:21 – and you will hear a voice behind your ears saying, this is the way, walk ye in it.)
Prayer items for this fortnight:
· Thank God for Youth Sunday, Music Rally, and those in relationships
· Pray for Super Soul Sunday, those in relationships to stand, salvation of our family members and peace & God’s reign in our country.
My prayer for us this fortnight is that we would be totally covered by the blood of Jesus, encompassed by God’s consuming fire, hidden under His wings in a warm, loving and comforting embrace, safe, secure and rested enough to be passionately confident about His will in our lives.
In Christ’s love,
Anngladys.
Hi. Hope your week has began well.
You know, God says we can do anything and be anything (Phil 4:13). But there are conditions for us to fulfill such as reading, observing and continually meditating on His word (Ps. 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9). He will usually bring the opportunities to us, but it’s up to us to seize them. He won’t force us or make us do it. We have to be proactive and take initiative.
But how can we be sure it’s God’s will? By having an intimate trust relationship with God, (I Kings 19:11-12), so that we already know how He speaks to us. It could be by giving you passion about something (Acts 18:5), or a peace beyond your comprehension (I Cor 14:33), or making your dreams possible by giving you open doors (Esther 7). Whichever your particular case may be, the best way to know is from God Himself, seeing as the devil also has great signs and wonders, although those are meant to lead us away from God.
So what’s the challenge for this fortnight? To develop a personal intimate trust relationship with God so we can know for sure His was and leadings. (Isa. 30:21 – and you will hear a voice behind your ears saying, this is the way, walk ye in it.)
Prayer items for this fortnight:
· Thank God for Youth Sunday, Music Rally, and those in relationships
· Pray for Super Soul Sunday, those in relationships to stand, salvation of our family members and peace & God’s reign in our country.
My prayer for us this fortnight is that we would be totally covered by the blood of Jesus, encompassed by God’s consuming fire, hidden under His wings in a warm, loving and comforting embrace, safe, secure and rested enough to be passionately confident about His will in our lives.
In Christ’s love,
Anngladys.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Berach Worship Team
Hello World...!
This is the homeblog of Beracah Worship Team, a worship team of Christian Church International, Thika. It is comprised mainly of young people in their youth, and hopefully you shall get to meet and interact with them right here.
As for us Beracans,....hi!! Yes, Beracah and Raised to Praise are one big happy family....and we can all contribute and comment on this blog. Go right on ahead, friends!!
More later.
Blessings,
Anngladys.
This is the homeblog of Beracah Worship Team, a worship team of Christian Church International, Thika. It is comprised mainly of young people in their youth, and hopefully you shall get to meet and interact with them right here.
As for us Beracans,....hi!! Yes, Beracah and Raised to Praise are one big happy family....and we can all contribute and comment on this blog. Go right on ahead, friends!!
More later.
Blessings,
Anngladys.
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