Are you tired, weary, at a loss what to do?

May 18, 2008 at 2:38 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Jesus exhorts us with a famous saying in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

God is omnipresent. He is everywhere. Yet we often do not feel Him or are unconscious of His abiding presence. We are instead caught in the rut of our feelings and our struggles. So, where is God? Is He anywhere near to be found?

As from the days of creation, God calls out to mankind, “Where are you?” Even though Adam and Eve sinned against God, God demonstrated His heart to initiate His loving pursuit. This is God’s heart: He yearns for men to return to the TRUE SOURCE of life; to restore the relationship between God and man.

Despite our sin, God knows our confusion; our loss in direction. He knows our inability to sustain TRUE life apart from His presence. To this end, God devised His plan from the early beginnings of the world to send Jesus as His extension of love to humanity. Through Jesus, God becomes EMMANUEL – God with us – in person, in actual reality.

This Jesus – the Son of Man who walked the earth, tasted every human sorrows, empathized the constraints living in a fallen world - is GOD WITH US. Jesus calls us who are weary and burdened with responsibilities, fear and anxieties to find rest in Him. Yet we are often too focused on our emotional loads and pressures. We come to God in prayer but our focus remains unchanged; still fixated on the burdens. To that, God calls us to COME. The remedy is learning to COME.

“COME to JESUS” carries an inward posture first before a physical outward expression of religious activity.

  • To come means we acknowledge His sovereignty, His ability to transcend our struggles.
  • To come means we become more conscious of His presence rather than the preoccupation of our pain, confusion and frustration.
  • To come means we drop our inadequacy.
  • To come means we stop hiding behind our facades.
  • To come means a willingness to bare our soul, trusting God knows and He understands deeply.
  • To come is to yield to Jesus.
  • It is a surrendering of our control, our fears and expectations.
  • It is a surrendering to His DIVINE PERSONALITY and allowing His PRESENCE to captivate our focus.

When this happens, JESUS imparts HIS PEACE. Though the situation itself may remain unchanged, it doesn’t matter… because we are now found at rest in the EMBRACE of our Saviour. This is when we find true rest from the turmoil within and without.

So, come to JESUS today, as just you are. JUST COME and YIELD to His love and goodness.

Till Heaven fills every home,

Rev Bryan Tan

How do you like my new website?

April 18, 2008 at 2:41 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Hi Friends

So much has happened in the last few months, I felt it was time to update my website to reflect all that God has been doing in my life and ministry!

In the last few months…

  • I have sensed God calling me to pioneer Christian Coaching in Singapore. I believe this will become a significant movement in the days to come. You can read more about it on my Christian coaching website.
  • I have founded a training and coaching consultancy that is extending the reach of my ministry into the marketplace. It is called Life COMPASS Learning Technologies, and through this, I am helping individuals, families and organisations find direction and alignment. You can read more about it on my Life COMPASS website.  

Thank you for visiting. I hope you like this new site, as well as the above two listed above. Do visit often and let me know what you think!

 

The Father Heart of God

March 14, 2008 at 1:51 am | In Practising the Presence of God | Leave a Comment
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About 3 years ago, a friend lent me a book by Floyd McClung Jr. It was on the topic “The Father Heart of God”. Reading the book left me deeply impacted.

Just recently, in the midst of my coaching and preaching engagements, I found myself talking about God our FATHER. Our victories in life only go as far as our concept of who God is and who we are made in Him. If ever we want to draw close to God, we need to have a right concept of who HE IS — as revealed in Scriptures.

Join me today to practice God’s presence by meditating on the Father Heart of God.

John 1:14 tells us the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 tells us that “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.”

To the Jews, God was known as Jehovah God.  To call God “Abba Father” with such simplicity and intimacy is almost blasphemous to the Jews. But when Jesus came, He revealed the personhood of God the Father. Jesus showed how the Father desires to be personally involved with His children. Jesus introduced a fresh understanding of the concept – God as Father.

Your concept of God directly impacts your concept of yourself. And your concept of who you are determines how you live. Many Christians live unfulfilled lives because of an inadequate or flawed understanding of a personal God. (Many times, our experiences (good or bad) with our earthly fathers can cloud our concept of how we view God.) But if you perceive God as cruel, a killjoy or even a distant absentee father, you will never be able to experience a deep satisfying relationship with Him. This way, Christianity is reduced to a set of dos and don’ts.

