WORSHIP GOD AS GOD..NOT BECAUSE...

 WORSHIP GOD AS GOD..NOT BECAUSE...

Habakkuk 3:17-19

New King James Version (NKJV)
A Hymn of Faith


17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.


19 The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Worship God not because you want to use Him to get stuff..how offensive we've become as man trying to play God oftentimes. Worship Him..because He is God and you are man..only when we acknowledge God..then we'd know how to be ourselves.

I NEVER KNEW YOU AND RAPTURE

I Never Knew You

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Mt 7:21-23)

Do you know that we are so near to the end and so near to Jesus coming back?

When ? we have to look at the signs and not just that trust that Jesus will save us at the right moment...His moment. Its not just about pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or post-tribulation, I believe because He loved us and we walk in His love, He will save us from it all.

However not all will make it. As you see in the scripture above, it shook me as we all grew-up with the wham bam of the Charismatic movements. The slaying of the Holy Spirit, miracles, gifts etc..but yet Jesus declares against them "depart from me, you who practice lawlessness !". Who are these to depart from Jesus ?

The KEY WORD or words are I never "KNEW" you. Its not just how much you know Him because that's subjective and inconclusive. The word knew or know is a knowing in the Spirit. ..Deep calls unto deep (Psalms 42:7). Remember John 4, tells us that God is spirit, those that worship Him, must do so in spirit and in truth. Romans 8:1 delivers us from the law of the old to the law of the Spirit...which brings for life.

Finally are the 10 virgins. 5 had oil, 5 had none. Oil represent the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Remember the tabernacle of moses and the golden lampstand...7 bulbs with wicks in them to burn. Without oil, no fuel to burn. Also in the Tabernacle...on the right side is the Table of Shewbread--the Word (truth) and on the right is the Golden lampstand..the Holy Spirit..and right in front is the altar of incense - Worship. When we stand before the Holy of Holies and the mercy seat, we stand in worship...with the Word as our guide and guard. The Holy Spirit has our anointing and empowerment.

We cannot just know God..He needs to see us in His Kingdom. That's how He knows us. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit that quickens truth in us and guides us in.Jesus did say...one needs to be born of water (repentance)...have you truely turn away from the world to live God's way?..and one needs to be born of the spirit (baptism of the Holy Spirit)..where one has decided..Holy Spirit take control of my life !

Remember God is Spirit and if you want to relate to Him and for Him to know you, its in the Spirit - deep calls unto deep.

You see our breakthrough is not just in reading the Word of God which is important..but the Word of God reveals Jesus to us..Our breakthrough is not just in being able to speak in tongues...the true breakthrough comes when the Word and the Holy Spirit guides us back into true fellowship with ABBA !

So its in prayer we breakthrough. You see why many people don't breakthrough in their lives ?..because they pray and war in the flesh not in the Spirit. They are not sure if to live for God or self...Why do people struggle with temptations and sin even after saying the sinners prayer ? Because they have not died to self yet. Jesus saved us and to the law we died..but we are alive to God in the Spirit. 

So how do we walk with God ? REST ! Learn to Rest in Him. Trust Him. Then when you trust Him, and more importantly...HE TRUSTS YOU ...He will lead you step by step into His plan for you. All this flows out of that relationship with you..or should I say FELLOWSHIP.

Without relationship, what you do is not of God..when you run into trouble..God will say..its not what He asked you to do..but because of His mercy..He saves you and brings you back ...AGAIN ! haiz !

Learn to listen..then we'd stop running ahead into walls.

Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord (Zech 4:6)

So keep praying in the Spirit and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

AND OF COURSE...DO.

THE NEW SANCTUARY (Part 3)

THE NEW SANCTUARY (PART 3)

THE NUMBER 5 

(6/3/14)

Honestly it did not even occur to me that the number 5 becomes so significant to us at Word of Life Church. It was only this morning that as I was finding out what date is the first service in April in the new sanctuary would be..then it hit me..5/4/14. 

It was God's move that made us switch our Sunday service to a Saturday 5 PM service. Who knew God would use number 5 as a marker of His grace ! How to reach 7?..when God leads us further in His will and way. Word of Life is to be an altar of prayer here for all nations.

It was lastyear, God spoke to me that we must not look at the natural and think spiritual things cannot be done. Spiritual things are overcomed in the spirit thru faith. It was the story of David and Goliath..the 5 rocks he had when he faced Goliath and all his brothers. God will pour His grace upon us to over come as we journey with Him in His will.

