Resolutions

As the curtain closes for the year 2011, it’s time to prepare for the opening of a new door to welcome 2012. Reflection and evaluation are crucial to measure the goals achieved and to identify those flunked areas to enhance on in the year to come.

Setting new year resolutions indicates the firmness to have a purposeful life. Resolutions are more than just mere decisions. Resolutions keep one going. Resolutions are unshakable determinations. They are deliberative. They are part of life direction.

We might have a whole list of life resolutions each year. They are good but it is imperative to establish God-centered resolutions which are driven by the Love and Passion for God, seasoned with Faith NOT without action and sustained by Grace. Holy Spirit should be the guardian with Scripture as the leveling standard and point of reference. 

Invest some time and ponder about it. Is God tugging our heart for a brand new direction? Is God wanting us to strive for more or just to make some minor refurbishment replacing the old ones? What God wants or what I want? Our resolutions must not be too small or too big to exclude God, or thinking that God will not be interested.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

Desire to have straight paths in the coming year? Acknowledge God in all our planning. Why? Simply because in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Remember also that many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Substitute the “plan” with “resolution” and one shall not go wrong.

Not bothered or too lazy to set some goals or resolutions? Then are we prepared to bear the cost - 365 days at the verge of being scattered and beating the air, chasing shadows. 

I pray that my New Year resolutions will be able to honour and glorify the Master of my life. 

Have a look at Jonathan Edwards’ – 70 Life Resolutions. They will blow your mind away. :) 

My Identity

12.30am

I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom, gazing and looking forlornly into the mirror to locate my identity. It has been a journey, yet I questioned myself again – “Who am I? Who am I representing? I am created in the image of God, but on this day, can people see Christ in me?” It's a good reflection, a just in-time self-check. 

I know my identity is in Christ. I am called to be the ambassador of Christ on this earth and God is making his appeal through me. Have I been shining? Have I been leading people to the Cross, pointing them to the Truth, or have I been tainting God’s glorious image? 

Ambassadors are sent to a foreign, often unfriendly country. John 20:21, “As my Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Why ambassador? I am reminded that as a traveler in a foreign country (this earth), I must remember I am not at home and deserving comfort. This world is not my home, I am just passing through. I am called the “foreigners and exiles” 1 Peter 2:11. I am a pilgrim, my ONLY abode is in heaven. Yet, have I been diligent and handling my assigned duty well?

Again, I am reminded that I am here not by chance but by God’s choosing. His hand formed and made me the person I am. I am one of a kind. I lack nothing that His grace can't give me. He has allowed me to be here at this time in history to fulfil His special purpose for this generation.

So who am I? I am proud to introduce you, I am Joshua A.K.A Ah Beng . Sing Hoe, God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. 

I am … 

Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

Precious to God (Isaiah 43:4)

Cared about since my conception (Isaiah 46:3)

God's child (John 1:12)

Jesus' friend (John 15:15)

Chosen by Jesus (John 15:16)

Loved dearly by God (John 16:27)

Free from condemnation (Romans 8:1)

A temple - a dwelling place - of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Redeemed and forgiven for all my sins (Colossians 1:14) ~ Verla Gilmore

You can have the same citizenship. Application is free. Let me introduce you my King, Jesus Christ. 

Contentment in God

Contentment is not about having everything, but to have God in everything. ~ J.K.2011. 

Tonight was the first ever church service I had on a Friday evening, except those special occasions such as Christmas, Easter or Good Friday. I thank God for the opportunity to step into the Ablaze Service and be part of her. It has been on my mind for long, wanting to pay her a visit - to have a taste of different worship environment, congregation, culture, setting, style but the same God. It was awesome. 

As I was preparing myself for the service, a word was embedded vividly in my heart - Contentment. I was reminded again about finding satisfaction in God during the worship and amazingly, the first key point of the sermon was about Divine Discontent. That's the reason for penning this down. 

What is satisfaction? What does contentment mean? The worldly context and the godly context - there is distinct difference. 

