God's Ways Are Not Our Ways

My thoughts are not your thoughs, neither are your ways my ways. -Isaiah 55:8

I have discovered that God often seems unreasonable. What He chooses to do does not always make sense to us. It does not always fit into our balance of reason. We have a tendency to want things to make sense, but God wants us to learn to be led by our TRUST and not by our understanding. We should thank God that His ways are not our ways. My life would have turned out badly if God had given me my way in many situations. It is wise for us to pray, "Your will be done, Lord, not mine."

I often tell the Lord what I would like to have, but follow it up with, "However, if You know it is not right for me, please don't give it to me." His thoughts are above our thoughts. He sees the end from the beginning. All His ways are right and sure. In the natural we can think something make sense, but it may not be what God wants at all.

From Joyce Meyer

Follow-ups Questions.

1. Is there a recent event that had happened in your life, which you think is just unreasonable and illogistic how God is allowing it to happen?

2. What is your first reaction to it, and what do you think God would want you to react and handle it?

3. What do you think God is speaking to you about regarding this? (Perhaps something He wants you to learn about yourself, about other people, or about Him)

Take some time to write down your prayer to God, and ask Him for strength and guidance about this matter in your life.

Have a blessed day ahead!

Meditation Produces Success

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, an then you shall deal wisely and have good success. - JOSHUA 1:8

Most people do not delve into the Word of God very deeply. As a result, they get confused about why they are not powerful Christians living victorious lives. The truth is that most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the Word. They may go out and hear others teach and preach the Word. They may listen to sermon tapes or read the Bible occasionally, but they are not really dedicated to making the Word a major part of their lives, including spending time thinking about it.

The flesh is basically lazy, and many people want to get smething for nothing (with no effort on their part); however, that really is not the way it works. A person will get out of the Word what he is willing to put into it.

If you want to be a success and prosper in all your dealings, the Bible says you must meditate on the Word of God day and night. How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? If you are having problems in any area of your life, an honest answer to this question may disclose the reason why.

Joyce Meyer's daily devotional material

Bewar the "Flesh Days"

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknwledge Him, and

He will drect and make straight

and plain your paths. -PROVERBS 3:6

I have found that the more oedient I am, the easier it is to be obedient again. And the more disobedient I am, the easier it is to be disobedient. Some days we can tell as soon as we wake up that we're going to have what I call a "flesh day". We start the day feeling stubborn and lazy.

Our first thoughts are: I'm not cleaning this house, I'm going shopping. I'm not staying on this stupid diet either. I'm eathing what I want to eat all day, and I don't want anybody in my face bugging me about it. If they do, I'm going to tell them what I think.

If we feel that way when we wake up, we have a decision to mae. We can follow those feelings or we can pray, "God, please help me, quick!" Our feelings can come under the lordship of Jesus Christ if we ask Him to help us straighten out our attitude.

I know all about flesh days; I know we can start out acting badly and it can go from bad to worse. It seems that once we give in to a selfish attitude and follow our flesh, it's downhill to a wasted day. But every time we obey our conscience, we widen the window that God can use to led us by His Spirit. Everytime we follow the leading of our conscience, it lets in more light the next time. Once we enjoy knowing that God will truly lead us to a better plan, it gets easier to obey Him promptly.

From Joyce Meyer's devotional material

Stay Expectant Every Day

He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.

ACTS 1:7

Often we experience a lot of disappointment, which hinders joy and enjoyment, due to deciding for ourselves that something has to be done a certain way or by a certain time. When we want something very strongly, we can easily convince ourselves that it is God's will for us to have it.

I always believe for things. I am goal-oriented and always need something to look forward to. Many years ago, I was letting what I thought was faith fustrate me. I attempted to use my faith to get what I wanted. When it did not arrive on time, I felt I had failed in the faith department.

Now, after almost twenty years, I know that I can and should use my faith, but God has an appointed time. "In due time" (1 PETER 5:6), "at the appointed time" (GENESIS 18:14), "when the proper time" (GALATIANS 4:4)-these are things the Bible says about God's timing.

Jesus Himself made it clear that it is not for us to know what these times are. Remaining expectant every day, no matter how long it takes, is one of the things that will keep you and me flowing in joy.

