ShadowFeet

Resolutions

2011-12-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-11T04:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-09T21:31:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-09-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-08-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-08-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

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?

Fool or Be Fooled

2011-06-12T21:07:00.001-07:00

One can make himself/herself a fool for actually not knowing something that he or she thinks he or she knows.

We know that the Bible preaches the Truth. We know how precious the Word of God is. We know that only God is righteous and holy. But even some highly admirable preachers or people-pastors in the world often misquote the scripture or preach out of the context. It is sad but the saddest thing is when the people who hear actually believe the unsound preaching.

We must be wise in choosing whom we listen to and the books that we read in supplement to our belief of the Word and our walk with God. How can we be wise? The only way is to be soundly rooted in the knowledge and application of the Word of God.

Some preach the prosperity gospel. Ask them to preach the same message in the Forth World Countries that everyone should be rich and healthy. It is wicked. Some proclaim that Jesus is not the only way. Some preach salvation is through our works and we can work our way to gain. Some say mother Mary was a virgin her whole life.

Who gains out of our foolishness towards God's word? The devil.

It is not so much about labeling ourselves against Calvinism or Arminianism. It is about believing in what the Bible says! There is only one standard - God's standard, God breathed.

We can fool ourselves through our ignorance and shallow knowledge towards the Scripture. At the same time, we can fool the devil by equipping and armoured ourselves with deep knowledge and understanding towards the Scripture.

Do not Amen to every sentence that a preacher preaches. Amen only when you have welly digested and agree with the teaching.

Fool ourselves or fool the devil.

Fear God and read the Scripture in reverence and we shall gain wisdom.

How much do we know?

The Greatest Comfort

2011-06-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

The greatest comfort is not how much someone else can cheer us up when we are down in spirit, or how much someone can speak words of healing into our broken heart when we are hurt, or how thankful we are towards those angels who give us a hand us in times of our greatest predicament or when someone else willingly shares our worries and burdens. The greatest comfort is knowing that God Is With Us.

In many parts of the Book of Isaiah, the prophecy about Jesus is made known. In Chapter 7:14b, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Yes! Our King Jesus Christ is Immanuel. The name Immanuel as we know means "God is with us". It is to convince us that God is able to rescue us from the downfall of this world and from our enemies. I believe there is a significant purpose for God to name Jesus "Immanuel". Most of the names of the characters in the Bible come with their specific meaning and if we examine the story of each character, his or her name is closely related to the life and who he or she is going to be.

We can't rely on human strength because we are imperfect and fallible. But our God will never fail. He is everlasting from eternity to eternity and even when the whole world collapses, He is still who He is. Regardless of the situation we are going through right now, there is Hope in Jesus. Big or small, He can handle all.

Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

The promise of God is that He is faithful and He will never leave those who love Him. In darkness or trial, His sovereignty rules.

Isaiah 59:1, "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear."

Cry and look to the mountain, where our help comes from, knowing that our God is Immanuel.

To know the comfort, we need to know Him first.

The Moment

2011-06-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Recently there was this little clip of a Mobbed Wedding being widely circulated on Facebook. It was a magnificent one and I believe most girls actually cried after watching it. It is not just a mobbed proposal, but a proposal plus wedding. Indeed, if I were the bride, I couldn't even dare to imagine what might have just happened after the entire session. It gonna be like "Oh my gosh, yesterday I was still in a relationship and everything was just typical and normal, but now I am wearing a wedding ring and I am married!" It was indeed a massive and creative mobbed proposal plus wedding, and some titled it as the greatest wedding on the earth, greater than the Royal Wedding.

Looking from the perspective of the man, it was just incredible. I couldn't fathom how many hundreds of hours and effort he had poured in, not to mention the numerical cost that he had to fork out. Hundreds of participants, dancers, crew, relatives, band and best friends flew in from different states, and parents for both side were invited. Moreover, massive choreography was portraited. Can you imagine the time and arena for practice and just to get hundreds of people coming together for one purpose? It was like a show, so perfectly done from different angles as being a spectator deriving from the clip. I do hope that it is a real one. Aha!

Everything aside, I have to salute and respect the man. He so wanted to marry her, and that revealed how much she meant to him and how much he valued her. At the same time, I gotta say as a man, I "hate" him as he had set an incredible benchmark and standard and causing more women out there dreaming of their romance and greatly escalated their expectation. Guys, SIGH!

Everything and the tremendous preparation was all meant for the significant moments, the big flabbergasted "YES", "I DO" and the exchange of ring to officially married the couple.

Likewise for Christians today, the moment we accepted Christ into our lives, we are accumulating and working towards the second coming of Jesus. I hope we are preparing for that. Those things include attending Sabbath service, cell group, prayer meeting, personal devotional time, ceaseless prayers unto God, sharing the Good News in the streets, serving God in different ministries etc. When we know Christ, we find our life purpose. There is this moment that all believers should greatly anticipate, which is the return of Christ in glory. However, it is not mere "working" towards our eternity. The Bible says we are saved not by our works, but by Grace alone through Faith. It is putting the belief and trust in God alone, and developing that intimate relationship with God daily. It is about living on a transforming life and walking through the ups and downs together with Christ. It is about knowing the Creator and craving to dwell in His presence.

Looking at the man in the video, no word can probably describe his love for his fiancee and that was justified through his action. Today, where is Christ's position in us? Is Christ still the First Love, or has Christ ever been our First Love? Do we love our God more than anything else?

Luke 14:26-27 says: "²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Where is God's position in our life today? If Jesus is to return tomorrow, are we ready to receive Him?

Longing after You

2011-06-09T10:09:00.001-07:00

"My dear Lord, I can but tell Thee that Thou knowest I long for nothing but Thyself, nothing but holiness, nothing but union with Thy will. Thou hast given me these desires, and thou alone canst give me the thing desired. My soul longs for communion with Thee, for mortification of indwelling corruption, especially spiritual pride. How precious it is to have a tender sense and clear apprehension of the mystery of godliness, of true holiness! What a blessedness to be like Thee as much as it is possible for a creature to be like its creator! Lord, give me more of Thy likeness; enlarge my soul to contain fullness of holiness; engage me to live more for Thee. Help me to be less pleased with my spiritual experiences, and when I feel at ease after sweet communings, teach me it is far too little I know and do. Blessed Lord, let me climb up near to Thee, and love, and long, and plead, and wrestle with Thee, and pant for deliverance from the body of sin, for my heart is wandering and lifeless, and my soul mourns to think it should ever lose sight of its beloved. Wrap my life in divine love, and keep me ever desiring Thee, always humble and resigned to Thy will, more fixed on Thyself, that I may be more fitted for doing and-suffering."

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

My soul longs after you. I have resolved that you are my one desire. Take this heart and make it whole again. In the midst of wilderness and as if the world has engulfed me, lift me out and pull me through. Show me your glory. What have I obtained? Who I am without you? Let me not drown in the tide of this world but in the sea of your grace. Yours forever.

Compromise

2011-06-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Compromise is a settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions. It might or might not require a mutual agreement or understanding.

In life, we compromise. Often when we find ourselves in a confrontation, the best way to retreat is to compromise. Football fans compromise their sleep by staying up late, to the extent of compromising their health and productivity in the following day. Businessmen compromise their integrity by adopting dirty tactics such as collusion and black market activity to maximize their profits. It can be quite frustrating when the surrounding environment has such an influence on us that we give in to compromise, even though it might not be our heart desire. We compromise often to our own convenience and benefit.

Everything aside, one thing that Christian must never compromise is one's relationship with God. In fact, God is not affected by our compromise. We are the one who receive all the outcomes. God is not affected when we love Him less. God is not affected when we lose faith in our prayer. God is not affected when we indulge in our sins. Perhaps we might think that God is upset with us, therefore, there is an emotional impact. The truth is that God is not limited. God is still able even when 50% of the Christians on this earth are wiped off. God still moves! God is not confined. We will always be the losing side if we compromise our relationship with God.

So, what are the areas that we need to watch out for?

1. We must not compromise Sin.

For God is holy, therefore sin is intolerable. Romans 12:1-21 talks about presenting ourselves as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Do not compromise with sin or temptation. When we give in to temptation, sin welcomes us. The truth is that, either we face God and turn away from Sin, or we face Sin and we turn away from God. God and Sin cannot co-exist. Jesus took on the Cross, reconciled and brought sin to powerless. Sin shall not reign in a believer's life.

2. We must not compromise our Faith.

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. If we compromise our faith, we will not receive what we are hoping for. The greatest enemy of faith is doubt. Doubt confuses us and leads us to question God's ability and timing. When we lose our faith, we will lose all the promises of God.

3. We must not compromise the Truth.

The Word of God is our way and key to life. Knowing that it is infallible, we must not allow our enemy to destroy the Word of God. There are horrendous false prophets and teachers prowling for their victims and their number will increase as one of the signs of the end of world. Are we able to defend and uphold the Truth no matter what? For when we let go the Truth, we are alienated from God. Therefore, immerse ourselves richly and deeply in the knowledge and understanding towards God's word so that we will not be easily shaken in time of trials.

4. We must not compromise our First Love.

God must be our First Love, not our parents or our partner. "For anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son and daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37. Is God the priority in our life? When we know God, we know love. The greatest love that can change and turn the whole world upside down is not the human ability to love, but the love that was made known on the Cross. The greatest definition of Love is therefore, 1 Corinthians 13.

5. We must not compromise our Body.

Our body is the temple of God and the Spirit lives in our body. 1 Corinthians 6:19. Do not give in to sexual desires. Do not commit adultery or pre-marital sex. God forbid it for a good purpose. More than that, couple who are not yet married should not live under one roof. If we do, we are pushing ourselves into temptation. When it gratifies, death it is.

The list of areas that we must not compromise is never exhaustive. But lets examine and learn from two Bible characters in the area of compromise.

1. The story of Esau.

In the ancient times, the birthright was a very important and sacred thing. It belonged to the first born and he would also receive a chief portion of the inheritance. More than mere physical assets, it was also a spiritual position of the people of God. For a pot of stew, poor hungry Esau sold his birthright and the blessings from his father went to Jacob. One fatal mistake is enough to kill. Never make a decision when we are in the lows. Recently there was this news in China where a teenager sold one of his kidneys in exchange for cash to purchase Ipad 2. It might not be the most WOW case, the question is not about 'what is next', but 'who will be the next?'

2. The story of Solomon.

King Solomon was one of the wisest men that had ever lived yet one of the greatest fools. He inherited everything from his father, King David and was greatly blessed by God. In his early years, despite his youth and inexperience, his complete obedience and faithfulness to God had ensured his success in the later years. However, as feeble as you and me, he fell and compromised God's truth and commandments. He led himself to his own failure. He trusted his own wealth and political power more than in God. Although he did not reject God entirely by continuing to worship God, he compromised the Truth by tolerating all sorts of paganism such as keeping a harem of 1,000 women and worshipping the idols. The book of Ecclesiastes clearly recorded Solomon's agony and reflection over his life, from the high end to the pitfall.

Think about that. Think about the areas in our life when compromise seems to be the only option, where is God's position? God can never be compromised.

Solomon's example clearly teaches us that compromising what God says is right and acceptable can bring a heavy costly price.

I am as weak, and I am still learning to grow closer and deeper in the One whom image I carry.

Conviction

2011-06-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

What does conviction mean to you? What is conviction? Conviction means "the act or process of convincing", "the state of being convinced" or "a fixed or strong belief about something". It can also refer to "the state of being convicted of sin, or by one's conscience." Biblical Conviction means conviction or belief derived from and based on a commitment to Scripture, the Bible and the conviction affect him or her spiritually .

We need to be careful when differentiating generic conviction to biblical conviction. As a conviction is a convinced conscience, not all our conscience is flawless. Conscience is not a perfect indicator of right and wrong as our human conscience can be weak and defiled. Our convictions will not always agree because they are personal. However, if our convictions are grounded on the Scripture which is God breathed, our biblical convictions can guide us through many pitfalls in our life.

Conviction is nasty. Why is it so? Conviction can bring inconvenience at the time when convenience is most desirable. It can be troublesome as we are kind of being held back and unable to perform something. One's conviction can turn out to be a laughing stock of another person. Our conviction may not necessary be appreciated and valued by others. One's conviction can even cause misunderstanding between two parties.

Above all, conviction convinces us of our sin. It tells us the right and wrong. Everyone should have a set of personal biblical convictions in our journey with God. One who has no conviction is easily moved. When our conviction is challenged, our character is tested. Keeping and upholding a conviction isn't easy but as long as God is honoured, the soul is satisfied.

Our conviction should not be people-driven or environment-driven, but God-driven.

Along my journey so far, these are some of the convictions that I have carried and by God's grace, I will carry on... (Not in sequence)

1. I resolved not to speak any profanity.

2. I resolved that I will not skip/miss any Sabbath service as a result of my own agenda, God the priority.

3. I resolved to keep my virginity till marriage.

Some convictions I have adopted along the way through observation from others and as I am convinced by the teaching of the Scripture:

1. I resolved not to attempt illegal downloading.

2. I resolved not to purchase pirated goods.

3. I resolved not to jaywalk even though to my most inconvenience (when there is not even a car spotted). I rather wait.

I am convinced that little tiny things in my life that are not rightly upheld or practiced are the roots to bigger sins. I am still discovering many more convictions to uphold in my life.

So, how can we bring glory to God in every move that we make?

Do you have a conviction?

Interesting Thought:

1. Is there a testimony when we ran against the traffic or jaywalked as we rushed our way to arrive at certain destination for the purpose of serving God?

2. I download worship songs. I think God is pleased because I am a musician in church. I download for the glory of God.

So you think? :)

Contentment

2011-06-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Heavenly Father, if I should suffer need, and go unclothed, and be in poverty, make my heart prize Thy love, know it, be constrained by it, though I be denied all blessings. It is Thy mercy to afflict and try me with wants, for by these trials I see my sins, and desire severance from them. Let me willingly accept misery, sorrows, temptations, if I can thereby feel sin as the greatest evil, and be delivered from it with gratitude to Thee, acknowledging this as the highest testimony of Thy love.

"When thy Son, Jesus, came into my soul instead of sin He became more dear to me than sin had formerly been; His kindly rule replaced sin's tyranny. Teach me to believe that if ever I would have any sin subdued I must not only labour to overcome it, but must invite Christ to abide in the place of it, and He must become to me more than vile lust had been; that His sweetness, power, life may be there. Thus I must seek a grace from Him contrary to sin, but must not claim it apart from Himself.