I have been searching; I have been aiming and setting goals. I have things that I desire, or sometimes I wish I can possess all at once. Some are far fetching, some are just not realistic. Perhaps fame, skills, wealth, recognition, power, influence, life security, relationship, etc. I guess everyone has something in mind that one wishes to attain, if not to possess. I love to observe. As a result, I often made statements - "I wish I can have ..." 

Martin Luther once said, "I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." 

Knowing God marked the process of finding my contentment and satisfaction towards this life. What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things. Everything on and in this world is temporary and will pass away. I am reminded to fix my eyes on the things unseen. I am reminded that I can't add a single hour to my life by worrying. I want to accommodate myself heavenward, knowing that running after this world is perpetually exhausting, for one will never have enough. Only God can satisfy the craving of our soul. In everyone's heart, there is a God-shaped hole. Only the Creator can fill in. 

So Lord, teach me that in my self I find insufficiency and no rest, but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace. 

To have nothing, is to possess all. Teach me when and what to hold loosely, and when and what to hold tightly. I don't want to waste my life catching the wind and shadow.  

I am Yours - Love Came Down. 

O Lord, hasten that day.  

The Fountain of Joy

Someone once said, "Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God."

Nehemiah 8:10 says, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength."

Can we be merry no matter what? Can we truly rejoice always? It is easy to praise God and remember God when everything sails on smoothly, but what about bad times?

Deeply amazed by how David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with ALL his might (2 Samuel 6). He danced for a reason, for he is joyful! Today, can we express the same delight in God which made David dance?

We ought to be merry. A solemn face brings no good, it brings our day down. A face of agony is not God glorifying, it repels others to believe there is joy in knowing Jesus, but knowing Jesus suffers.

If God is the fountain of joy, there should be outward eruption of joy. The joy of the Lord should be contagious and infectious. It should affect the person next to us.

Today, in everything that we do, lets be reminded that we are not doing it just for the sake of doing or meeting datelines, but we do it for the glory of God and the Joy found in Christ Jesus is our ultimate source of strength.

Yes, we can do everything through Christ Jesus, but without Joy, how far can we go?

Remembering God, God is happy even in accomplishing all that he pleases. Psalm 135:6 says, ” Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” God gets all things done, whatever he wants or desires. He is happy. That is the pleasure of God. Today, if we do everything and get everything done knowing Jesus is our Rock of Salvation, our Hope to Eternity, we gotta be happy. We have a reason to smile.

We gotta sing in the sunshine. We gotta sing even when clouds pour out rain. We gotta dance in the storms. We gotta praise God no matter what. We gotta be merry. Life as a Christian should be a perpetual jubilee, a prelude to the festivals of eternity. We gotta celebrate Jesus everyday, for He lives not just on Easter or Christmas.

Joy. In trials and agony, we still can have it for Jesus tells us how it is done.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2.

The joy set before us shall keep us going.

We can start practicing by simply SMILE as we think of Jesus, as you read this.

I want more Joy. Give me more Joy Jesus!

Stir it through God's Glory

Sometimes, we don't need to say much. Even if we get fired up, people might still not heed what we trying to convey. Christ is the solution.

How to catch the fire? How to stir one another to catch a deeper conviction? How to motivate one another? How can we turn the lukewarm or the pathetic into passionate people for Christ? I am not there yet but I am learning.

The holy discontent that is oozing out and the feel of wanting to burst is unbearable. But God, how? Why? When?

I was blessed to meet a missionary team from Sydney today and had a really good chat, sharing and hearing from one another over the dinner. They are pumped up. They are lunatic for God. But this brother shared something similar of what I am experiencing right now - How do I motivate my team members if they happen to slack and lose concentration? Should I just bear with them and show grace as how I am told by my leader? Should I just stand and watch, trusting God that he gonna show up?

Interesting. As I read this passage after I came back home, it spoke straight into my heart. Bingo! New perspective! New dimension!

Just display God's glory to them. Just display God's love to them. Just display God's the mighty-to-save power. At the same time, show compassion and understanding towards the challenges or struggles that they might be facing. Just show them who God is, why God is everything, why Christ should be the center. But at times, when they really need a push or momentum, give them a kick. Challenge them, stir them, but don't bombard or overheat them. It's like stepping on the accelerator to the full without warming up. The engine will get burnt!

