Witness of the Lamb of God

2010-09-26T20:42:00.003+08:00

SUPPORT and LOVE will never replace encouragement cards and affirmations....

And its not rocket science to understand why.

2010-09-13T01:12:00.002+08:00

Do you still remember why you serve?
Do you still remember the fervour and conviction when you said 'Yes' to God?
Do you still remember how God put you through testings and provide you with the eventual deliverance?

Do i still remember the above things?

Sometimes i just feel that giving your best isnt enough,
the ends doesn't justify the efforts you have put in.

I have not served because of the position,
nor of the number of meetings to go to.
These are of insignificance to me!
I just want to see people grow,
to experience life transformation
and yet this has not come to past.

Are my expectations too high?

Are they too unrealistic and unachievable?

Tell me what am i supposed to do
how to see victory in this hopelessly futile situation

2010-07-27T00:01:00.002+08:00

Do you ever experience,
a sense of lostness that you dont even know what is the next step,
a sense of despair that stares at hopelessness,
a sense of loneliness that no one else understands,
a sense of brokenness unprecedented in your life?

What will you do if the above happens to you, at one, single, heavy blow?

2010-07-06T00:20:00.000+08:00

The worse day ever.... lol.

2010-07-04T15:05:00.001+08:00

Sometimes i just feel lonely,
Like no one understands the situation i am going through.
Am i to walk this journey alone,
and take up the weight of my task upon my shoulders?
It seems to be in vain,
sometimes a little hopeless
in the things that i do and want to do.

But i know i cant give up,
for here is where my sole hope and salvation could be found.
With a broken heart and feeble hands,
i reach out to you for strength.
Remember Your promise, oh Lord,
that you never leave or forsake me
for in you i will find peace.

[Romans 8:16-17]
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children,
then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in
order that we may also share in His glory.

2010-06-13T22:51:00.002+08:00

I will remember the Lord,
and all the things that He has opened my eyes to.
Oh God,
Remind me of your love and grace,
that has brought me to who i am and where i am now.

Afflictions and problems have come my way,
my heart is discouraged and distressed.
Problems seemed to come wave after wave,
there is no moment of peace.
But still my hope is placed in the Lord,
For He has been good to me.

Oh Lord do not forget your servant,
cast off my iniquities and sins,
Place my focus on your greatness
and your mighty power
that brings me comfort and assurance.

Grant me peace, Oh Lord,
For you are my Jehovah Shalom.

[Psalm 25:16-17]
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For i am lonely and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart have multiplied,
Free me from my anguish.

2/NOV/2009

2009-11-02T23:02:00.002+08:00

I am a man, make no mistake about it.

I do make mistakes.

I do have weaknesses.

I do have things that i feel comfortable and not comfortable with.

I am flawed and thus, imperfect.

Therefore do not expect me to be a person that you think i would be.
I am not bounded by judgements nor expectations.
I would rather be myself than trying to be someone that meets the expectation of others.

Facades come and go, yet they always will be temporary.
The mask will peel off eventually, revealing the core of a person's heart.
When a heart is engaged in a war within itself,
who can bear the pain, the confusion?
Yet wars would not last forever,
there will be a time to fight,
yet also a time to recover and to heal.
But that time is yet to come.
Therefore,
be patient, i beseech you.

Be patient in hope.

19 Oct 2009

2009-10-19T22:29:00.003+08:00

I live for God alone,
my purpose is in Him and His will,
and my faith is in His word.

Let men not stumble me,
nor discourage me,
neither will they distract me,
as long as i keep my focus,
on the One who is ever faithful to me.
Only His love sustains me,
and His grace keeps me going.

Which man can say,
'' i would be ever loving,
and forever faithful?''
No one can replace God,
in the past, present and future,
therefore only to Him can i entrust my life.

5th October 2009

2009-10-05T23:21:00.003+08:00

Its interesting to know, to feel and experience how much responsibility is resting on our leaders, people who devoted themselves to serve a caregroup with faith and drive. They are the ones who need to account for our lives to God, to make sure that we are in tip top spiritual conditions, and to solve any hiccups that may occur on the way. I believe they sacrificed their time, their energy to do what they are being called to do, and to do it with an unwavering faith. They desire the caregroup to grow, to achieve what needs to be achieved, and to see things come to a past. Its never easy to lead, yet they do it because they see the purpose behind it.

May their faith, desire and a heart of selflessness be permeated into the very veins of our caregroup!

Thank God for our leaders! :) you know who you are.

30/09/2009

2009-09-30T23:42:00.003+08:00

i wonder, what is the point of preparing for your role, and not being used in the end. It seems as though the effort put in is absolutely wasted and pointless in hindsight. What makes it even more depressing is the fact that all is done with an aim for God's purpose, and yet it is of no use in the end.

So, why do we do what we do? If everything we did goes down the drain, what is the point of doing what we do?

Looking at the prophets in the Old Testament, i believe that they spread God's message of repentance to the people with a hope that they might listen and repent for what they are doing. Yet not many prophets are able to see this hope being fulfilled, with an exception in Jonah. When opportunities diminishes, does our effort and faith diminish together as well? Do the prophets gave up and shut themselves in a convent, forever lamenting their unfavourable conditions, or simply keep it unto themselves?

I do gain much by preparing for my role. It is my first time preparing the teaching for a long long time, helping me to re-learn and revise some previous things taught to me. But what purpose does it achieve if it benefits me alone?

I still believe that i need to do what i do. But i need hope that wouldnt fail me to see it come to a past.

28.09.2009

2009-09-28T22:26:00.004+08:00

We always pray that God will show us our blindspots, our hidden weaknesses or sins that plagues us unknowingly. Most of these blindspots can be found in our attitudes and our actions; embedding itself into our personality with each and every experience in life; experiences we have when we are young, what family background we come from, and past hurts or mistakes that we may still regret now. Other blindspots may come from our own set of rules or values that we hold, which may not be biblical yet we either ignored it or didnt look much into it.

When God shows our blindspots, what is our response to it? Some would respond in embarassment or guilt, probably for a hidden sin that lurks in our conscience. Others would respond in anger, putting the blame unto others for the bad experience that we suffer or go through. Still others would rue that things would not have turn out as it is if this or that happened during the process leading to the unhappy outcome.

Yet what is God's purpose for us to know our blindspots? Is it to rue over it, be angered by it, or be shamed? Neither. God wants us to change and acknowledge that blindspot, to accept it as a weakness, and to overcome it with His power and grace. People dislike changes, especially when the root of the issue is deeply implanted into our hearts, yet to live the life that Christ wants us to live is never easy.

21/09/2009

2009-09-21T23:12:00.002+08:00

The futility of men is the sign of a needed dependency on God. Its already some time, and i have yet to see what is spoken, what is agreed upon, and what is prophesied. Therefore, should i throw in the towel and give up now? It would be foolish indeed.

I would say i didnt see much, as compared to some others. Of course, there are ups and downs, the pinnacle and the valley in life. But to give up at this critical point would be throwing away every chance and every hope, no matter how little it is.

No matter how many disappointments and near-misses accumulated thus far, we still have hope, we still have faith. How long it is going to last, i wont know. But what i know is, if there is unity and commitment in doing what we have agreed upon, then there will be fruits and blessings from the One who first called us.

But how long will this wait be? How long will this slumber continue?

Will it be another disappointment or another regret again? Just how long are we going to lament what is lost, and what would have been?

Its enough for me.

02.August.2009

2009-08-03T01:42:00.003+08:00

Certain things happened to me recently, that threatens my life's status quo. Somehow there is an intrusion upon my life that i am uncomfortable with, yet i am forced to take it up nonetheless. May the Lord help me with this discomfort that makes me go out of my own comfort zone to serve You. QT may no longer be shared with You in my room, but i pray that You will give me a good, quiet and private place for me to continue to live my life with You, God.

Places may change,
situations may be unfavourable,
emotions may be dull,
life may be dry,
Distractions may come,

But,

You are always the same,
Unchanging from generation to generation,
from the beginning to the end,
Your love never changes,
nor does it ever fail,
my Hope is in You.
Bring me closer,
and sustain my life,
for Your work and purpose
that You have planned for me.

Temptations may come, and it always comes stronger whenever its previous attempt failed. Guard my heart Lord; show me a way out of this. For it is written,

(1 Corinthians 10:13) (Amplifed Bible)
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [adjusted and] adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

Being tempted is a good thing, because it means that the enemy sees you as a precious child of God, and temptations are traps that has the potential to make us fall away from the Lord if we respond to it unbiblically.

I love the amplified version! It makes things more clear. Haha.. time to get an amplified Bible ler!

29/07/2009

2009-07-29T23:04:00.002+08:00

I had a wierd dream last night....

I was shown 5 separate cities, each with their own sins written beside them. Each city has their own set of sin that is different from another, an evil unique to their own.

And within each city, there is a prophet, a man of God, chosen and anointed by God to lead their respective cities back to Him. There's one prophet for one city.

A gush of comfort fell upon me, knowing that God still plans to bring people back to Him no matter where they are, where they belong to.

And then i was shown another scene. I am introduced to a number of different torturing, lethal devices. I only remembered 2. The first looks like a large monsoon drain, with lower walls and narrower body, that had spikes protruding out towards the internal sides of the drain. And within the drain is a man trapped, looking miserable and seem to have all hope lost written over his face. He scribbles something on the wall, and when i went over to look at it, it was a lamentation of his misery.

Suddenly, I saw a name. The name is 'Parish'.

And the second device, which i didnt have a clear look (it looks like a wooden structure), has its name as well. The name is 'flangelling'.