Someone asked me when do we need to have everything done..don't know why then..but I insisted by April before Easter. He asked..can it be done?..I said yes and that was when the tenancy has yet to be signed, and renovations has not even begun. I'm writing this in believe in God's ability not mine. I don't know anything..nor am smart enough to tell God what to do..I rather God be God not me. I don't want to build a Church that offends Him continually. So many ministries today tell God how to do stuff, how to make things happen..WHo is God? JEsuslah..not you and not me.

One thing is forsure..many are affected by their surrounding and situations. For me and my wife, God has taught us that doesn't matter the circumstances and situations..YOU, Edwin..worship me first and through it all. God is building quality to house the quantity.

So there...our first service at the newly prepared sanctuary, the dedication service will be on the 5th of April 2014,   at Number 5 & 5A, Jalan Indah 8/13, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru. Our service time is 5PM.---5 5 5---GOD'S GRACE...Indeed is the year of God's amazing grace!

CHECK OUT PART 1 HERE.

Stay Blessed

Luv

Edwin Koh Boon Leng

6/3/14

THE NEW SANCTUARY (PART 2)

THE NEW SANCTUARY (PART 2)

THE AGREEMENT  

I've never felt so battered and bruised so much and so frequently. Not sure if it was passions overflowing but I knew in taking this new facility up, the enemy just does not like it. Its not about the facility alone...cos buildings alone does not please God..its the people in the building that when respond to God in praise and faith, that is what pleases God. 

For some of my leaders, this was a 1 year try out. If it fails we go back upwards. For me, however its not a 1 year try out and certainly God won't fail. We will fail if we respond not in faith..At the end of the day, we are not God...only God is God..Only He knows what He wants us to have this new facility when our population size is not mega. So I felt we should not approach this by using our wisdom, our methods, our programs. But we give God space to work ! Let God be God..we learn from Him to be man ! That's why whenever we come to God we Praise, Worship and Pray..why?..it reminds us who HE IS..and how frail and weak we are without HIM !

How dare we tell God how He should do things and when to do it...No wonder many give-up because they think God is their foreign maid to serve them at every whim and fancy.

God has certainly given to the Church the means to carry out all He needs to do through us..All we need to do is walk with Him and seek His purpose and not our agendas. 

God spoke to me one thing and I am thankful for the leaders around us..He said they are there to help us and protect us from harm. And we need to have faith...FAITH WORKS !

So amazingly, time came to search for a contractor. God put in my mind our brother in Christ called Frankie Chan. But I did not say anything. God then told my wife about this contractor. I knew this is the one God wants. The day God reminded us of him, we had no means to contact him. Thank God though for facebook !!! Found him!!! The day Frankie responded to us, he just came back from oversea trip !!! See How God WORKS !

and then the Sound System. God reminded me of Gecko Audio Technologies and my dear brother Daniel Foo in Malacca. I was wondering if he is expensive?..But my conversations with him has never been tiring but inspiring indeed. He is offering us a very special subsidised offer that when I heard it ..I was pleasantly surprised. He is wanting to equip our new sanctuary with the best simple system at a cost to him and an offer to us. WOW !

Praise God !!!

Best thing of all I ask God is for souls ! I am praying for 100 families this year and to breakthrough to 30 over by end of March.. The best confirmation we are doing the right thing and WOL is effective in God's kingdom is growth !..2 New families may be joining us this weekend as we speak !

This story is developing as we speak. I will share more in the following postings ..and surely photos too.

CHECK OUT PART 3 HERE.

All Glory To JESUS

God Bless

6/3/14

Edwin Koh Boon Leng.

THE NEW SANCTUARY (Part 1)

The New Sanctuary (Part 1)

THE BEGINNING

4 years now, God had told us that the entire number 5 (where our Church is) will be in the hands of the Church. Its a matter or timing and preparations. This will be my attempt to document and record every testimony and story to inspire you too as you dream God's dreams for you.

It took me awhile to calm my excitement as I knew in my spirit what God wants to do. The thing with God is , He works in His timing and not ours. It was early 2013, that God begin to get me excited again about it. It started with a prompting and a dream and the financial blessing that came so wonderfully.

However after sharing God's leading and word to me, a few of my precious leaders felt they were not ready. God then spoke to me about David and Goliath. Saul and the might men of Israel had weapons but could not face Goliath. David had nothing but a slingshot and 5 stones..in the might of God overcame Goliath. God would not use what we know or how we know stuff..He will take down Goliaths for us, He just likes us to be part of the process that's all while He does the hardwork and all of it. So I decided to wait on God further. The number 5 is so powerful as today writing this blog, that number speaks of what this year is for us..God's Amazing Grace. With God's empowerment,we will walk through and overcome.

