He takes hold of my right hand

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

It's come to the end of 2017 and I've had a pretty rough and heavily teary couple of days just trying to adjust to the big life changes and reflecting on why some things I'd hoped for never came to pass and other things I'd probably least expected to have happened—happened. And there's been a whole lot of trauma this year and a painful realisation that maybe God's been giving me the answer to one of the prayers of my heart, but it wasn't the answer I was hoping for, which is why I've been blind to it these last five or so months. Either way, it's time enough for me to move on and move forward into the fresh mercy of a new year, and by God's grace, I can reach a place that's even more profound and glorious and wonderful and eye-opening than where I was before all the pain and trauma and dashed hopes. 

It comes back to trusting God, and continually declaring His goodness, and knowing that I am putting my trust in a God who is so much bigger than my struggles and my questions and my failures, hopes and dreams. I am putting my trust in a God who is faithful, which means He will do it. He's proven His faithfulness all throughout the Bible, but most clearly in the reality of the saving Cross. I'm not trusting in someone who's unreliable, I'm trusting in Someone who's every thought and action towards little me will be for my good and my best interests. And His plans always find their fulfilment. That is a huge comfort. 

Sometimes we wish we knew things about ourselves or about the future, but I've only just discovered that if we did, we'd have a weaker faith in God and put our faith in our own knowledge and ability. Indeed, the fact that we know less strengthens our faith in the God who knows all and intricately works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are the called according His purpose.

I've known God's healing in a deep way this year, and I've witnessed with my own eyes and ears His power working through prophetic gifts and miracles - big and small. This life on earth is anything but boring.

My Mum sent me some verses of encouragement yesterday and this one from Isaiah was the very last one. I hadn't heard it before so it really spoke to me. The more I dwell on it, I feel tears coming on. This relationship with God is beautiful and intimate and real and the greatest thing I'll ever know or experience in the Universe.

This is definitely a promise I will take into 2018 and beyond. 

one year ago, at Cradle Mountain...

God and sinners reconciled

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Listen, the heavenly hosts proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ and the ushering in of God's incredible plan to save humanity from their self-imposed and deserving destruction. God, who is love, extends this indescribable love to His chosen people, His undeserving beloved, by becoming flesh, becoming an embryo, a baby growing in the womb, by being born, living, healing, declaring, being brutally tortured and dying on a cross for all man's wickedness and rejection and sins against God. He lived to die that death for us, subsuming all the wrath and punishment and consuming all the sin and proving stronger than death by rising to life. This Jesus Christ, a babe in a manger in Bethlehem, reconciled a sinner such as me to the Almighty, Holy, perfect and unchanging Creator God. This is peace. This is truly peace. That man can now approach God. That God and man can be in relationship. That we can speak and listen and grow and love and learn and be together. Now I live with Him and He lives in me, indeed His home is in my body, because a sinner such as me is made clean by the blood of the Lord Jesus, and I live to declare: "Glory to the newborn King!", "Glory to God in the highest!" and "Glory to risen and ruling Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ!".

He has brought me unending joy no matter how I feel or what time of day it is. 
He has brought me healing and comfort and peace. 
He has brought me eternal life by opening the way for me to know my Heavenly Father just as I grow to know my earthly father. 
He has brought me every spiritual blessing and will continue to guide me as I journey on this earth.
He will bring me home at the end of it all.
At the marriage of the Lamb.

Hark! Join in with creation in praise of the humbled and exalted Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Amen and Merry Christmas.

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!""
Luke 2:8-14

For my 2016 Christmas post, reflecting on the 3rd verse: http://emilyseto.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/light-and-life-to-allhe-brings.html

For my 2015 Christmas post, reflecting on the 2nd verse: http://emilyseto.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/the-word-became-flesh-and-dwelt-among-us.html

sleepy bunnies

something a little cute and cuddly cos why not 🐇 
#sleepybunnies #fluffy#felttip #sketch

Inspired by @ninastajner's adorable designs. Always so fun to try out a different style and learn from incredible artists! #alwayslearning #creativity ✏✒🎨 

But best of all, been learning to rest more in the Lord Jesus and continually cast all my cares upon Him. He really cares - deeply, passionately, truly. ❤ 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee." Isaiah 26:3 ✨

adventure around every corner....