Then i saw someone picking up something from the 'flangelling', and words come to me, ' Go, capture and whip the boy. ' I see myself starting to run from the person...........

And then my alarm clock ring.

28/07/2009

2009-07-28T22:08:00.003+08:00

An Affirmation to Kiu!

Thank God for my CL and shepherd, who turns 7 years old in Christ on 23rd June! Kiu ah... its been a long time since i first know you, and you have really grown a lot in the Lord in recent years! You have grown a lot in your communication with people, your faith and love for your sheep. and your enduring faith for Jesus! Continue to lead with anointing and strength from God, and i believe our CG shall see our vision come to a past, within this coming 9 mths! May God bless you even more!
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Also wanna thank God for my work! God has blessed me so greatly in working the whole of last week, that i had very smooth days at work. I also enjoy the company of nice people in the workplace! They are all very helpful and supportive. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless me and my work!

With faith and blessings also come struggles and trials. May God strengthen my faith in Him through these testing times! I am not gonna let go of Your Hand, no matter how tempted i am in life. Help me to stay focus, and not turning to the left or the right. I wanna walk the straight path You have set before me.
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We want to see the lineage of SP continue, even when some of us will be leaving the land soon. We want to see replacements, generation of people who serve God with fervour and desire!
We want to see growth, and not decrease in numbers when we end our stage of life here.

More will come back to Christ! By His Grace it Can, it Will, and it Must be Done!
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[1 Corinthians 13:4-7] [MSG]

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

That sums up love. Do you really love, or just use it as a byword or excuse to achieve your selfish aims? Its time to give careful thoughts to your ways.... if you are humble enough to do it.

10 July 2009

2009-07-10T15:11:00.002+08:00

A Testimony to share!

Today went for an interview some where near Upper Paya Lebar... Dun really wish to go actually since i am already waiting for another job confirmation for another job... But since God gave me a second chance ( i missed the 1st interview for this one) so i felt i might as well take it...

I left home at 8 (the interview is at 9am) den i thot to myself i am gonna be late, cos i dun really know the place, and Paya lebar sounds very far from my home. But I managed to reach the destination within 30 minutes (with bus ok!) Hahaha. Somehow God blessed my travel and keep me from being late.

And den its the interview. This is the longest interview that i have ever experienced! But throughout the interview the boss was very engaging and friendly, sharing a lot of stuffs that relates to the job. And towards the end he just simply offer me the job directly.

I considered it for a while as i travel home... Den in the end i accept the job....

Well, God is simply amazing! He blessed me by keeping me from lateness, gave me a boss who is friendly and knows what he is doing, and He gives me a choice to choose out of 2 job offers!

The economy isnt good at all;
I am not a top student. More like a bad student.
I have no job experience other than the internship in SP.
Neither am i someone who can offer many different types of skills;
Or talented in any way that benefits my job finding;
I only have my God.

But His grace is sufficient for me
that i am able to make a choice between 2 jobs
work not 5, but 4 days a week
a workplace that isnt that far from my home
and leaving Saturday and Sunday free to serve!

Its not because i am good,
but because He loves me.

Praise Him!

(Isaiah 40:30-31)
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Happy Bday................to myself! haha!

2009-06-23T00:01:00.004+08:00

Today marks the starting of the 3rd year (and 2 years old) for me in Christ!

Its 2 years liao... not too long nor too short... and looking back at this past 2 years there's so much things that happened in my life...

There's mountaintops where irrepressible joy could be found, yet there are also a number of deep valleys that shaped how i think and feel forever...

I wanna take this time (and space) to thank those who have really impacted me throughout this 2 year's walk with God.

Let's start from the very beginning.....

Firstly, i wan to thank and affirm Pooi yee, cos she is the one who invited and brought me to Hope church. If she didnt take that effort to invite me, i wont be here today loh! Haha come to think of it, everything seems to be so flowing in God's plan. Thank God for you, and also wanna affirm you for being a helpful sister to the unit. Continue to grow in God and love your people, and make an impact in SP!

2ndly, i wan to affirm Jorris. Jorris is the person who shared soooo much after the service 2 years ago that convinced me to accept Christ into my life. I wan to thank you for your sacrificial heart, and also teaching me how to be a 'planning' and organised person while i was your sheep. Although you always kena targeted for our jokes, but i believe that the guys under your care genuinely appreciates what you have done for them. Its not easy to lead a whole group of guys, especially when u are not of the same gender. But you took up the challenge and lead us well. You have impacted us so greatly such that some of your qualities have been seen in our current leaders after you left. Thank you for what you have done!

3rdly, i wan to affirm Soh Yi Heng Barnabas. As my 1st shepherd, you have took great pains to help me in my new faith, and build the foundations in my heart. I thank you for the shepherdings that built up my faith in God, for the foundations stayed with me even today. I have to admit that i am quite rebellious towards the end, but still thank God for your patience and love that you show to your sheep. Continue to exhibit and spread the love of God to your people as well as in NS!

4thly(?), i affirm Jeremy Kiu! Hahaha! Kiu is still my shepherd till today, and i still remember the time when we were spiritual buddies. Haha we shared the distinction of emoness and did some realllyyy stupid stuffs every saturday after service (in the past). You are someone who knows me well, up to the extent that can 'blackmail' me with my own secrets! I thank you for being a faithful brother-in-Christ, and i believe i have learnt a lot through sharing life with you. Continue to serve God wholeheartedly, and i believe God will shower us with blessings in SP! Jia you!

Of cos, there's still more people who have impacted my life in one way or another in this 2 years. I thank you all for your influence in my life as well. You noe who you are! Hahaha!

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God, i still remember the vision you have for me. Sometimes, i would forget, while other times i will remember it and be motivated by it. There's still much to change, much to surrender and be taken away in my life, for when i see myself with the standard of Yours, i see much flaws and aspects that must be get rid of. God help me, change me into a better servant for You and Your Kingdom. Purify, and take away the rags; for only a pure vessel can be used by You.

Last year was dominated by restoration. Let this coming year be a year of advancement in my walk with You. I need to catch up a few steps with You, Jesus!

20.06.09

2009-06-21T01:42:00.003+08:00

There is a closet, with its door tightly shut.
It has not been open for ages, subjected to abandonment by its owner.
Now, the owner is being advised to open it up once more,
and what he found was
several skeletons and parts of bones.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Time to clean it up i guess.

Sometimes i will just run away, away from problems and past experiences. Yet, some of them gradually came back to haunt me, over and over again until i learn to face it and deal with it. Its not easy to change, its not easy to forget and relive the things that happened. We need to face it, with courage and with God. For God called us to be overcomers and conquerers, not one who will run away when a wall of difficulties stands in front of us.

It is written,

(Romans 8:35-37 - Amplified Bible)

Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love?
Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation?
Or calamity and distress?
Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?

Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

13/14/15 June 09

2009-06-15T02:10:00.003+08:00

God is amazing! Great things happened over this weekend...

Firstly, my mum called me before service to ask how i am, and how's life here. And then she actually encouraged me to pray! Haha God is working in her heart, i can sense that she is softening up more towards Him.... Yay! Haha!

And service is really touching! Full of points for me to touch on and apply.. and of cos to joke with the brothers in service! Haha! Wonder who are the 4 guys ah... Must be people in my unit la... Really thank God for the fruitful service!

And on to Sunday.....

Had a fruitful meetup with NS bros and Bao ren. God blessed us with a wonderful time of fellowship filled with lame jokes and some games...

But the most amazing part came later in the evening..

Some committee members for the MCG went to Angel's house to create props for the games this tuesday, and the workload seemed so heavy that everyone believed that we gonna drag home the props to finish up. But God intervene and helped us to finish it by 9pm! Thank God! Our work will never be in vain when we serve Him with the right purpose! What seemed impossible to complete is completed right before our eyes! Amazing....

(Philippians 4:13)
''I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.''

(Mark 10:37b)
''All things are possible with God.''

Wanna affirm Han yang here for being a devoted brother; he went all the way from his home in Bedok to Hougang just to meet us in time for fellowship. And later contributed his efforts in making the props even when he is not part of the games committee. Thank God for you bro!

May the Name of the Lord be praised!

12 June 2009

2009-06-12T14:12:00.003+08:00

Time passes by so quickly, soon i will be 2 years old in Christ...

Looking back at this one year and 354 days, i would say its has been a turbulent journey filled with high mountains and deep valleys. So many things have happened within this short period of 24 months. I thank God for His grace and patience, because i am really indebted to Him...

I remember that before i was a believer, i used to go to a megachurch with my secondary school teacher, who is a believer and member of that church. Large numbers of people are gathering outside the hall, waiting to pour into the auditorium when the service starts officially.

I said, ''See, that's the power of religion.''
My teacher replied, ''No. That's the power of God.''

Ya right. Whatever. That's what i thought.

I went to the church for a further 3-4 times, and after that stopped going because i lost interest in it.

However, God continued to stretch out His hand for me to come to know Him. There were lots of surveys, questionnaires and through them, opportunities were opening up once more. I joined a cca camp in school, and from there i came to Hope church where i decided to accept Jesus into my life.

Christ changes life. He transforms a person not by rules, nor by regulations and commandments, but by grace, and by the transforming power that shape people's character.

He does not put a leash of law around your neck, restricting your will or freedom. For people who are under law are subjugated to it without appeal, and punishment becomes a threat and deterrent that takes the form of unpleasant consequence.

Genuine will does not exist in forceful submission. God wants us to be willing to be changed by Him. That's why Christ was sacrificed on the cross, so that a path may be opened to us to communicate and establish a relationship with God through Him. From this relationship, God changes man starting from the heart, that the change may overflow and subsequently affect the external actions and attitudes of a person.