I invite you to allow God the Father to show you His heart — How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)

God’s love for us is great – it is beyond human limitations. This great love is a stubborn persistent love that will not let us go even when we miss the mark in life. We can make mistakes, fail to reach our goals … but God does not measure our worth according to what we do.

God measures us according to who He has created us to be. His love gives us a 2nd chance in life. His love never gives up on us. In fact, Father God lavished His love on us. He delights to pour out without constraints. He gives His love to you with no strings attached. He invites us to come back to Him as His children.

The Father Heart of God reveals love & intimacy. An intimate relationship with God as our Father is the basis of all life. We were made to love Him and be loved by Him. And without the love of God the Father, this world is cold because of heartaches, broken promises, disappointments, unexpected and unexplainable pains.

But God desires to warm your heart today… but you must open the door of your heart to Him. Put aside your achievements, your successes and failures.  You can come as you are. Yes, just as you are — without having to prove or perform. Come as you are and allow Him to love you. Love restores, love heals. His love will cause you to bare your heart, put aside all pretences, all fears and all concerns and be secure in the intimacy of His great love for you.

Many people love being affirmed by their bosses, their spouses, their family and friends. All of us like to feel good and important. God not only gives us love but also a strong identity. He affirms our position and status as His children. This identity comes not from having to do things or perform in assignments and projects, not based on how successful we are at work, at home and in society. Our identity comes from a partnership with God as our Father. We are His children. We belong to Him. We resemble Him. And this truth stays true forever, regardless of the many changes around us.

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting people into their destinies

Cultivate quietness

February 28, 2008 at 4:18 pm | In Practising the Presence of God | Leave a Comment
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I bought this book “100 days in the Secret Place” by Gene Edwards. Here, the author gathered the writings of 3 Christian mystics from the 17th century — Michael Molinos, Madam Guyon and Francois Fenelon — and challenges Christians to walk deeper in God. This has recently become one of my devotional readings. 

I must say that I have been richly blessed. Look at this short extract (pg. 125) and my personal reflection on it.

“An excellent way to maintain a quiet spirit is to let go of every action just as soon as you complete it. Don’t keep thinking about what you have or have not done! And don’t blame yourself for forgetting something, or for doing something you regret. You will be much happier if you keep your mind only on the tasks at hand. Think of something only when it is time to think of it. God will tell you when the time comes to deal with something. You will exhaust your mind by trying to figure out God’s will before the right time comes. Make a habit of bringing your attention back to God on a regular basis. You will then be able to quiet your inner commotion as soon as it starts to churned up.” – Pg. 125 Fenelon

I could definitely identify with what was written. Fourteen years ago, I started my journey desiring to hear God’s voice. It was a desperate cry within for more of God and less of religion. I was doing everything a Christian should do and yet, I felt a great sense of emptiness. Religious activities and responsibilities only weighed me down. While I was happy serving God, my walk with God was merely based on my works for Him. It was performance-driven rather than relationship-based. I thought I had to work hard to earn God’s approval and acceptance.

The harder I tried, the more miserable I felt. I wanted to know God more. I wanted to experience His presence and feel His reality. I wanted to know GOD more than just going through a set of religious activities and regulations. I wanted LIFE in God.

This desperation led me to yearn to hear His voice. I was reading the Bible then. But it was dry. It was a religious obligation. I wanted God to speak through His word. I wanted His guidance to be so real – the way it was promised in the Bible.

It was hard initially for me to hear God. I thought I had to be more spiritual. I thought I had to be more holy. I thought I was bad: “That must be why God hasn’t spoken with me yet!”  I struggled with doubts, unbelief and inadequacies. I tried too hard.

My breakthrough came in 1995 when I started practising His presence. The 1st step was simple. I had to be quiet to listen in order for God to speak. I dedicated a set time then to talk with Him daily, but was disappointed with myself initially. As I remained quiet for 1 minute, I became distracted. Instead of focusing on God, I was thinking of my assignment. I was thinking of everything else rather than God. I blamed myself for not being a good Christian and lacking the ability to concentrate even for a few minutes. So what started out as quietness became a session where I continued to blame myself for having distracting thoughts.