I learn that everyone might not be on the same page. Rather, it's difficult to get everyone to not just turn to but stay and progress from the same page to the next. This is life. Things happen.

Understanding and being able to care for them is just like taking the right medicine when facing different kind of illness or sickness.

Sometimes, we preach too much. The best way is to walk the talk. People will see a living preacher who practises what he or she says, rather than just mere talks, advices, encouragements etc and they will tend to follow or imitate. That's how some get encouraged, motivated and stirred.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

The ultimate and immaculate role person to follow is none other than Christ, but still, we can set ourselves as examples for others to follow with Christ the ultimate monitor.

So God, teach me, mould me and may I walk like one, displaying your glory and majesty.

The Gift of Grace

Faith, is the gift of grace. It's is the eye from God, to see God as Father, to know Him as a covenant God, to experience His love planted in us. It's is the grace of union. It casts our anchor upwards to where we trust. It tells us what our senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see, is just above.

A childlike faith, faith that can move mountain, faith that holds on no matter what. To know this Faith, one has to know the Giver of Faith - God.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) or the New Living Translation says:

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Faith is accompanied by confidence. The assurance.

It is believing and certain that the sun will rise in the morning despite the whacking thunderstorm in the night. It's believing that the raging sea waters will calm when the wind stops.

Someone once said, faith is not believing that God can, it is knowing that He will. It is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future. God it is.

Unwavering faith in God gives us the strength to believe that God will bring it to past, that He will deliver, that He will fulfill his promises, that He is coming soon.

So, never let our faith slumber or sleep. For when it sleeps, our heart is fount of every loathsome desire, accumulating lusts, growing the deadly fruit and walking away from God. We are losing life.

So awake my Faith, put forth your strength until all heaven fills my soul, till I see You.

The Constant Grace

God enables us to make it, no matter what. God's unfailing grace is ever ready to pick us up. Never inadequate, never ever depleted. It won't run out. No expiry date, will not rotten. It can carry us to as far as we believe in God.

It is not depending on our own adequacy, but God's sufficiency. Is the old Paul adequate? Yet God chose him. Therefore Paul can really say it out loud, applicable to all of us that,

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

In our weakness we see God's overwhelming grace that sustains us.

God's grace saves us, directs us, guides us, hears our cry and carries our burdens and sorrows, provides all our needs, keeps us going, and never leaves us alone.

Therefore, can man give us grace like God?

Knowing Christ can fill our inadequacy is the greatest comfort and encouragement. For that, we do not need to rely on ourselves, knowing that no matter how hard we try, if we rely on our own might and strength, we can fail. But think in the way that Christ is equal to any task that we face. Nothing is too big, or too small for His grace to handle.

So convince me, that I cannot be my own God, or make myself happy, nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.

Convince me, that if I venture forth alone I will stumble and fall, but on Your arms I am firm as the eternal hills.

So, be my strength to stand, my light to see, my feet to run, my shield to protect, my sword to repel, my sun to warm.

All I need is your constant grace. ♥

Lesson derived from Mortar

5/12

We must have unity, not at all costs, but at all risks.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

As a QS student, I have the opportunity to learn the different types of materials used in construction. I am often amazed by the chemical reactions between different elements, the study of matter, motion, energy, strength ... and how A + B produces an end product that is way stronger or durable than A alone or B alone. From that, many principles that are applicable to life and even to Christianity can be derived.

Bricks have smoother surface but not stone. Constructing a stone wall takes more effort than putting a brick wall together. Stones rarely have flat sides, often come in voids or "defects" here and there. Builder uses mortar to bind a bunch of irregularly shaped stones together. Yet, the deformities contribute to a stronger bonding than the smooth surfaced bricks. Mortar, magically acts as the mediator, the substance to unite the indifferent stones together.

Likewise, Christians need mortar too. All of us are imperfect, unshaped in different ways, that sometimes the differences are just too extreme to surmount. Even though we are dear brothers and sisters in Christ, but at times we can find ourselves at loggerheads, dissensions take place or fading relationships appear as time goes by. There's always a thousand and one reason that we can easily wrong another fellow believer, as a result, relationships turn hostile.