God once changed a man who was doubtful, who said 'i will not commit' right after a sinners prayer, to someone who commits to Him for 2 years. I believe He will change you too.

24/05/2009

2009-05-25T02:59:00.004+08:00

Book of Lamentations for quiet time, and i thought not much encouragement could come from a book with such a depressing name.

The book records the lamentations of Jeremiah the prophet, who lived to see Judah come under the foreign rule of the Babylonians lead by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. Jeremiah is called by God to speak to the Israelites who are living in Judah during that time, speaking fervently to repent from their sins. The majority of the population of Judah refused, and thus, met the judgement of God in the form of being invaded and conquered by the Babylonian Empire. The population were later scattered throughout the land, with a significant amount of people being enslaved and deported/exile to Babylon to work as slaves.

Its not doomed for the Israelites after all that had happened. They were allowed to return to their own land in Judah under the rule of Cyrus, whom conquered the Babylonians as prophesied in the Book of Jeremiah.

Nevertheless, i prayed for God to speak to me, to encourage and assure me, and the Lord speaks with these words from the book....

(Lamentations 3:22-27)
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.
I say to myself,
"The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.

(Lamentations 3:57)
You came near when I called you,
and You said, ''Do not fear.''

The last part really speaks to me! Because fear comes to me again... Haha...

Praise God for His timely message from an unlikely book!

Number 50!

2009-05-25T01:18:00.004+08:00

Really enjoyed a fruitful weekend!

On saturday, SP witnessed 2 converts! Really wanna thank God for touching the lives of people during the service! I can see so many joyful faces after the altarcall, in my unit as well as some other units as well!

(Luke 15:7)

I 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.

*We still need to repent, and live a repentful heart. For we are only made righteous through Christ alone.

As what Kiu said to us today...

''Yes, we always stress on the importance of what we share, how we share, do this and that to spread the Good News to people around us. But today, we had witnessed how strong and powerful God's conviction is in people's hearts! We can do a lot of things but without the conviction of God in people's heart, it would be futile. Similarly, God's conviction in a person's heart is powerful enough for him to turn to God.''

I thank You Lord, for Your grace and mercy upon all people on earth. You made me a witness of Your love for us when i first come to know You and experience You, and now You have reaffirmed and vindicated me as a witness of Your love, this time in someone else's life. May Your Name be praised, oh Lord! :)

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Today is the day the Lord has blessed! Had a skit rehearsal at Jacob's place and then dinner and fellowship with Jeremy, Gordon and Han Yang after the rehearsal. We went to Bedok Interchange to have our dinner at 8. And while some things are really interesting and funny, i dont think i can share here (Later i kena blacklisted for 'tau pok' ah!). Anyway, we saw something nice today... its a big big watermelon! Heh heh heh....

Ok not this one! This is what was left of dinner for 4 guys. Lying in the center is the remains of 16 'chui kueh', and the surroundings are littered with other remains.....

This is the main highlight! The big big watermelon! The stall selling it has its name on the menu... its 'da4 ci1 gua1'! Ok la kind of an understatement on their part...

Look at the Vitasoy's size in comparison with the watermelon! We are like so stunned by its size! Hahaha!

Ok more of a closeup now! It has peach, nata de coco, lychee and watermelon (duh) inside the spiky shaped watermelon shell.... nice nice!

Too bad cant show the ending though... its kind of gross... hahahahaha!

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The SP brothers (ok la only the 4 of us) have planned to celebrate by end of june, and what is a better way to celebrate other then with the loving custom of 'tau pok'ing someone? Hahaha! We have fixed a new target! Therefore be WARNED! Heheheheheheh....

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21.5.09

2009-05-21T23:39:00.002+08:00

I see my beloved brothers and sisters
sacrificing their time till late at night
all to celebrate a birthday of a fellow brother
They boarded the same bus
to the destined same location
And while on the bus
they revealed the cake to him
All this are done in effusive love
love that touches the inner hearts of man
and draws out tears from the brother himself

What could this mean, in the face of a hectic schedule that centres around the period of people's salvation?

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Its day 2 of my fasting and praying schedule! Praise God! Hahahaha! :)

18/5/09

2009-05-19T01:44:00.003+08:00

Is it too late to turn back?
All of a sudden
You find a shackle attached to you
a snare that grips ever so tightly
that it seems impossible to free yourself from

What can be done?

17 May 2009

2009-05-17T16:44:00.002+08:00

Wahaha... its been a long long time since i last blogged... But anyway....

Firstly, wanna thank the SP unit for my bday celebration! Haha you guys are the best! Just like the previous birthday last year, the love of the people just never seems to stop to amaze me. Really thank you all for the encouragements and affirmations! I never thought i will celebrate a 2nd birthday with you all, cos i already graduated (HAHAHA!), but anyways, continue to shine for God in the campus ya! Its the love that God gave us that enables us to love one another!
And ya paiseh that you guys go home so late.. Sorry sorry...

I didnt know that love can be blind to self
that actions can speak much to people
even when it might seem nothing much to you
it meant much to others
Therefore i shall appreciate
and affirm my brothers and sisters
for what they do might not seem much to them
but for me it meant a lot to me

Praise be to God!
For He has surround me with people of His calling
That He may show His love for me
Through the people whom He loved.

______________________________________________________

I do not acknowledge what i do in love
for what i do in love is not what i do
but rather its Him who is in me who does it

People have said ' I see you grow '
yet i know i have not grown without Him
It is to His full credit and glory
that i have grown in Him
A man can say,
' I will change my life here and there'
yet in time,he will stumble
and fail in his promises
for he tried to change with his will, his own strength
This is the Truth
that true change comes only
Through the transforming power of Christ
A change that will be eternal
a change that will glorify the One
who changed me.

(John 10:10)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

15 April '09

2009-04-15T12:30:00.001+08:00

(Isaiah 41:8-10)
But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

12/04/09

2009-04-12T00:57:00.003+08:00

The Easter service will start in another 24++ hours! Hahaha.... So excited for it! May we witness much fruits and miracles, stories of conversions and testimonies in the coming months ahead! Go SP!!!

_______________________________________________________

Hmmm wanna take this time here to affirm and encourage 2 very special individuals, people whom have contributed much to SP during their time in the unit.

Firstly, i affirm you, Joella!

Even though i don't really know you much and not really close to you, but in the past few months we did interact more with one another! I still remember what you asked me during the starting of the year, what are my goals and targets for the following 12 months. I wan to thank you, for bringing me encouragement and assurance during CNY, when i lost my passport and couldn't join my family for reunion dinner. It was a tough time, but you were there to help me out. You also encouraged me during the outreaching period which is much much appreciated! Thank you lots!

I hope that as you enter a new stage in life, you will continue to exercise the spirit of encouragement that is in you, and be a blessing to people in your unit and caregroup as well as in school! May God bless your mission trips, and i pray that the burden for people in the world will always remain in your heart! Let it be the encouragement, the motivation to do your very best for God! Amen! :)

And now i will affirm Randall!

I remembered that when i first entered SP unit, i didn't see you often cos you were serving as a UL. Then, i started asking people around me about what kind of person you are, and i get the same answer from everyone! Everyone told me that you are a loving person who is full of love for people. And i was like, "uh... ok." Hahaha. But as time goes by and when you became my mentor, that's when i found out how loving you are towards the people who are under your care.

Come on, which mentor will meet her mentee 5 TIMES A WEEK? Hahaha.. i don't think anyone else will break that record lor! I really wanna thank you for being with me and supporting me through some of the deepest valleys of my life, and always being available to meet me up when i get into trouble. Even after i left under your mentorage(got this word?), you would still help or offer to help me whenever i needed it. I still remember you helping me to carry the camp stuffs back, send me off when i go back to indo, and meeting me up to give advice and corrections when i make the wrong decisions. All this acts of love expresses your heart of loving, and i hope that you will continue to love people just as how God loves us, and be successful in your missions as you spread the love of God! May God bless you bountifully! Amen! :)

3 April 2009

2009-04-03T01:33:00.002+08:00

The crucial period stands closely to us now! April is here, which means EASTER is near!

Really want to thank God for another breakthrough yesterday! Its the 1st time i am doing it myself, and God blessed me with 7 more contacts for our upcoming unit event on Sunday! Praise God!

God guided me to places to do the surveys, from lib lvl 4 to foodcourt 3 and back, and in the places he guided me to there are people who are open and willing to do the surveys.

Its not by my strength, for i am weak, but it is by God's blessing that made it all happen.

Lord, let this be the first step, the little opening of the door into their hearts....

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
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. 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.

_______________________________________________________

Holy Communion - Caregroup on 2nd April 2009

"i have good news and bad news."

"First the bad news. We have owed God too many debts. Debts that cannot be paid fully back to Him, and we can never give Him what He has given us. Therefore, we are indebted to Him."

"Now the good news. God gave everything to us through grace, and He still love us as we are, even though we sometimes fail Him and fall short of His standard, but His love for us will always stand. What's more, joy is given to us as we serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We can't possibly ask for more from any other sources in this world, for He provides and meets our every need."

_______________________________________________________

Breakthrough!

2009-03-30T23:18:00.002+08:00

Its good to have a breakthrough in your walk with God! Woohooo!!

Recently i discovered more about myself as i commit more time for God. I realise that God has put me through quite a lot of things that i don't really like, or not accustomed to do. But because of the purpose behind the things that i do, i find fulfilment and joy in doing His work. Thank God for putting me through the trials and testings to make me a better servant!

I want to see more consistency in my walk with God and serving in pastoral and ministry sides. Rather than 'a-season christian', i want to see 'a christian for all seasons'! God help me to change! Guard my heart against any distractions or temptations that will lead me astray, keep my footing on the foundation that You've built firm and strong, and help me achieve the targets that i have set with You as the main purpose!