I am sure most of us are expecting. I know I am. There are things God has spoken to me - things e has placed in my heart - that I have not seen manifested yet. Some of them have been there as long as fifteen or sixteen years. Other things He spoke around the same time have come to pass. I used to be confused. Now, I am no longer confused; I am expecting. My time can come at any moment, any day - maybe today - and so can yours.

Joyce Meyer

Step Out and Find Out

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 (NIV)

Perhaps God has been speaking to you about some changes in your life and you want them, but you are afraid. I want to encourage you not to be afraid to step out. Even if you make a mistake, it won't be the end of the world.

Go through the doors He is opening. You may even have to take a few steps in some direction and see if a door previously closed will open as you approach it. Maybe you have a little direction from God, but you don't see the full picture. God leads step by step. He may never show you step two until you take step one. I am not advocating doing foolish things, but I do encourage you to find the balance between living in fear and living in wisdom.

God is progressive, and I have found that my faith is also. I may have a little faith, and so God shows me a little something to do. Then as I am faithful over the little thing, He shows me the next step, and by then, my faith has grown to be able to handle it.

Don't spend all of your life looking back and wishing you had tried different things or done things differently. Wondering what could have been is a lonely feeling. I can promise you that you will not enjoy everything you try. But at least you will have the personal experience of knowing. You won't have to live your whole life hearing about what everyone else is doing and wondering what it would be like. You are not going to be able to do everything, but step out in God's timing into the things you feel He is leading you into.

Joyce Meyer's New Day New You

Putting on God's Armor

Be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him];

draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless

might provides]. Ephesians 6:10

Do you know what happens when you spend time with God? You begin to act like David when he faced the giant Goliath. You begin to take a stand and demand of the enemy, "Who do you think you are to defy the army of the living God?" (SEE 1 SAMUEL 17:26). As soldiers of the cross, you and I are not suppose to be afraid of our enemy, the devil. When a spirit of fear comes along, rather than shaking like a leaf, we are to be as bold as a lion. The devil comes against those who are doing damage to his kingdom, those who are doing something for God. How do we withstand the devil? By putting on the full armor of God, taking up the shield of faith, by which we can quench all his fiery darts, and by wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (SEE EPHESIANS 6:13-17). But all of that armor and all of those weapons come from spending time in fellowship with the Lord. Ephesians 6:10 actually begins this discourse on the armor of God, saying, "Be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]." To me, that says "Be strong through your fellowship with God." Then verse 11 goes on to say, "Put on God's whole armor." Only after eing strengthened in fellowship can we properly wear the armor.

Joyce Meyer's New Day New You Everyday Devotions

Do It Afraid!

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not...for it is the Lord your
God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.

-DEUTERONOMY 31:6-

Fear is nothing but a feeling that causes certain manifestations. It causes us to tremble, sweat, turn red, shake, and have wobbly knees. The Bible doesn’t say, “Tremble not.” The Bible doesn’t say, “Sweat not,” or “Shake not.” The Bible says, “Fear not.” And the word fear implies running away from something! In other words, God is saying when fear comes, which it will because fear is the enemy of confidence, don’t let it stop us. We are to do it afraid!

When I received this revelation, I could hardly believe it. It seemed too good to be true. I realized there wasn’t anything wrong with me when my knees knocked together in new situations or when I felt I was going to faint. Because I went ahead and did what I was supposed to do in spite of how I felt, I wasn’t a coward. We are cowards only if we run. Maybe you have been allowing a feeling to control and determine your destiny. Maybe you think that some people have fear and others don’t. But the truth is that fear comes to everybody. What we do in spite of that fear makes the difference between victory or defeat in our lives.

Joyce Meyer's 366 Devotions in New Day New You

Summary of my 'mission' week in Indonesia!

Just came back from Surabaya, Indonesia. I was facilitating a camp there with 5 others: Leaders Empowering in Adventure Ministry. It was a great week....except for a few physical attacks here and there...such as illnesses and others. The photos showed me looking like a dead man.

But in any case, it was a great week. Spent around 5-6 days with 65++ group of teenagers to adults, me giving seminars (I couldn't remember what I said!! I was very nervous!) and workshops... there was this 1 night where they had to venture their way through the dark of the night and to tell the truth, it was pretty scary for them and me... ya know me sitting there alone at night, watching them from a distance so that they don't wander past the boundaries.