When I am afraid of evils to come, comfort me by showing me that in myself I am a dying, condemned wretch, but in Christ I am reconciled and live; that in myself I find insufficiency and no rest, but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace; that in myself I am feeble and unable to do good, but in Christ I have ability to do all things. Though now I have His graces in part, I shall shortly have them perfectly in that state where Thou wilt show Thyself fully reconciled, and alone sufficient, efficient, loving me completely, with sin abolished. O Lord, hasten that day."

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

Contentment is one of the greatest states of life if one can ever achieve. That is the state when the soul is deeply satisfied, rooted in the acknowledgement and the recognition from God alone and not from the world. It is a journey of counting the blessings, what we have instead of what we are lacking. The world is never contented with everyone trying to out-rule another mankind. If we drink from the world, we will be thirsty again. Those who drink from the living water, shall not thirst again.

Only If We have Listened

2011-06-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

When God says, what shall we do?

How often have we not followed God's instructions? How often have we missed the marks due to our own negligence and followed the heart rather than taking God's way?

How often do we realize that Only If I Have Listened, things will not turn out to be this way! Many outcomes can be totally different only if we have listened, to God, spiritual mentors and those who are wiser than us. Life is all about decision making. From what we gonna eat for breakfast to what time should I rest... It can be minor or major decision but all we want to see is a wise move! We will never understand how immense the difference can be, only if we have paid more attention and listened to the wiser and God!

Naturally when we are young, we always like to go on adventure. When our parents say no to this and that, we question for reasons but most of the time, we tend to taste the forbidden fruits. At the end of the day, we get punished for our wrong doings. Hopefully we regret and learn from our mistakes. It is similar in our walk with God. When God gives a direction, do we follow straightforward or we try to wrestle with God? When God says do not give in to temptation and flee from youthful desires and sins, do we try to light up the sparks or extinguish?

Think of a few scenarios below.

1. Only if Eve had listened to God's instruction, the birth of Sin into the world had to be different.

2. Only if Jonah had listened to God rather than running away, he would not have to be swallowed by a big fish. What did he gain? Didn't he obey God's instruction at the end?

3. Abraham listened to God. He took the step of faith and willingly offered Isaac as God commanded him. God saw his heart. Not only God spared Isaac's life, Abraham was then called Father of All Nation.

Today, as God speaks, as His commandments are made known, as sins are made clear, right and wrongs are distinguished, how should we respond?

We Against the World

2011-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

I went to watch X Men First Class with my lifegroup mates earlier today. The story line was quite ok but I took home some points to ponder.

Firstly, Christians should stand in the same line battling against the world. Our citizenship is in heaven as we hold a temporary residency (TR) here on earth. We all have a mission to accomplish before Jesus returns - to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Besides, we ought to help one another to live a life that is pleasing unto God. We ought to present our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. Not every body is acceptable, we get polluted easily. Throughout the journey, we gotta learn how to stand still in our faith. Faith is the most crucial weapon to assure our victory. Something we need to retain. Each one of us is the watchman for another fellow. Don't live a selfish life! Keep an eye on each other. The devils are preying so diligently to swallow those with shaky faith. Being alone offers vulnerability.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, there is strength when many come together as one. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up! But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Christians can bring a great impact to the world when every comes together. Why should we allow dissension to break us apart? Why is there hatred even among the believers? Why should there be jealousy and provocation among different denominations? Aren't we receiving the One Baptism and serving the One God who shows no favouritism?

Lastly, God creates everyone of us in the unique way. We are born that way. We should be proud and appreciate God's creativity. Like the mutants, we do not need to hide. The more we try to hide, the more frustrated we will get. We don't need the acknowledgement from the world. Place our security in God. At the end of the day, we are not going to be judged by the world or how the world sees us, but God the chief judge. Confessing our weaknesses reflects one's humility. Remember, Kingdom Shakers are different. When we are different, then we can change the world.

Learn from the mutants in the story.

Come together, stand as one. We unite, against the world!

Why It Hurts

2011-06-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a guy earlier on today. Someone who had a bad past and basically mucked up his teenage years. But he found God and I believe God is working within him. He questioned about the pain, hurt and barrier which intensified as he decided to walk closer with God. Guilt has been resurfacing from time to time especially in times of weakness.

Let me put the situation in this simple analogy. Imagine there are two boxes, A and B which is 20m from one another. Box A carries the loads of life that we carry with us in this world, including our beings, wealth, worldly desires, etc. Box B represents God. When we become a Christian and embark on the journey to know God, we realize that there are whole lots of stuff that need to be trimmed and cleared. Consciously or unconsciously, we are in the process of realigning ourselves and walking closer to God. Hence the distance between the two boxes gradually decreases. However, the indulgence in the sinful pattern or the temporary excitement one been through will not let the person goes free that easily. As the devils are powerful, they will try all sort of ways to fool and overpower our will and desire. Recall the story of Adam and Eve, we should be informed of how smart the Satan can be in luring us.

Meanwhile, God is pulling our the other hand. We are kind of stuck in between, struggling to break free from either side. One side leads to death, the other leads to freedom. God never let go his hand. We are the one who break lose and fall into the pit. The process of getting closer to God is painful, is not easy. We have to allow God to change so much within us and as we receive new revelations, so much training and it seems like a daunting journey ahead. Many only manage to pull through half way. We have to learn how to set apart ourselves and apply the Truth and the Word of God in our life. It is a long restructuring process which requires perseverance and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. There will be a great wall blocking us. We might find way too much "rules and regulations" that "contradict" to what our old selves possessed.

It hurts because something is bursting out in the deepest part of our soul. There is a new birth of conviction. The Spirit is convicting and correcting us. If there's no struggle as we face the rising walls, it might simply mean the Spirit is not in us and we have never welcomed Jesus into our life.

To change is never easy. The key to victory is the full reliant on our God and through the works of the Spirit. It is not our own strength and might. It requires a partnership. It involves sacrifice. It is painful yet the endurance will lead to eternal freedom and glory. It is worth it!

Is all the we walk through comparable to the endurance of Jesus on his road to Calvary?

In God, we are more than conquerors. Grab hold of the hand and never let it go. Call upon the name of Jesus and be saved.

Hebrew 12:2 says "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."

After treatment comes healing and wholeness. No treatment is painless and easy. Hold on!

Death

2011-06-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation over the phone with a mate that I met during street evangelism two months ago. He called and we just chatted over life. Soon, our conversation developed into discussing about death and life, control over life and God's will.

To sum up, my mate seems to worry about death. He wonders if he will leave this earth before getting married. Aha! However, the cause of his worry is the aftermath from a tragedy that his dear friend encountered not too long ago, that indeed men are like flowers, here today gone tomorrow. The tragedy has been haunting him to a certain extent.

Life is beyond our control. Our God he gives and he takes. As Christian, we believe everyone has a purpose on earth where God places us in and we are not an accident. We are not meant to consume oxygen and waste our life. Finding the purpose in God motivates us to live our life to the fullness. Death should not capture our focus, fearful of the time we will leave this earth. In fact, every moment is crucial to fulfill God's plan in our life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die..."

We have one life, how are we going to live this life? Our concern should not be swerved to "How and when will I die?"

Find the purpose in God and receive the peace from God. Death has no sting on us, we are meant to be victorious. Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. It is an overwhelming statement. It is as well, a very dangerous statement as we proclaim it. Are we living fully for Christ, or our own agenda? Are we pursuing what God has intended for us? Consider death, is it just an end to our story or are we pursuing the eternity, knowing that we have fought a good fight and is ready to hand in our log book to God for review? Build up our life, and aim to leave a godly legacy. We are meant to impact!

When everything fades away, God stands still. Death, has no power over us. In fact, it is a glorious moment when our mission on earth is accomplished and as we are called back, returning to our heavenly abode where the glory of God lasts forever.

Counting Thy Faithfulness

2011-06-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Within 2 weeks time, I encountered His marvelous faithfulness and favour. I would like to dedicate this post to my Abba Father who has never failed to impress me.

Remember a few weeks ago, I wrote about receiving my lowest grade ever throughout my university life for one of my favourite subjects. I am here to testify His goodness.

After having a conversation with my mentor, I decided to seek for a review. I had drained much effort into this piece of assignment, I believe the outcome is not what I deserve. Prior to my appointment with my lecturer, a friend of mine told me how sarcastic the review and comment she received from the lecturer. There was no ground of consideration as she actually failed her assignment. However to her astonishment, instead of showing mercy, she received harsh feedback, tearing her heart apart as she shared to us her experience. I was held back, seeing that I will most likely end up hitting a rock, might as well just pull back. However, a voice from nowhere asked me to proceed on with my decision. Review filed.

Later in the afternoon, my lecturer texted me for a meet up. We ran through the assignment and he pointed out some minor mistakes yet couldn't convince me to deserve a low grade. It was to my surprise that he promised to read through my work again in detail and will submit to the unit coordinator for a re-mark. A week later, he sent me an email informing the change of grade! Yes, an upgrade! The good news just came so in time as I was losing my confidence and like an old-battered warship . God is good, I can only sing.

Three days ago, my group mate and I received another major assignment. It was a fairly good piece of work as we obtained high distinction. The lecturer left a comment saying "See me ... etc". Our meet up turned into a funny conversation.

"Excellent job. Very well done guys. Did you guys cheat?"

"Thanks thanks. Er.. No we don't!"

"It's indeed really good. I like everything about it. Incredible. Who helped you?"

"Er... God?"

Upon hearing "God", my lecturer gave me a bewildered look. He should have thought that I am a religious person. But yeah it is my God! I should have yelled specifically - JESUS! Yeah, hope that he will know my God one day.

Today, God surprised me again! I loved it as I didn't expect that. This round was a team based assignment which most of us were dreadful of. Recalling those nights we kind of fumbled through. Recalling those endless moments we yelled at each other how hard it was. Again, God poured his favour upon our team as we pressed in to trust Him. We were so close to be nominated as the winning team for the project we were involved in, but the final decision of selecting the best out of the top two performing teams ousted us. The teaching and projects were issued by one of the biggest construction firms in the world - Bovis Lend Lease. Despite our lost, we were assured a place for interview if we ever apply for a job from the company. Our names will be submitted to the human resource department. Isn't God good?

How great is my God? Great is Thy Faithfulness. How can I not praise Him?

I have resolved to serve Him faithfully and to seal my Trust in Him forever.

God and Wealth

2011-05-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

We either serve God or Mammon. No one can serve two servants.

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes puts his powers of wisdom to work to examine the human experience and assess the human situation. What he has experienced was within the boundaries of his visible world as his wisdom cannot penetrate beyond that beings. Wisdom is better than folly. Life is nothing but meaningless if it is not rightly related to God. We think we can master the world by laboring away and build up our kingdoms of wealth, forgotten that this life is not in our control. Who, can be confident that when he will still be alive the next second? Are we pursuing unrealistic hopes and aspirations, are all our works and efforts futile? As free will allows, we can easily muck up our life thinking that that is my life, I want to live it my way. Without God, we toil foolishly and all our striving under the sun after unreal goals will just lead only to disillusionment.

The element of God cannot be taken away from any equation applicable to this life. Godly wisdom and reverence towards God and His word ensure us not ending up beating the air. Knowing God means knowing our purpose.

Riches, if not being gifted by God and receiving with gladness of heart, are meaningless.

In Ecclesiastes 5:8-20. the author gives everyone who is willing to listen a great wake up call. Undeniably, we can be easily entangled, not realizing that we have been a slave to the money.

"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." V10

One of the best and worst attitude is to want more. If we desire more of what God has for us, God is honoured. But if our heart is blinded pursuing our goals in life and as a result leaving God on the shelf, we are wicked. If we do not find the satisfaction in God, we will never be satisfied with everything that we have. How true it is that in the society, everyone is eyeing after another or a position, climbing the social ladder and accumulating wealth even to the stake of our health, never realize that someone will still out-perform us and it is an unending race of sadness.

"The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep." V12

The rich grieves and often lives in sorrow and great anxiety. He is afraid of intruders and wealth being stolen. He has no good sleep. Contrary, he who lives in contentment worries no.

"Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." V15

Isn't it an alarming statement? Can one bring a billion notes into the heaven? No! Not even a single coin! What's on earth cannot go into the eternity. Therefore, store our treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy nor thieves break in and steal.

"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." V19-20

Everything comes from God. God he gives and he takes. For sure our loving God as if our earthly father would give the best to his children. However, God knows us deeply and even much more of what we know about ourselves. We might question God's fairness for not everyone is rich. The truth is that everyone's strength and gift are different. Our calling can be different. Not everyone is a good keeper. Not everyone is diligent. God sees the heart. God knows best. God never promises everyone to be rich, not as what the prosperity preaching is about. God sees prosperity beyond our understanding of material and wealth.

Don't get me wrong, God doesn't forbid us from pursuing wealth. In fact those who have he will give more. The benchmark is that we sore what we reap and God must be included even in our investment. Every move that we make, may it be to the glory of God. Do we purchase property before seeking God, or after? Find the contentment in God and be grateful when God gives. God gives man wealth and possessions and enables them to enjoy that. It is a gift of God. But do not let the heart dwell in reflecting the days, but be occupied with thanksgiving unto God.

God wants the best for our life. Check the status of our heart today by pondering the following statement:

"When God gives and blesses, we welcome, receive and be thankful. When God takes or asking us to give back to him, will we give cheerfully or being reluctant and sorrowful? Ponder that. Ponder about the parable of the rich young man in Matthew 19.

Will we walk away sad?

Am I a Pharisee?

2011-05-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

"These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Mark 7:6-7

Jesus used the exact words of Isaiah to describe the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in Isaiah 29:13. In fact, in the New Testament, Jesus didn't get along with the Pharisees in almost all the occasions. So, who are the Pharisees? There were three major religious societies of Judaism during the time of New Testament - the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. The name of Pharisee in its Hebrew form means separatists, or the separated ones. They were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God - extremely iconic to what we know of their great opponent towards Jesus throughout the New Testament.