The time for Easter is coming! And we are going to have a special Easter Service on the 12th of April, Sunday at Suntec City Convention! Be prepared and expect greatly for God to do a big big miracle! :)

Vision!

2009-03-27T14:36:00.004+08:00

The following is the vision of SP2:

We want to be willing to be used by God,

willing to serve and be available for one another.

We are willing to learn, be humble and teachable,

and submit to the authorities, the church and our leaders.

Amen!

Back from the.... CAMP!

2009-03-22T23:13:00.005+08:00

I HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM CAMP! Wahahaha! What a great time of fellowship and learning through the 3 days in camp!

Although the sleeping and bathing facilities are not of top notch grade, but God's presence was certainly there! Who ever says that circumstances and conditions will affect God's love for us? Haha.

This camp is the 1st Camp that i have gone to ever since i come to know Christ, and to me its really an eye opener! 3 intensive days of teaching as well as praise and worship in a ulu area with funny orangey skies in the night have isolated us from the rest of the world. But i believe its beneficial for us, as we are able to focus and concentrate on the Word of God much better without distractions.

_______________________________________________________

Talking about it being the 1st camp, i find my schedule in the camp quite packed! Got mamashop, and i have to stand-in as UA. But thank God i managed to do a little bit here and there, and its really because of the blessing of God that makes it happen! God provided me a miracle of a very complete and confirmed list of people in my unit that reduces my workload as UA by a lot a lot! Really wanna thank God, and also the whole SP unit CLs, members and the original UA for being responsible to our own attendance! Its a joy serving as the unit admin in the camp! Amen!

The same goes to the operation of the mamashop! I wan to take the opportunity here to thank and affirm Ace, Kirby, Victor and the rest of the DI people who helped us to facilitate the mamashop operation (sorry i can't remember all the names)! It is your input of support that helps us to do well during the camp! Really thank you for helping us out although its not part of your camp roles. :) There are still people to affirm, but i wan to 'tou lan' again ah... Wahahaha.... :P

_______________________________________________________

This is taken on Saturday, right after the workshop regarding tattooing and fashion ended...

Its a big big RAINBOW! Ok la rainbows are not uncommon stuffs, but for one to appear at that timing during such a camp really meant something to me...

(Genesis 9:12-15) (NIV)

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

As brothers and sisters marvelled at the phenomenon that appears across the sky, we are reminded of God's love and His covenant with us that will NEVER be broken by ANYTHING else! I praise You for Your incredible love for us, Lord!

It is not by chance
or pure coincidence
That Your defining symbol of covenant with us
appear at such a right time
at the right place
at the right conditions

God is worthy of our praises!

17 MArcH 2009

2009-03-17T23:27:00.002+08:00

Wahahaha back to blog liao.... Last few weeks veri busy so no time to blog.... Anyway i learnt quite a few things in the past weeks....

Expectations

(Luke 17:7-10)
"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

We whom are believers of Christ should not expect or anticipate blessings to come to us as if its a guranteed deal of "bless-as-you-serve" package. Certain times even when we are serving, difficult circumstances may come our way. Therefore, we shouldn't harbour a narrow mindset of a guranteed smooth sailing journey as we serve God with our all. However, let us also have a heart of faith that acknowledges God's authority and control in difficult times as we serve.

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Secular V Sacred

This is something i learnt through the Christian Ethics class. The idea of categorising 'secular' and 'sacred' comes from the ancient philosopher called.... i cant remember the name! Hahaha... But its important that we shouldnt prioritise too highly on 'sacred' things (e.g. going to church, caregroup) that we totally sacrifice the 'secular' things (work, whatever you need to do that isn't directly related to church). That is because, for everything that we do, as long as it is done for God and in His name, it is also honoring God as well.

_______________________________________________________

I see visions again! Hahaha... its been a long time since i last saw one.... And this time one is kind of disturbing..... I see people crying and in despair, some complaining in my face about how bad their lives is.... Hmmmm......

_______________________________________________________

Ahhh CAMP is coming!! And i have been quite busy with the mamashop! Wahaha.... i just wanna pray that the whole campaign will be a success, and may the people be blessed through the shop!

Yes speaking of camp, i wanna affirm a few people here who contributed to the shop!

First i wan to affirm Shi hui! Inspite of your busy schedule with 2 camps to go to in the next few weeks, you helped us with your creativity for the posters! Really thank you lots for your efforts and the time spent on designing the posters!

Next, its Vincent! Thank you for your designs for the posters too! Although you don't really specialise in drawing, but you used your com skills to help us create decent posters! Thank you!

Following that is AhBe (i hope never spell wrong ah)! Yeah wanna thank you for helping us to design and paint the banners with your scary drawing skills! And also helping us to create the gift boxes! Appreciate it lots!

And also Barnabas Soh Yi Heng and Jeremy Kiu for helping (or disrupting?) the set up of the booth at Nexus recep area! Hahaha!

And there are some more people to affirm! But i think i would leave it until the end of the camp den say bah... Lets 'tou lan' a bit first.... Wahahaha!

May God bless the camp!! :)

28 /2/ 09

2009-02-28T17:30:00.005+08:00

Wad is the use of advices when it falls to deaf ears
why do we keep feeding it when it is not eating?
How many words must i say
so that they will understand its importance?

Its all worthless
a waste of time
Its just like talking to a person
that agrees with whatever you say
and yet do nothing with what it learnt

Time is an invaluable resouce
and it is spent on useless things
Efforts that was put in has no use
much less speaking of any results
Therefore why should i speak
why should i correct
and why should i encourage
when either pride hardens the heart
or when the mind is absent in place

Its all meaningless
And it only serves to discourage and disappoint
so why should i be put down by men,
and lamenting each unhearing ear?
For in the end it results in no loss for me
And i shouldn't bother about them

This is the paradox:
God has willed men
to support and encourage one another
yet men discourages men
to the point of turning away

i shall not speak
or correct anyone
from whom have i got the authority
and for whom do i speak for?
i am only a sinner
less talk, less conflict
and let it remain that way

24 feB '09

2009-02-24T15:31:00.002+08:00

My God is liketh a fireplace of warmth,
He keeps me comfortable from freezing colds
The Lord is my refuge,
Which i reside to avoid a storm
My Father is liketh a shield
Protecting me from any invaders
No matter how strong the winds might blow
how heavy the rain pours upon me
God provides a sanctuary to keep me safe
Oh! Look at how those arrows fall
Ceasing in strength and drops in vain
when they impacted themselves
on the impregnable shield of the Lord

15 FEB 2009

2009-02-15T16:36:00.002+08:00

There is so much to thank God for...

I see joy in people's eyes when they travel around different parts of Singapore to share the message of God's love for people on Valentine's day, even under the hot sun in this heaty weather..

And it is simply amazing to see someone next to you who pulled out a book titled " Our Faithful God" and let you peek its teachings when u are in your dry period...

And i have finally found my passport! Its wedged behind some old cupboard that i wont be bothered to find... but God reminded me to search every single place for it....

Praise God for His Faithfulness and Love!

___________________________________________________

A man deemed to have past his prime should be used more, or less?
Should he, nearing the end of his life, leave the things to the younger and move on?
If so, when should he leave?

8 Feb 09

2009-02-08T22:13:00.003+08:00

In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), it is observed that there are Jews that opposed and refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, or Messiah.

Firstly, Jesus is born in a lower-to-middle class family (A carpenter). Therefore, people couldn't accept that their anticipated Messiah is someone who is from a low social class.

Secondly, the Jews believed that their coming Messiah is someone who is powerful, who will deliver them from the oppression and rule of the Roman Empire. The Jews have been under the control of various rulers and kingdoms ever since the Kingdom of Judah fell to Babylon.

The Kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, as seen in 2 Kings.
The Babylonian Empire fell later to the Persian Empire, under Cyrus who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland to rebuild the Temple of God. (Book of Ezra, Nehemiah)
The Persian Empire, in turn, fell to Alexander the Great. When Alexander died, the land he conquered was divided into mainly 2 parts. The Seleucid Empire ruled Israel from then on until the Roman Empire came into power.

With continuous conquests of the Jewish people in Israel by different kingdoms, the Jews longed for their Messiah to rescue and deliver them from the Roman Empire. Therefore, they had conjured an impression among themselves that their Messiah would be a warrior-king, someone who would overthrow the Roman Empire and bring them under no foreign authority, when by then they could rule their own land with their own people.

This impression caused them to be "blinded" when Jesus came into this world, and offered salvation to all people by dying for our sins on the cross. He is the sacrifice that redeemed us from the ransom of sin. However, the people were too obsessed with their own image of their Messiah that they missed out on the One when He was already there. They were too focused on their own physical slavery that they failed to see their spiritual starvation.

Therefore, it is important to know God as who God really is, not knowing the god whom we conjured up in our own mind and understanding; lest we are blinded just like the ancient people, and miss the chance to recognise our Saviour.

6/2/09

2009-02-06T11:26:00.002+08:00

Wah i am finally back to blog....
The last few weeks didnt come to blog cos i was having some problems... but Thank God for His Grace that helped me to pull through all troubles and worries! Haha these few days God has helped me so so so much in my life! Really want to take this time to praise You oh Lord!

This past few weeks i walked through a few valleys of the shadow of death, and it wasnt really pleasant to be stuck inside. But God, who is my faithful shepherd, guided me through the valleys and up to the mountains. He is my Deliverer!

First is my fyp... its finally over! Haha! And i got my exam schedule and sit numbers today morning! Quite relived and grateful for that! Thank you God!

