Racing for Time

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

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

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

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
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
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

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)

The First and The Last

Who has the credential to say that he is the first, and he will be the last? Can the first and the last be the same person in a race? What about someone claiming that He is the Alpha and the Omega, that He is at the top ruling over everyone? He is none other than God alone, the Creator and Perfecter of our Faith. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. When we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is our God. Even as sinners, we deny Him, like Peter, but our status as the sons and daughters of God will remain forever. Therefore, it's all about God's grace. Repentance requires a move. Repentance requires taking in a whole new point of view; looking at it God's way. It is about believing and trusting God the one and only one to overhaul us, to transform us, and to forgive our past sins. However, being a Christian doesn't mean our sinful nature will be gone, but trusting God that through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and by His strength, we will be able to overcome temptations. Christianity is more than a religion, a practice, a culture perhaps, etc. It is a walk of life, where the intimate relationship with God takes place, experiencing the love and the grace of our God, it is all about Him. He is the theme, the crux, the cornerstone, the One.

A passage from the book of Matthew 20 says:

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.

"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'

8"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'

9"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

16"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Verse 16 appears a few times in the books of Gospel. In Luke 13 where Jesus talks about the Narrow Door,

The Narrow Door

22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

He said to them, 24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'
"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'

27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'

28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

So what does this verse mean? Who will be first and who will be the last? Is there a reversal? The rich become poor? The poor become rich? A leader plummets and a newbie rising?

Analyzing different contexts, we can conclude that Jesus is telling a message that in the kingdom of heaven, there are many reversals, and the day of judgment will bring many surprises.

Surprises? What are they? Well, it can be someone who think they can earn a way to heaven, or perhaps mundane church goers - those who attend church service on Sundays as if attending a function, watching performance, to criticize the preachers, to meet up with friends, to spend a day in a Holy place to 'holify' himself, or perhaps because mommy says so. Or perhaps the surprises can be you and me, once was lost but later was found, but then took His grace for granted and was lost forever. Or those who do not keep watch, who shatter in their faith, who curse, who lead a life just like anybody else, who are proud, who are selfish, adulterers, dirty-handed businessmen, rotten politicians, slaughterers, etc.

We have to be aware that being born into a Christian family doesn't mean we inherit a place in heaven. Christianity is not a heredity. It is a personal conviction, personal faith, personal decision, personal relationship with God and his people. Once we receive Jesus into our heart but soon we are dwindling away, where the faith is fading away, finding that we start trusting ourselves more than committing to God.

Bros and Sis, for those who have been running the race, lets run with great passion, do not be distracted along the way, do not let go, for we know the rewards in the Kingdom. For those who are still wondering who He is, its never too late.

1 Peter 1:24-25 says,

"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you."

Isaiah 40:7-8 says,

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."

Blessed Christmas. Have an encountering day!

1 > 7 Wonders of the World

The 7 wonders of the world initially were the walls of Babylon, Phidias' statue of Zeus, the hanging gardens of Babylon, the colossus of Rhodes, the pyramids of Egypt, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the temple of Artemis in Ephesus.
However, the old has gone and the new has come. In fact, 6 of the old wonders were either destroyed by earthquakes, fire or other causes and the 7 New Wonders of the World made the history of humankind.

Picture above is the accumulation of the new 7 wonders of the world. However, let me introduce you the greatest wonder of the past and present, someone that is not confined to time and medium, someone that you and I will never ever get to fathom but to gaze and adore.

His name is JESUS. Psalm 89:11 says 'The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.'


The late Dr. S. M. Lockeridge, a pastor from San Diego, California said these words in a sermon in Detroit in 1976:

My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King. Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King. He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King. He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King. Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable. That's my King. He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, and He is irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King. He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King! Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever's, then . . .Amen!


One that no one can deny. One that no one can disown. His words bring life and His truth stands forever. He is my King and so yours. He is the real life hero and He is bigger than anything!