We are taught not to be like the Pharisees. Jesus accused the Pharisees of their hypocrisy and pretentiousness, and pronounced a succession of woes upon them. Hypocrisy is insincerity wearing a mask of sincerity. Too often, we find our identity similar to the Pharisees. I don't know you but I confess that many times, I found myself behaving and acting like a Pharisee. It is a big deal that I need to work right with God. Though I didn't pray at the junction of the road, there were times I did not practice what I preached and I found it so hard to reconcile with God. The word of God can remain just mere head knowledge and I crave for His grace to overcome. Too often I found myself crawling to the foot of the Cross to ask God to unmask me. Much to be pruned.

Question: Am I doing my works to be seen by men? Am I seeking praises and attention from the world? Am I seeking acknowledgement and approval from the people around us? Am I a stained glass masquerade? Does pride hold me back and prevent me from practicing what I preached? Is my thinking and action in contrary to my conscience? Am I a Jekyll and Hyde?

We must be different than the non-Christians in our lifestyles. How can we impact the world if we are the same as the world? We do not want to be the blind leaders of the blind as when a blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. In fact, we should be the light guiding the blind.

I want to say, and do.

Fear and God

2011-05-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Fear and God cannot co-exist.

When I was young and relevant enough to say that when I was young in faith, one of my greatest fear was darkness. Staying in a two-storey house, I would never dare to go up alone to turn in for the night. I had the habit of turning on all the lights in the house just to keep myself comfortable. The alternative was to make an approaching noise by merely stomping softly on the floor as I walked to my room (being considerate of the adjacent neighbour at least!). At the same time, little chilly ghost stories shared by many ones always intensified my fear towards darkness. There were many occasions where I tried to close my eyes while taking the cold shower, all I could imagine was horror scenes and fear. Peace was absent. I think many kids will most probably go through and share the same fear that I have. As I grew older, the fear of darkness gradually subsided.

However, in life, many of us succumb to certain types of fear throughout different stations of life. Sometimes the fear can be so overwhelming that causes destructive impacts to our lifestyle. It can be fear towards discouragement, failure, loneliness, exam, being unloved, poverty, rejection and etc. The best friend of fear is anxiety which knocks down many ones. Fear is common and is seen to be part and parcel of every life. However, lets look at what the bible talks about fear.

One familiar story where fear exploited God's disciples is in Matthew 8. The story is about Jesus and his disciples were travelling on the same boat where a storm stroke while Jesus was sleeping soundly. The disciples were fearful. Not knowing what approach to adopt, they woke Jesus up in tremble and fear, asking their master to save them.

However, Jesus rebuked them by saying "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

We all know that Jesus calmed the sea and his disciples were amazed. However, do we see the similarity of us in the disciples? We have the tendency to think that how faithless those men were at that point of time as we read through the bible, but have we ever truly thought what will be our response if we were in their shoes, in those scary fearful moments where the storm was so furious and the water was on the verge of getting into the boat?

In fact, the disciples had responded in a quite acceptable way as most of us would today. Just ask ourselves, when is the time we cry out to God with great intensity? Isn't it during our weakest time or when death is a step away? I believe I will react the same as the disciples when facing the same circumstance. Sometimes it is just beyond our imagination the real fact can turn out to be in comparison to what we actually know and perceive.

However, the lesson we can learn from the disciples is that, if God is for us, who can be against us? I believe Jesus rebuked the disciples for a reason. "I am here right on the same boat with you. Why are you so afraid?" Yes, Jesus was with them on the boat! Inches away!

Lets ask ourselves, if Jesus lives and dwells in us, why should we be afraid of any circumstance or challenge in our life? Jesus gave his disciples a clear message: "I am with you, do not fear."

Fear and God cannot co-exist. Once we start to fear, it is the best time for us to do a check up if the living Almighty God is absent in us. God is omnipresent and He would love to stay in every heart that welcomes Him, but we can choose to shut Jesus out of the door. It is our choice. It is our faith. Cast our fear to Jesus! Nail it at the Cross!

2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Of the Lost

2011-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

“What goes on in the minds of battered [not literally, but by their children’s sin] parents when it comes time to pray? Often a sense of defeat takes over the spirit, a cloud that can descend even when the parents have forgiven the young person and have real love in their hearts. The problem is that parents often have a fixed negative image of the child. He or she is seen as unchangeable, an image that may be powerfully reinforced by the recollection of the adolescents many failings: repeated acts of rebellion, words of rebellion, and looks of rebellion.

The devil knows how to use this image to undermine effective prayer. He suggests to the unsuspecting parent that this image of cold resistance is the final vision of the child. “This thankless child cannot be changed,” says the Master of Darkness. Listening uncritically to this voice, the praying father or mother then naturally lets the mind become fixed on the child’s stubbornness. Who can pray effectively when the mind is clouded by this picture of steely resistance?

To overcome this, simply shift the mind to the promises of divine grace found in the Scriptures. As a parent, focus your faith by meditating on a great biblical passage like Luke 15, in which you see the great images of faith. You discover the Father’s grace in action. Lost things do not remain lost; they are found. The dead come alive. The lost sheep is found by the shepherd, the lost coin by the housewife, and the lost son is welcomed home with almost scandalous warmth by a loving father. When you think about these things, you’ll realize that the Father loves even you, the parent, as a lost child that has been found. Will he not love your child the same way?”

The extract above is taken from Come Back, Barbara by C. John Miller and Barbara Miller Juliani about a family's struggle to love and believe for the salvation of their daughter who rejected Christ.

The lost cannot remain lost. It must be found. Our God is a God of All Possible and Almighty, He can actually command every soul to turn back to Him as everything is in His hand and control. But ever wonder why God choose not to? Perhaps God allows it so that the believers can pray in faith to witness the greatest conversion one day, to witness the power of prayer and God to reveal himself in the midst of our cry. Another is to develop the trust in God's perfect timing. It can be a great journey of trust and faith where we learn how to rely on God. God can use our unbelieved friends to mould and trim our character. We are preparing ourselves into a battle of believing God can move mountains and change the hardest hearts.

God's promises of faith are all that we need to cling on.

Luke 15:7 says "It tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Luke 15:10 says "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angles of God over one sinner who repents."

Be encouraged that every time when a man crosses from the darkness junction to the light way, angels of God are rejoicing! It is indeed a heavenly transaction when grace is captured by a soul.

I learn to pray harder for all those I know who are still living in the sinful pattern of this world. I want the angels to rejoice and dance with me.

Setting The Fundamental Truth

2011-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

What makes a person a Christian is to personally believe in the fundamental truth that Jesus died for all on the Cross and resurrected, and calling on to the name of Jesus. It is about carrying the cross. It is not the practices or our good deeds that save us. We are unworthy yet the gift of salvation comes freely. It is about us setting right before God. From there it develops the reverent fear towards God and even as we meditate on His word.

Where does the truth come from? No other sources but the Word of Life - Bible. It is a collection of the unfailing word of God, commandments, truth and way to life, and promises of God that Must be deeply rooted and lived accordingly in every believer's life.

There is a tendency that the congregation of a church over desire and seek for emotional exchange and great atmosphere to feel good dwelling in those moments. We can be setting ourselves into the danger zone of neglecting the truth while all that we do and going after is all based on spirituality. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that we should not desire for great encounter with God through the awesome spiritual atmosphere where most of the time, being set by the worship team with wonderful music and vocals facilitating. In fact, true worship can bring breakthrough and set the platform for the congregation to encounter God and fresh revelation coming through. Moreover, we need to press in to the spiritual realm where the signs and wonders and miracles of God's hands moving are just so overwhelming. However, if our heart desire and attitude is grounded deep solely on great atmosphere and a perfect worship band to drive, God is not pleased. God is not pleased when we are strong in spirituality but not in the truth! One example of the vulnerability of a lopsided gain can be receiving words from an unknown blindly or rather confused due to lack of knowledge in God's word for cross referencing. God's word sets our way to life and not the experience. God's word will remain and stand forever, but experience and great moments come and pass.

What it says in the John 4:23-24, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

We can worship God in spirit but in the absence of Truth. Here come our responsibility especially in guiding and nurturing the young believers. We need a balance in the spirituality and truth. Truth is not just the ability to differentiate right from wrong, but a conviction of where our belief is based on. We obtain truth from the word of God, the Bible.

In John 14:6, "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the truth. God calls the true worshippers those who worship Him Both in Spirit and in Truth. It is the same that we can't come to God half-hearted, reserving partly and not giving God the full portion. Believing God is believing the truth.

Everyday we need to wake up to the realization that we do not earn it or deserve it, but is only by His grace that we are still alive and take on to the day. Lets the truth transform our thinking by digging deep into the Word and set the foundation of our belief right before striving for greater sign and move from God.

Being Faithful is What Counts

2011-05-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

In the Book of Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus talked about the parable of the talents. It is a great parable of learning to be one faithful servant, applicable to every believer and follower of Christ. Lets dig into and derive from the parable.

The parable talks about a master was going away on a journey, thus, entrusting his property to three of his servants. He called them and distributed his wealth among the three servants, apportioned to them according to their abilities. To the first he entrusted five talents, the second with two, and to the third with one talent. While the first and second servants eagerly invested the entrusted talents, wanting so much to multiply and please their master, the third chose to hide the only talent in the ground fearful of his wrong investment. When the master returned, the first two received their rewards, praises and most importantly, increased responsibilities while the third was rebuked for his laziness. The only talent that he had was taken away.

God knows our ability and capability, even in handling His Kingdom purposes. God knows how much we can do and our capacity. He crafted us and installed different talents in us. Everyone should have at least a talent, born that way or pick up along the way. Perhaps some of us have been focusing so much on the distinctive talents or talents that put us on top of the world. Yes there are people with outstanding talents, being the few odd ones out there. But God is more interested in the talents He has installed in us to serve Him and for the purpose of His Kingdom. Talent, is not about being uniquely outstanding and be the best of all, but fully utilizing God installment to serve the Giver to the max. Some people are born with heart-warming, soul-lifting smile, their one smile can usher people into the Kingdom of God. Some are gifted in music, writing lyrics and singing songs that bring people into the presence of God, reaching breakthroughs and encounters with God. Some are gifted in administration, being detailed with their paper works and management. Some are gifted in communication, being able to communicate effectively and productively. Some are gifted in leadership, being able to grab the attention and gather followers. There are millions of talents out there for us to search within ourselves, but the question is, are we using them for the glory of God?

God doesn't need us but He wants us. The parable of the talents clearly remind us that God is seeking after faithful hearts and not the talented ones. For what counts is the heart. There are many who are gifted so abundantly that everyone has green eyes on them, yet they are unwilling to unleash their potential. Jesus said those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

Unfaithful service led to condemnation, the removal of one's stewardship, and an eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness, away from the presence of God. This parable brings an eternal significance, not just about being faithful in serving God and good stewardship over our given talents.

Never think that we are so special that God will treasure us anyhow. Moses's responsibility and privilege was handed over to someone else. Don't think that as God has appointed me to do this, no one else can do it. The truth is that, we are not irreplaceable. If we think that we are irreplaceable, we are being pompous that God's plan is solely depending on us. We are defiling God! As the parable says, God can simply find someone else to do it. He will increase those who are willing and faithful to serve.

Be mindful that whatever kind of position we are holding today, if we are not attending to it faithfully, God can just rip us off. There are many out there eager to serve God, and they are watching us.

It is not about the size and number of talents we are given, but the core of God's heart is to search for those who are faithful even with the little they have.

The Valley of Vision

2011-05-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

Whom I am the Worst

2011-05-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Paul was known to be the greatest enemy of God and he was dedicated to the persecution of the early disciples of Jesus in the area of Jerusalem. It was not until his journey to Damascus when a light from heaven flashed about him and he heard a voice: "Saul, Saul (Hebrew name of Paul), why do you persecute me?" Paul was temporarily blinded but was healed by a Christian named Ananias. Thereafter, Paul was zealous to proclaim the gospel of God.

Paul came to the realization of how great a sinner he was and he considered himself as the worst. The closer one gets to a holy God, the more the magnitude of one's sin becomes evident. The Bible itself is already trustworthy but yet Paul emphasized that "Here is a full trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.." Paul experienced the abundant grace of God to save and use a wreck like him, it is trustworthy for Paul sank in the sea of grace himself. He is preaching from his experience.

Jesus came not to save the righteousness but the sinners. The sick needs doctor, but not the healthy ones. That is the analogy but none in this world is sinless so Jesus died once for ALL. God is a patient God. His patience has often caused our hesitant, doubt and frustration, as how we misunderstand His perfect timing. Yet God is still as cool as cucumber waiting for the moment to come. God's patience is desiring to see the sinking wicked world to come to know Him personally and receive the eternal life promised. Yet, they are just too many who choose to indulge in the sinful pattern of life and strive for the temporary satisfaction and happiness of life.

In the recent event that brought the whole earth to an attention, Harold Camping at his age of 89 wrongly predicted the rapture and the coming of Jesus. The move alone has been harshly criticized by many believers and now should have caused more to mock him, and God. The return of Jesus might now be a laughing stock among the non-believers or those who are ignorant. Harold Camping might be all wrong and he might have prayed so hard to a rapture to take place on the 21st of May as he woke up to the morning while the sun stood still, but he got his point there. "Jesus is coming."

Reproach aside, Harold brought an important reminder to the whole world that even though the rapture did not happen as he predicted, Jesus will still return in His glory, fullness, splendour and judgment one day. That is the truth and fact, just that no one knows when it will happen. Somehow we should be grateful for people like Harold. I believe if Jesus returns as predicted, Hell will be relatively jammed in comparison to Heaven.

Our God is a God full of patience. He has been giving ample time for the lost to be found and the wrong to get back on track as the gospel is spread.

In 2 Peter 3:9 it says "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

God is giving us time and calling us back to Him. Are we responding or we just choose to be reluctant and ignorant?

Oh awake my soul!

God is Able.

2011-05-24T05:02:00.001-07:00

Life isn't a bed of roses. It isn't meant to be smooth and pleasant as we think. As life is a process, there are stages or phases we will reach and pass over. At the same time, life isn't dull. It is not just for success, or failure or a single positive or negative story, but a journey where the man gathers a gamut of experiences, putting lows and highs into a big picture. It supposes to encompass all that's relevant and most importantly, God thinks how it should be.

To my readers out there and as it speaks to me, God sees life as good, and it should be abundant. We can't take God out of the picture, for God wants Himself to be part of our every equation.