Our troubles are temporary, but the glory of God is forever.

(2 Corinthians 4:17)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

For those who are experiencing troubles and problems in your life now, remember that God is with you. Yes, sometimes you might feel that He is away, not there, but take heart! A tunnel will always lead to an opening of light. Problems is there to also strengthen your faith in Him.

Which one is more treasured, an untested faith, or a faith that stays strong despite having constant troubles? It is like courage. A person who has courage yet never encountered fear is nothing, but a person who remains courageous in the face of fear... Now that's something.

20 JAn 20O9

2009-01-20T01:10:00.002+08:00

CNY is coming, and my parents are nagging at me to go back earlier in case there is a high traffic for ferry tickets. But there's a tiny little problem.... i lost my passport! Hahaha... now cant go back unless i find it..

Have to admit i am quite stressed out for that stupid document, but after some thought i feel that its good for me to lose it, since i have never really keep it carefully in the first place. May this be a lesson for me to keep things that i have taken granted for. But well, human nature ah, we always take things for granted until we lose them and then regret... Haiz...

Do pray for me to find my passport back! Or else i am really gonna get some wrath from my parents.. Hahaha... May God's grace be upon me! :)

18 Jan '09

2009-01-18T00:09:00.003+08:00

Wahaha i am back to blog again!
This week has been a really super duper hectic week for me! Got one report to pass up, and one presentation on last friday. Thank God for the presentation and helping me to finish up the tasks on hand. Also wan to pray that God will continue to bless me, cos i still have a lot of work to be done! And lastly, thank God for sooo many things that He had blessed me with! Its just too much to be counted!

One verse that God encouraged me with during quiet time:

(Psalm 116:3-7)

The cords of death entangled me,

the anguish of the grave came upon me;

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD :

"O LORD, save me!"
The LORD is gracious and righteous;

our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.

Last Friday, the church had a prayer meet at Suntec convention hall. Really sensed the Spirit that refreshed me. i got ministered too! During the prayer session when we went to pray for people who are from different groups, one brother from YA helped me to intercede regarding my prayer for vision and direction from God, and gave me the following verse....

(Joshua 1:8)
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

And as though to confirm the word spoken to me, the sermon today talked about having God's vision in my life! Amazing, truely amazing!

For the first time in my life, the biggest problem i am facing right now isn't 100% a personal problem to me. Because that problem relates to God, too.

I need you, Lord
Humble me
Help me, strengthen me
In doing the task that You have directed me to do
Its no longer about myself
my strengths, my potentials
Its all about You
Whether the thing will come to a past
Or not
It entirely depends on You, Lord
Help me, Your servant
To do what You want me to do
Do not forsake me
Put my heart
Upon Your altar
Give me an unwavering faith
That only turns to You alone.

8 Jan 2009

2009-01-08T22:11:00.005+08:00

Haha wad a long but interesting day today.

Went to meet up with a few people in the unit after the survey effort that was not really effective; The 2 pys, Shi hui, Meiyan, Qian wen, Baorun and Jireh. We went to FC4 for lunch, and that's when all the drama started....

Scene 1:

Jireh had a candyfloss from the recep area. After finishing the candyfloss, he remarked that it is so sweet and decided to keep the candyfloss stick. He left it absent-mindedly on the table as we are having dinner on another table.

When we return to the table to prepare to leave, the candyfloss stick was broken into 2!!

Jireh: "WHO DID THIS?!"

Cephas: "Muz be that one la. The one with a guilty face." (pointing to the one with a guilty face)

The one with the guilty face: "Sorry la. I was playing clay just now then treat the stick as clay also lor. So i bend the stick then it broke into 2."

Jireh was enraged and very angry. His precious candyfloss stick was broken! And for the rest of the day he haunted the one who broke his candyfloss stick with the words " *I see you!"

*The meaning for this word is uncertain.

Scene 2:

Jireh: (sicko smile)

Cephas: "Dun give me that smile leh!"

Jireh: "This one ah?" (suggestively)

Cephas: "No la."

Jireh: "Or that one?"

Cephas: "No."

Jireh: "Den not here one?"

Cephas:"No laaaa...."

And Jireh finally gave up and stopped his questionings. The walls of Cephas still stands strong! WoOOo.......!

Scene 3:

Ryan called Cephas on his mobile phone....

Ryan: "Why? Got caregroup ah?!"

Cephas: " Ya lor, why you never come?"

Den Jireh took the phone and expose the lie of Cephas.

Jireh:"So how's your schoolwork ah Ryan?"

Ryan:"Ok lor... WHY YOU ASK?!"

Thank God for Ryan for his memorable reaction! :)
______________________________________________________

Yeah there's more that i want to thank God for, but i shall reserve it for my dear dear sheep! Thank you for coming to meet me even when its almost 7 30pm and you have your fyp to start with! And Thank you for sharing about your life, your struggles and obstacles. Now that i am beginning to know you more, i hope that you will live your life right with God, and pray that your life will be full of experiencing God's presence!

I also want to thank Jeremy Kiu Chong Ming Jireh for his advice! Thank God for you and your wisdom!

07 January 2009

2009-01-07T22:01:00.003+08:00

Hmmm not much thing today.... one csb lesson that's slightly fun and ends early. Haha quite stunned when i see another teacher in the class dunno writing what stuff (cos i am late... get the picture?)

Anyway, really want to Thank God for a fruitful quiet time spent with Him juz moments earlier! Can really experience the presence of God throughout the whole period. And God speaks to me in the Book of Psalms. Wahh really like the book man! Its so much emotion-filled with expressions of devotion, repentance, and joy towards the living God! Thank God for the psalms and their various authors.

And here's a psalm that really summed up my day today... Psalm 86.

Currently i am reading the book "The Case for Christ" which is about a reporter who goes around asking professors and experts about the validity of the Gospel and New Testament. To me, the evidence and arguments doesn't really impact me much, but its the personal accounts of those professors whose faith has been strengthen by what they have discovered that really reaffirms my faith. Overall, its an interesting book to read, especially for people who have doubts about the validity of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

Thank God for:
- Speaking to me through the book of Psalms
- Testimonies and evidence that strengthens my faith!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

2009-01-06T00:36:00.002+08:00

One of my favourite verses....

[1 Corinthians 13:4-7]
Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Now ask yourself, do you really LOVE that someone else? Or have you actually fallen short of the standard of Love?

05.01.2009

2009-01-05T23:32:00.004+08:00

Yeah Thank God for another fruitful and blessed day today!

Every monday i will have a 3 hour break from 1 to 4pm. And during this period i will not be in school. I have started a routine of taking a bus to go all the way to Serangoon while spending quiet time on the bus until i reach the destination. To some it seems wierd, to others its absurd. But to me, i find it fruitful and worth the effort, as i can really sense God's presence while spending quiet time in this unusual circumstances.

Today's quiet time was fruitful yet a bit disturbed and distracted. I suddenly felt very tired and couldn't focus on God totally. But its alright, experiencing God is not limited to quiet time exclusively. For every moment of our lives we should take time to ask, seek and pray to God, and that's true worship! Amen?

After all lessons were finished, i had a good time of fellowship with the unit people over dinner. And i want to take this time here to affirm Jeremy Kiu for sharing about our caregroup, the people, and encouragements. SP2 will keep growing and growing, not only in quantity but as well as quality! God will bless us!

(Psalm 77:10-15)
Then I thought,
"To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

I may not remember every single thing
that You have done for me today
O Lord
But still i want to
Honour You and Praise Your Name
For You are Worthy

Thank God for:
- a good and fruitful time of fellowship and sharing with Kiu and Yu Yao
- for His blessing of materials
- His word that speaks to me so deeply
- Opportunity to spend time to do things that will last!

(Psalm 86:11-13)
Teach me your way, O Lord,
And i will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that i may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love towards me;
You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

04/1/2009

2009-01-05T23:08:00.003+08:00

Yeah wad a good day it has been today, and yesterday as well!

Yesterday (4th Jan), i went to the library to read some books and fellowship a while. That's when i find a good book called "every young man's challenge". Personally, the book is quite meaningful, and it also provides helpful tips to live your life well and also improving in your walk with God.

In one of its chapters, it talks about each and every person's "hotspots", which sin has a high chance of invading. As we all know, sin is in us when we first come out of our mother's womb, and each person has their own particular weakness or weak spots that is shaped by our upbringing or life experiences. And Satan loves to attack these weak spots, so that we will feel guilty, lost and damage our relationship with God.

Therefore, the book encourages us to fight fervently, with all we have, in the battle in this weak spot, because when we lost this battle and give in to sin, we will have to suffer consequences of our defeat, which may bring about a lost connection with God.

This is likened to the Battle of Thermopylae, depicted in the movie "300". Historical account states that a small Greek army, vastly outnumbered by Persians lead by king Xerxes, stand firm and hold steadily to their ground while vanquishing much of the persian army. As a result of their actions, the Greeks managed to come up with a larger army to counterattack and defeat the invading Persians.

Just as braveness and courage hold the Greeks firm in their stand against a larger army ahead of them, we will hold firm in our stand in our own Battle of Thermopylae. But with what?

The Bible says:

(Ephesians 6:16-18)
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Things to thank God for:
- Good time of fellowship
- Good book to read that i learn quite a lot from
- Early bus to go to the library

3rd Jan 2009

2009-01-04T01:42:00.002+08:00

Thank God for a wonderful service today! It was really fruitful and gave me pretty much insight about God being our Shepherd, and providing us everything that we lack. Thank God for His providence! And i pray that You will continue to guide, protect and correct my life O God!

Also wan to thank God for the makeup team, who helped us to create 5 "aliens" in nexus auditorium! Think the people there a bit taken aback by our appearance bah... but we did have some fun in scarying some people! Hahaha.