BUT the breakthrough came when I discovered that I should not be blaming myself. Instead of blaming myself, I could draw my attention back to God again without feeling guilty or frustrated. It was then I discovered an important lesson. My focus should not be on self but on God. I should not keep blaming myself; I should simply surrender these distractions to God and continue waiting on Him quietly.

The quietness to wait on Him can be broken by an inner unrest of our soul. Too often, we fall into the enemy’s trap to join him to condemn ourselves. Rather than allowing this to distract us further, we should simply trust that God is in control. God is bigger than our distractions. He knows our concerns. We just need to re-direct our concerns and needs back to Him, and continue waiting and resting in His presence. We just need to trust GOD and not be too caught up trying to figure out His will; just trust that He will speak with us and guide us in His good timing.

I share my experience to encourage you in your journey of seeking God. Many Christians face what I faced then; struggling to hear God, struggling to keep their walk with God alive. Too often, we think we have to be good enough, we have to do more, we have to be more disciplined before we can hear God. There is an element of truth to that; but we have balance it with the fact that God is a God of grace. A loving Father will always speak with his children; whether they are obedient or rebellious. If this is true on earth, how much more does it reflect the patience and love of our HEAVENLY FATHER.

God desires to talk with you more than you desire to listen to Him. So, rest in Him. Struggle no more. Quieten your spirit – focus not on yourself. Focus on Him and wait to listen to His voice.

So, be encouraged today. Quieten yourself… wait expectantly for the Lord to speak. He WILL.

Shalom,

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

Practising the Presence of God

February 18, 2008 at 4:24 am | In Practising the Presence of God | Leave a Comment
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Recently, I was gently reminded by God to be diligent in practising His presence.

This can be a tall order for many of us, especially when we live in such a busy world where activities swirl around us constantly. There are also many distractions in the form of entertainment, work commitments, and personal challenges. Even doing good or being involved in ministry can be a distraction at times. We think of Martha in Luke 10:38-42.

Ministry is good; however, if it takes away our attention and first love, it is an obstacle in our relationship with God. The issue is not about stopping our involvement in ministry in order to wait on God more. The key issue is Priority. Our priority for God must supersede our priority for ministry and others.

Concerns for needs –  be it breakthrough in our spiritual life, restoration of relationships, promotion at work – can draw us away from truly encountering God. Why? Because we get so fixated on our needs, and desperate in our prayers that we pray what we want to hear.

Such prayers oftentimes do not work. Actually, speaking from personal experiences, the more desperate I am, the more quiet I need to be before God. Struggling drains our energy. Struggling only increases frustration.

So, let’s shift our priorities. Let’s trust and believe that God knows our needs before we even utter them on our lips. Well, you can say in some sense that God reads your mind. But when we learn to prioritize seeking God – seeking ONLY Him – things come into proper alignment. When we take up the position or posture of waiting on HIM, this is the time where God speaks to us. 

So, read on for more principles for waiting on God. 

  1. Waiting on God takes time. You cannot rush it.  

  2. Waiting on God requires the preparation of our hearts and minds. We need to learn to put aside our concerns for ministry, family, prayer needs, work, etc. Commit everything to the Lord. The word ‘commit’ carries the picture of a camel kneeling down with its owners untying the burden and rolling it off the camel’s back. When we roll off (commit) our everything to God, we are ready for Him.

  3. Waiting on God requires us to download our worries and frustration.

  4. Waiting on God requires us to PAUSE and LISTEN. Don’t just talk to God, allow Him to talk with you. Take time to wait. Solitude is something that is uncommon in our modern world now. Take time to unplug the iPOD or DVD player. Practise quietness with anticipation.

  5. Waiting clarifies our vision, mission and values. When God speaks, we know it clearly. Then we can move on to hear and obey.

Writing this post has refreshed my spirit and soul; I hope you are blessed as well! I know that God is calling a generation of GOD LOVERS who will learn to practise His presence. Out of that intimacy, GOD LOVERS turned RESOULTE DISCIPLES will execute the Father’s will with clarity, decisiveness and obedience.

Join me to practise God’s presence today.