And then there's raft-building and they had to travel to an island 800 metres or so away. One of the groups, their raft sank midway and they had to paddle what's left of their fast-sinking raft to shore fast! All in all a good event.

My quote for the week: Share Help Impart Teach ... hehe

Great Uncle

Internet in the office has been down since last week. So, I can't go online to chat and stuff, but good in a way, I can fully concentrate on my work and wah, I've managed to complete a lot of work until today. Tho, sometimes still a bit bored halfway between work coz no internet.

Hmmm...my great uncle in China passed away last week in his 90's. Feel so sad, but I trust that he's with the Lord. I never met my great uncle but I always send him christmas cards, chinese new year cards and photos of me and my family. When I was younger, I used to send him hand made cards. Last Chinese New Year, he sent me a card back and wrote a whole lot of chinese that I had to ask Tracy to read and translate. I only spoke to great uncle once on the phone, and I heard him calling my name out loud and spoke to me in hockkien, which I can't really respond to coz I'm not very fluent in it. Ahh...so sad, I can't see great uncle before he died, tho I did wish I could visit him last time to meet him at least once. So, I guess we'll meet in heaven one day.

On the Grand Canyon Bus

'The Christian life is about the journey as well as the destination.' Philip Yancey writes.

Due to copyright, please view the article here, from the online magazine Christianity Today. It's not long! Only two pages, so do take the time to read. :)

Solid Rock Oldies Reunion Part 1

And so on one fine day...presumably I think it was a Saturday, Lena came up to KL. Unfortunately that day it was the Agong's birthday and the traffic at the palace was at a standstill, so Chung En and Wei Leong got to Jalan Imbi 1.5 hours later.

So only the three of us took Lena to the infamous Jalan Alor to feed her stomach with REAL Malaysian Food not like some copy-cats in the country island to the south *hint* *hint*

The rest were meant to come like: Ivan, Ee Ling, Juni, Allistair, Daniel but it was too short of a notice so only the three of us.

What we ate:
1. Rice
2. Timpan Taufoo ??
3. Some deer meat
4. Kangkung with belacan
5. Grilled stingray

What we drank:
1. water
2. liquid
3. lin chi kang

That was semi-part 1. Now onto the rest of part 1:

On the next Thursday night, Daniel, Lena and Wei Leong met up at Saujana Club. Daniel suggested to go to some place called Little Chinatown near Kayu Ara. Little did he know that they are closed. So off we went to Ming Tian in Taman Megah to eat the remainings of Lena's desired food:

1. Bak Kut Teh
2. Satay
3. Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun
4. Popiah
5. something I can't remember what.

And when we all were together, we talked about various issues: like stuff happening in current SR, news, happenings, famous and infamous ppl, Jason singing with Helium, Lydia's comments about someone, news of former SR ppl with some other ppl...etc.

If you wanna know more, attend one of the SR Reunions in Malaysia to get to know more oldies and the crazy stuff we did that you would never imagine it happening in current SR.

But just to let you all know:

Next one is June 20th. As Andrew is coming up. Until June 22nd, where Yan Shiang comes up too.........

Note: We miss Rob.

Posted by Wei Leong

Updates! because evil wei leong is harrassing the DBKL.

Hi everyone!

Have promised to deliver some updates, but surely you would've seen pictures of the leaver's party on Facebook! Hrmmm. Is there a way to include Joanne's pictures under SR's group picture profiles? Anyway, I've had trouble uploading this...internet connection is slowww:



I will try to get some more on facebook! If the internet allows me. Sigh.

Eh. I don't think I like blogger much because I cannot position the pictures in positions I want. They all go in the middle! Cheh. What is this.

Last (official) SR meeting for 2007-2008. Sniff.

Today was the last official meeting for the year. So sad. :(

We started with an awesome time of praise and worship, and then ended with a time of sharing. 3-minute allocation to each did not work out well 'cause each of us talk so much. Hopefully we can do more sharing during the Leaver's Part on the 31st.

Anyway, just some pretty random pictures! :)

A post, for 2008

Hi everyone (or anyone) who is still reading this blog!

I've decided to update the look of this blog and hopefully keep it running, posting updates of the happenings of SR, any brilliant testimonies and such. It's a pity I didn't do this sooner, but there are still a couple of events on before term ends.