Even though i am unworthy
You took me in
Even when i am ungrateful
You showered Your love for me nonetheless
I praise You, O Lord
For You are Faithful till the end

3rd January 2009
Things to thank God for:
- Early bus to go nexus even when i am like half an hour late!!
- Courage to be "alien"
- For knowing interactive and fun people inside the "alien" cg!
- Very insightful sermon!
- Jeremy kiu, for sharing his joy towards _____
- Last bus to go home! Haha

Blessings and testimonies

2009-01-02T13:01:00.005+08:00

God i wan to know you more...
I wan to have a deeper relationship with You.

Therefore, i will keep my record of blessings
To boast that i am blessed by the One Above
To be proud of Your Name
To keep firm my Faith in You
To witness your Grace
To experience Your Mercy
And above all
To Praise Your Name!
For material and possessions will turn to dust
But the souls of men and God's word
will last for eternity!

1 January 2009:
-God blessed me with timely arrivals of buses to go Jacob's place!
-His presence is felt during the event! The joy and celebrations that God provides can never be compared to anything else in this world.
-Praise God for all that He has provided us for the event. A brother mentioned that he had a decent meal at jacob's place for the first time.

2 January 2009
-God blessed me with a decent result for my law test! I confessed that i am not worthy of the result, based on my otherworldy attendance record for the class. Thank God for His GRACE upon me! i will go for lessons more regularly!

Teacher: i have 9 people who failed this paper across the cohort. And they are students who come for lesson. And you never come much yet still passed the paper!

Me: Praise God! Forgive me. (in my heart)

Teacher: You shamed me by not coming for lesson but still pass! (joking)

Me: Men's strength and efforts will never, EVER, be compared to God's grace and mercy! (in my heart)

(Romans 9:15-16)
For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

May You show me more miracles, more blessings in my life!

I believe all that i have experienced is not by "luck", or coincidence, but by the faith in You so that i see!

the friend of Cephas

2009-01-01T22:12:00.002+08:00

Infant of Secrapolis
Why are you so stubborn?
Why do you crack your head
And mettle out various ways
To seek what you can't find
Pursue what you will not get
Relentlessly chasing after the wind

Your tongue speaks ignorance
Your eyes do not see
The mind is filled with conjured visions
That makes up your reality

A new year! 2009!

2009-01-01T21:42:00.003+08:00

Yay it a new year, a new beginning for all of us! And i really want to extend my thanks to all who have come for yesterday's countdown event at jacob's place! I believed we had much fun, don't we? Thankees for the planning team, the visitors, as well as God for making the event an enjoyable and successful one!

I have 2 affirmations to make...

Firstly, i wanna affirm the planning team from the land of NP.

Thank God for you people to prepare the bulk of the event; the food, the logistics, and decorations and materials. Although we were a bit rushy in planning and dont have a lot of time, but i can see the unity that you all possess that makes the event complete! Thank God for you all, and i pray that NP will see a great revival in this year 2009! Keep up the good spirit, and mayb God bless you all!

2ndly, i wan to affirm Ryan's classmates, Li ling and Jeremy, for coming for the event. i affirm Li ling for your initiative to clear up while the rest are sleeping in the morning! You have a considerate and serving attitude that we should learn from you! And for Jeremy, thank you for bringing us joy and hyping up the atmosphere! It is great to know the 2 of you, and have a good year ahead as well! :)

A new year is here, and this year i hope to see more growth, more quality fruits in the walk with God. Time to write new year resolutions.... haha.

Oh ya oh ya.... i also wan to affirm someone veri veri precious to me. It is.... MY HAMSTER! Hahahahaha. Thank you for being sacrificial (?) in going for the event, and taking part in the Fear factor section (you have certainly put fear in some people :p). I also wan to affirm you for being veri guai and not biting me ever since i got you as a pet one year ago. Thank you for being cute, and Thank God for creating such a cute creature for me as a pet. Amen!

Affirmations! (1)

2008-12-28T15:02:00.003+08:00

Year 2008 is near its end, and as i look back these past 12 months... i really want to affirm a few people in the family of SP unit...

I will go by caregroups... and the first on the firing squad.. sorry sorry, affirmation list... is SP.... 3!

I wanna affirm this caregroup of old men for being sacrificial and serving, for they have went down to nexus to prepare the decorations for yesterday's service! Even though u all are being chosen by Colin to participate in this ministry, i believe that without a strong will and burning desire to serve God, u all wont be there already loh.

I also wanna affirm you all for having the right attitude, when you all bring cardboards to nexus while travelling on public transport. In other people's eyes this seems embarassing, but you all showed the correct attitude and focus by putting God's work first! And another thing that i observed is that you all are patient and didnt flare up during arguments while doing the decorations. Its really, really a joy serving with all of you! Thank God for you, brothers!

Now lets get a bit more specific....

Firstly, i wan to affirm Shawn!
Even though you are having a busy time with your fyp and stuffs but you still manage to keep coming down to do decorations, no matter how tired you are. Your spirit and attitude in doing the decorations is indeed a motivation for the rest of us. And i can see how joyful you are when the decorations were finally completed! And our work is not in vain! See how much enjoyment the decorations bring to the visitors! And i also wan to thank you for stretching out a helping hand whenever you are being called to! Your regular initiativeness and humble serving is something that we should learn from! Thank God for your willingness to serve! Amen!

(Psalm 18:29)
With your help I can advance against a troop ; with my God I can scale a wall.

And next is Soh Yi Heng!
I will say that of all the rest in the caregroup, you are one of the most regular and punctual member of the decoration team! And that reflects your heart attitude and desire towards the work of the decorations. You are someone who can be avaliable and easily approachable for any kind of enquiries and questions, which makes you a good advisor and brother. Your word knowledge helps in giving advices and rebuking too. Even though you are the NO. 1 target for tricks and mischieves from the unit people, you are still tolerant and patient with us. And of cause, your initiative and courage (?) for starting the ball rolling every caregroup and meetings. Thank you for your heart, attitude and patience!

Next is Han hong!
The "silent killer"! Hahaha. I affirm you for being sacrificial, lending your home for caregroup sessions after we lost our SPHQ. Not to mention the guitar lessons too! You have also displayed hospitality while we were at your home, and i believed that we have much joy despite only a few times there. I also wan to affirm your mildness and following-ness, for you are easy to talk to, and always ok with anyone's decisions! You are also quite open with your life, and that helps us to grow as we look out for one another. Perhaps you can begin to offer more opinions, decisions and your own stand. Because when everyone puts in their thoughts and ideas together, a better plan will be formulated! Be courageous!

Now... Zhan hong!
Thank God for you in helping us with the decorations! And i really wan to affirm you for serving God using your creative talents! God equipped you with nimble hands and creative skills, and you have certainly showed us what you can do. I can remember the games session i planned with you and Lai teng, and the piece of instruction that you TYPED and PRINTED out! It just shows how much you value your work! Keep up with this spirit of excellence! I also want to affirm you for coming for service secretly even though it is risky for you. You have shown your desire to know God more, but take heart (Ai Zai), distractions and limitations are nothing compared to what Jesus can do! Pray for Him to show you a way out, and i am veri sure that you will be free! Take heart and Have Faith, brother!

(Matthew 5:14-15)
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

And Vincent!
Hahaha. The little boy with the childlike faith in Christ! Indeed, your words and actions have often express your deep and strong faith in God! You always seem so cheerful and joyful, even when deep down you might be facing some problems. And also during testimony time, you will speak with such genuinity and excitement in your eyes that encourages the rest to experience God more! I wanna encourage you to use your influence to impart more faith in people around you! Continue to live the love of God in your life!

And lastly... Yong Xiang!
You have changed a lot ever since you accepted Christ and joined the SP unit! I believe many people can testify to that. And i wan to affirm you for being serving when you come to help out in decorations regularly! Also wan to thank you for your initiative in meeting up with Jorghi, and helping me to contact my sheep when he came back from overseas! Keep up the good work yea, and i believe God will pour more blessings unto you! On the other hand, you need to refocus and surrender that part of your life to God. There's time still for repentance, and i hope that you will make the right decisions soon, for time is an invaluable resource, once used or wasted you will never get it back. May God guide your ways. Amen.

Christmas Service!

2008-12-25T01:14:00.002+08:00

Wahaha... just back from steamboat at chinatown and Christmas Service at The Rock Auditorium! It was a super fruitful time for me, cos i feel renewed in my relationship with Christ! The drama team put on a short performance, yet the power within the message is strong! It just reminds me of how much God loves me and everyone else. Indeed, God's love is the centre of everything that we are living for! Praise You O God!

Today is Christmas day, so i wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Even though times might not be so optimistic, but in God we have hope, we have faith, and we have trust in Him whose plans and promises will always hold true! That alone is enough for us to be joyful about.

(John 3:16)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I felt that something is going to happen. Something not nice, a period of testing and trials are awaiting me.... And then i remembered this incident in the Bible...

Jesus Calms the Storm
(Matthew 8:23-27)

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

The storm here symbolises a problem; a major problem in life that you might face. As we follow God, problems still exist in life. Sometimes, they could brew into a widescale storm that threatens to bring down your life and everything that you hold dear for.

Yet, as this incident shows, when we call out to God, when we share and pray to God for deliverance, God will answer us. He will "calm our storm". Yet, when we ask God for deliverance, we must have faith in Him to answer our prayers. A prayer made without faith is meaningless mumblings.

O but we are only men! Sinners! Doubt always rise its ugly head whenever faith is in the picture; Especially when we are being struck right in the face by a big big problem. A big problem always test our level of faith.

