Dear all,
it's been quite quiet here. It's been some time since i posted. Just felt God wanting to tell you all He loves you to bits! :) Here's a modified prayer from Colossians 1 for you...
I ask God to give you a complete understanding of what He wants to do in your loves, and i ask Him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, i pray you will learn to know God better and better.
I also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power soi that you will have the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with JOY, always THANKING the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and He has brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
A beautiful song for our wonderful saviour
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
-- "Once Again" by Matt Redman
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
-- "Once Again" by Matt Redman
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Soul Retreat
Dear friends,
We should all strive to be a blessing to others without expecting anything back because we have already been blessed abundantly by our Father-in-heaven. One important lesson I learn from my weekend retreat is to learn to put others before myself and make love the aim of my life without expectations. To love, not just nice people but also, to love unlovable people or people who are difficult to be with and not to give up on them because if I'd give up on them, I'd be giving up on God . We should all learn to ask God to change our attitude towards them and not to change them. I cannot change them but God is going to change them. I am only God's channel of change. There is always hope for anybody. No matter how fierce the battle is in-Crist, we will come out victorious because we are more than conquerors in Christ. Faith is the ultamate weapon and victory that overcomes fear, battle or death. As christians, we should follow Pauls attitude. Echo Pauls words: 'For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.'
Another thing I took back from the retreat is looking into the issue of prayer. As children of God, we dont talk to God only when we have issues. In fact, we should talk to our Father-in-heaven, even when there is no issue and this is a test of faith. God wants to know that when He is quiet, will you still look to him and is he still the Lord of your life when He is silent. God is just sitting at a distant looking at you and keeping quiet. He is watching you to see how you react. We should take this time of silence to find rest in the Lord and just enjoy his presence because God is still God even when he is silent. Take time to read His words becasue this is the time He is sowing his seeds in our hearts so that, when we face trials and suffering, we will be equipped and ready for the battle using His armour and words. The devil knows the bible even better than us. Remember when satan tempted Jesus in the desert. Beware of that! so we have to know the scripture on top of our heads and quickly use them during trials and tempataions so we can outdo the devil and be smarter than them quickly. There is no time to turn to your bible already, we need to know Gods words on top of our head.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead. Deu 11:18
We should all strive to be a blessing to others without expecting anything back because we have already been blessed abundantly by our Father-in-heaven. One important lesson I learn from my weekend retreat is to learn to put others before myself and make love the aim of my life without expectations. To love, not just nice people but also, to love unlovable people or people who are difficult to be with and not to give up on them because if I'd give up on them, I'd be giving up on God . We should all learn to ask God to change our attitude towards them and not to change them. I cannot change them but God is going to change them. I am only God's channel of change. There is always hope for anybody. No matter how fierce the battle is in-Crist, we will come out victorious because we are more than conquerors in Christ. Faith is the ultamate weapon and victory that overcomes fear, battle or death. As christians, we should follow Pauls attitude. Echo Pauls words: 'For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.'
Another thing I took back from the retreat is looking into the issue of prayer. As children of God, we dont talk to God only when we have issues. In fact, we should talk to our Father-in-heaven, even when there is no issue and this is a test of faith. God wants to know that when He is quiet, will you still look to him and is he still the Lord of your life when He is silent. God is just sitting at a distant looking at you and keeping quiet. He is watching you to see how you react. We should take this time of silence to find rest in the Lord and just enjoy his presence because God is still God even when he is silent. Take time to read His words becasue this is the time He is sowing his seeds in our hearts so that, when we face trials and suffering, we will be equipped and ready for the battle using His armour and words. The devil knows the bible even better than us. Remember when satan tempted Jesus in the desert. Beware of that! so we have to know the scripture on top of our heads and quickly use them during trials and tempataions so we can outdo the devil and be smarter than them quickly. There is no time to turn to your bible already, we need to know Gods words on top of our head.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead. Deu 11:18
Monday, June 05, 2006
Inspired by Laksa!
In Dublin now, at my bro's place. I was inspired this morning after having a bowl of laksa..hehe..
God spoke to me clearly yesterday through a book I was reading - Searching Issues on tackling seven common objections to the Christian faith namely suffering, other religions, sex before marriage, the new age, homosexuality, science and christianity and trinity. I'm only now on my first chapter on suffering and I'm slowly taking it in bit by bit, indulging in it =P
God reminded me to once again put my trust in Him and not to worry during difficult times. Especially times when we know that human understanding and ability is limited and we have only God to turn to and trust faithfully that he has great plans for us. For God often uses suffering to bring about his good purpose. Paul tells us that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28)
I am just going to share a quick extract from the book which hit me personally.
