In Christ alone my hope is found

God has often ministered to me through songs. There was a season more than a year ago which I could recall the Spirit spoke to me His words of guidance through the lyrics of songs and there was particularly a unique experience when He spoke to me through a secular song, "Wind of Change" by Scorpion :)

I stepped into a Christian bookstore not too long ago and not long after hanging around in the bookstore, the song "In Christ alone, my hope is found" was played. Instantly, my spirit somehow picked up that God was speaking to me even though it was the first time I heard the song. After searching for the lyrics from the Internet, it was interesting to note that the lyrics was penned by Newsboys, a Christian band I used to listen during my teen years.



In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Whilst pondering on the lyrics and allowing the Spirit of God to minister to me through this song, my mind was brought to remember another occasion when God ministered to me very strongly through a Vineyard song (lyrics below) in a church service many years ago and I noted the similar message of God being our only hope.

Faithful One, so unchanging
Ageless One, You're my Rock of Peace
Lord of all I depend on You
I call out to You, again and again
I call out to You, again and again

You are my Rock in times of trouble
You lift me up when I fall down
All through the storm
Your love is, the anchor
My hope is in You alone

Be blessed and encouraged by the lyrics of the songs above. Amen.

Scripture for meditation
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
(Psalm 37:23-24)

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Dawn of a new season

It has been over 20 days since we have stepped into a new decade (and could it be the last decade before the return of our Bridegroom?). Well, I believe it's not just a new decade in the natural sense but I believe a new season for all Christ's followers alike. In fact, at sundown on September 18, 2009 we have entered the New Year of 5770 on the Jewish calendar: a Season of AYIN (His eye will guide).



Just as Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for everything, there is a (kairos) time and season for the things of God in our lives and the world we live in. In Proverbs 25:2, we are told that, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter." It is a privilege to come before God at the end of every calendar year (or the Jewish calendar if the Lord leads you) and to seek His direction and purpose for the new year. It is a time of reflection, repentance and renewal before the Presence of the Almighty God. Recently, I heard an encouraging testimony of a servant of God who would empty his bank account (by giving to missions) every year (a practice for many years since entering ministry) and start the new year afresh with "nil" in the bank account, trusting in the goodness of the Lord to provide. How refreshing indeed!

What does this new season hold for us as His bride?
God has been kind to speak to me personal words of comfort, words of direction and words of rebuke as I enter this new season (not just the new year). I strongly believe that God's plan and purposes are not just limited to a period of one calendar year but a spiritual season which could extend to years beyond the initial calendar year.

I would like to share briefly on what I received from the quiet reflections before Him. I believe our God is speaking to His bride that we are entering into a season of increase. Yes, a season of INCREASE! An increase in every sense of the word. Firstly, there will be an increase of darkness in the world system we live in. And at the same time, there is also an increase of His light and glory. Many would hope that the economic climate would turn for the better in this coming year. And people everywhere are crying out for peace and more peace in this tumultuous world. In the parable of wheat and tares that Jesus spoke in Matthew 13:24-30 that the owner of the field declared, "Let both (the wheat and the tares) grow together until the harvest!". The increase of the works of darkness will increase in the coming days in all shapes and forms. And all glory to God! The Kingdom of our God shall also increase in our midst in the coming days!

How do I position myself in this new season?
On a personal level, we should rightly position ourselves to experience the increase of His glory in our lives. May our loving Saviour speak to our hearts as we meditate on the following quickened verses for this new season. Amen.

1. 2 Chronicles 16:9a - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Meditation: - God is weighing the hearts of His people for He looks into the heart of His people and He acts accordingly. In the days of Noah, it was recorded that "every intent of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil continually.." (Genesis 6:5) which led to the destruction of man and his surroundings. In this period of His grace, may we continue to allow His holy fire to cleanse and purge our hearts. Repentance and forsaking our former ways will allow the Holy Spirit to mold us into people after the heart of God.

2. John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (Read John 15:1-17)

Meditation: - Increase and fruitfulness comes only from our abiding in the Vine and He abiding in us. Unbroken communion and fellowship day and night will lead into divine encounters with God. May we cry out to our God that His bride would appropriate the inheritance of walking in intimacy with her Bridegroom daily.

3. Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Meditation: - This shall be the pattern of our lives for this new season. It will be cycles of waiting on God and receiving strength and direction for each successive phase. This will be the protection from stepping out from His perfect will and ending up in unnecessary hazards of disobedience, sin, rebellion and burnouts.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace in this new season.



Links to other Prophetic Words 2010: -
2010 Prophetic Words Compilation 1

2010 Prophetic Words Compilation 2

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