Talking about weaknesses, downfalls, failures, disappointments, heartbreaks, distortions, illnesses and even sins, remember that God is able. I am referring to that one and only true God who created the heaven and earth and hung the constellations in place, the one who created you and me and is interested in us.

Oh you mean that Big God you are referring out there is thinking of me? Are you joking?

Yes, I am referring to the God who created your inmost being and knitted you together in your mother's womb. He, is interested in you.

The God that exists and we believe, at least I believe, is more than able. He can move in all our situations, and that all, means Every. Yes, every situation. Nothing is too big and too immense that cannot contain God, for He is in all, for all and with all. We can apply all the prepositions, yet God is beyond and above all. He does things that mankind can never achieve, even His foolishness is wiser than our wisdom, and His weakness is stronger than our strength. We can never out give God or outrun God. Or anyone tries to be smarter than God? Even as we come to that great Hooray "I know I can do it! I succeed!" Tell you what, God knows before you realize you can. "I know you can." God giggles.

But, you may doubt all the miracles performed by Jesus, of that you have been told or heard, or even the numerous breathtaking awe-inspiring life testimonies delivered by different ones at church, thinking how can God move in your situation or if He is who people claimed to be Love, why should you going through all this? Something that appears to be unfathomable to most of us until we come to the belief is that, God's way is higher than our way and His thought is far far higher than ours, reason because we cannot equal God and that He must be superior yet at the same time appealing to us in Love and Grace, trials and challenges that we are facing are part of God's way to refine us. God knows the best in us, and how different ones should be moulded. I believe God applies different formulas in each of us, for we are all different in our experience, capacity, ability, gifting, etc.

Welcome God into our weakness, trial and temptation. Exalt God above all situations. No one in the world can be any greater overcomer than Jesus who died on the Cross and rose three days later. That's resurrection, that is overcoming death. Jesus didn't just overcome death, but he raises the dead as well! Is our struggle too big for God that God cannot handle? If God can't, then He is not God at all, or perhaps you have just believed in a wrong God. Go to the right one.

The Psalmist said "Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and your staff protect me." Psalms 23:4.

Trust in God and believe. Sometimes we trust in God but we are not believing; sometimes we believe but we are not trusting. Faith requires both trust and believe. To activate faith, believing is seeing. Be sure and certain. How can one hope without doubt?

Our God is greater. David just needed one pebble out of the five that he gathered to trample Goliath for he laid his trust and all he had in God. Likewise, we can be the David of our age.

Discipline

2011-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

No discipline seems pleasant at time, but painful. Discipline can be harsh, soul tormenting but the end of the process is a great relief. It produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it and those will come away stronger, putting on the shield of resistance to trample the weakness.

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Hebrew 12:5-6

Our God is not just a loving God but a loving Father. He knows our weakness and fragility and he wants to train us. His discipline makes us the legitimate children and true sons and daughters of Him. God disciplines us for good, that we may share in His holiness.

If we rant that our earthly discipline is too much to bear, remember Jesus endured the cross and scorned its shame yet Jesus didn't lose heart. At the end of the day, He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, receiving the full rewards from his Abba Father. That's what it called, "Fought the good fight." But Jesus' fight can never be comparable to ours. He fights to give salvation, but we fight to receive salvation.

God, discipline me.

Purification

2011-05-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer, to die to myself. I am feeble; I am week. Utterly is made alive by His grace alone.

"Lord Jesus, I sin. Grant that I may never cease grieving because of it, never be content with myself, never think I can reach a point of perfection. Kill my envy, command my tongue, trample down self. Give me grace to be holy, kind, gentle, pure, peaceable, to live for Thee and not for self, to copy Thy words, acts, spirit, to be transformed into Thy likeness, to be consecrated wholly to Thee, to live entirely to Thy glory.

Deliver me from attachment to things unclean, from wrong associations, from the predominance of evil passions, from the sugar of sin as well as its gap; that with self-loathing, deep contrition, earnest heart searching I may come to Thee, cast myself on Thee, trust in Thee, cry to Thee, be delivered by Thee.

O God, the Eternal All, help me to know that all things are shadows, but Thou art substance, all things are quicksands, but Thou art mountain, all things are shifting, but Thou art anchor, all things are ignorance, but Thou art wisdom.

If my life is to be a crucible amid burning heat, so be it, but do Thou sit at the furnace mouth to watch the ore that nothing be lost. If I sin wilfully, grievously, tormentedly, in grace take away my mourning and give me music; remove my sackcloth and clothe me with beauty; still my sighs and fill my mouth with song, then give me summer weather as a Christian. Amen."

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

Do It for Christ

2011-05-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

One reminder to help us to discover the purpose and passion in doing everything:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

If we carry on with the mindset that whatever that we do, we are doing it for the glory for God, we will find the invisible strength and momentum to keep going. When we are half-hearted, we are not committed. Thus, the expected result is what we deserve. How much we sow, how much we will reap. God doesn't show favoritism.

Often we say, "Just do your best, and God will do the rest!" But in real fact, ask ourselves if we actually give our best. Is there signs of laziness, procrastination, issue with punctuality, easily distracted, losing focus, or the lukewarm attitude - "hit it as it goes"?

In our work place and university, we can shine for God by pouring out the spirit of excellence in our commitments. God will reward us at the end of the day, for He knows the best in us.

God wants us to give a full cup, and He will overflow our cup.

Triune God

2011-05-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I came across from the Sovereign Grace Ministries. Many people including most believers either asked or confused by the nature of God. 3-in-1?

"Erm, you mean in relation to instant coffee or noodle?"

"Way Nottt!"

God is triune

There is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. In the unity of the godhead there are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-existent, co-equal, co-eternal. The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—is the foundation of Christian faith and life.

God the Father

God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By his Word and for his glory, he freely and supernaturally created the world from nothing. Through the same Word he daily sustains all his creatures. He rules over all and is the only Sovereign. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted. He is faithful to every promise, works all things together for good to those who love him, and in his unfathomable grace gave his Son, Jesus Christ, for mankind’s redemption. He made man for fellowship with himself, and intended that all creation should live to the praise of his glory.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He was perfect in nature, teaching, and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He was always with God and is God. Through him all things came into being and were created. He was before all things and in him all things hold together by the word of his power. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, and in him dwells the fullness of the godhead bodily. He is the only Savior for the sins of the world, having shed his blood and died a vicarious death on Calvary’s cross. By his death in our place, he revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, the third day he rose bodily from the grave, victorious over death and the powers of darkness, and for a period of 40 days appeared to more than 500 witnesses, performing many convincing proofs of his resurrection. He ascended into heaven where, at God’s right hand, he intercedes for his people and rules as Lord over all. He is the Head of his body, the Church, and should be adored, loved, served, and obeyed by all.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit a person is led to trust in divine mercy. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son, who in turn came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshiped as God the Third Person of the Trinity.

Sovereign Grace Ministries

Shipwrecked

2011-05-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the shadow of my confidence.

I decided to pen it down not because I am pensive right now, but merely I think it is a lesson or rather an experience that might reveal more of what He wants for me, now and in the future.

It was prior to the date of this post when everything unearthed. The past few nights had been of cramming and relentless typing of letters and summation approaching one of my major assignments in this semester. It was due on Friday. It just didn't taste nice as Friday supposed to be an everything-free day, dedicating to God and His people. Rostered to co-lead the Praise and Worship session for the evening lifegroup, I decided to swap with someone after discussing with my mentor.

It was prior to the lifegroup in the evening that I made my way to the uni to do some final touch-up before dropping my piece of work at the assignment minder. The sky was fairly gloomy and so was my heart. Gunning down one piece of big big work supposed to bring soothing light feeling to the soul but it twisted into a disheartening one. The fact was that I received the worst piece of result in my entire Uni life for my favourite unit of the semester. I repeat again, The Worst. Perhaps due to the many copies of essays that had been remarkably done and even numerous praises literally from all the feedback received from the markers, this was just not so in accordance to the norm! It was the first ever Grade 4 / 7 and for it to be the outcome of a professional writing, it virtually meant - Off Topic. To further aggravate the solemness of the work, it was the first time my sentence structure and continuation being pierced unmercifully.

It crushed my spirit on my way to Roma St for Lifegroup, so profoundly that though the songs being played on the Ipod were meant to deliver great peace and grace to the listener, I wasn't moved. "Let it rain, let it rain. Open the floodgates of heaven and ...." All in a sudden I felt the whole world crashing down on me and everything was falling apart. Everything was just not right. All the wrong move in the wrong time.

With disappointment I walked into that familiar room. I felt really bad as my response to all those cheerful lovely faces was a mere shrug. I shouldn't be reacting in such a way as my emotion just somehow distanced the people. How to shine for Jesus! Where is my testimony! Throughout the lifegroup and discussion, I was held back. It was just sooo not me. Figuring out the unusual me, my unit leader waited at my home for my return, comforting and hugging off my disappointment till midnight.

Through this experience, God has revealed more of His interests in me. I started to reflect my reliance on Him and my storage of confidence. I need a fall, to realize how feeble I am without Him. I believe he is constructing some works within me, sorting out my veins and put them in the right places. I learnt to rejoice in other people's achievement, and I shall not compare.

Philippians 2:3 says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

I need to be refined. I believe everything happens with a purpose. God is not done with me yet.

Travel.

2011-04-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am back, from church convention and a short trip.

I love travelling, not wandering through the busy concrete jungle but where the mountains meet the waters.

How I wish my life is just sitting amazed by the wonderful creation of my Papa, everyday. Breathtaking scenery triggers me to ponder much about life. I learn to appreciate the Maker's creativity and how He holds all things together. Through the majestic creatures and phenomena of life, I see the glory of God. I see a purpose.

Unraveling through the world, take some stops in life to sit back and savour the creations around us. Find satisfaction for your soul.

Triumph

2011-04-12T16:02:00.001-07:00

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulation, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. Ans having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:13-15

This, is the Father's love. We are meant to be victorious for our king has conquered the death. The power of His resurrection lives in His people. From the dominion of darkness, for those who believe, they can walk in the kingdom of light. Do not slumber! Wake up o people! Redemption, forgiveness of sins and salvation is here, free for all. Don't be hard-hearted. You got nothing to lose.

Faith

2011-04-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was taught that Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. It is by grace alone through Faith that we are saved. By Faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By Faith Moses raised the staff and parted the Red Sea. By Faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah was barren - was enabled to become a father - The Father of All Nations. By Faith Noah built the ark. By Faith Enoch was taken from this life so that he did not experience death.

By Faith, with one out of five pebbles he held, David trampled over Goliath. As long as we have faith as large as a mustard seed, the key is to Believe. Put on the eyes of Faith to see through our situations, circumstances and the world. Give room to the Lord for Him to perform. He is Faithful even when we are faithless. The power of Faith can turn the world upside down.

Without Faith, we are unsure of what we hope for, and uncertain even if we see. Without Faith, God is absent.

Once a BB, Always A BB

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

I first joined BB when I was 13 years old. Since young I have been watching the spectacular round town Christmas Procession and have good impression towards BB band. To me, BB is really cool. The opportunity came as I had to select a uniform body to fulfill the co-curriculum requirement set by the school.

However, the very first few meetings intimidated me regarding the strictness of the rules and the overall operation. These areas include punctuality, greeting the officers and those who are higher in rank, uniform tidiness, punishment for committing mistakes in drilling to name a few. Despite that, I gradually found thrill and excitement throughout the process, driven by the motivation to out-perform my peers. From there I moved on and continued to attend BB parades regularly and seeing more than what I had expected. Although I had always wanted to join the band to pick up certain musical instrument, the opportunity came late only when I finished my PMR public examination due to external commitments and tight schedule.

BB blessed me deeply throughout my teenage years. Reflecting back, BB taught and shaped me into the person I am today. Throughout my years in BB, I learnt much about discipline, self-control, spirit of excellence, unity, obedience, respecting others, taking up responsibility, servanthood heart, how to grow in a big community, and even in the areas of spirituality through NCO Sunday schools and bible study class. I also learnt to be thankful, giving and contributing back to the community and multitude real life skills from camping to cooking through all the award classes that I attended. I had great fun and special experiences through all the camps that I participated in. On top of that, I was honoured to be promoted to be a NCO where I started to pick up leadership skills. Apart from that, I picked up my dream instrument to be a snare drummer, something that I have been passionate about. I had to say from the beats and skills that mustered, it crafted the way to where I am today, serving the Lord as a drummer in my church’s praise and worship team.

All the camps, classes, meetings, competitions, and dozens of activities had made me a better person today. BB motto – forever Sure and Stedfast rings in me until today. I am challenged to make a difference in the world today and to the calling God has installed for me. God calls not the skillful ones, but those who are willing to serve Him. BB has shaped me in my character and personality, in alignment to the teaching of the Word.

To end my testimony, I would like to share a verse in the book of Philippians 3:12-14. It says that “ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” What are we pursuing after in life? It is important to run with a purpose and not beating the air. We are called to die to oneself, to pick up the Cross that Jesus carried and to glorify God in all the things that we do, even as we drink and eat. Brothers and Sisters, lets count all those we have gained as loss and to value what God values in our life. Through BB, let us grow, build up and encourage one another as His love continue to compel us. God bless!

Of Love

2011-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

How often do you actually see perfect relationships out there?

I have numerous conversations with different ones. Some I prayed for them, for healing, for hatred and hurts to subside... It took extra effort and trust to share with someone, I appreciate that.

You found the greatest love of all in God. Along the way you learn how to learn, matured, align your thoughts and patterns in line with God, shutting the world out.

Don't love just for the sake of loving. Don't love because you need a companion. Don't love because you are vulnerable to it. Don't love just to show that you have someone.

Find your purpose of loving.

Muck Up or Buckle Up

2011-03-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

In life, we consciously or sub-consciously trying to cover things up, to hide. It is true to say that truth will resurface and be unveiled itself. Don't wait till we muck up our life. It is never too late. There is hope in forgiveness. We gotta confess and pick up from where we fall. God's grace is abundant, people might not. But who are they to condemn who we are? In Christ, there is no condemnation.

Follow Christ doesn't mean we will never fall again. What matters more is rising. In fact, we are carrying on with the battle of the flesh every single day, a reality that we can't deny. His throne of grace is reaching out to us everyday. We gotta buckle up. It is better to learn from the humble and listen to those who admit their weaknesses, rather than being impressed by those who proclaim and pretend that they are strong, pure and clean.