Suffering, we see an example of this in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). He suffered from rejection by his close family, was separated from those he loved and forcibly removed to Egypt, away from his father whom he did not see again for twenty years. In Egypt, he was unjustly imprisoned for a crime that he did not commit. For thriteen years he faced trials, temptations and testing until at the age of thirty he was made ruler over Egypt and was put in a position to save the lives of not only his family, but also of all God's people. Towards the end of his life he was able to speak of his suffering to his brothers, saying, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accompolish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20)
I personally believe that whatever suffering or confusion I have at this time or that I may not always see at this time what God is doing or just like Joseph, who whould not have been able to see it so cearly God's wonderful plan for him, I am convinced God has good plans for me. Often we cannot work out what is going on or why we are suffering in the way we are, but....remember
God says, for I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29 :11
Another short testimony fronm a little boy in the book...
Gavin Reid, the Bishop of Maidstone, interviewed a boy who shattered his back falling down the stairs at the age of one and who had consequently been in and out of hospital. When Gavin interviewed him in church the boy remarked that 'GOD IS FAIR.'
Gavin stopped him and asked, ' How old are you?'
The boy replied, 'Seventeen'
'How many years have you spent in hospital?'
The boy answered, 'Thirteen years.'
He was asked,'Do you think this is fair?'
He replied, 'God's got ALL of eternity to make it up to me.'
God has indeed all eternity to make it up to us. Thank you Jesus for pardoning my sins and comforting my heart. Because you first love me and because of you, I'm free. Amen.
God spoke to me clearly yesterday through a book I was reading - Searching Issues on tackling seven common objections to the Christian faith namely suffering, other religions, sex before marriage, the new age, homosexuality, science and christianity and trinity. I'm only now on my first chapter on suffering and I'm slowly taking it in bit by bit, indulging in it =P
God reminded me to once again put my trust in Him and not to worry during difficult times. Especially times when we know that human understanding and ability is limited and we have only God to turn to and trust faithfully that he has great plans for us. For God often uses suffering to bring about his good purpose. Paul tells us that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28)
I am just going to share a quick extract from the book which hit me personally.
Suffering, we see an example of this in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). He suffered from rejection by his close family, was separated from those he loved and forcibly removed to Egypt, away from his father whom he did not see again for twenty years. In Egypt, he was unjustly imprisoned for a crime that he did not commit. For thriteen years he faced trials, temptations and testing until at the age of thirty he was made ruler over Egypt and was put in a position to save the lives of not only his family, but also of all God's people. Towards the end of his life he was able to speak of his suffering to his brothers, saying, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accompolish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20)
I personally believe that whatever suffering or confusion I have at this time or that I may not always see at this time what God is doing or just like Joseph, who whould not have been able to see it so cearly God's wonderful plan for him, I am convinced God has good plans for me. Often we cannot work out what is going on or why we are suffering in the way we are, but....remember
God says, for I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29 :11
Another short testimony fronm a little boy in the book...
Gavin Reid, the Bishop of Maidstone, interviewed a boy who shattered his back falling down the stairs at the age of one and who had consequently been in and out of hospital. When Gavin interviewed him in church the boy remarked that 'GOD IS FAIR.'
Gavin stopped him and asked, ' How old are you?'
The boy replied, 'Seventeen'
'How many years have you spent in hospital?'
The boy answered, 'Thirteen years.'
He was asked,'Do you think this is fair?'
He replied, 'God's got ALL of eternity to make it up to me.'
God has indeed all eternity to make it up to us. Thank you Jesus for pardoning my sins and comforting my heart. Because you first love me and because of you, I'm free. Amen.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
My wonderful day!
Actually, I never knew that I'd be crying last night. Cried so hard to God like a big baby! I remembered during exams I asked God to make me cry cause I was feeling so stressed out that I need to release my feelings but God didn't want me to cry becaue I already have Him and salvation.
The reason I cried last night was because I missed home. I missed being taken care of by my mom. I guess it's because after I came back from MEC I have extra special caring concern for all my friends and last night it just struck me that I'm tired and I want sometone to take care of me instead. I told God that I know he is taking care of me and he loves me but I am only human and I also want someone physically helping me. I thought about how I am taking care of my mom and giving her advice on how to be strong and not let other people bully her. Then about how I have to now take care of myself and mom cannot be with me all the time. I cried out to God so badly about how hard it is to be growing up. But God comforted me as always.
I woke up this morning praising God for the good relationships my brothers and I share, together with mom as well. God had patched up the holes between us. Wow, it's so wonderful! I am eager to experience and see what else God has install for my family. May His will be done. Amen!
Landlord came today and we had a big argument, discussion and finally, an agreement. As I reflect on it, I would have cried during these kind of situation. But God kept me calm and organised my explanations to the landlord. I could felt God's holy spirit in me, telling me what to say and keeping me cool and calm without crying. Finally, it was all good. We managed to achieve mutual understanding. God is Good ALL THE TIME!
Bible discussion about TRINITY was really interesting and good. God has blessed Thorsten with a good teaching ability gift. I always enjoyed meetings with Thorsten because I always learn something new and interesting about the bible or about Jesus. Yeah, my mom ususally ask me if I'm ok. I always tell her that, Yeah, with God, everything is always good and ok.