Sometimes God allows us to become uncomfortable only then we cry out for change. It was end of 2013 and much into the early parts of 2014, the tenant below us started setting up his cooking stations right at our door. Even his dustbins were outside our door. So we started praying for God to deliver us from this. Initially, I got angry but I felt NO..respond in kindness. So I told the tenant below us..when we are not around its ok. But late February, we receive call from our landlord, telling us the unit below us is available...he would like us to have it. He had it with all the other tenants. Hilariously, at the last minute the tenant told the landlord, he wanted to continue. I was like don't know to laugh or what. But prayed, and God just told me ..within a week we will have it. One of my key people concurred with this leading too.

So after discussion with my leaders...I was stunned..THEY who were not ready were the ones wanting to take it. Amazing how God changed the heart of people ..Its all about timing..His Timing..not mine.This time I was not eager..I tot lets fill up the space we have first.

But after prayer, God spoke to me 3 times. 

1. The video at cell group - God said to me He spoke to me before (referring to a dream in 2013) I did not understand..but now also I do not understand but must obey.

2. This is to get us out of our comfort zones.

3. For the harvest that is rushing in.

Two sisters shared two other points of view...

1. Visibility and advertisement year....when I prayed about this ..God developed this even more. Visibility is not for man to be seen. Because when man is seen in God's space, he becomes open to attacks and he robs God's glory. I realised no wonder we see so many Christian leaders falling in our generation or in courts. We must never exalt man but God always. However, God also revealed to me that fear keeps us inside and unseen or unheard. Sometimes we can be so intimidated by our surroundings that we dare not step-up and preach the gospel...Visibility is more than advertisement ..its about preaching God's word and seeing souls saved for His glory !

2. The Battle belongs to the Lord - This precious aunty shared so passionately what God spoke to her. That if God wants us to have it..we just obey no need to question this and that. 

Now the dream that God gave me in 2013..He reminded me of it again here.

In that dream, God showed me one of our neighbors who runs an economy rice stall next to us was closing down. He said its time to cook for myself. I did not understand it. After cooking for myself, I walked back to our church. Funnily I did not walk upstairs but went to the ground floor unit. And the hall was packed from the front to the back with people worshipping God. I saw no children..so I knew they were upstairs. 

God in this dream was reminding me to be ready and expectant.

Another time God spoke was on Saturday (1/3/14) while I was praying in the service. God just showed me and put in my mouth to say the river of God that flows is now flowing downwards and into the streets..God again confirm it.

So I know and believe we are moving along with God now.

In the meantime..lets continually draw near to God. He will draw near to us and lift us up.

Greater to Greatest of God is on the way. 

Check out Part 2 HERE...

6/3/14
Stay Blessed
Edwin Koh Boon Leng

SO DRY, ARID LAND NEED'S HEALING

SO DRY, ARID LAND NEED'S HEALING

(3/3/14)

Over the past 2-3 months from December in 2013 to now is the beginning of March 2014,

Malaysia has seen strange weather from freakish cold winds to super hot and dry days. The worrying thing is, there has been no rain for so long. I've seen numerous road side fires along the road as grass and plants have withered. Why?

God showed me one thing in my prayers. Drought or physical conditions often times reflect a spiritual condition or spiritual struggle. In 1 King 17:1 as seen below :- 

Elijah Announces a Great Drought

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1)

What is God's reason for this ? You can see it in 1 Kings 18:18-20. Ahab blamed Elijah (or the God of Elijah) for the troubles. But often time, tragedies happened not because of God, but the results of man's actions and rebellion towards God and themselves. When Adam sinned, God in Genesis 3:16-19, what is suppose to be a joy has become a burden. Man will toil and struggle. And when man sinned, the ground becomes accursed. Ground speaks of our foundations and everything that is the basis of all we do. That's why when the husband divorces his wife, or gambles, makes terrible decisions...not only he is troubled but the troubles falls on everyone !
 
Now what is the reason for drought ? 1 Kings 18:18-20 :- 
“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. (1 Kings 18:18)

We read also that Jezebel, Ahab's wife was killing all prophets of God. When you snuffed out prophets of God meaning, no more revelations..not more the breathe of God coming down. And we see in the above verse, the people have turn their backs on the living God and turn to idols. Why? because the word of God has been stopped from flowing into the hearts of man !