We all need mortar. The ultimate mortar is Christ Jesus. But in Him, we can find a wide array of elements that are able to bind broken relationships and to ease the tension. Love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness ... Above all, the mortar of Love can sum up all that we need.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." ~ Colossians 3:13-14

A layer of mortar can heal the bumps, fill up the gaps and with a layer of paint a stone wall can look even more fabulous.

A layer of love, with the right quantity and quality is all that we need to build a better world. A right Mortar Ratio Mix incurs 1 part of Cement, 6 parts of sand and 1 part of lime. Then, how much of love is enough? Is it the more the better?

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8.

Love goes beyond. Love compels. Love overwhelms. Love is a verb.

Someone once said, factions always breed fractions. The Churches of Christ should stand united till the second coming of Jesus, relating to the prayer of Christ:

"“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

Why then, should we allow cultural differences, languages, backgrounds, personal interests and practices to widen the already existing gap caused by our very own imperfection?

We have something to do, to stir the wind of change, to impact the world, but it all starts from building up unity among the brothers and sisters in our small group setting, then church, then across the churches regardless of the denominations, then over the whole world.

"Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together." ~ Corrie Ten Boom

One God. One Faith. One Baptism. Arise and be united.

Pride vs Deficiencies

So let go, let God break the stained glass masquerade into pieces, and in exchange, receive a transparent heart.

It's natural human tendency to pretend we are strong and alright even though our inner world might be crashing down.

We want to cover, we want to hide. We try and strive to project a stainless image. We don't want others to see our blemishes. It will be worse if we try so hard to be a Jekyll and Hyde. Sometimes we are just trying too hard, that we hate ourselves for failing, for messing up, when our weaknesses resurfaced. We want people to see the good side of us, trying to be perfect.

Pride is torturing us, little do we realize we have become a slave to our own pride. Pride is drifting us too far that comments are unacceptable. Advises are intolerable. We become defensive. We think our own reflection and evaluation are more accurate. We misquote the Scripture to say " Who are you to judge me? " It's our pride against our very own deficiencies.

John Newton threw a good statement there. Open our eyes and see the truth. Humility takes us to greater heights. We ought to remind ourselves we are not seeking the approval from men but God alone. God knows our inner self, our failures, our weaknesses, our deficiencies.

I learn not to be ashamed of my our weaknesses and incapability. As a traveler, I learn to admit "Erm, I can't do it." "Sorry I don't know about that." I am willing to learn.

How can I learn the value of humility that Christ has when I only allow the world to see my strength and not my weakness? How can I ever enhance and strengthen my deficiencies if others are not allowed to intervene?

I learned the hard way in my teenage years that it's frustratingly tiring to keep covering up, pretending that I am better, I am alright, I am strong when I am not.

Learning to say Sorry or to admit our Weakness isn't easy, but by saying that, we are one step towards humility and one step away from pride. He gives grace to the humble, opposes the proud.

The Scripture assures us that God's mercy and grace is new every single morning.

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." ~ Lamentations 3:22-23

2 Corinthians 12:10 - "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I realize how strong my God is when I am weak. When there is less of me, I see more of God.

Why then, shall we live like a stained glass masquerade?

So let go, let God break the stained glass masquerade into pieces, and in exchange, receive a transparent heart.

It doesn't matter if the glass is stained because if we are crowned with the helmet of humility, together with the strong support from the brothers and sisters in Christ and working through Christ, we can remove the stains. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. So what counts?

Therefore, we rejoice for we have a great high priest where mercy, grace and help can be found. ♥

Yet I Sin

I know I am not perfect and I can never be. That's why I need a deliverer, a Saviour, a lover of my soul.

Temptations and sins surround me. They are lurking for victims. They are sneaky. I might be strong this minute, but can be totally devastated by the army of Satan in the next to come. Therefore I need a constant guide, a light that shines in the darkness, to protect me, to remind me, and to keep me at His bay. I have tasted the goodness, the mercy, the grace and yet a single slip is enough to destroy.

Again, when I truly gaze at the Cross and meditate the wood, my heart pains.