²³ The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37

"If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full." - John Piper

Who then, do you live your life to please?

One Thing Remains

2011-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

I kinda love this song so much recently.

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me

On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love

I have been talking to quite a few people recently about purpose of life and the key to eternal life. I have been digging out all my personal experiences and testimonies just hoping that one touch from Jesus will light their way, and change their perspective towards life. God is great, isn't he?

At times I try to put myself in the shoes of a full head of doubts, or even shocks especially when we sing praise and worship unto God, or when someone sharing God-stuff in front. How many of them will actually feel offensive, weird, religion-shock or even, that we are nuts. But when I think deeper, WHO CARES! We do our part, and they need to, have to, must listen and know the Gospel. Our hearts go out to them, all ready to embrace.

"Open up your heart, and let me in. Its never too late." - Come Away by Jesus Culture.

I'll Ask No More

2011-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Have been pondering a lot. Had a deep conversation with my housemate last night. Couldn't find an answer to that, but I know He holds the key.

It's a new day. Went for a run in the morning and prepared to go uni. I was showering while my mind was stuffed with all the questions that I have been asking for months and sometimes I just felt fed up and frustrated.

Out of sudden, this phrase came to me. "Just be faithful in the little things given/assigned to you."

I will ask no more. Your hands hold all things together, is your purpose that prevails.

I will shower more often.

The Purpose of Doing All This

2011-03-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it is my strength or just that I love doing it, I have been involving or at least been partly participating in organizing quite a number of events, mostly to do with church or Christian movement.

None of it has been easy. Getting your team to roll together with you, tackling with communication issues, ensuring every member knows his/her role and complete the task assigned on time, calling for meetings, and even there is now a new culture formed that is to cook dinner for your team. Many days you drained yourself and figuring out solutions to the problems identified, on the other hand getting your sponsorship team to hunt for good sponsors, either food, cash, vouchers or prizes.

Having said that, I often question myself the purpose and objective of doing all this. What does it mean, and why should I hassle myself getting myself into extra responsibility? At times I couldn't imagine putting myself in the shoe of organizing events outside the Kingdom, that is merely for fun, meaningless and beating the air. If I were tired, what can keep me going?

The only answer and only purpose, certain enough is for the glory of God and His Kingdom purposes. Looking and recalling back, most of the events that we are dealing with have direct contact with non-believers and often we see the events as opportunities and paths to bridge closer relationship with them, to usher them to the truth of life and by the end of the day, One more is added to the Kingdom with all the heavens and angels rejoicing.

It is the Love that compels and motivates us. It is the Passion for Christ and His people that keep us going. We have one thing in mind, that is to serve the One God One Truth One Way wholeheartedly with One Heart One Spirit One Unity. Of the little that we can offer on the earth, may Your name be forever praised, that people will see Your glory and testimonies in life of many ones. We believe, through we what we do and offer, people will come to know Christ!

Back to Sunshine State

2011-03-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

I determined to update my blog weekly but well, plan does fail.

I've been back to Brissy for about two weeks now and it took me 10 days to fully unpack my baggage. All I could say, I was worn out - busy in an out days and night! Yet it was fun, exciting, meaningful, and purposeful.

Here goes my journey. Upon checking out from the airport, I made my way to Surfers Paradise to attend one inspiring man's bucks party. For certain that their love story is touching. Joseph, hope you enjoyed your bucks party while you are still single then. Running on from that, I had a meeting on Sunday morning, attended church service, and booomm, came the busiest two weeks in a semester - O-Week and Market Day.

Was under the merciless scorching sun for 7 days, wooing people to join CCM, brief and grab them to join CCM Day Trip O.M.G - Oh My Goldcoast on the 20th March. Rejections did come our way, but that never dampened our spirit of catching the 3 passions to enlarge His Kingdom. Win QUT for Jesus!

It's not just about the quantity or number of people that signing up, though we exceeded our faith goal of 280 members for this semester, we would like to see more joining our weekly Lifegroup, to share life and to do life together. Gospel is the answer. Ensuing on after market days will be relentless calls and messages that consume dollars and dollars, all worth it to invite our new members to our events lifegroups and church. Their turn-ups just made your day! Rejoice! Joy! Gratitude!

Apart from that, we offer our manliness, physical strength and resources to those who are in need. Sometimes the feeling is quite amusing and weird at the same time. Reason is that we helped someone we met less that a day, to find accommodation, inspect house, drove them to sign contract, took a Saturday out to accompany to IKEA to do furniture shopping and just fair bit of misc of setting up and settling down. Love came down! Its all for love! If not, where is the motivation? What is the drive?

Friends, hope you guys feel good and loved among the groups. Catch the vision, run with purpose, the road to salvation is unfolding for you. Come and Believe! Freedom is here. He whom the son set free is free. You are no longer in bondage. Come. Come to the River of Life!

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Cor 3:6.

We are the labourers, offer what we can with the days on earth. May all Glory be to God.

CNY Review

2011-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

There are times when mixed feelings struck you and you are helpless. There are times as you gaze upon the sky shooting through the stars and you mind goes floating.

It's the 6th day of the Chinese New Year. Vividly this year everyone can sense that the atmosphere of celebrating the festive season had gone down the hill. Shopping wasn't that frenzy anymore. Miraculously the traffic was quite smooth and clear. No severe traffic congestion. For the past years, there are a few indicators telling you the momentum.

1. Traffic. Registered number plates tell you where they are are returning from.
2. Shopping attitude. Number of buyers and sellers.
3. The greatness of fireworks and firecrackers. The economic downturn does not pose a significant effect on this.
4. House visitation. Or even renovation works.

I talked to a few people. Some said they slept in during new year. Some cut down their annual house visitations. Few friends went travelling with family. We used to call that "避年/Avoid Celebrating New Year". I will say the economy influences the way it is.

10 more days to go. I have been back for almost 2 months. Time flies. Indeed! Friends bidding adieu, back to their own reality. All the best to you all. Wherever you go, wherever you are, remember God is with you, watching and taking care.

That's the Way

2011-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Blessed Chinese New Year everyone!

Lunar festive season has always been one of the major events that I look forward every year. Personally, it is the atmosphere, the process of preparation and just by looking at the effort being poured out by every household to conduct a tedious overhaul, spring clean and perhaps making some renovations to further titivate the house. Apart from being the precious moments where relatives and friends gather together to savour over the reunion dinner, you gotta have fireworks and firecrackers to light up the day! Albeit being illegal, setting off fireworks and burning fire crackers has always been the tradition of the Chinese. You never lose your root, you keep it tight and strong. Therefore, there are still many who take the risk of being caught by the law keepers to spare a specific amount of money to further boost the celebration atmosphere. Keep it the way Sibu-ans.

Visitations can be mental draining and exhausting. But definitely, it might be the only chance in a year to meet up someone. For years down the journey, my family's schedule of visitation and welcoming has mostly been the same. Perhaps just being used to it.

Reflecting the past few days, apart from the awesome fireworks and deafening bombing, I overheard some conversations and witnessed some scenarios or scenes that are worth to be pondered about.

1. What do we actually live for? Is it just about birth, getting old, illness and death? Or just striving the best to earn the top earning career, buy big cars and houses, or to marry successful husband or woo some beautiful gals? Who is Christ to you?

2. One superstition and old thinking or perhaps never gotten to read and understand the bible - If Jesus is great, how come he (a pastor) died in the accident while the passenger was alive? Who is mortal?

Out of all the visitations so far, I was impressed by this lovely family where all the children and grand children gathered together having joyful moments with their parents/grandparents. Wonderful catch up over the dinner table, watching the 50th Anniversary video clip of their parents/grandparents together in the living rooms. Kids and teenagers having close kinship.... I reckon it is hard to find many of this family.

It warms your heart when the host shows great hospitality, either the adults or the children. Oh lovely kid - Wilson and the charming teenage girl who served me! =)

Be grateful. Be thankful. Count His blessings!

When Money Is Powerless

2011-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Often, little conversation or a simple statement can convey a heart cry of a soul.

I was having supper with two fellow friends after a game of futsal. On our way home, one friend's mobile rang and it was his dad concerning of the time, late to be home.

"I'm on my way home now. Just eaten. Reaching home soon." Friend A.

"Wah, your dad called just asking your whereabouts. My dad will never call me regardless what time I reach home." Cried Friend B.

"My dad can't sleep if any of us (siblings) is not home yet." Friend A.

Can you see the message Friend B trying to convey?

It is a cry to be cared. He is longing for concern. In short, it is a demand of love.

Friends, often we hear that, "Money is power. You can't survive without having pennies." "I want to be rich one day." "I want to earn all possible dollars." "How I wish I can be as rich as him/her." "One day, I will marry a rich guy." "Criteria for my future partner? He/she must be rich." So on.

When one gains the whole world, he is on top of the world. Yet it is the most vulnerable time for he has everything to lose.

You can't purchase love. You can't purchase values. You can't purchase personality. You can't purchase integrity.

It will just be the materials, to clothe you and to woo some temporary friends.

Perhaps when you are out there, all eyes are on you. But yet, you are crying due to loneliness. You are insecure. You become sceptical. Self-consciousness creeps in then the roots of all evils engulfed you.

Looking to the eternal, pursuing the everlasting.

Are you a gold digger? What are you after?

When I Don't Desire God - How To Fight For Joy

2011-01-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

Was unravelling John Piper's When I Don't Desire God - How To Fight For Joy.

He is exploring and explaining his famous quote - "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." For 25 year he has trumpeted the truth. He calls it Christian Hedonism. The problem is that many people, after being persuaded, find that this truth is both liberating and devastating.

Have you ever pondered on what and where your joy and happiness rest on? I am not referring to temporary joy and happiness, but eternal. Perhaps you might say well, joy and happiness they do not last for long. They short-lived.

Our being satisfied in God is necessary to show God's worthiness and to sustain sacrifices of love. Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. He tasted it. It sustained him through the deepest suffering. His Father was glorified. His people were saved. That is what joy in God does.

What do we have? Is joy in God merely the icing on the cake of Christian commitment?

Triggered Thoughts

2011-01-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

I was on the way back with the other two friends after 3 hours of indoor soccer. Heading towards the Mcd, our car passed by a few cafes filled with people. Sibu is developing? Or just that the lifestyle has changed. It was 11.30pm! To many out there, especially those living in well developed advanced cities where nightlife is a norm, Sibu is a town where the people kick off their day at 5-6am and doze off at 10-11pm, used to be. We call it the healthy way. Being out and not at home at 11.30pm, is unusual!

What caught guys' eyes were definitely the opposite sex? No and yes there were these three young ladies dressed well (you know what I mean) chatting away at a corner. Our car drove pass and caught their attention.

Friend A: "Wah, that three girls ah, so late already still out, not to mention their dressings."

Me: "Haha. They are pretty good looking hey."

Friend A: "Lol. So late already and they are still out there, won't be any better. Good looking also no use."

Silence.

I started to ponder and contemplate. Hmm... Is it being judgmental here? Friend you might be wrong. We can't just judge them by that one occasion. Perhaps they are close buddies haven't met up for long time? Er, perhaps they are hungry like us? Er... But you might be true...

But I have to admit that it is hard to find good quality girls at the same time, stunningly beautiful. Perhaps you might say look doesn't matter, but I think frankly speaking, it does matter to all guy, just that the definition of Beautiful and Good Looking or Hot or Cute varies from one to another.

Do you think God is fair and majestic in His creation, that no one is perfect? You might have this but you don't have that. You might be rich but you are not as clever than the other.

Be contented. Be thankful. Do not conform to the pattern of this world.

It is all inside out. Beauty and appearance will fade, but the heart and values will not.

I am who I am. Be who you are called to be!

Life Is Made Interesting ...

2011-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Life is made interesting by all that little things.

Life is made interesting when you were young, you ran around naked not knowing being shameful or embarrassing. As you grew up, people remembered your good old days and your face turned red.

Life is made interesting when you were a kid, you were easily distracted by the toys in the shop until you lost track of your papa mama, then you cried and you were redeemed from the information centre or helpdesk.

Life is made interesting when you were cheekily young and naughty in the car, the response you got every time was “Sit still and stop fighting. Later the Mata (Police) catch you!” And you were scared.

Life is made interesting when you were still naive, you easily believed people for the truth, be it or not. When you gained knowledge and wisdom, you laughed at the fool.

Life is made interesting when you were in Kindergarten, you wet your pants and your papa gotta send a new pair for you.

Life is made interesting when you were in Nurturing School or Pre school, as you got a friend’s contact number, the first thing when you got home from school everyday is to call him or her. Your parents could only laugh.

Life is made interesting when you stepped into Primary school, you would try to find hundreds reasons just to excuse yourself from going to school. And you found yourself being dragged to school whether you like it or not.

Life is made interesting when there was this puppy love or not even love, girls chased after you even when you were only 11 years old. Your reaction was to RUN. When you recalled back, it was sweet!

Life is made interesting when you sat next to the same fellow friend for few years in a row in the class, did the crazy things and see the craziest side of each other. When school reopened, you already knew where to sit or who to look for so naturally on the first day of school.

Life is made interesting when you and a bunch of friends were crazy about soccer. On Monday afternoon you started planning for the position and strategy and sent out “Challenge Letter” to the opposite team. You even drew the draft of the strategy on paper and rehearsed everyone. On Friday morning, it rained.

Life is made interesting when you were so adamant of getting what you would want to have, when hitting the rock, you stomped.

Life is made interesting when you signed up to as my tuitions as possible, hired detective to inspect which friend went to which tuition (as you were 17, quality doesn’t matter, which tuition that girl went matters most!). You were fighting the competition. You found it all not worthwhile as you grew up. You snared.

Life is made interesting when you were at a point where you did not know which uni to go for. Your parents were equally worried.

Life is made interesting by all the friends that popped up and out along the way in the different stations of your life. Some liked you, some might not.

Life is made interesting when you saw a woman figure from the rear and you thought she must be hot, but when you see her face, you thank God for all creations.

Life is made interesting when you hanged out with your bunch of friends day in and out and did all those crazy things. The best part was to have some good jokers to crack jokes that shook the earth and let everyone gone bursting and not forgetting friends to make fun with but make sure they were the most patient people and never gotten angry. Later on, you found Slowpoke and Psyduck. They complimented each other, didn’t they?

Life is made interesting when you ordered a plate of mee, to your horror, it tasted YUCK and you blacklisted the shop.

