Coming to a close, just barely 10 hours to Jan 1, 2006. But in looking back to 2005, there are just so many things that we should reflect on, and thank Him for. That's because without Him, life would have no meaning, and we may not even be here today.

The 365 days in the year has indeed made me who I am today. I am reminded of some very eventful things that has happened, which is not very normal because I tend to be very forgetful. But it's good to always thank Him for the grace and wonderful life He has given, and not forget the life He has blessed.

Every year, we always write resolutions and the things we want to achieve in the new year. We did one in the cell group early this year, but I am not sure how many of us actually followed through to achieving everything we wrote early this year. Those that we have placed as a desire to achieve this year, some of us may have forgotten, or slacked. But there are those who started well, and want to end well, by giving God their best.

2005 indeed is an awesome year. In it, we see God move to touch the many people around us. Every year, we see so many things happening. The different things that took place, happened under God's permission, if not directly under the perfect will of God.

The church began 2005 with the theme "Year of Restoration - Heart to God, Hands to Serve". The year was separated in 4 different focus - "Restoration in Prayer - Q1", "Restoration in the Work of the Holy Spirit - Q2", "Restoration in the Purity of Relationships - Q3" and "Restoration in Missions - Q4". In each quarter, it was exciting to see the many initiatives to developing the passion for God, be it in the things of the Spirit or things surrounding the physical realm.

It is also testimony to see that the church I worship in, has grown in number. The sanctuary that is newly constructed, with a seating capacity of 600 people, now has more room for growth. Now we are responsible to bring in the harvest in 2006.

There are many things, just so many of them. Reading some of the things that I wrote about in this blog site reminds me of God's amazing faithfulness to me, and how's He's led me so far.

As we begin the new year, I really sense the Father heart of God to reach His children. I shared this with my cell group, and below is the short article I wrote last night.

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Pursuing God’s Mission for 2006

Every year brings new things to look for, new opportunities and challenges that seek to bring out the best in us. Many of us have only touched the threshold of God’s greater call, because many of us are just starting out in the marketplace or the ministries’ localities. Whatever we are doing, there are still many things to learn and acquire, from the people around us, from the circumstances we face, and from the responsibilities we all carry.

In these days, it is becoming more and more apparent that God’s desire is for us to reach people for Him. Many messages are preached about being marketplace or ministry impact bearers, and carrying the torch where the Gospel is to be lit. Many are sensing that the time is drawing closer to fulfill more for God in the harvest fields and being His workers in wherever we are placed.

If you haven’t felt the burden for souls, it is time you start praying for this burden. Pray that God would grant you compassion for souls, people of different races and skin-colour, language and tongue. Because this is now, God raising a generation of people who would passionately go for Him. Die to our pride, humble enough to reach more for Him.

It is understandable that all of us have plans and targets to achieve something by a certain timeframe, but we must never neglect the Great Commission. God is commanding that we start discipling people in the Lord, to bring people to a new level of intimacy with Him. And this should continue to sweep through the church, a mighty revival for souls for the Kingdom.

We must be obedient to His voice. We must incline our ear to His call right now. This is the time to be an impact to our circle of influence. This is the time to embrace the challenge of rising to the need to fulfill the desire of God, to witness to those who need the good news.

I have learnt that with God, nothing is impossible. Everything you ask for, in His name, in accordance to His will, He will help you achieve it. You just need to be sensitive to Him, available enough to receive from Him, and humble enough to share without knowing any limitations to the power of the Gospel. If we are faithful to obey Him in this, He will always be there to grant us the resources to make successful the efforts. All we have to do is to listen, and obey.

Several keys to knowing that witnessing in the power of God can prove effective in missions:

1.                  Wait for the promise, and He will give you power to be His witnesses into the ends of the world…

2.                  The Holy Spirit’s anointing is available to all who ask, because to him who asks, God will grant…

3.                  The Holy Spirit is the One who converts, not us. We are just vessels to share the good news to the listening one…

4.                  God loves to show His ways to His people, He wants to be part of our ministry. In reaching out, believe that the Gospel you share is the good news. The Bible is not just history; it is the good news of God’s love and salvation. As you share the Word (good news), things happen. History is the past, but God is alive now!

5.                  Don’t force your way through. Sometimes the best way to win someone is to let loose your word stance. Actions speak louder than words, so let the Spirit guide you in your actions, they have to be consistent with your message.

6.                  Take every given opportunity to share. The Spirit is present wherever you share the Gospel. Speak the message, and let God empower the message to pierce the listening heart.

7.                  The heaven rejoices when even one soul is saved. Know that you have the cheer of heaven when you witness, and share the good news.

The Spirit wants to use each and every one of us. All we have to do is yield ourselves totally to Him, and be His vessels. Being vessels to flow His power and glory, His benevolent grace to empower us for the work of ministry.

This is the time, now! You can be a blessing, you can be a history maker, and you can be a world changer. Like in Esther, the people were doomed to face destruction and a massacre, and time was running out. And Esther was charged to respond to the situation, knowing that she has been appointed to be in the Kingdom for such a time as this. As we know, she was responsible to appeal to the king, and averted the destruction of a nation. The peoples were saved, because she responded to the call.

Now you can be like Esther! You can rise to this occasion, of answering the call of missions, because who knows you have been appointed to be where you are, talking to the people you mingle with, or stuck in a certain situation, all because God has placed you there for such a time so perfect to share the good news?

Let us all be servants and workers in the harvest field. The field right now is white unto harvest; let us arise and reap them to the Kingdom. God will continue to help us, as we surrender to Him.

Father, we thank You for Your word unto us. We pray that we will be faithful to share Your good news, that the peoples will see that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour. May we always stand to bear Your name in all we do, and we ask Your favour, and grace to boldly share the word. And we pray, let the peoples be saved. We thank You Lord, You are worthy of praise, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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Thank You Lord, for a wonderful 2005! We ask You again, let 2006 be a year for You!