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

How to Walk in Success

January 30, 2008 at 7:40 am | In Daily Inspiration | Leave a Comment
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Copyright Gospel Communication International, Inc

www.reverendfun.com

I saw this cartoon on the web and thought it so apt in describing about humanity seeking God desperately for success. :)

Friends, have you ever wished for success? I have! Just like the rest of humanity, I do not want to live life mundanely – just going through the motions. I want my life to count. I want to be successful.

However, success, in most people’s definition, is merely about material possessions.

Someone once said this: “He who has the most toys wins!”

I disagree… because he who has the most toys still dies!”

Success is more than just earning a status. Success is about a meaningful life — walking out your calling, your purpose with God’s supernatural competence, in a context of meaningful relationships.

Friends, are you waiting for success? Waiting for success to come your way?

If you are, you can keep on waiting; for the rest of your life. Why? Because success is not attained with you just waiting for it.

Someone once said this: Success is about who you are & what you do every day and every night. Nobody becomes a success overnight. It is a purpose-driven life, totally focused on living out your destiny daily.

This revelation came just recently when I was conversing with God. God started speaking to me about His definition of success and most of all, how I can be successful in Him.

 

Read with me, Joshua chapter 1:1-9 on God’s simple principles for success.

The inspiration for the SUCCESS acronym came during a time of meditation.

  • S – Spirit led – The Spirit life is most important. 

  • U -  Under cover – God’s guidance from His word -”Allow Me to guide you daily

  • C – Calling – “Walk out My calling for your life. Stop struggling with Me and start doing what I have called you to do. Many times, you have allowed your own feelings and frustration to hinder your progress in your calling.”

  • C – Confidence – Confidence comes with you knowing His abiding presence.

  • E – Expect great Exploits – Expectancy keeps you going!

  • S – Stop the negative – Stop complaining, grumbling and thinking negatively.

  • S – Start afresh each day with God’s presence. See life simply. See the potential. See through God’s eyes of success daily.

Friends, success doesn’t come all at one time. In fact, many times, success comes to you only through a process, when you have walked through different phases.

Don’t be contented with the past. Do not dwell in past glories. Get going. Move on, move into your promised land. The Promised Land symbolizes success to Joshua.

Friends, what is your Promised Land? It could be your specific calling and purpose in life. Or perhaps, it could be achieving a tertiary education, a post-graduate degree, or overcoming some of your fears in life.

Or your Promised Land can even be to see a reconciliation take place in your marriage, seeing a turnaround in your career, seeing that all-important deal take place which will turn your company around and make it profitable.

Friends, you can be like Joshua today. You can cross over and possess your Promised Land. I would like you to be able to identify what your Promised Land may be. If it is certain measurable goals that you desire to attain, I would like you to keep them in mind as I continue sharing on the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Acronym.

 

Now, let’s look at Joshua and see how God guided him to be successful.

  1. Joshua knew how to walk in the Spirit. He heard God speaking. Just like his master, Moses, there was Spirit-to-spirit communication. He was guided by the Spirit of God. Joshua learnt this when he was an assistant to Moses. Even after Moses left the Tent of Meeting and the Presence of God, the Bible says that Joshua would remain.

  2. Joshua knew that God was with him and that God will guide him into the Promised Land. The guidance comes from God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s commands. He was instructed not to depart from it, neither turning to the right or the left but to strictly follow it.

  3. Joshua was called to lead God’s people to cross Jordan, to take the land and then distribute it to the 12 tribes. That was his calling, that was his purpose — to bring new life and hope to a new generation of Israelites to possess the PROMISED LAND filled with milk and honey.

  4. Joshua was confident. He was bold and courageous. He was instructed to be very bold and courageous. He was reminded not to be discouraged. Why? Because discouragement destroys confidence and without confidence, we cannot achieve success.

  5. Joshua expected God to keep His word. Joshua expected God to work miracles and wonders through him. Joshua expected great exploits from God. He saw how Moses parted the RED SEA – He knew that God could do it. He was EXPECTANT.

  6. Joshua knew the need to stop complaining. Grumbling caused the Israelites to wander for 40 years because of the evil report of the 10 spies. This time round, he knew better; maybe that’s why He only sent 2 spies! 2 spies who brought back a positive report.

  7. Joshua told the people to SEE the ARK & follow it. Start seeing the ARK daily in your life – for you have not been this way before. Start seeing possibilities… start seeing God at work.

So, how can all these be applied in your life?