Yet with a little faith, God still helps us. It is His promise.

(Matthew 17:20)

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

See how much God loves us?

Even when we are far from Him, He is already extending His hand to reach us

Even when we, sinners, cry out to Him, He saves us.

Even when we sinners doubt about Him, He still delivers us, inspite of our little faith.

This is my God! He is the Most High, the One who create all things.
Yet He listens to the cries of a particular type of creation He created.

Us.

24th Dec ESS

2008-12-21T01:48:00.003+08:00

This is "The Gift" Christmas special service @ the Rock Auditorium in Suntec! It will be held on 24 December (which is this wednesday!) and SP unit will be there for the 5-7pm slot. Let us find out what the "gift" really is, this Christmas!

A gift is something that can only to be received, or rejected. It is not by asking or procuring, but rather willingly given by someone to another person. Gifts can come in many forms, quality, price. Some are simple and not expensive, while others are expensive and striking. No matter what type of gifts they are, I believe everyone has received a gift that is memorable, or something that really strikes the core of the individual's heart. Now ask this question to yourself, what is the best gift you ever had.... until now?

Revived memories

2008-12-21T00:55:00.004+08:00

Today was a fine day really... Spend some quality time in nexus for the special service preached by Michael. Indeed men can never be satisfied by possessions alone, and in the long run they will seek out much more material goods to curb their desires...

I personally wan to affirm my 2 sheeps! Both of you have done well, coming for service and being early for lunch... Really glad to see you all changing for the better! Keep it up! :)

After service the unit went to istana park for a round of fellowship and knowing our visitors. And that was when i saw a dragonfly on the ground, unable to get up. It suddenly reminded me of a sec 3 outing in malaysia...

It was a geography field trip which promises us to learn more about physical geog (Trees, forest, crops..) although all i can remember is the good times spent with classmates. And one interesting part of the trip was watching fireflies in a dark place wif no lights.

I remembered the atmosphere, the beauty of the fireflies in the dark, like shimmering sheet of tiny lights. But the thing that reminded me when i saw the dying dragonfly at istana park was one of a miracle, a miracle that a harden heart during that time wont acknowledge.

It was a dying firefly. The light in the firefly was burning out, and somehow u can see that it is near its lifespan. However, my geog teacher and some other chers went to pick it up, and noticing how jia lat the firefly's condition is, decided to 'revive' it. (i dunno wad they do, and when i was observing i was telling myself "sure die liao la, help also no use".

But moments later, the firefly's fire (get it?) somehow get back into its body, and it miraculously revived and fly again. My geog teacher was so excited that she came and told me how wonderful God is.

Too bad a hardened heart will never listen, even in the face of a impossible miracle.

Sometimes it is indeed wonderful to have a "rear-view" mirror, and look at the things that God did even when u have not come and acknowledge His sovereignity in your life. Rethink some of your past, and see how God has impacted your life until now. For me, its really amazing.

20 Dec Pre-Christmas Service!

2008-12-18T01:31:00.002+08:00

Woohoo! This is the upcoming pre-Christmas special service in nexus auditorium! There will be a time of skit, carol and sermon preaching! The sermon will be talking about the "richness in life", as you can see from the poster (Key Pleasure Index). Does your joy and pleasure consist of money only? What else brings pleasure to you? Is the pleasure that you get from these things last for long? Find out more during this special service! :)

11 Dec 2008

2008-12-11T18:21:00.003+08:00

Thank God for the blessed BBQ yesterday! Even though we don't have much visitors but God blessed us with quality contacts that we can really work upon! Thank God for all the things that He had done for us, and i pray that those contacts will come to know You Jesus!

And yesterday midnight, at exactly 00:00, we celebrated Randall's birthday! Happy birthday Randall! You have been a good sister-in-Christ to me, and thank you for ur sacrifices of ur time that you made for me while i was under your leadership at the earlier parts of this year. I pray that God will bless you greatly as you embark on pioneering in the Middle East, as well as fulfilling your personal goals and aims in life. Have a blessed year as a 2_ year old ya! haha.

Things are going busier for me this holiday, because i am involved in decorations for 2 post-Christmas services. Wah never do this before leh, so i hope to learn more things and know more people through this experience, and may God bless me with enough time and creativity to do something nice for the decorations! Praise You oh God, and may all people be blessed this Christmas! :)

Dry,DRy,DRY

2008-12-05T10:35:00.003+08:00

Though far as You may seem
I always know
You are here with me
Your watchful eyes look upon my life
and Your right hand rescues me
Dry as i may be
With patience waters will spring
In time i shall see
Your glorious appearing

Layer by layer
You clothe me with warmth liketh fire
Brick by brick
You build my foundations and bridge
Stone by stone
You made my refuge and home
Stroke by stroke
You took away the sins of my soul

Most High

2008-12-01T14:44:00.003+08:00

oh Lord my God,
How unfailing is Your Love for us!
You saved us from our sins,
our shame, and our fruit of transgressions.
Oh Lord,
Thank You for what You have done for us,
for we know in all our hearts
we do not deserve what Your Grace provides for us.
Let us consecrate on lives unto You,
And You only,
For You are great and mighty,
Righteous and Just,
You deserve our praise!
May we serve You with all our hearts, Lord,
And may You bless Your people.
Amen.

#$@%^^%^$

2008-11-29T14:10:00.000+08:00

愚人虽知山有火，
心怀二意往山爬。
烈火狂烧四方尽，
寸寸土地含死讯。
信心意力已失去，
何脸再望向天帝。

Haiz....

Perseverence in midst of Temptations

2008-11-26T20:29:00.002+08:00

The dry period has gone, and now springs of water return to the desert land!

Hahaha... Yesterday was a fruitful day with the Lord! I ended class at 2pm, which was quite early.. and since i have nothing much to do on hand, i decided to spend my time serving God by doing survey in school. And while i was about to do it, i found out that i am alone since i ended class so early.

Wah.. Sian~ i never go do survey by myself one lor... and its kind of scary to go alone to talk to people u dunno and ask them do survey.. haha. But God provided me with courage and strength and coolness (the weather VERI hot ah!) and within half an hour there i am.. walking around SP from Main Lib to FC5 (the food there veri tempting ah.. i am fasting..) and back to main lib again.. And i found that there wasnt much people to approach... cos everyone was in groups either studying or playing games...

I retreated to Main Lib level 5... and stone there for a while thinking and at the same time enjoying air con.... Feel like going home and slp... or play game or watch tv...

And that's when God suddenly reminded me about persevering, and not letting the temptation of comforts at home... He told me to go out and try again... and in my heart there's this trust that assured me and strong enough to push me out of lib again... Trust, and be confident in the Lord your Jehovah Jireh!

And ya i was out of the lib.. the weather was still quite hot... and after a few steps away from the lib i spotted one guy sitting near the study area... and he's by himself...

i initially dont want to approach him.... he looks a bit old to me.. haha... but well... God reminded me again of why am i doing survey... and yes i do believe that every single soul is important to God! So i bucked up a bit.. and approach the guy to do survey...

he turned out to be a Year One Student! Wah! its really surprising at that time.. and i keep thanking God in my heart, for that person is responsive and open....

The Harvest is near
The farmer prepares his sickle
Workers! Get moving!
Your Master is ready to reap the earth
and new wineskins are badly in need

Will you join in the Harvest?

Praise the Lord for his mercy and grace! Amen!

Week-in-review

2008-11-17T22:05:00.002+08:00

It was an interesting week last week...

First on the list is Saturday's service. We got a special guest speaker, Mr Brendan Kirby. He got a Ph.D in some chim chim science thing and currently working for the Australian Defence department. Wah the sermon that he delivers is indeed very chim, and just like what he admitted, it was like a science lecture. He went through the beginning of galaxy, to bio stuffs like formation of protein in the body. It was very scientific and technical, yet it shows that the world and everything that is in it is being CREATED rather then some 'evolution' theory. Praise God for his interesting sermon! Hope to see more such special sermons in church.

"Science is a finite way of defining an infinite God" - quote from John Paul "the pope"

Then on Sunday, some of the brothers went to play basketball in school. Not bad la, the weather was quite good, and i believed everyone enjoyed the time of fellowship there. Let's hope that during this coming December holiday, we can plan a mega game event! Perhaps in Sentosa? :)

.............

2008-11-11T20:47:00.003+08:00

Deliver me O Lord
I can't stand it any longer
You have shown me the consequences
Of my follyness
You have broken my heart
For what had broken yours
Yet the wrench of my heart
Is more than i can bear
Deliver me O Lord
From this consuming distress
Where thoughts come in swarms
And block out every source of light
Have mercy and grace upon me
O Lord
For you have promised good to me
Do not forsake me now
O God
Let my eyes not set on desires
And my heart turn towards you
And my memories remind me of Your love
Deliver me
O God...

Rumblings? Maybe

2008-11-07T22:20:00.006+08:00

Hmmm... nothing much happen this week.. just that things are piling up, and struggling with some stupid stuffs.. Haiz... Die ah, getting emo already sia..... ZZZzZzZzZZzzZ

Never mind... Let me share a story....................................

_________________________________________________________

A man saw a majestic mountain in the east, and said to his confidante: "i will climb that mountain in the fourth month on the thirtieth day. Do you have any advice to tell me?"

His confidante replied: "Do not climb the mountain. It is too much a risk for an attempt. You have been warned, fire and brimstone will soon come and consume the mountain and everything that is in it. If you lay a foot on its earth, you might regret it in time to come." His father also discourages him to do so, but the man always kept the idea in his mind.