So this is my prayer. I will pray it everyday to remind myself and to remind the Satan that trying to evoke me. The God who lives in me is bigger than the one out in the world.

Eternal Father,

Thou art good beyond all though,

But I am vile, wretched, miserable, blind;

My lips are ready to confess,

but my heart is slow to feel,

and my ways reluctant to amend.

I bring my soul to thee;

break it, wound it, bend it, mould it.

Unmask to me sin's deformity,

that I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it.

My faculties have been a weapon of revolt against thee;

as a rebel I have misused my strength,

and served the foul adversary of thy kingdom.

Give me grace to bewail my insensate folly,

Grant me to know that the way of transgressors is hard,

that evil paths are wretched paths,

that to depart from thee is to lose all good.

I have seen the purity and beauty of thy perfect law,

the happiness of those in whose heart it reigns,

the calm dignity of the walk to which it calls,

yet I daily violate and contemn its precepts.

Thy loving Spirit strives within me,

brings me Scripture warnings,

speaks in startling providences,

allures by secret whispers,

yet I choose devices and desires to my own hurt,

impiously resent, grieve, and provoke him to abandon me.

All these sins I mourn, lament, and for them cry pardon.

Work in me more profound and abiding repentance;

Give me the fullness of a godly grief that trembles and fears,

yet ever trusts and loves,

which is ever powerful, and ever confident;

Grant that through the tears of repentance

I may see more clearly the brightness

and glories of the saving Cross.

From the Valley of Vision

Only One Life

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

~ C.T. Studd

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:26-27)

Only one life. How should I live it?

About

September has been a really tight month and I barely caught myself a breather. Thank God for sustaining me. Thank God for His unfailing mercy and grace upon me. Last weekend marked another record as I spent 12 hours at church, being given the privilege to serve along with the Youth Band in the morning and afternoon church anniversary celebration service where realistically speaking I am no longer a youth anymore :P

Just a few thoughts that I gathered along the past few weeks that I didn't manage to pen them down.

About Change

We always initiate Change for a better. Change of lifestyle, change of habit, change of sleeping pattern, change of new gadgets ... We always Restructure for the better. Restructure of administrative system, restructure of human resources in a company, restructure of departments ... The question is, will change and restructure always result in something better? Recently the cell groups in my university decided to birth forth a new cell group after much prayers. Different ones were approached and taken to form the new group. Some were reluctant at first but they acknowledged the importance and purpose so they availed themselves. At the same time, some leaders or key players of each group left for respective reasons. As the leadership team shrunk, new coordinators were given the batons to take charge and lead. The split was meant for radical multiplication, but many groups have since then, growing smaller and smaller. Culture within the group (the one that I attend) has gradually changed, it is different right now. New visitors came but most of them did not stay long. Some didn't want to commit, on and off. Some came to know Christ but sad to say, haven't been seeing some for a season of time. I wished they would have stayed, perhaps there are issues to deal with or perhaps, the follow-up system ought to be polished. I once thought, didn't it seem to be better and stronger before and not after the split? After all, I believe in the God-given authority within the leadership team. The season has not been performing well, the split caused some to lose heart, but it's all for a good cause. I will just walk along and witness. I do what I can and to serve, though I don't have a say to change or impart something right now, I pray I can ignite something great to boost the gloom through the student movement next year on campus. That's my greatest resolution.

About Influence

Everyone has his/her own influence, in his/her unique way. Some are good at motivating and encouraging people, some's presence within a group setting can stir a big woo-wow, some are just natural born leaders where people will just willingly follow ... It has been a long season, if it is negative I will say a season of frustration and asking God WHY. But I am taking it positively, I might be restrained, refrained, kept in the shell but thus far I have opted to use the space and time I have to meet and greet as many people as I can, trying my best to be a living testimony. I slip into many groups with the intention to know a wide array of people and to find the little hole which I can bless, impart, encourage, and ultimately to point them closer and closer to Christ the chief cornerstone. My prayer is that they do not need to remember me or what I have done, but Christ. I am bold enough to say I love every group, I love my neighbour, I just want to extend what I can do and offer to beyond my house. I hope people understand that. After all, I want to be a Godly influence. I was told I might not be given the position, but I can disciple people as I go. Recognition doesn't matter.