  • S – Success begins with God’s Spirit. It can’t be achieved by your own flesh. Breakthroughs must be birthed in your spirit first. Maybe you have been trying too hard — trying to achieve something without God’s approval and favor. Allow God to birth some new ventures, ideas within you as you read this post. I have heard many testimonies of how God has released strategies for business, business ideas, design concepts, marketing strategies… to His people as they sought His face.

  • U – Success comes when you come Under cover – under God’s daily guidance. We can’t make it with His help. Are you spending time with God regularly? Are you seeking Him for wisdom, counsel and guidance? Whether you are a student, professional, homemaker, clerk, we all need God’s guidance in the arenas of our work, business and family.

  • C – Success comes when you obey His Calling for your life. You can’t run away. Maybe you have resisted the call of God. Perhaps you are trying to be someone you are not. you have lost sight of God’s calling upon your life as SALT & LIGHT in the marketplace. Perhaps you only see your profession solely as a source of monetary supply. Your work is a worship unto God! Perhaps God is calling you today to that place of rededication again.

  • C – Success comes when you are Confident in Christ. You can do nothing without God. A recent crisis may have shaken your confidence. If confidence is lacking, run to Jesus. Don’t trust in “horses and chariots. Trust in the name of the Lord our God.” He is your Confidence today.

  • E – Success comes when you Expect great exploits. You can do more than just the ordinary. Snap out from the mundane… expect something from God — today!

  • S – Success comes when you Stop confessing negative. It’s time to put a red traffic light sign on the negative and tell the vehicles of discouragement and negativity to stop in their track.

  • S – Success comes when you Start Seeing God at work before you. Start seeing possibilities in impossibilities, opportunities in crisis.

Friends, God wants you to be successful – but you can only attain it through His principles. Do not stray away from His truth.  Remember, God loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life. You may have made numerous mistakes, but do not be discouraged. Confess your inadequacies to Jesus and ask Him to lead you.  Walk with Jesus onto the paths of Success today!

Shalom!

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

January 23, 2008 at 2:15 am | In Daily Inspiration | Leave a Comment
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My son came back home from school yesterday bursting into tears. Choking in sadness, he tried to tell us what happened. It was photo-taking day in school and most of the boys came with hair nicely “gel-ed”. He did not! During photo-taking, a small group of children and one adult commented that he did not look nice at all; just because his hair was not “neatly combed”.

He was badly hurt by the negative comments. He continued crying; wallowing in self pity.

While comforting him, Jen and I recognized this as a teaching moment. We reinforced our love for him. We reminded him that he is good-looking; much to our parental pride. We shared that God made each one special and we are valued by God regardless of what others might say. We taught him not to be affected by negative remarks but learn to defend himself without being rude.

Finally, he was pacified and was happy again.

During the time of talking with Victor, I was reminded of how easy it is for us (even as adults) to fall prey to negative remarks. All through life, we go through daily bombardments of thoughts like “you’ll never make it”, “why can’t you be as good as…”, etc. If we are not careful, we can actually believe in these lies. The moment these negative thoughts form a stronghold around our mind, our perspective of our identity is tainted and tarnished.

HOW WE SEE OURSELVES AFFECT HOW WE LIVE. 

If our perspective is always negative, we will be negative. If our perspective is one of insecurity, we live feeling insecure of who we are. If our perspective is one of fear, we live demonstrating a lack of confidence. These wrong paradigms, if not being checked, will begin to re-shape our lives and affect our future consequentially.

So the question is, “Do we know our identities? Do you know who you are? Have you momentarily forgotten about your God-given identities?”

As children of God, we must see ourselves through God’s eyes. We cannot afford to allow ourselves to be defined by the world. We can either believe in these negative remarks, and live beneath our potential in God or we can renew our mind with God’s truth about our identity in Christ and rise to live as a victor.

This is not some new age theory or self help philosophy. I am not talking about mere SELF IMAGE. We cannot be consumed by SELF (man-made theories) to make us feel good about ourselves. The self talk without being God focused can be self deceiving and in denial.

Our self image must come from God and His truth. God’s word is absolute, unchanging and true. HOW YOU SEE YOURSELVES IN GOD AFFECT HOW YOU LIVE. So, let’s focus on Psalm 139. These scriptures tell us a lot about our identities; the way God sees us. God is love and He values you. If we as earthly parents know how to value our children, how much more will our Heavenly Father pour His love on us?