Sin (Rom 1:28)is man refusing to acknowledging God as God. Instead man takes his own life into his hands wanting to play god...controlling this and that ...that's why Jezebel is mentioned here...Jezebel is the spirit of control, the spirit of witchraft. Of late we read prominent Christian leaders in courts ...why ? Have we exalted man above God? Celebrated the triumph of man and belittled the works of God?. Or have we been too busy with everything else, we forgotten to seek God's kingdom first?

Lets stop before its too late and seek God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of ourselves and our nation..Lets repent and turn back to the living God for in Him we will always finds a daddy God willing to restore and refresh. He truly satisfies. LORD SEND YOUR HEALING RAIN ON US.

2 Chronicles 7:14 -

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

Regards and blessings upon You..stay blessed

Luv

Edwin Koh Boon Leng - 3/3/14 

THE DAY GOD GAVE US A CAR

The Day God Gave Us A Car And Then ...ANOTHER

It was late in 2012, that we had to return a car loaned to us for 5-6 months. At that time, we were

really struggling like crazy with all kinds of pressures and limitations.However, my wife and I determined in Jesus to never give-up going forward in pioneering Word of Life and going forward in our lives. We never let set-backs and lack of alot of stuff stop us from serving God and helping people. After all our hearts cry to God in our lives is basically to just be a blessing to people. God helped us to be thankful and appreciative in everything through it all. It was not easy and still not but when God moved to give us our own car for free, it was the start of greater things in Him.

Before this we relied on my parent's car and whatever came our way in free rides and public

transport. We learned that it was easier to get to Singapore from our Church then to go down to town. We rode the bus with our boys who often fell asleep in the journey and we wondered how to wake them up as the bus reached the bus stop ! Memories..precious ones.

The Proton Tiara came to us end of 2012. It was late in 2012 that Aunty Cheang, a member of my church asked us if we would like this car. The car belonged to her relative but it was located 300 plus kilometres in Kuala Lumpur. She said if we want it she would do it all up and pay for everything. All we need to do is drive it down. 

Initially I was not excited as this model of car has a bad reputation. But it beats walking. So I prayed and ask Jesus, what He thought about it? and should I take it ? God gave me peace about it. So it was in January 2013, that my wife and I drove the car down to Johor Bahru.

Its been over a year now. That car will always be a important marker in our lives where things improved tremendously for us and in the ministry too. This car reminded me also especially on numerous times when the brakes went to the floor, God was all I have to stop the car !!! LOL...Or the times when I pumped petrol into the gas tank, gas flowed out from everywhere ! ..or the time the car just gave-up on the road LOL...God still wanted us alive ! hahahaha

Its reliability improved over numerous repairs and tender loving care. When taken care off well, it drove nice. When had to do emergency brake, the whole care was shrouded with a smoke screen from the screeching wheel ! Hilarious moments for my wife and kids !. This car however, reminded us of how much God loves us and there are good people like this Aunty still serving Him and caring for others. God did more than just gave us wheels...He helped us to love again.

When it came to part with it recently, God put it in our heart to bless a sister who is also serving Him. I asked God how much should I do to the car for this blessing. God told me to give it as how I would love to receive. So we spared no cost in repairing and making it ready for the next owner. Transfer of ownership, inspections for new ownership costs was borned by us. God also put it in our hearts to give for free ! .

When it was time to drive it up to KL, God gave me a dream of a salmon fish swimming against the currents to return to its birth place. Usually the salmon fish will then lay numerous eggs ...new life before dying. So we knew this car, God is going to use it to bring great blessings to the new owner and much more. In giving God thought us that yes it costs us and painful it was...but the joy of knowing greater good will come out of this was peace in our hearts. 

I tell you, in 2013, God blesses us with another car..without cost to us..A complete blessing !

God Is too GOOD !!!Jesus is too awesome ! If He can do it for us..He can do it for you..JUST BELIEVE !

26/2/14

Luv Edwin Koh Boon Leng

STOP WORRYING ABOUT FINANCES

STOP WORRYING ABOUT FINANCES

Proverbs 10:22-24, (NKJV)
 

22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.

23 To do evil is like sport to a fool,
But a man of understanding has wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him,
And the desire of the righteous will be granted

I used to worry about lack and fear its impending and "expected" visits everytime "money" runs out or everytime payments exceeds income. However, the journey to freedom in this area does not just stem with money issues but anxieties and fears of tomorrow. Face it, we were schooled so that we will be able to get a good job. The wages from that good job will support me, my wife and my kids plus those that need our support.We are taught to fear lack, fear having no food on the table and being bankrupted by the banks. Therefore all of our lives we live to prevent that from happening. Fear keeps us in bondage to the need to survive and stay alive ! ..