About Lukewarm

Sometime I just couldn't figure out how people can choose to snuggle underneath their warm blanket, stay in their comfort zone and be pathetic. What does it mean to Deny oneself, Take up the Cross and Follow Christ? How much have we endured? Just a smooth ever sailing life? NO WAY! The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Only if all can contribute and strive for the Kingdom, I can't imagine the magnitude of power we can generate as Christ Ambassadors. So, don't just taste the grace and do nothing. Buckle up and do something! If not, be reminded that God can easily deny us when we reach the heaven's door.

God All Sufficient

I shared this prayer to my lifegroup members during pre-lifegroup meeting yesterday. It blessed my heart richly, hope to my readers too. Ponder at the message the author trying to deliver.

O Lord of Grace,

The world is before me this day,

and I am weak and fearful,

but I look to thee for strength;

If I venture forth alone I stumble and fall,

but on the Beloved's arms I am firm as the eternal hills;

If left to the treachery of my heart

I shall shame thy Name,

but if enlightened, guided, upheld by thy Spirit,

I shall bring thee glory.

Be thou my arm to support,

my strength to stand,

my light to see,

my feet to run,

my shield to protect,

my sword to repel,

my sun to warm.

To enrich me will not diminish thy fullness;

All thy lovingkindess is in thy Son,

I bring him to thee in the arms of faith,

I urge his saving Name as the One who died for me.

I plead his blood to pay my debts of wrong.

Accept his worthiness for my unworthiness,

his sinlessness for my transgressions,

his purity for my uncleanness,

his sincerity for my guile,

his truth for my deceits,

his meekness for my pride,

his constancy for my backslidings,

his love for my enmity,

his fullness for my emptiness,

his faithfulness for my treachery,

his obedience for my lawlessness,

his glory for my shame,

his devotedness for my waywardness,

his holy life for my unchaste ways,

his righteousness for my dead works,

his death for my life.

~ The Valley of Vision

When life seems to fall apart, remember God's providence, grace, mercy and love. Remember the rainbow - sign of God's promise. Every cloud has a silver lining. Nothing is too big for God to handle. Be still and look to thee, the mountain where we shall stand unshaken. Above all, remember God's sovereignty and supremacy. He is God the able.

Do We Believe?

Little thought of the day.

In life, there are moments when we can't understand how things happen and it is even harder to fathom why things happen.

It is always easier said than done, especially when we get down to comfort someone. For example, victim of certain tragedy. We can give and quote all the biblical references and word of encouragement but little do we actually know how much that actually helps. But, what more can we do? Apart from prayer, physical assistance...

We know that God is all we have and God is able for he holds all things together. But, it requires faith to see that. In the past there are non believers who actually told me that Christian quotes are not about relationship with the Creator, but mental boost and mere encouragement in times of need. We gotta see beyond that. First come the relationship and through the journey that we embark and partner with God, we know that God he goes before us and he is with us. It takes second for God to perform a miracle. But the question, do we believe God is able?

I wonder what's the reaction of the disciples when their master was bullied, tortured and then crucified on the Cross. They witnessed everything. How did they take it? What about Jesus? He went through and bore the entire sickening process. How did he feel? How did he take it?

There is difference between a bystander and a victim. There is difference between an onlooker and a participant.

Do we believe everything happens for a purpose? Do we believe everything happens according to the will of God? Do we believe it is not just an accident? Do we believe?

Who Moved?

Deuteronomy 31:6 says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." That's the just-in-time encouragement Moses gave to Joshua, the man who succeeded Moses to lead the Israelite into the promise land.

Subsequent verse 8 says "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Who can actually Go before us and at the same time Be with us? That's not something human can achieve. God is omnipresent. He is not confined to space. If God is confined and limited to space, he is not God as if God is all powerful, how can space overpower God?

God's promises will never fail for that is the character of God. When God promises something, he will definitely fulfill it. What we need to do - receive as it is.

Perfection can only be found in God.