  • God knows you intimately (Psalm 139:1-6).

  • God is always with you; even through extreme situations (Psalm 139:7-12).

  • God created you special. There is no replica. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16).

  • Your self identity is only as strong as your thought life. You need to treasure God’s thoughts about you (Psalm 139:16-18, 23-24).

So, as you meditate on these verses, allow God to speak with you about His heart for you. Stop believing in the lies of the world. Make a decision today not to allow the world and your surroundings to define you. Allow God to define you and BELIEVE His word.

So, the next time you look in the mirror, say this with conviction, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” The next time you are tempted to think negative thoughts about yourself, remember Psalm 139 and … remember that our heavenly Father loves you.

Blessings

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting people into their destinies

 

What is popular is not always godly!

January 9, 2008 at 6:16 pm | In Daily Inspiration | Leave a Comment
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I had a conversation with a Christian Minister today and we had a great discussion time encouraging each other in our walk with God, our family and our ministry. In the midst of a short yet fruitful sharing, we chanced upon the topic on obeying God.

This conversation triggered my memory of what I wrote in my journal a few months ago.

 I was in the process of making a decision and different people had offered their well meaning advice. I was torn in between obeying God and trying to please men. It was during this time of tension when God spoke, “What is popular is not always godly.” Immediately, that brought clarity in my spirit and I knew deep down inside, God had confirmed that I was to obey Him wholeheartedly as contrary to popular thinking.

In no way am I against seeking council from people whom we respect. I am 100% for it. We must seek God, seek inputs from godly people around us and make a decision accordingly. But sometimes, in the process of weighing your options, the temptation to choose the easy way out is so attractive. I am sure you can also identify with that.

Yet, this is the time we need to be reminded that popular opinions may not always be God’s opinions. As disciples, we must allow His word to take centrality in our lives. That means we are to obey even when it is inconvenient, difficult and unpopular.

In reading Deuteronomy 28, I felt God reminding me not to be too casual when it comes to the things of God. We often fall into the trap of carrying a frivolous attitude when it comes to Christianity; especially with regards to God’s commandments. We go for every session of impartation, anointing, blessing, prayers for business breakthroughs but when it comes to plain obedience, we tend to make come out with 101 excuses. This is our HUMAN NATURE – unredeemed and unsanctified. But we don’t have to remain that way. Choose God, choose obedience and choose life.

God’s word clearly exhorts us that obedience is of great importance for a Christian.

Here are some principles I have learnt from Deuteronomy 28:

  1. Obedience must be wholly from the heart. Lip services don’t count much in God’s kingdom.

  2. Obedience cannot be partial. Partial obedience is still disobedience.

  3. Full obedience leads to careful attention to God’s commands. Our attitude to God’s commands matters alot.

  4. Full obedience releases the blessings of God.

Friends, obedience brings pleasure to our Father – that should be our aim as children of God. Obedience also brings blessings. So, make this your personal commitment today and live a life of obedience unto JESUS. 

Here’s my prayer, use them as your own too.

“Lord, let me grow in absolute obedience. Let me live a surrendered life. Teach me to live according to Your opinions rather than the “popular thinking” of this world. Place a desire within me to be LIKE YOU- one who remained obedient to the Father, His will even to the extent of death. Make me an obedient servant today.” AMEN!

Blessings in JESUS,

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

The Power of Vision

December 30, 2007 at 7:54 pm | In Daily Inspiration | Leave a Comment
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Proverbs 29:18 says, “where there is no vision, people perish.”

This is a very familiar passage of scripture that I have read, preached and taught numerous times in my past 11 years of ministry as a pastor. Yet, with my new transition out from being a conventional pastor in a fast growing and vibrant local church in Singapore into an itinerant preacher cum business man, VISION has been the sole thing that has propelled me into this new destiny.

Vision has never been so real.

In the past season, I had been a faithful custodian of another man’s vision; of which I learnt stewardship and faithfulness.

In this new season, God has given me His vision customized just for me and my family; for stewardship and accountability. For the past 8 years, it was vision conception and personal preparation. A portion of that vision has already come to pass; as a sign from God that Jenical and I are on the right track. Moving on, it is about birthing the vision and bringing it to greater maturity.