Life is made interesting when BGR became your attention and you thought of him or her days and nights. It’s crazy but people said it is the power of love, is not true. Its infatuation!

Life is made interesting when you categorized your friends into different groups. Some were close buddies, some were church brothers and sisters, some were basketball friends, some were assignment runners, some were postmen, some were ...

Life is made interesting when you thought its time to get serious and some stuff going and to plan for the future. You ended up delaying and never doing that.

Life is made interesting when you were all ready to go out for a run but it poured cats and dogs the moment you stepped out from the house.

Life is made interesting when you imagined how manly and heroic you can be if you could be the person to give that girl your umbrella when it rained. You smiled and you walked off.

Life is made interesting when your friends changed in style, attitude and behaviour as time went by.

Life is made interesting when you were away from home, you always thought of going home. When you were at home, you wanted to be away.

Life is made interesting when you were excited to see the number of friends on Facebook kept increasing but you found people whom you didn’t know adding you as friend. Is either you are famous, good looking, attractive, or they were just same as you!

Life is made interesting when 2+2 ≠ 4. But that never happens.

Life is made interesting when …..

Life is never interesting, when God didn’t appear to you.

Life is never interesting when you don’t know God! Life is made interesting because God first loved you before you know how to love! Life is made interesting when Jesus died for you for your sins to deliver you from eternal damnation and you couldn’t fathom how great is THY Love!

17

2011-01-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

Just some updates and thoughts over the past week.

1. Realize that Facebook is the page that I patronize everyday. Too used to it, bravo to Mark Zuck, did he cast a spell? Genius Dropout Billionaire.

2. Have been going abouts searching for stuff that could possibly smuggle into Australia to amply supply me for a year. Ie, herbs and ginseng to brighten up my Chicken soup. What's next? For sure fooodddd, Old Town Coffee, and lotsa personal stuff.

3. Have been attending corporate prayer meeting on Thursday, Young Adult Fellowship on Friday, Church on Sunday weekly. What more? Old folks Bible Study on Wed?

4. Eat out is fun but Mama frowns. Officially starting 15th of January, everything hikes up due to the claim that the cost of production for sugar, flour and condensed milk has increased. A cup of milk tea up by 50cents. Even a math noob will know that is ridiculous. If a KG of sugar only perks up by let say a dollar, does that equate a KG of sugar can only make 2 cups of milk tea? Diabetes roars. Genius sellers. Consumers suffer.

5. Lovingly indulged not so in love (haha), but the Milkshakes. Kudos to my "Honey ABi".

6. Have been thinking of the year and happenings ahead in 2011. Bit anxious yet excited. Expect for more to come.

7. Saw a mama carrying a kid window shopping, whom by his age supposed to run here and there, but the kid is apparently, sick. See and feel the mama's love. Is that love, or at times, does she feel it as a burden? Mixed feelings. I believe she had sleepless tearful nights.

8. The fact of my hometown is that it is never safe walking out there in the streets. You always have to keep an eye and be vigilant of your surrounding. Fearful of snatch thieves, robbing and all that boils down to one issue - the Poverty Issue, or the gap between the rich and the poor. Who draws the line? I believe they rob for a reason, if given a choice, they would not want to rob. Morally and the conscience should tell them not to, but the pressure of the society give them a shot in the forehead. But that doesn't mean I am glad if I were robbed.

9. Sport is life. Keep it balance. Healthy lifestyle includes exercising at least 3 times per week. I do it 7/7. Hectic lifestyle in Aus is another story. Keep the momentum going so long it can.

10. Realize different pastors preach differently. They have different giftings, insights, understanding, eloquence, and more. Some pastors preach more on daily livings, some dig into the bible learning from biblical characters, some highlight the doctrines, some go into social issues, diversity. But one thing, they should be clear and firm with what they preach. To strengthen the faith not to cause confusion or to stumble. For me, how a message delivered can be deeply embedded, applied and remembered, it greatly depends on one's gifting. The weight of preaching.

11. Decided to write a note to my eldest sister and drop it like a bomb before i depart. Hope she can wake up before its hard to amend. God, grant me wisdom, and grant her a soft heart.

12. You are adorable, missing me, ain't you?

13. Should get discipline on reading and discover more of the Word.

14. Sometimes, you feel good when someone popped and you have a chat with him or her. Make sure they are your friends. Haha.

15. Queensland Flood, Brazil Landslide, USA Gunshots ... What's the hint? Thank God my abode is safe. Resilient Queenslanders. Expecting a war torn Brisbane in Feb. But I will still love you as it is.

Anna Bligh: "We are Queenslanders. We are the people that they breed tough north of the border, we're the ones that they knock down and get up again. This may break our hearts ... but it will not break our will." Man! U gotta love those words even if u are not a Queenslander!!

16. C. S. Lewis said "Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither. " What are you aiming for?

17. Leaving for another day. Aroma of food is in the air.

感谢神

2011-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

A heart of gratitude. Thank you Lord.

感谢神　赐我救赎主　感谢神　丰富预备；

感谢神　过去的同在　感谢神　主在我旁
感谢神　赐温暖春天　感谢神　凄凉秋景；

感谢神　抹干我眼泪　感谢神　赐我安宁
感谢神　祷告蒙应允　感谢神　未蒙垂听；

感谢神　我曾经风暴　感谢神　丰富供应
感谢神　赐我苦与乐　在绝望里得安慰；

感谢神　赐无限恩典　感谢神　无比慈爱

感谢神　赐路旁玫瑰　感谢神　玫瑰有刺；

感谢神　我家庭温暖　感谢神　有福盼望；
感谢神　赐喜乐忧愁　感谢神　属天平安；

感谢神　赐明天盼望　要感谢直到永远！

Praise You O God.

2011-01-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

And the old is gone and the new has come.

Wishing for a prosperous year ahead, especially in my serving and walk with Him.

Dare not imagine what lies ahead, but with greater momentum I promise.

It is good to recall and reflect what had taken place in 2010, but I will not stop enchanting or weeping the past. Never look back, but strain forward.

God, Church, Campus Christian Movement, Daniel 1, Worship Team, Events, Studies, New Friends. . . Bring them on.

Should I sign up for Gym in 2011?

How can I live a legacy with what's available? Asking for more.

Continue to looking forward to meet and stalk people who can inspire you, encourage you, motivate you, and just, shape you to be better off in facing this life. They are helpers on earth apart from God.

Just wanna Love more. Be filled more.

Improve on identified weaknesses and going for maintenance and overhaul.

Titivate and further polish strengths, putting on greater armors.

Desire to have deeper understanding of the Word. Greater, more.

Above all, to soak in His Presence everyday of my life.

My Prayer:

1. This life is Yours, take it as You wish. Let Thy Will be done, not mine.

2. All my friends who have already received the greatest give of life, treasure it and never lose it. That the faith will grow, and the relationship with God will blossom. Those who are side tracked, I pray that you will be ignited once again, by any reason. Don't wait until disaster strike. Repent.

3. Those who are yet to believe, Open your eyes and embrace the King of Wonders. By whatever means, you can't deny Him. Ask yourself why? You have missed out much, but it's never too late. BELIEVE.

4. I wanna shine, in every opportunity and chance given. I want more.

5. Pray for my family, to be physically mentally and spiritually strong and healthy. Pray for God's favour, provision and covering.

6. Pray that you will be good, continue to draw closer to God every single day, and grow up to be the Godly Woman that Abba Father has called you to. Be more involved in your circle of bros and sis in Christ, serve as you are called, more disciplined, and work on your weaknesses. In Him you will find your strength to be the Overcomer. You are called to be Glorious. Bring down the norm and societal beliefs, impact with Love of Christ. Dare to be different, knowing when to Say No and most importantly, acknowledging the Cross and do not conform to the pattern of the World. God bless America. hugs.

7. All is well.

2010-12-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

1 Peter 2

At the beginning of the passage, Peter urges the believers to have the kind of eager desire for spiritual food for the desirable growth, just like a baby craving for milk.
Q: How strong is our desire for God’s word?

In verse 3 it says that “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. This suggests that an initial act of tasting has been experienced, thus, the believers are urged to long for more and additional spiritual food. To illustrate, once we were a wretch and we came to know God and he saved us, that is his Amazing Grace, since we know that God is Good, why not to have more of him?

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

Christ is the life-giving Stone. Peter portrays the church as a living, spiritual house with Christ as the foundation and cornerstone while each of us, the believers, we are the stones making up the church. There is a community. One stone cannot stand alone but it requires every stone to come together. We are one body. Looking at Daniel 1, God puts different ones of us together, coming with different strengths, quality, personality, and even weaknesses, there is a beautiful symphony when we identify each other and work as a body and to support each other. Remember, no man is an island.

Praise God! He actually sees each of us (the stone) as precious and important in building up his church. If God sees the values in us, why can’t we see the values in ourselves?

Recalling in Matthew 16, Jesus told Simon Peter that “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it”.

Q: So, what is the stone that really counts in the building of the church?
A: Christ ALONE!

Those who refuse to believe in Christ have made the greatest mistake of their lives. They have stumbled over the one person who could save them and give meaning to their lives, and they have fallen into God’s hands for judgment. He who says he is, yet many rejected him. Sometimes I wonder, what is the ultimate thing that can cause a non believer to believe? I personally think it is not as simple as just convincing the person.

Verse 9-10: We have worth because of what God does, not because of what we do!

As Christians, we are called to separate ourselves from sinful desires and live a life that is above reproach. Do not be discouraged, at the end of the day, the way we live our lives can actually win some of the unsaved critics to the Lord’s side. We gotta show them Christ by our life. I remembered once a pastor told me a story of salvation where this brother who was studying in US then came to Christ not because of hours of preaching or 10 eyes on him (pressure), but merely because of the genuine love that the bros and sis around gave him despite being a non believer. There is no double standard. It is easy to say we gotta love, sometimes circumstances or things happening in our life can pull us down, but are we going to let that overwhelm us for Christ’s sake? Lets learn together!

Submission to Rulers and Masters

We are called to freely submit to God and to earthly authorities (as long as such submission does not conflict with the law of God). Liberty is not the license to do as we please. Genuine freedom should be used to serve God to the max, it is a freedom exercised under the law.

However, sometimes I find it hard to fully abiding the law not as in I go against it, but I do question the legibility of the law. For example, in my country, there is this super powerful law (some of you may know) which has been greatly misused especially by the rulers in action to detain anyone they “think” poses a threat to the country, especially at times when there is no single Act or Law to halt or detain a person. We know that there are loopholes in the legislation especially due to the weakness of those who have authority exercising it. But yet I praise God that in my country, we have religion freedom. If we are to be persecuted, it should be for obeying God, and not for breaking moral or civil laws.

At the closing part of the passage, Peter encourages loyalty and perseverance even in the face of unjust treatment. Again, let our life shines for Jesus, we should use our life to influence lives, by setting good examples.

I am amazed by verse 20-21 that we were called to follow Christ’s steps, that there will be sufferings. Again, many could not understand ain’t a life after accepting Christ should be smooth, no persecution, and honeyly sweet? We gotta remember that we are sinners but his grace found us. If we would question the little that we suffer for Christ’s sake, what more would Christ complain (if He would ever :P) of what He has undergone? He never sinned, yet he suffered the unbearable pain and even death for you and me! It may sound ridiculous, but I think our goal should be to face suffering as he did – with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.

“For we were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”.

Love came down and he came to rescue. He swallowed all the insults, accusations, pains and even death to free us from the eternal damnation. If he ever retaliated, that should end my sharing here. Praise the Lord He didn't!

1 Peter 1

2010-12-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

1 Peter

1Peter touches on various doctrines and Christian life and duties. It is a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.

In chapter 1, though the letter is written to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the world as a result of persecution against believers in and around Jerusalem, we are reminded of our status - strangers in the world – people temporarily residing on earth whose home is in heaven.

Verse 2 mentions all three members of Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All members of the Trinity work to bring about our salvation. The father chose us before we chose him. Jesus Christ the Son died for us while we were still sinners. The Holy Spirit brings us the benefits of salvation and sanctifies us for God’s service.

We, the believers of Christ who trust in Christ the Saviour have an inheritance that will never fade or decay, unstained by sin. We are called into a living hope of eternal life, a hope that is not only for the future, but eternal life. Peter reminds us that no matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know that it is not our final experience. Eventually we will live with Christ forever.

Often, Christians are the target of persecution because of the different principles that we hold on to in comparison to the pagans. Ie, rejecting the horrible immorality of others’ culture, refuse to worship other “Gods” etc. Peter reminds us that we must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience, strengthen our faith and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants (v.7) Speaking of trials, I believe Peter is referring to the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith, and not natural disasters. :P

Be Holy

The imminent return of Christ should motivate us to live for him – mentally alert, disciplined and focused. Our God is a Holy God and he sets the standard of morality. At the same time, our God is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Often we are ignorant and weak, Peter encourages us to be obedient and live a life that is pleasing to God our Father. The fear that is mentioned in verse 17 is not terror, but wholesome reverence and respect for God, which is the basis for all godly living.

Personally, verse 18 is the highlight and a great reminder for me. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money, gold or silver but with the precious blood of his own Son. The salvation that we receive, is bought with a price that you and I can never ever pay. We cannot escape from sin on our own, only the life of Jesus Christ can free us.

V22, sincere love involves selfless giving. Oh how he loves us, by sacrificing his life on the Cross so that we can and are able to love with the example that Jesus Christ has set. Our love for others should be constantly motivated by the unconditional and sacrificial love of Christ, not for fame, for self glory nor for personal benefits.

V24-25 are quoted from Isaiah 40:6-8. We are reminded that everything that we possess on this earth will fade away or disappear one day. Only God’s will, Word and work are permanent.

So friends, what are we pursuing after? It is always good, to take a halt and reflect and look back at the journey we are traveling on, with a mind that is fixed upon the unseen and eternal glory, it is never too late to amend or make a change when God has been nudging us to follow His GPS (His GPS never fails!).

Traveling on this life, who is your ultimate driver?