How did God lead me to breakthroughs? Well what I can say is ...its not just about having more money but He helped me believe in HIM and rely on Him more than I rely on self or others.

I am pastor and pioneering my own Church and financial freedom is very important to emotional and physical well being. So I need such breakthroughs. Here are some steps that God put me through towards breakthrough...

1. I need to live by faith not fear (Heb 11:1,6). Its the only thing that matters to God..It is that I trust Him and not myself. This eventually broke my reliance on others. Nobody owes me a living and neither do I owe anyone that. You see, if you live on others and on that monthly wage, you become obligated to that person or persons. You eventually develop a slave mentality. You will get a job for the money not a career. What happened to your dreams and God's call on your life ? (Mt 6:33)

2. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 10:17). Faith is not just hearing but believing that all Jesus did on the cross for us is good enough. In Him alone, God provides for us. So when I first started pioneering work, finances was a huge demand on me. I need to feed my family, buy diapers and milk powder above all others things. So I prayed and asked God , should I work part time or something ? The logical thing to do right ?..God told me NO...not once but thrice (3 times). He said my work is His work for me...the Church. God's work for you may differ..what is it ?

3. He then tells me...to "GO FORWARD". You see humanly, when we lack security in this case, money..we rarely go forward in anything less we lose everything.But God showed me that blessings and provisions have a lifespan and seasons. This season's provisions are not for tomorrow. To see and receive all that God has for us tomorrow, we need to GO FORWARD. You do need a job to have income. Whatever you do, focus and be faithful serving God and loving people. Dreamers don't always get the job done. Its doers that do.

4. Money does not solve everything.  Proverbs 13:23 says " much food is in the fallow (shallow) ground of the poor..." Yet why is he still poor ?..It all lies in the word "fallow" or "shallow".Our minds are not renewed. God's creativity juices flows through us when we seek Him for ideas for "works". Sometimes its not you that solves your problem other you solving other people's problems...remember the boy with the 2 fishes and 5 loaves...he had little..but in God's hands it fed thousands that day ! God gave us a brain..so we can think. "NOTHING IS BEYOND SOLVING". Saying that you do still need money unless you living in a world where the only currency of exchange is something else.

5. Know the state of your flocks. That's what God told me. It was a Rhema word..but it mattered as it helped me to begin having good records of my expenditure and incomes. If I know where my expenses are, I can plan and budget. 

6. Tithing and giving. We are mere stewards in Gods kingdom. When God can trust you with little..He can trust you with alot. Tithing helps us to obey. How many struggle with 10%? MANY ! they say they give more than 10% to Church...but all God wants is 10% . Why 10%?Obedience friends. Faithfulness is key in God's kingdom. You see you can dream..but if you have no character you will falter midway. Sometimes all that is left in why we do what we do its because God said so !..not be cause you feel so. Tithing and giving teaches us one thing too...look to the needs of others too. Be kind..be generous...lift someone up this day. Teach them to fish yes..but sometimes they need to eat before they have energy for work.. Giving is God's way..should be ours too.  (1 Cor 8-9). There was a time when I struggled too in tithing. Not because I didn't want to but I could not. So God taught me to pray and ask Him to enable me to tithe. Even tithing does not have to start with big amounts..Remember its your obedience that counts not the amount. So that's how I started with the little I tithe. Giving is the best measure of your character...Check it out on what you do with it when you have little and when you have alot. An influencer knows how to give till it hurts. Giving is spiritual investmenting. God will surely bring it back to you overflowing.

7. Pray your way forward. In 2012, I asked God for a life changing financial breakthrough. Monthly income that is from ministry that I "work" in..God gave it to me in 2013. What are you facing today ? don't ask God for manna..manna is for desert (the arid sand one not the ice cream one)..In the promise land its endless providence and satisfaction. By the way, the salary that comes from your job is usually the one that is used the most. Learn to grow what you've got. Save-up, fixed deposits, shares, investments, property..learn how to make your money work hard for you. All these will give you additional income periodically.

8. Don't get into debt anymore. Debt is sin. Sin is the I wants to play GOd and take control again. Sometimes we spend because our flesh lusts. We don't really need alot to survive. Simplify. No need to live the life of others. You just live yours. If there's anything you need, ask God for it and then wait.  Many people think asking God is trusting..OH NO ! WAITING IS TRUSTING ! ..Nothing is impossible with Daddy God ! Just keep believing people and don't leave God's presence..NOT EVER ! GOd Bless YOU !

25/2/14

(C) Pastor Edwin Koh Boon Leng.