After continual thoughts, he came to a conclusion, "Never mind what they say. I know myself best. I know that i am in control of myself. I will reach the mountain, and be enthralled by the splendid view on its top." Therefore, the man set forth on his journey on that designated day with full confidence.

The journey to the mountain top took the man a month to complete, and for the next 3 months he was in the mountain, being attracted to every sight and sound that the mountain offers to him, and he was pleased with what he saw. The mountain provided the man forms of sustainence, fruits from fruit-bearing trees, and honey from honeycombs, among many others. He was satisfied and joyful for what he experienced.

Just as the man prepares to stay for another month in the mountains, he noticed that several orange clouds have filled the skies above. The foreboding signs of what terrible things to come has crippled him with fear, and with a sense of emergency he evacuated from the mountain in a hurry.

He barely made it to the foot of the mountain when fire and brimstone fell and consumed the entire mountain and its surroundings. He did not escape unscathed; Some parts of his body were covered with burns. His left arm was wounded quite badly; the surrounding skin was charred and red. These will eventually be permanent reminders of his folly, as scars for the rest of his life.

The man fell into deep sadness and regretted being prideful and rebellious, and was prepared to face the bleakness of his life with a scarred left arm. His confidante tried to console him, but it wasn't effective.

His father, seeing the child returning with wounds, did not condemn him of being rebellious; nor did he rain questions on his son about his decision.

His heart breaks for what he has seen; the pathetic state of life of his own child.

One morning, the child awakes to find that his scarred left arm is being covered with a new layer of skin. But where did the skin come from?

He get up from his bed, and finds his father at the dining table. That's when he realised that the skin is actually from...................... the father's left arm. His father, not wanting to let his child live the remainder of his life with a badly scarred left arm, actually took his own skin to cover the ugliness of the child's arm. His compassion for his child drives him to sacrifice his own skin to cover the scars of the latter.

_________________________________________________________

Its true that we have to face consequences of our choices; sometimes good but mostly bad (that's why "consequences" is kind of negative). Yet we need to remember that we don't face it alone. There's someone out there who always share not only our pain and sadness, but also joy and happiness.

:)

Updates!

2008-10-29T22:36:00.003+08:00

These few days passed eventfully...

Let's start with sunday: Sports day in school. Kinda fun because quite a lot of people turned up for it, around 8 in all. Had a good time of fellowship and interaction. Thank God for everyone who turned up. :)
Share a testimony here. While i was on the way to school, the sky had darkened and it looked like it will rain. However, by the grace of God, He answered the prayers and the rain only fell by tiny droplets 2 hours after we started the games. Praise God for adjusting the weather in our favour!
When i reach home, i heard someone playing the song "The time has come" by planetshakers. Wah feel veri joyful about it sia, cos it shows more and more people are coming to acknowledge their identity in Christ! Some more its in my neighbourhood! Praise God for all that He had done, is doing, and will be doing in our lives!

The unit had steamboat on Monday. It was a great time of interaction between the two genders (possibly of a third) and thank God for the affirmations from the sisters. Really very creative and well done! And also wanna affirm the guys who put up a crazy show for the sisters, even though most of us are not completely willing in participating before the actual thing.

I lost some money while on the way home. At first kind of sian-ed, but God reminded me of someone in the Bible, his name is J-O-B, Mr Job. Job was Bill Gates of the Old Testament, he owned a lot of cattles and sheeps. When God allowed Satan to take away everything that Job possessed, Job replied, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)

Indeed, sometimes we are sad, depressed or angry when certain problems befall upon us, and we may react like Job's wife, who asks Job to "curse God and die." But, we should always have this understanding that whatever possessions we have, it belonged to God. Even our lives, our souls. God is the sole Creator who gave so freely to us, even His own son. Do we offer thanksgiving to God for everything that He had provided us with? Moreover, do we give freely to others as well, when we are receiving freely from God Himself?

This week will continue to be a busy week. Randall and Joella are going Dubai this friday night, so let us do what we can to encourage and affirm them their decision on making the trip! After that, its someone's birthday this saturday, look out for it! :)

God bless!

Shepherding!

2008-10-25T00:12:00.003+08:00

I had shepherding today afternoon, at some ulu corner in fc1 with my dear shepherd. It was a fruitful one, as i learn quite a bit of things from her. Ya just to share a bit of stuffs that she told me to prepare and take note of...

1) Discouragement

We are currently in the harvest season. As we go around sowing or inviting in the campus, we might face some discouragement, and possibly from all sides as we continue to do our work. Discouragement has an adverse effect on the morale of the sowers; an army cannot fight well when their morale is low, and most probably they will end up losing as the battle drags on.

So, what should discouraged people do? As mentioned by Ps. Jeff last week, one way to stay encouraged despite facing discouragements is to stick with encouraging people. Encouraging people are not necessarily people who can identify with your problems/discouragements. They NEED to be able to offer proper advices and encouragements that will provide a way out for you during dire situations. Examples of such people include your spiritual buddies. Remember, we are being put into the same unit, same church by God. All of us are here for a reason, and i believe we can help each other grow and strengthen our faith in God, for the Lord encourages unity. Pick up anyone who has fallen, for we are not gonna leave anyone behind.

(2 Samuel 10:11-12)

(Proverbs 27:17)
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

(Ephesians 4:2-3, 15-16)

Another source, which is essentially more important in deterring discouragement for all believers, is God himself. There will be times in our spiritual walk when we find ourselves in distress, whether its from discouragements or emotions or bad experiences. We try to find someone to share, to divulge our pain and bitterness amidst the suffering we endure, but we couldn't find the right person, or anyone for that matter. It sounds like a double whammy, a perfect tragedy for such coincidence that all conditions form together and you are being left alone to endure your troubles in solitude. Indeed, those times were bad, and painful. But as children of God, we have an ultimate refuge in Jesus himself.

Imagine this: Little kids are enduring a thunderstorm. When they are overcome with fear, they will run to their parents and hide inside their parent's embrace. Did the storm go away immediately? No. But the kids run to their parents, because they knew they will find comfort and refuge inside their parent's arms. Just like us who may be weathering a storm in our lives right now, are we fearful? Do we feel oppressed? If we do, why don't we run to our Father's arms right now? Seek Him, and you shall find refuge and comfort amidst the loud storms.

(Psalm 18:2)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

(Psalm 36:7)
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

(Nahum 1:7)
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

Growth

2008-10-23T19:19:00.008+08:00

Our spiritual growth is just like a thermometer, placed in a cold area where the surrounding temperature is 0 degree Celsius. As we commit ourselves in learning and understanding more about God, we experience spiritual growth, may it be in aspects of faith, trust or desire in God. As a result, our growth sprout upwards, rising just like how the mercury in the thermometer rises in conjunction with rising of surrounding temperature.

However, spiritual growth must be maintained, if not increasing. The moment we fall away, committing less time to God, our growth will stop and thus, becoming stagnant. This stagnancy in growth will bring about a drop in our growth, just like how the thermometer reacts when taken away from a high temperature source. The mercury level will continue to be lowered towards 0 degree Celsius. Therefore, it is important for us to keep growing constantly in the Lord, experiencing growth with Him. Let us always be prepared in serving Him, and guard our hearts towards anything that may distract us.

(Colossians 1:10-12)
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Unit CG!

2008-10-23T00:37:00.000+08:00

Wahahaha.... i start a blog liao leh! Ya very late la but that's because i suddenly have an epiphany about the benefits of having a blog. With a blog you can encourage your brothers and sisters-in Christ, as well as sharing some parts of your life with them. Not to mention also to expose some people's secrets and stuffs like that la... Hahaha. I try not to stumble people here ya. :p

Hmmm let's start off with what happened a few hours ago, the unit CG at exHQ carpark. It was a fruitful time of gathering and experiencing God as a unit, and certainly God's presence is there among us! I can feel a deep desire and burden to serve God to a greater extent, and to put nothing but the best efforts for Him! Indeed God has His plans for everyone, and what i am about to undertake in a few week's time will be challenging and tough. But just as what God has been telling me this past few days, HE WILL BE WITH ME. Nothing beats a promise from your father, especially when He is the Almighty. :)

Ya also want to take this time to affirm 2 'mad' people who is in the games planning team with me. Firstly, i will affirm Zhan Hong. Really want to thank God for your serving attitude. Other than making a professional soft copy of the plans for Jorris and the team, i want to thank you for sacrificing your time to meet me in the afternoon, even though you have things to print and fyp stuffs. The efforts you've put in really reflects in the game, which turns out to be fun and exciting. Continue to put God as your forefront priority, for you know that all that you do would not be in vain! You have changed a lot, really, and it is a positive change. Thank you for helping me out with creating this blog also ya.

Next on the firing squad, eh affirmation, is Lai teng. Hmmm... One element that you bring into the planning is your madness. Hahaha. No la, i mean, your creativity. Yup. You are creative in bringing out new and fresh ideas when we got stuck, and come up with some last minute changes to the game's final stage that hypes up the atmosphere of the game. Continue to use your talents and creativity in doing God's work, He will provide plenty of opportunities to let you maximise your fullest potentials de! And also wanna thank you for walking that long long trip from SB to meet us outside FC1, even though you just finished a long and tiring talk.

Its great to see more people getting committed, having the desire and wanting to serve God! To me, its a joyful and encouraging sight. Joyful because what they do shall not be in vain, and encouraging because God's love is spreading in hearts of man! Praise be to God, and i pray that You will bless the unit with an abundant harvest ahead! Let our hearts be prepared, may the serving desire burn strong and lasting in us, and always remember that You Are With Us!

For those who are troubled, or in distress:

(Deuteronomy 31:6)

(Job 23:8-10)

For those who are going to face something big big, may it be evax or any new roles:

(2 Chronicles 20:17)