Brisbane-KL Part 1

2010-12-09T09:15:00.001-08:00

So I officially left the land down under and made a beeline back to the soil I was born and grew up on. At times I regretted for returning home just at the beginning of summer holiday as there are voices calling me to stay back little longer, pressure of getting a part time job, etc. But I could never shrug off the home-calling, after spending a wonderful, impact-ful, eventful and epic year in the Sunshine State. I believe is time to take a breather, to refresh and be renewed, to say Hi and Bye again to my dears, to catch up and to re-ponder life, to roam around spotting the differences, to experience and recall the familiar faces and events of life, to patronize the shops and stops that I once passed by, to break free from the bondage of severe price attack for the sake of savouring the much missed local cuisine, and most importantly, just the feel and status of being home again.

I touched down on KLIA on the 7th morning, clocked 5.40am. Accessed the free wi-fi at the airport MCD and hailed a bus to my previous Inti International University College. Checked in as a visitor. As usual, I walked around the busy commercial district in Bukit Bintang. Pavillion - Farenheit 88 - Sungei Wang - Lot 10. Hunted for food and just for a sim card for my temporary contact during the short stay in Malaysia.

I experienced intense discomfort and somehow just lost the touch of peace with the absence of state of mind, mainly due to my preference of a place that can soothe me. KL is not for me. I dislike the unbalanced growth, mixed culture and people, the pace of life and traumatizing traffic, they are just too much to swallow into my empty stomach. I couldn't take it. Contemplating, presumably my reaction and response are the result of the days that I spent in Australia, where everything from culture to people to transport, just significantly different from Malaysia. There is a massive gap, and I wonder when I can witness the changes bridging the gap.

A decade? This is life, we come and we see. Again, it boils down to the preference of different individual. Aussie are laid back. Malaysians are gambling their lives for a living, or to strive for wealth and status and hoping to be better than others, if not, the best.

Even if a man gains the whole world and lose his soul, what good does he gain?

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Matthew 8:35-36

So, what are you after?

Colossians 3

2010-12-03T05:28:00.001-08:00

After warning the Colossians to guard against false teachers and a deep analysis of the Colossian Heresy, Paul touches on the golden rules of holy living. First is about the old self and new self, followed by the rules for Christian households, then in chapter 4, further instructions for the believers.

Paul advises the Colossians to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. As I contemplate, I feel the fall of humankind. It is not just happening in our century but ages ago. Since sin came into this world, we see a diversity of our earthly nature. It is not surprising to see that often times, even though we heard and knew Paul’s teaching, we still find ourselves consciously or sub-consciously entangled in our worldly living, living up to what people might think of us and not God alone. In verse 5, Paul actually asks us to “Put to Death” all our earthly nature from sexual immorality to idolatry. The phrase “Put to death” should never be taken lightly. This is because the moment we accept Christ into the centre of our life, we are pronounced as a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. This implies that all the dirt has been wiped away, that now we are presented a new image to live a life to please and honour God, from scratch. God promises that we will also appear with Jesus in glory during the 2^nd coming of Jesus. Arriving to the checkpoint, we can evaluate ourselves how close we have been embracing Paul’s teaching in the early part of this chapter.

If God asks us to let go of our relationship that is so dearly to us, are we willing to?
If God asks us to forego our business that is blossoming and making huge profits to be a full time servant of God, are we willing to?
If we heard the voice of God condemning us that “hey don’t you realize that you are so materialistic and image-conscious?” and we know we need to change, how much struggle do you think you will face?
If God says “Live a prudent life even if you have all the richness of the rich”, will you obey or you will tell God, “No… This is how my life has been and I want to keep my status quo within my peers”.

What will Jesus do? It is never easy, but the core issue is, are we willing? Recalling what Pastor Wilson preached on Sunday about his consensus decision with Pastor Lai Ling that they will Not hold on tightly what they possess on this earth. The truth is that when we grab hold of something tightly, we would never want to let go. The process will be supremely difficult. It can be because of the long established relationship, feelings, investment, and even our heart and soul are given into it. The notion is that, why not we embrace the Truth and God’s teaching and never let it go? If we can hold on to our relationship with someone so dearly, don’t Jesus deserve more than that?

Paul continues on his teaching by talking about different aspects of Dos and Donts. One that I would like to highlight is the filthy language from our lips. I am particularly sensitive towards the language that people use. I do have friends who greet and say byebye with their “artistic” language. The Book of Proverbs has been repetitive in advising us that tongues are destructive, not just about filthy language. We as the ambassadors of Christ should be extraordinary careful in our speech, so that the fragrant of God can be passed on, rather than pass people out.

Paul also mentions in V11 that “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but CHRIST IS ALL, AND IS IN ALL.” Christ transcends all barriers and unifies people from all cultures, races and nations. Such distinctions are no longer significant. Christ alone matters and that’s why, His salvation is for all! Not just a particular group of people.

Verses 12-17 are one of my favourite bible passages. It is straight forward and easy to understand, teaching us to uphold the values of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, peace, thanksgiving, grateful, and on top of all, Love.

I love verse 18, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Now I have a question to ask, does the phrase “fitting in the Lord” means “do so, submit fully to your husband, but not anything that goes against God’s commandment and will”? Godly men should not be harsh with their wives, but like me, tender hearted.

All in all, lets live a life all unto God, not for men, not for your boyfriend, not to win attention, not to win favour but due to the reverence for the Lord. The key is that we need to rely on God, and always keep ourselves in check. We are not serving men, but God. It is tedious to serve man, for our wants and desires change constantly, but God He doesn’t. He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. He breathed everything in the Bible, and what He desires, is simply to see a life that is wholly given, consecrated, honouring, pleasing and praising God in everything that the life embarks on. I pray that all of us will be renewed and transformed daily by the power of His word and Spirit, knowing the eternal inheritance as a reward. Amen!

Colossians 2

2010-12-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

I tried to put myself in Paul’s situation, holding on to that kind of urge and concern for the Colosse and Laodicea. It is like you wanted to see so much of the truth to be upholded, but apart from praying, there is a sense of helplessness. The burden for God’s people and His church.

In this chapter, Paul was counteracting the Colossian heresy, which, in part, taught that for salvation one needed to combine faith in Christ with secret knowledge and with human regulations concerning such physical and external practices as circumcision, eating and drinking, and observance of religious festivals (v8). We can see how Paul tries to preach the truth where in v9 he says that “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” We can see the declaration that the very essence of deity was present in TOTALITY in Jesus’ human body, which was a direct refutation of the Gnostic teaching. Christian is made complete in Christ, rather than being deficient and this completeness includes the putting off of the sinful nature, resurrection from spiritual death, forgiveness and deliverance from legalistic requirements and from evil spirit beings.

I am not going further on every single verse in this chapter, but as an overview, I believe the cornerstone of this chapter and what Paul tries to convey is the truth of our Faith itself. The issue back then in Colosse is similar to what some “churches” are facing in our vicinity, where the Truth is not preached according to the Bible. The issue can always be when man tries to outsmart God, preaching to their own knowledge. I believe God is not concerned about how many denominations existed in this world, but how may denominations actually uphold the Truth and His word. In short, Biblical churches. It is so true to see those shaky churches that fail to preach the fundamental truth are either closed down, turned into pubs, abandoned, or not experiencing growth but downfall. We need to build our churches on the solid Rock that can withstand all sorts of harsh weather, not on soft spoil. Christ is the centre and head of the church. In verse 19, it says that “He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.” The central error of the Colossian heresy is a defective view of Christ, in which he is believed to be less than deity. Promoting self-imposed worship, false teachers attempted to parade their humility, it was a system created by the false teachers themselves and had created the regulations of their heretical system. They were not from God.

Therefore, as Christ follower, this passage teaches us the importance of searching and being part of a healthy bible-based church. The type of church will determine what kind of people being produced. The issue of faith and believing in what we believe is always a great challenge for many ones.

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Philippians 3:8-9)

It is not so much about the law nor our own knowledge thinking of who God is, but the relationship with God and knowing God personally. It is doing our life with Christ, in Christ and for Christ!

Colossians 1

2010-12-03T05:26:00.001-08:00

As we read through the book of Colossians, we would understand Paul’s purpose of writing this letter which is to refute the Colossian heresy. Chapter 1 sets a crucial path in accomplishing Paul’s goal as he stresses on the Supremacy of Christ by exalting Christ as the very image of God (v15), the Creator (v16), the preexistent sustainer of all things (v17), the head of the church (v18), the first to be resurrected (v.18), the fullness of deity in bodily form (v.19) and being the reconciler to redeem the sinners from the eternal damnation (v.20-22). Prior to further discussion on the supremacy of Christ, I would like to kick off my insights and discussion from the thanksgiving and prayer as I believe there are some important and practical points to take note of.

Reading through the letters from Paul, Paul begins most of his letters with thanks or praise. It is a great reminder, whether or not if it is just Paul’s mere pattern of writing. Being repetitive, we can truly see the importance and the value of being thankful and praising our Heavenly Father. In verse 5 Paul mentions the three Christian virtues of faith, love and hope. We most probably can recall the Faith Hope Love that Paul mentions in the book of 1 Corinthians 13 where on top of all, Love is the greatest virtue. These three virtues are also mentioned in the book of Romans 5 and Galatians 5 and Hebrew 10. These three virtues are definitely not coming from humans, but God. Personally, I think that these three virtues are essential in a Christian’s life, they should be assimilated into every facet of our life to demonstrate what God values in his created beings.

Another character that caught my eyes is Epaphras (v.7). Throughout the Bible, there are many famous characters that everyone can recall and remember while we tend to forget some characters who do not seem to be as outstanding but I believe as long as their names appear in the Bible, they are bunch of AWESOME people. There must be something we can learn as I believe there is a reason for their existence or appearance. Digging into this guy called Epaphras, Paul addressed him a Faithful minister and his dear fellow servant. My research tells that Epaphras is a native and probably founder of the Colossian church, and an evangelist in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:12-13). Paul loved and admired him and Epaphras was the one who told Paul at Rome about the Colossian church problem and thereby stimulated Paul to write this letter. Epaphras comes from the Greek word of “Aphrodite”, the Greek Goddess of Love, suggests that he was a convert from paganism.

Verse 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit is the source of all Christian love. From verse 9-14, we see the urge from Paul informing the Collosians that he has been praying for them and asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding. Biblical knowledge shouldn’t be stored as head knowledge only, but it should be practically demonstrated through Godly living. Catch phrase: godly in EVERY WAY (v.10). Few other values that Paul mentions are endurance, patience and joy.

Verse 12 carries a descriptive phrase that opposes another in verse 13. Kingdom of Light vs Dominion of darkness. Interesting?

The Supremacy of Christ

Perhaps this is one of the strategies that Paul uses to counteract the false teaching at Colosse (at the later chapter). He stresses and explains on the truth of Christ Jesus so that the Collosians can be fundamentally right on the fundamental truth. Paul talks about Christ’s supremacy in creation and in redemption. Christ is called the image of God which speaks of the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. Thinking deeper, the image suggests that God is invisible (No one has ever seen God, even Moses in the book of Exodus only managed to see the back parts of God – refer to Exodus 33:20-23) and Christ is the eternal Son of God and who became the God-man, reflects and reveals God.

One interesting fact, “all creation”, “all things” and “everything” appear seven times from verse 15-20. This shows the supremacy of Christ.

Last but not least at the end of Chapter 1, Paul talks about the reconciliation brought by Jesus. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, not only was the harmony between God and human beings destroyed, but also disorder came into creation. So when Christ died on the cross, he made peace possible between God and humans, and he restored in principle the harmony in the physical world, though the full realization of the latter will come only when Christ returns. However, we have to be reminded that the death of Christ doesn’t mean all are saved, but only believers, those who believe and place their faith in God. If not, what is the purpose of hell?

Verse 28, is a great reminder for all preachers of truth and leaders and you and me, “we proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ”.

To pen, I am thinking of the mystery that God hid and kept for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to us!!!

What is it? CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY!!!

How valuable? THE GLORIOUS RICHES!!!

It is the revelation of divine truths – once hidden but now openly proclaimed, that you and I have received! Praise God =)

I Nailed Him on the Cross

2010-12-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

In evil long I took delight

Unawed by shame or fear;

Till a new object struck my sight

And Stopped my wild career.

I saw one hanging on a tree

In agonies and blood;

Who fixed his languid eyes on me

As near his cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath

Can I forget that look;

It seemed to charge me with his death

Though not a word he spoke.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt

And plunged me in despair;

I saw my sins his blood had split

And helped to nail him there.

Alas, I knew not what I did

But now my tears are vain;

Where shall my trembling soul be hid?

For I the Lord have slain.

A second look he gave which said

"I freely all forgive;

This blood is for thy ransom paid

I died that thou mayest live."

Thus while his death my sin displays

In all its blackest hue;

Such is the mystery of grace,

It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mourning joy

My spirit now is filled;

That I should such a life destroy

Yet live by him I killed.

John Newton

Father, may your word continue to convict, transform and empower me. That may the Gospel be the sound track of my day. I pray for a Cross-Centered life. Rooted in the Truth, more than merely seeking experiences with You. I pray for a conviction and commitment that will never falter, for I am saved only by Grace through Faith. Let Thine be the Glory, forever.

1.30am

2010-12-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

It's 1.30am. My body is aching but my eyes are still roaming at people's blogs, from page to page and from people that I know to the anonymous.

I love reading blogs, especially individuals who amass and blog about their life, experiences, and journey with God. Many times, convictions, determination, encouragement and motivation are birthed just simply through picking the right pieces to read. At the same time, reading people's stories can actually help you to contemplate and ponder about life. However, every journey is unique and distinguished from one another.

So, what does your life sound like?

A Thought

2010-11-30T02:37:00.000-08:00

This thought came across my mind and I halted and pondered. This may sound weird but it's true!

It's a random thought about Cars! Cars people!

Well, for majority students studying overseas, the main dishes that haunt you persistently will be mainly your accommodation, Uni days, homesicks, and just things that go about one's life. For Brisbane, public transportation has been innovative, modern and efficient, definitely if compared to KTM in Malaysia, not to mention the bumpy airconless steam-powered bus (sorry for exaggerating about the condition! Just couldn't help). I still remembered when we first came to Brisbane, King George Square, Roma St and Central Station are just like airport terminal. It's amazing to see the massive gap between the modernization and development between my beloved country and this GuiLao's place. Anyway, my point is that, as an international student, one will not really think of getting a car to zoom around, unless the place one resides is really inconvenient, or that one has just too much cash to deposit on. The downsides are that the car maintenance is exclusively expensive, parking fees cost you a fortune though the cars are mesmerizingly cheap.