God never moves. God is never too far away, for we are the one constantly moving. In many parts in the Bible, we can see who are the ones 'coming back to God'. For example, in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the son was the one who returned home and sought his father's forgiveness. We are the one who need to run back into his embrace. We are the one who constantly need his grace and mercy. We are the one who always make mistakes.

God's fountain is 24 / 7. The one that will never run dry.

Action involved - Come. Simply come.

If one departed from God, who moved?

As Weak and Vulnerable

In my life journey with God, I encountered great amass of events and been through ups and downs. Many points in life I was so frustrated with myself when I found myself entangled by sins. Though I know that I am now a new creation in Christ and that Jesus has set me free and the power of Holy Spirit dwells in me, I can still fall into temptation and commit sin. It is due to the sinful nature that every being carries, and that no one is perfect except God. As I reflect and ponder, I come to the realization that no one is sinless except God. If one is forever purified and remains sinless after accepting Jesus into his or her life, then does the person still need God? The person will never need to go through repetitive repentance before God nor do grace and mercy mean much to him or her. Therefore, repentance is not an once-off process. We need to drink from God's grace and mercy and seek His forgiveness constantly. Subsequently, we find ourselves longing more of Him every single day and knowing that we are Nothing without Him. If not, why do we address God as the Precious One? Precious means highly esteemed, of great value and very costly. Think about this, if we can attain something easily without much pursue, how much will we treasure the thing?

It is in my weakness that His power and strength are made perfect in me. It is in my ugliness that I see His perfect being and beauty. Of that, I can't boast how mature and perfect I am, but to boast only in the name of Jesus.

On the other hand, there are times where I perceive that I am better than others, or that I am purer or more righteous than another person. This often happens when I tend to compare myself with one another and deem that another person has committed a Bigger sin than I. Recently, it caused a big woo-wow as a leader in the church committed sexual sin and was pregnant as a consequence. Upon knowing, I was not there to justify or condemn but it reminded me of how fallible and feeble every person can be, regardless whether one is a pastor, a deacon or a leader. Everyone is living by grace alone. Everyone needs the same portion. As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10. It is often when a church is undergoing trials and persecutions that people get united and stronger.

I borrowed one of the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and made it mine as I relate myself to his position.

‎"Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God."

I consider myself as worse as any other being, that nobody else can be so bad as I am. When I see the weakness and sins in another person, I am convinced as if I had committed the same sins and same failings. It brings shame to myself seeing another believer falling and that causes me to seek His face and confess my sins before Him constantly.

None is greater, none is more righteous, none is perfect, none doesn't need God. We are all on the same boat, needing Jesus to calm the storm.

Farewell

Being a student, I look forward to the long deserved semester break at the end of every semester. I love to do countdown and get excited over it, longing to sleep in as if day and night doesn't really matter anymore and to have my own time and space to do whatever I want at the speed which is convenient and comfortable. It is the greater allowance of freedom I am seeking after.

Holiday supposes to be joyful and breaking free. Despite that, ending a semester can mean graduation for other students. Though graduation should be a joyous moment as we celebrate those who have successfully fought the good fight over the lengthy 3 - 4 years of university life, it can be sad as another chapter of life - career is soon to be embraced, whether one likes it or not. Farewell has become one of the other option one often has especially for the international students. There are two options: To stay or return home.

It is never easy to leave all the experience, emotions and memories behind and just simply turn your back and leave a place for good. It is even harder if you have a great bunch of friends that you truly love and whom you have been journeying along for years, those who walked through ups and downs with you. Most people will at least have the inner urge to truly treasure their last few months, weeks or days prior to their departure. They will arrange appointments, meet-ups, and do all the things they have yet accomplished or tried so that they will not be leaving in regret. Quality time and waking up early will now be a thing to ensure their days are well spent. Some might even wish for the time to pause for awhile.

On the other hand, the people surrounding those soon-to-fly-birds will now have a fairly packed schedule to meet. Farewell parties, catch-ups, hang-outs... just to make sure good time is invested with those who are leaving, intensified by the fact of not knowing the next time of seeing each other. Both parties are affected. Both parties are reluctant.

However, it might not mean so much if the chapter here is a nightmare and if one couldn't wait to break free from the pit.