Immeasurably More

Pray BIG prayers!!!
We have an even bigger God.

Pray ten impossible prayers. (Seemingly impossible for us, but not impossible for God! Because nothing is impossible for God.)
So pray ten impossible prayers.
And then watch and see what happens.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

facing mountains together

Blue Mountains, Katoomba

I know there'll be mountains and valleys ahead.

But I'm not alone.

Truly grateful to be saved into an eternal family.

Praying that I will really, genuinely love and care for them as family.

For that is what we are.

And that is what we will always be.

God's giving us glimpses of His goodness. Of Himself. All the time.

lavender's blue dilly dilly

~ lavenders, pies and falling asleep to sweet lullabies ~

We paused to share what's real and raw and wonderful. To climb mountains, sing songs, lull each other to sleep (and also pretend to be mafia). Most of all we had the chance to share about what Jesus has been doing in our lives and how good He is. It was so refreshing for the soul. I wish I didn't have to go back to the grind of classes and assignments, but I know God will strengthen me to do it, and I know I have a loving family in Christ who's got my back, whether I'm slipping on the scenic walk or tripping out along the broken path of life. The journey of healing is an incredible one, so full of surprises and blessings. I pray that I can be the kind of sister to my church family that God desires me to be. To love them genuinely, sacrificially, seek their good and edification.

So excited to trust God so much more and see how He will lead me and what He will show me. At just the right moments, He speaks. Again and again!

Lavender's blue dilly dilly
Lavender's green
When I am king, dilly dilly
You shall be queen...

Aww I miss them already!

He meets us in our brokenness..

Come as you are.

~ to be broken is to heal...

He is near

"I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:4-5

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:8

like kindergarten...

Can we just talk all night and dream with our eyes wide open?
.
.
.
(I've missed you.)

Call to Prayer

Been doing a "call to prayer" with my growth group recently – three times a day, every day. We took turns giving prayer requests and it was so wonderful to know that we were all agreeing in prayer, speaking to the same loving Father, even though we were scattered in various places around Sydney. It petered out recently but the daily, hourly, minute by minute call to prayer is just as urgent and vital.
Prayer is the most powerful thing ever.
Your prayers can bless a brother you've never met, save a soul far away, change a nation without stepping outside your bedroom. With your knees on the ground. Driving in the car. Standing at the photocopier. Anywhere.

Right now this nation needs prayer. We need to be warriors in prayer, persevering against all the odds. Faith believes in the victory that is already ours, even though we can't see it. It's a battle against principalities and powers, not flesh and blood.

There's been so many things on my mind lately. I've been distracted heaps, but I've also been praying more than ever. I'm so thankful for four weeks of driving one hour each way, where I've been able to pour out my heart to God, pray for wisdom and peace, pray for prophetic words, pray for brothers and sisters in Christ, pray for lost souls, pray for healing, pray for missionaries and the persecuted Church, pray for the future of this nation and future generations of children, pray against demonic attacks, pray in the Spirit, how I love to pray in the Spirit. Now that I'm on break for a week, I pray that my devotion to speaking to my Lord and God doesn't wane. I long to hear His voice, to have a living relationship that is rich and fulfilling and wonderful.

He answers prayer. That's the game changer. He answers prayer.

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15

"...praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints..." Ephesians 6:18

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24

And then this promise, the very words of God, just blows everything out of the water: "It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

This relationship with our Heavenly Father is so beautiful and airtight - and all because of the Lord Jesus. Keep praying and believing, dear brothers and sisters! We shall see Him soon.

Faith vs Fear

But Jesus said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
Mark 4:40

Faith is the opposite of fear.

I love it when God gives me fresh revelations from His Word just like that.

I have faith that God will accomplish what His Word says. That He will do what He says He will do. His Word never returns empty. His thoughts are high, so high. His plans are full of hope and life and future. And His Word is good. Always and ever good.