Ok. Here is my thought. My friends and I have been blessed by many who drive. Isn't it great if someone give you a lift, cutting down your hassle of walking and catching the public transport, and send you straight to the destination. Deep down in my heart, I am so blessed and I am really thankful for you all (you know who you are :P). Therefore, the thought of getting a car has always been tugging at my heart (though foreseeably,it won't be occurring). For me, I want to serve people, especially the bros and sis in lifegroup and church. It just touches your heart so much to be able to stand in the need of someone. I think it is a great act of service, to bless others.

However, funny but true, if you are attached or engaged, the act of service might be disturbed. For once you might be fetching a full car of lovely peeps with Chris Tomlin singing Let God Arise, but the next moment, you will either be driving a person you are infatuated and fallen into with Elton John humming Can You Feel The Love Tonight or "Sorry, I am not heading home now. Can you follow XXX?" Or presumably, once you are fetching a full house of Guys, but the next moment, you are driving a full house of girls (your sweetheart's housemates or mates staying near your sweetheart) :P Isn't it amazing!

Well, for me, if I am blessed with a car, no matter what, I will bless others as long as my days are available. I believe my sweetheart then will understand :P Putting God's children first, loving God's people and seeing them being blessed, just warm your heart.

For now, I love Translink!

Little Updates

2010-11-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

Hi People! Realize that I have been hiding myself from blogging, or perhaps blogging has never been something that I am really passionate of. Somehow I opt to be a blog reader than a blogger. You will agree with me of the pros and cons for both. Reading people's blogs can boost you, bring insights, encourage you, motivate you, trigger you to ponder and contemplate over life issues, and sometimes, to stalk people unnecessarily just to find yourself digging into the life of someone you probably wouldn't know. Having said that, blog is meant to share with others, if one would like to keep it private then keep it that way; if not, you are just exposing yourself to the world of technology.

My last post dated two months ago. Within these two months, eons have taken place. Being pushing myself to excel in my studies for the glory of God, not just living up to the recognition that I am a Scholar which doesn't really have its say, serving in Lifegroup, doing life with lovely bros and sis, churching, attended a worship night with Bethel Church from Redding, CA at Citipointe Church Brisbane, being through the final exams, tightened up my schedule especially for the planning of Campus Christian Movement 2011 as being the Events' Coordinator with a team of people to work with, meeting datelines, doing sponsorship drive, and of course doing some shoppings prior to my departure back to Malaysia for the summer holidays. Oh yeah, it has been crazy few months grabbing and hunting stuff on some Australia online shopping websites, credit to my shepherd who taught me so much not just along the line of spirituality, but how to hunt for good priced stuff. Apparently Catchoftheday.com.au has been one of the top listed website. The prices are amazing, not to mention the freebies caught online. Consequently, I found myself jogging my way to the Toowong Post Office week in and out to collect my parcel. Having said that, I love the place that I am currently residing in. With uncertainty holding back my dear housemate's future whereabouts, we decided to give it a go. Praise the Lord we managed to seal a new lease with no rental increment prior to Buibui's departure back to Malaysia. Everything is just in time. Signing a new lease basically means we do not need to worry about survival and accommodation headache upon returning from summer break. Apparently, Auchenflower is just one of the most convenient and sustainable place to live me. Let me throw you some lights upon this.

1. It is located at Zone 2. 5-10 mins bus trip to Brisbane CBD, where my campus is located. Amazingly, there are heaps of buses to catch, you don't need to rush and make yourself a fool chasing after buses.

2. 10 mins walk to the Church Office, which has been a place that I often patronize since God opened the door to serve in the worship ministry.

3. 2 mins bus to Toowong Village where grocery is done.

4. Jogging track stretching along Brisbane River down my apartment all the way from Toowong to Gardens Point.

5. 10 mins bus trip to UQ St Lucia where church is held weekly. There is direct bus to catch down the road to UQ, which means I do not need to change bus as I did for the entire 12 months in 2009 when residing at the old place.

6. Brisbane Basketball Incorporation with awesome indoor basketball courts is just a stone throw distance from my place. I can shoot hoops for free on monday, tuesday, thursday and friday!

Enough of my current updates. I will share more with what God has been doing and tugging in my life and heart for the past weeks, about my 21st Birthday, the Church Legacy Conference, being impacted by different ones as well as embarking on the journey of sweeping victories in God and cultivating the getting my nose digging into books and His words. I would like to see a different and fruitful summer holidays this round!

To then, Love!

Joshua Kong

Be Contented. Give Thanks.

2010-09-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you were born with a Golden Spoon in your mouth, growing up perfectly fed and in your little round cosy bubble, getting everything you desire and thinking that your life is going to be forever smooth, have you ever pondered what your life will be and the significance of the difference it means if you were born in a less fortunate family?

If you have been grumbling, dissatisfied with what you have now, being never contented, not realizing how blessed you are, have you ever wondered if you were born in a destitute family, not even be able to secure an opportunity to study in the higher education or to say the least, you have to dream to have certain thing, that anyone else can get without much consideration?

What is this life, given to us, that we are never contented, admiring and have green eyes of what others possess?

What is the cry, for you to carry a Big W Bag while seeing someone holding a LV Limited Edition bag?

It is sick and tiring, if we need to be forever self-conscious, thinking of how others will think of us, how people judge us, how do I present myself in front of others, will I be mocked? Etc.

Bible teaches us that we are not meant to judge, for at the end days, there is only one who has the authority to judge the whole earth, none other than God. For we cant live a life to please everyone, but we can and should live a life that pleases God. When God smiles.

Strengthen yourself so that current will not swipe you away. Do not conform to the world.

Friends, Be Who You Are. And in ALL circumstances, Give Thanks to the Lord and Rejoice Always.

Racing for Time

2010-07-06T03:59:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am not a frequent or hardcore blogger, but at least, I blog when the mood kicks in.

One day in His court is better than thousand days elsewhere. Sometimes I wonder, how long will be a day in His court? Time flies so swiftly before you realize. 6 man months gone, what have you achieved?

The 1st semester of my 2nd year was indeed tough and the result came swallowing you down. It wasn't that bad, or perhaps my expectation was higher? But still, I praise God for my result.

Every student's dream during holidays is to hid yourself in the blanket until the sun sets, plan for breakaway, hang out with dear Johns, or just have a life of simplicity. For me and some of my peers, we are totally on the opposite river. Day in and day out we are busy preparing and planning for events, conference, serving in Lifegroup, church, attending and chairing meetings and etc. But somehow, I found that inward joy bursting out, knowing that I am serving a Big Big God. I pray that my motivation, empowerment and strength will be all for him and from him, knowing that my labours in Him are not in vain. Frankly speaking, every meeting, every practice is fun filled. Everyone is excited. The spirit is just overwhelming.

I am now into a new page of life, especially in the ministry that I am serving in. Thank you so much Joseph for your encouragement and opportunity for me to serve as a little young drummer, with no experience and proper training, is a long milestone for me! Let me roll the beat for you God! Six Eight? Triplet?

The orientation and market day for Campus Christian Movement is just days away, harvest ground, here we come!

Daniel 1 Lake Wivenhoe Camping trip was one of my most enjoyable camps ever. You missed it if you know you were not there :P CCM 1st Inaugural Student Conference is 3 days away! High expectation for a fun and spirit filled Conference!

Last but not least, Amazing G Race on the 31st July! Wooohooohhhh!!! People, come join us in this wonderful event and see if you are amazing enough, or me! Gear up to the challenge and the fantabulous prizes are waiting for you!

For more information, visit http://ccmqut.blogspot.com/

What Lies Ahead

2010-06-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I wonder, what lies ahead.

Today, my 3rd semester in Brisbane officially ended. Head held high charging to uni early in the morning, I battled with my last paper, and came out wounded. It wasn't the 1st time I hurt, the truth is that I suffered bruises and wounds here and there throughout the 4 papers that I sat for. It wasn't a vintage semester, undeniably, all the subjects were real challenging, even from the beginning of the downgrade of some assignments, though recovery achieved in the second leg, the final exam was a piece of hard nut to crack. Lord I trust in you. It is not a matter of how good grade I can achieve, but I just desire to honour You in my studies. May be I have given my best, may be not.

Gone the semester, welcome the winter break. It gonna be one whole month. My foreseeable schedule is fully packed. To further substantiate the fact, I gave up the National Conference and Games (NCG) in Canberra. Initial plan of returning home was shrugged off hardly way early.
Coming on:
1. Daniel 1 Breakaway Camping @ Lake Wivenhoe.
2. Meetings...
3. Inaugural Campus Christian Movement Student Conference at Watson Convetion Centre
4. Amazing G-Race

Amazing G-Race is gonna leave a page in my life. I am heading the organising team, so who can we beat? :P Keep the event in prayer.

During the exam month, I hadn't sport a lot, and the cold weather was pushing my perspiration back into the body. Let it all out please! First thing first after my exam, I found myself running up and down on the basketball court once again. Reignited. Something that I am passionate of, something that I hope I can be really good at.

Looking back, I picked up a number of sports, from badminton to basketball, basketball to soccer etc, but I haven't really achieve much. "Half pail of water", the Chinese saying goes. Perhaps if I had given myself in the primary years in the sports, I will be a super star now. Jay Chou, come on! It didn't taste nice when you meet those state or national players who were once the same par as you, or even below the par when you both started. Only If. But wait, there might be a twist, as most sportsmen didn't study much. God is great, I am just too succumbed to say that. He has a plan, if Plan A works, Plan B can never work. But yes, all of us have a choice to make. A choice that honours God, is above all.

However, though I am not a superstar, nor a star, sports allow me to make sea of friends, and a channel to speak the word God into people's life. Life is tough, is never easy and it doesn't speak complacency. Once you halt, you stop growing and you stop seeing things. Challenges are omnipresent. Seeing the pain and hardship of many ones, it hurts you too.

Lord, be it a fruitful, productive and joyful holiday ahead. For you are in me, and I am in you. Love.

The Journey

2010-05-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a long long journey. The past 5 months have been real hectic. Everything went on with great momentum. Since I landed in Brisbane after the well-fed summer break, I haven't had a chance to really lay back and take a break off everything. I was deported to another family of Daniels, therefore bridging up relationship with new brothers and sisters in Christ. I will say that God is just indescribable and unfathomable, even in His divine art of creativity by breathing a purpose into every creation, that one will see value/s in another person's life. There is always something to learn from, as the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. They are great people everywhere, but what matters most is how we can grab the most out of it, not indicating that we make use of people, but that we pick up and learn from each other.

Throughout this period of time, multitude of things took place, be it encouraging, rejoicing, saddening or disheartening, I know that everything occurs with a purpose, that everything has its time. There is much to be worried about, yet there is much to let go. Life is all about transforming, moulding and shaping into a man after God's heart. I know that it is always easier said that done, where many occasions we cried out to God, that we truly want to be the man and woman of God, many convictions were made, vows taken, pages of diary been written, going all out burning with passion like the hot buns just taken out from the oven, but yet, at times, we realize that we are feeble, weak and fragile. The passion might die off halfway, being discouraged as Satan knocked fervently at our doorsteps and we opened the door, or subconsciously found ourselves dwelling in the trend on the world that we lost track.

Things that marked my first 5 months of 2010:

1. My brother did awesomely well in his SPM Public Examination: 11A+ 1A but this still could not earn him a well deserved top scholarship. In His hands.

2. Mom has to go for an operation, but by the Grace of God,the operation was called off, moderating from time to time. In his hands. Thanks everyone for your prayer.

3. Involved in CCM events' planning.

4. Served as a drummer for Daniel 3 Worship Night, ever since I last played, but went out of beat and screw up. If You called me to be a drummer in Your House, I will be your forever drummer , O Lord.

5. Fished the very 1st time in my life, hooked a shark even.

6. Missing you. I am not sure when we shall meet again, or how much we have changed, but I trust, I believe. His plan is perfect for He never fails. In His hands.

7. Uni life is a pain in the neck. But I know everyone has to taste it. All Glory to God, be it. In His Hands.

8. Participated in the MASCA QUEENSLAND SPORTS CARNIVAL and Asean Basektball Games, but will definitely miss the National Conference and Games in Canberra.

9. Made new friends, found a new tea shop. Fell in love with pies. Love cooking.

10. Attended Oceania Convention.

.................. Anticipating what's ahead.

I wanna be. I wanna be. I wanna be. Sometimes I ponder and contemplate, how awesome it will be if my whole life is just all about His Business, participating full time in His plan and dimension.

Something that embedded onto my heart recently - May I be the Sea of Galilee, not the Dead Sea. More of You. More than Life. All the way.

4.

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

2010-02-02T06:08:00.001-08:00

A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could understand

The hours passed so quickly, the day turned to night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in his lunchbox at the little that he had
He wasn't sure what good it'd do, there were thousands to be fed

But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus
The kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out
With the trust of a child
he said:

"Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all to feed them all"

I often think about that boy when I'm feeling small
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And I worry that the work I do means nothing at all

But every single tear I cry is a diamond in His hands
And every door that slams in my face, I will offer up in prayer

So I'll give you every breath that I have
Oh Lord, you can work miracles
All that you need is my "Amen"

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small

I trust in you
I trust in you

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
No gift is too small

So what can your loaves and fishes do?

You Say God Says

2010-01-05T23:46:00.000-08:00

You say: “That is impossible.”

God says: “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

You say: “I am tired.”

God says: “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: “Nobody loves me.”

God says: “I love you.” (John 3:15, John 3:34)

You say: “I can’t do it anymore.”

God says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalms 91:15)

You say: “I can’t understand.”

God says: “I will lead your path straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it.”

God says: “You can do anything.” (Philippians 4:13)

You say: “I am not qualified.”

God says: “You will abound in every good work as he is able to make all grace abound to you.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: “It is not worth to do it this way.”

God says: “You know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

You say: “I can’t forgive myself.”

God says: “I will forgive you.” (1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1)

You say: “I am poor.”

God says: “I will meet all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I am fearful.”

God says: “I did not give you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I am always worried and feel like being defeated.

God says: “Cast all your anxiety to me for I care for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: “My faith is not enough.”

God says: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith I have given you.” (Romans 12:3)

You say: “I am not as clever.”

God says: “I will give you wisdom.” ( 1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: “I am lonely.”

God says: “Never I will leave you; never I will forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)