I am off to Dublin to see my brother tomorrow and sushin will be coming with me too~! I am really excited and looking forward to meeting my brother again. I pray God will be the centre of our time together. Yay, can do some shopping toooo!!!
Pam, Ykit and Iwere to meet up after bible study for a walk by the lakeside. YKit came walking towards us with his stick. When he met us, he kept his stick by folding it into a shorter stick and put it behind his pocket.
Pam: What was that? Is that your drumstick?
(I think ykit heard wrongly and just replied with a quick yeah)
Pam: Oh U play the drum!
YKit: YEah, I do..sometimes
HOW DID A WALKING STICK BECOME A DRUMSTICK!!!!????? Anyway, see you guys soon! Have a blessed day and enjoy ur relationship with the Lord!
The reason I cried last night was because I missed home. I missed being taken care of by my mom. I guess it's because after I came back from MEC I have extra special caring concern for all my friends and last night it just struck me that I'm tired and I want sometone to take care of me instead. I told God that I know he is taking care of me and he loves me but I am only human and I also want someone physically helping me. I thought about how I am taking care of my mom and giving her advice on how to be strong and not let other people bully her. Then about how I have to now take care of myself and mom cannot be with me all the time. I cried out to God so badly about how hard it is to be growing up. But God comforted me as always.
I woke up this morning praising God for the good relationships my brothers and I share, together with mom as well. God had patched up the holes between us. Wow, it's so wonderful! I am eager to experience and see what else God has install for my family. May His will be done. Amen!
Landlord came today and we had a big argument, discussion and finally, an agreement. As I reflect on it, I would have cried during these kind of situation. But God kept me calm and organised my explanations to the landlord. I could felt God's holy spirit in me, telling me what to say and keeping me cool and calm without crying. Finally, it was all good. We managed to achieve mutual understanding. God is Good ALL THE TIME!
Bible discussion about TRINITY was really interesting and good. God has blessed Thorsten with a good teaching ability gift. I always enjoyed meetings with Thorsten because I always learn something new and interesting about the bible or about Jesus. Yeah, my mom ususally ask me if I'm ok. I always tell her that, Yeah, with God, everything is always good and ok.
I am off to Dublin to see my brother tomorrow and sushin will be coming with me too~! I am really excited and looking forward to meeting my brother again. I pray God will be the centre of our time together. Yay, can do some shopping toooo!!!
Pam, Ykit and Iwere to meet up after bible study for a walk by the lakeside. YKit came walking towards us with his stick. When he met us, he kept his stick by folding it into a shorter stick and put it behind his pocket.
Pam: What was that? Is that your drumstick?
(I think ykit heard wrongly and just replied with a quick yeah)
Pam: Oh U play the drum!
YKit: YEah, I do..sometimes
HOW DID A WALKING STICK BECOME A DRUMSTICK!!!!????? Anyway, see you guys soon! Have a blessed day and enjoy ur relationship with the Lord!
Queen Esther
"You have a destiny"
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (v. 14)
For reading & meditation:
Esther 4:10-14
When Esther receives the message from Mordecai requesting her to meet urgently with the king and plead with him to repeal the edict authorizing the massacre of her people, she is at a loss to know how to proceed. Her response, as paraphrased in the Living Bible, was: "All the world knows that anyone — who goes into the king's inner court without his summons is doomed to die unless the king holds out his golden scepter; and the king has not called for me to come to him for more than a month." Mordecai replies in words that have become a spiritual classic: "If you keep quiet at a time like this, God will deliver the Jews from some other source, but you and your relatives will die; what's more, who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?" (vv. 11, 14). The appeal was perfect. Esther's spirit is quickened by the thought that God, in His perfect purposes, has prepared her for this very moment. You too are a person of destiny, and have come into God's kingdom for such a time as this. A young girl came home from a Christian youth camp and said excitedly: "Dad, they told me at camp I have a destiny." Later she said: "Dad, what's a destiny?" She had one but didn't quite know what it was. Many Christians are like that. They are here for a purpose but they don't know what it is. God has destined you to do something particular, and if you don't do it, then it just won't get done. My destiny is to write Every Day with Jesus. What's yours?
O Father, can it really be true that You have put me in Your kingdom to fulfil a purpose that is solely mine? I must believe it. Show me my destiny, dear Lord. Make it crystal clear to me I pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
by Selwyn Hughes.
* Esther is one of my favourite Old Testament books coz it's a historical record about a 'lengloi' who has a very special destiny. She's the queen that saved the Jews from Haman (the evil guy). Indeed, God did not create 'just another woman' when He made Esther. God had a purpose for her life. Just like Esther, each of us is special because God has a purpose for us in our lives that no one else can fulfil except us. Wherever you are at this moment, believe that God has put you there for a specific reason. Discover God's purpose for your life and start serving Him with your lives!
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