Fight the darkness

The Lord Jesus said:
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." Mark 9:42
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." Luke 17:2

Frightening words but how dearly my Lord and Saviour loves the children. I've been weeping of late. My heart is heavy and righteously angered at the thought of our youngest being taught lies, lies which the enemy seeks to institutionalise. So that man may live confused. It's like people can't distinguish light from darkness. But this is true — "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the word, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." John 3:19-20
How I long for children to grow up learning the truth. The truth about God, the truth about creation, the truth about themselves, and the Way, the Truth and the Life, the way to the Father so they might taste eternal life here and into eternity. If I can be part of this in any small way - helping children to know God and obey Him and trust Him and love Him and know they are loved and cherished and known by a good Heavenly Father, if I can show them the love that has been shown to me, if I can teach them the truth about creation and the world and themselves (sons and daughters made in the image of God!) so they can walk uprightly and grow up to serve God and one another and know right from wrong as God declares it in His infallible Word, and stand up for what's right and take action for the needy and the voiceless—if I can, and if God wills, then I shall. This is why I want to be a teacher.

I thank God that He has opened my eyes to the truth, that the light of Christ has shone so brightly in my heart, and that He continues to grant me discernment by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that my heart breaks when I think of how people horrifyingly dishonour God's good and sacred and beautiful design, how people seek to spread confusion and lies to the children who you made and love, how voices of truth are being shut down, how brothers and sisters are battling this confusion when Lord, You have come with Truth and clarity. You brought light into this dark world. Let that light shine. Let us shine for You, shine radiant and glorious and captivating and eye-opening for Jesus Christ who said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt 5:16 (emphasis mine)

Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters. Open their eyes so they will clearly choose to honour You, no matter how it looks in the eyes of the world. Lord, stretch out Your hand against the wickedness that rises against You and Your good order. You are the Lord God, almighty and all-powerful, nothing can stand against You. Raise up brave soldiers from amongst Your people - and help us stand firm and united. Turn every apathetic or uncertain heart that says they trust in You but they're tossed by the winds of false teaching or blinded by the enemy, open their eyes, Lord, in Jesus' mighty Name, turn their heart into a blazing fire to desires to see Your kingdom come, and guide their minds with such power and clarity to choose Your will, and firmly refuse what dishonours You, O Lord. I weep for a nation that seeks to destroy the family and commodify the child, have mercy on us, Lord God, and save us. May there be great revival in this great south land - yes, let it be the land of the Holy Spirit! I pray for revival, Lord. I pray Your will be done. And Your will is unstoppable.

Continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours, Lord. Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause.

In the powerful name of Your exalted Son Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, AMEN.

"But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."" Matthew 19:14

18.08.17

22.
God has been so merciful to me.
I'm very blessed.
While I've been saying that I want to stay 21 for longer, I am also excited to move on. There's many things I have to move on from and I'm glad that turning 22 is like turning to a fresh page, waiting to see what God will write.
This is God's story and He delights in using me. May I ever and always be more satisfied in Him, for He gives me everlasting joy in my heart. <3

Who walks on the waters

A new favourite worship song of mine...Hallelujah, praise the Lord Jesus!!

There is a truth older than the ages
There is a promise of things yet to come
There is one, born for our salvation
Jesus

There is a light that overwhelms the darkness
There is a kingdom that forever reigns
There is freedom from the chains that bind us
Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the lamb
He carries my healing in his hands
Jesus

There is a name I call in times of trouble
There is a song that comforts in the night
There is a voice that calms the storm that rages
He is Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the lamb
He carries my healing in his hands
Jesus

Messiah, my Savior
There is power in Your name
You're my rock and, my redeemer
There is power in Your name
In Your name

You walk on the waters
You speak to the sea
You stand in the fire beside me
You roar like a lion
You bled as the lamb
You carry my healing in Your hands

God, you walk on the waters
You speak to the sea
You stand in the fire beside me
You roar like a lion
You bled as the lamb
You carry my healing in Your hands
Jesus

There is no one like you
Jesus
There is no one like you

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin / Ed Cash

Jesus lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

Walkup and Up and Up!!!!

I had the opportunity to do some walkup evangelism on campus two days ago - and share a picture!!!! Praise, praise God. I was so greatly encouraged in my spirit. Such a supernatural boost from stepping out in faith and seeing the God of the universe work through little ol' me and my wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm sooo fired up to desire spiritual gifts, especially that I might prophesy......! Oh God has taught me and shown me so many things this week, that I am overflowing with thankfulness. There's been hurt and shock and heartbreak, but there's been healing and power and revelation beyond anything I could ever dream!! And I know God knows me and cares for me. And I am so drawn to Him. So captivated by Him. So in awe. 