There is always a place we long for, or someone we long to see. Farewell is not the end of something but the beginning of something new. For now, I have just farewelled my dear housemate and soon, there will be a few more to cry for.

So, are we boosted and motivated to leave a legacy and memorable footprints as we reach and leave a station in life?

All in all, trust in the Lord always. Knowing that He has a plan not to harm but to prosper us. We have a big God. Don't run our own agenda, but let God be the driver.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Be Right Back

Just as Jesus is returning soon, I will be back soon to blogging due to my super intense period of studying.

Thought of the Day:

What can separate us from the love of God?

Our love can fail, but God's love will never ever fail. He made all things for the good of you and me. Take that.

Contract

Recently my mind has been stuffed up with all the information regarding Contract Administration. Moreover, I will be battling for exams for the coming weeks.

Relating to contract, little do I realize that almost everyone has gotten into a contract in some ways or the other. It can be the contract that we sign when purchasing house, land and car or contract that we sign for renting purposes, or just generally an agreement that we have agreed to with another party. Most contracts are legally enforceable which means both parties must abide to the law. Breaching the conditions stated in the contract can triggers legal action. Apart from that, it takes certain requirement for a contract to exist. It must need party to offer, party to accept, consideration, genuine consent of both parties and legality of objects.

However, the greatest contract that I have ever signed is not my contract with my scholarship provider, but my King Jesus.

God offered His one and only begotten Son, Jesus.

I, the wrecked and sinful person accepted the offer, knowing how unworthy I am.

Consideration: Freedom from the bondage and sin and most importantly, Salvation - Eternity.

The Contractual Fee: I paid Nil, Jesus was crucified on the Cross, He paid His life. Freely He gave, freely I received.

The nature of the contract is that I can fail, but God will never fail. To allow the contract to effect, it requires my obedience, faith, love, perseverance and so much more, more than just commitment. God on the other hand, pouring out His abundant Grace, Mercy, Love and Blessings. God is the party that will never withdraw nor will He possibly breach the contract. The contract is up to me to accept, keep or nullify.

I am the party who benefit from the contract. Does God, the other party gain? God He doesn't need me, but He wants me. He actually cares about me and that truly overwhelms me as I know how finite I am, wondering if God ever noticed me. I am the party that benefits greatly for as I entered the contract, I was given a new life. The old has gone and the new has come. Not only that, things and habits started changing. I have gone through and still going through process of transformation and renewal. Every single day, I drink from the living water and live by grace alone. I am empowered by the Spirit that lives in me after I signed the contract, and the Spirit convicts me of my sins and weaknesses. The Spirit bears great fruits in me, such as Joy, Peace, Love, Patience, Self-Control.... Nine of them. I desire all and I should have all and is free!

It is just weird, where on earth in any contract, that the other party actually wants the Best for you? My God does.

Argghhhh... Days and nights are not enough for me to pen down all the goodness and blessings since I entered into this contract. The greater things are still yet to come, so much more! I pray that the day the contract being terminated on earth, is when I depart from the world, leaving for my abode in heaven. I resolved to love Him and serve Him till my last moment.

On this day, would you want to sign this contract? A great journey ahead is awaiting you. Don't worry, you got nothing to lose!

A Cause for Everything

There is a cause for everything. Everything that happens. Everything that takes place. There is a motive for every action. There is a cause.

We go to school/uni for the cause of learning and bottling up knowledge.

We drive for the cause of convenience.

We consume medicine for the cause of recovery.

We battle for the cause of winning or to defeat the enemy.

We laugh for the cause of humour.

We save up for the cause of contingency or emergency.

We invest for the cause of gaining or returns.

There is a cause for every natural event too.

Christ died for the cause to save the world. That is the greatest cause.

Therefore, we should live for the cause of Christ. We should love for the cause of knowing Christ's unconditional, unfailing and unreserved love.

If you think you are not part of the plan, let me tell you that you are born for a cause. You are born for a reason. You just need to find the cause which can only be found in Christ. God knows your cause even when you are still in your mother's womb.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

We ought to live our life knowing that there is a cause for everything.

God knows us before we were born but after birth, many do not know Him or reject Him.

Do you have the cause?