I am not the owner of this vision. I am only a receiver from God. I am but a steward.

His vision is CLEAR enough to propel me to take a step of faith into the unknown. It’s scary but that’s how most great men & women of God in both the Bible and our christian world began. It is about FAITH and following God through discomfort and uncertain transitional times.

His vision is BIG enough for me to stand in awe and in holy desperation. In awe, because only He has the wisdom to come up with such ideas. In desperation because it’s too BIG for me. But that again, if it is not TOO BIG, and you can do it on your own, we don’t need God! Big vision requires a BIG GOD to fulfill. God does not require BIG people; but people with a heart and faith to believe the BIG God of BIG dreams. 

His vision is PASSIONATE enough to consume me – my thoughts, my emotions, my dreams, my totality. Passion gives energy. Passion motivates you to go the extra mile when you are tired. Passion gives you ideas when you encounter obstacles. Passion gives satisfaction when you wonder if it is worth your effort.

Without vision, we perish. With vision, we flourish.

I read an excerpt on Walt Disney’s short biography and I thought it being so apt; a man flourishing because of a single vision.

“Try to imagine a world without Walt Disney. A world without his magic, whimsy, and optimism. Walt Disney transformed the entertainment industry, into what we know today. He pioneered the fields of animation, and found new ways to teach, and educate. Walt’s optimism came from his unique ability to see the entire picture. His views and visions, came from the fond memory of yesteryear, and persistence for the future.”

If a man with a vision can create such impact and influence in our world, what more about us, children of God? We are created in the image of a CREATOR. God saw, He created. We, too can see through His eyes, and partner with God to create possibilities.

With God, all things are possible. And I believe I will flourish in God in 2008 because of His vision.

What about you? Are you stuck in a rut? Are you caught in the mundane? Are you frustrated?

Allow God’s vision to capture your heart today. Be renewed, refreshed today. Listen to God and see what He sees. Get into the realm of the SPIRIT and see the impossibilities. Recognize the seasons of life you’re in. Know God’s timing; vision conception and personal preparation. When you are ready, God will release you to see His vision fulfilled.

Clarity, Bigger capacity beyond yourself and Passion - that’s the power of a GOD VISION. Move in it today.

Blessings

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

The meaning of resurrection

December 28, 2007 at 3:26 am | In Daily Inspiration | Leave a Comment
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I felt directed to ponder over the meaning of Resurrection today.

We often hear the familiar message of the birth of Christ during Christmas; where God promises deliverance to His people through the life of Jesus. Yet God’s plan of redemption embraces not only the joyous heralding of the birth of the Messiah, they include the suffering, death and ultimately the resurrection of our Saviour.

Here are some thoughts that flooded my mind as I meditate over “Resurrection” from the scriptures in Mark 16.

Death spells the end life and the closure of the past season. Resurrection exclaims the beginning of a new life & a new season.

Death talks about the suffering. Resurrection proclaims the glory that follows every suffering.

Death seals our fate in misery and pain. Resurrection rolls away the stone of impossibilities.

Death carries with it sadness and brokenness of dreams. Resurrection throws sadness away and replaces with joy. Resurrection mends and revives dead dreams.

Death led to disbelief, fear. Resurrection inspires new faith and hope.

Death is bad news. Resurrection is good news.

Death ends Jesus’ earthly ministry. Resurrection initiates the disciples’ new ministry into the miraculous.

Death tried to usurp divine authority. Resurrection proves God’s ultimate sovereign authority over all things.

This Christmas, may we know that Emmanuel (God with us) is not only manifested through the historical earthly life of Jesus but also through the Resurrected Lord, who is with us and never will leave us.

What about you? Have you gone through some difficult “death” situations recently? As we come to a close of this year, regardless of what came your way. Remember your God of promises today. Remember Jesus is not just a baby born in a stable. He is not just a historical figure. He is the resurrected Lord. He is with you. Allow God to bring you into a new season of RESURRECTION.

Resurrection that brings…

  • NEW LIFE

  • NEW BEGINNINGS,

  • NEW POSSIBILITIES

  • REVIVED DREAMS & HOPES

  • RENEWED JOY

  • GOOD NEWS

  • MIRACLES

  • NEW AUTHORITY

Yours in Christ today,

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies

 

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