And there's a million things on my mind at once. Love, fear, dread, joy --- but I know that I've got Jesus and He's got me and He's never letting go. 

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!!

Below is a post I put up on the fb Walkup page recounting some of the conversations. May God continue to work in these people's hearts, convicting them of sin, righteousness and judgment! I pray that the picture I shared with T will prove that God knows him so deeply, so personally, and that the Creator God loves him so much! I pray he will discover this love in overwhelming volumes through reading the Gospel and meeting Jesus Christ. What joy and crown of rejoicing to meet Tuo in the New Creation - God willing.

10/8/17

K and I just did some walkup downstairs in the Wentworth Food Court :D We had two great conversations - praise God!!!

The first was with Tuo, who said he grew up hearing some Bible stories but wouldn’t call himself a Christian. He said he’s just been busy with study and work and following the “routine” of life. We asked him if he’d ever thought about the big questions of life, like if God exists or what’s the purpose of life or what happens after death. He said “I've never thought about those big questions before because I’ve been so caught up in routine, but after hearing you guys talk about it, I think I should start thinking about it, in time.” We encouraged him not to put it off, but start now. I asked him if he had a Bible at home, and he said “I actually have one in my bag - one of those little pocket ones” (WOW. Praise God!). We pointed him to the book of Mark, on page 60, and started telling him about Jesus who died so we could have life. He sounded kinda keen to investigate and start reading it for himself, so when we were leaving, he said, “Mark, page 60, right?” Please pray that he’ll start reading and that God will call and convict his heart, and he’ll meet Jesus!

The second convo was with Sue, who called herself a strong Buddhist, yet through conversation she admitted that she is sceptical about some parts of Buddhism (saying it’s mainly a cultural practice for her) and she also believes in science. We got to have a great chat with her about having a real relationship with God vs following religious traditions and cultural practices, and we all shared a bit about where we find our peace and happiness (so we got to share about Jesus!!). In the end, she said she has a number of Christian friends and likes Christians because they’re very peaceful, though she herself couldn’t be one cos she doesn’t believe in God. Pray that God will reveal himself to her and that many more Christians will speak truth into her life, so she can know true peace which can only come from Jesus.

Comments 

Me: Oh an interesting (but encouraging!!) side note!! As we were speaking with Tuo, I was praying that God will give us the words to say and I don’t know why but I kept seeing a picture of a plush toy bunny, so I decided to just (randomly) ask him if he has one. He straight away answered, “Yes. I have one, like from wayy back, when I was a kid”. I totally didn’t expect him to say yes at all haha, BUT God is amazing like that, so I said, “Wow. Well, God knows that you have a toy bunny.” I hope and pray that God will continue to confirm His existence and loving knowledge of him to Tuo. All praise to Jesus! 🙂

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 · August 10 at 4:06pm

(a reply to my comment) Praise God for the prophetic guidance of the Holy Spirit! ☺️(Evangelicals generally believe in giftings today so no hate haha 😂)

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 · August 10 at 7:35pm

(my reply) Praise God!

God knows me and loves me!

In awe of my Lord and my God, who brings light out of darkness, and healing through all different people by the power of the risen Christ, and answers prayer in so many different ways.

I’m beyond blessed and encouraged that the Lord would reveal the secrets of my heart to a complete stranger and servant of the Lord who prayed and prophesied over me yesterday, proving that God knows me and cares so deeply for my hurting soul. He heard the cry of my heart. He’s right here. And He is comforting and healing me.

This kind of encouragement and edification. Moving in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, moving in the prophetic — this is what the Church needs! How God seeks to use us to bless and build one another up, strengthening the body of Christ and becoming more like our glorious Saviour.

Encouraging words for me:

1)    Don’t underestimate yourself. You have received the words of eternal life. Be bold to share it.

2)    You are a wordsmith. Ask the Lord: What do you want me to write? What shall I write and say for the Kingdom?

3)    God will heal and comfort you. Walk in forgiveness. Pronounce blessing over and over. “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Matt 5:44

This morning I opened up to Psalm 27. Exactly what I needed to hear and declare and confirming yesterday's words for me. "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, Of whom shall I be afraid?...I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

Oh I love Him so.

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
² When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
³ Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
⁵ For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

⁶ And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
⁹ Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
¹⁰ When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.

¹¹ Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
¹² Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
¹³ I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!