Recently, we had a feet-washing session as we handed over SR's leadership to the new committee of 2008-2009.

As God is continuing His work through our lives everyday, we see, expect, and believe of exciting things ahead!

Below is a pic of the committees of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
(sorry, a bit blur, but this pic screams a MUST to post!)





left to right:
JD, Jason, Rudi C., YingYing, Michelle, Edmund
MingHooi, Joy, YanShiang, Lamia, Lydia, WeeVien
Rudi S.


ps. I've temporarily granted myself on admin so that i don't have to keep signing in on SR's email to update some links on the side bar! hope that's ok.

unique?

hope you are touched and encouraged by this.. there is only one of you.. haha :P

Believing Your Uniqueness
by Jon Walker

“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me — to tell people the Good News about God's grace.” (Acts 20:24 NCV)

God gave you a unique role to play in his Kingdom.

You’re the only person in the world who can live your particular life for the glory of God. There is no one else in the world with your unique mix of spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences. God shaped you for a very specific ministry, and no one else can fulfill your mission.

If you don’t do it, nobody else can!

Paul writes, “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me — to tell people the Good News about God's grace.” (Acts 20:24, NCV) To Paul, the most important thing we can do is to be on a mission to tell others about God’s Good News.

Telling people about Jesus is more than just a matter of life and death; it involves the eternal destiny of those waiting to hear about Jesus from you. God doesn’t want us to waste a precious minute of our lives doing things that don’t matter — if the most important thing we can do is left undone.

It’s never too late to move faithfully into your mission for God. You may think you don’t have any skills God can use, but the truth is that God would never send you on a mission without making sure you had everything you needed – including your unique shape – and the Holy Spirit active within you.

So what?

· Take inventory – Through your spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences, God has uniquely shaped you for your mission. Take an inventory of your life and think it through: What mission do you see God has prepared you for?

· Don’t waste God’s grace – The Apostle Paul writes, “But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn't amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG)

· What if it’s true? – How would you live differently if you really believed God had created you for a unique mission, one that only you could accomplish?

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.

Reflections

As I reflect upon the things I have done, the mistakes that I have made, I cannot but only regret them. Though I know that everything happens for a reason, and nothing except for God is everlasting, I still regret some of the choices I have made.

It is only when I lose something so dear and precious to me, that I only realise the importance of it all. To think that I myself prided for being thick skin, only to realise that no one is invincible except God.

I remember the times and yet those times seem like only yesterday. I remember when you loved what you did, when you were adventurous even when the age is catching up. I miss you now more dearly than before.

"Oh Lord, help me in these times Lord. As it is in your Word, thy will be done. Lord, the gracious giver, lay down a calming peace over my entire family Lord. Strengthen me, Lord. I give myself to you, Lord. Amen."

Update

Dear all,

it's been some time since i last posted.
I wonder if anyone still reads?
I'm sorry that i haven't been faithful in updating...
Thanks for those who still faithfully drop by to see if anyone updates, and thanks for those who have posted to encourage/ edify/ challenge.

It seems i've lost my passion to share what God teaches me, i guess this year i've been concentrating a lot on 'doing' and end up being very tired at times... but thank God for His grace and strength.
Just an update on how solid rock has been doing this term.

We've been doing a book called 'Network' this term, some of us had some reservations but we also had confirmations from God that it was something He wanted us to do. it's quite different from the usual bible studies we do, cos it's more of a practical course, than 'solid food', which i do miss. But it's been exciting learning more about one another's gifts and personal styles in terms of service. Also, encouraging to see many new people helping out in the worship team. We've got a drumset now!!! Well, just electric drums but better than nth lar. heh.

Also, our longest solid rock member is sadly leaving us soon (tentatively 10th april). Yes, Rob has got a job in the university in Guangzhou, and will be there for at least 6 months, likely to extend to a year. I remember how i used to be intimidated by this big british guy when i first came to sr, but when you get to know him, he's actually a really warm guy with lots of experience, wisdom and interesting stories to share :) We had a steamboat dinner at his place last weekend. You'll be missed Rob!

Easter break is near. This year, we decided to organize our own solid rock retreat, instead of going for spring harvest or mec (midlands easter conference). it's been sometime since sr had it's own retreat, and we thought it'll be warm and cosy :) Thorsten will be speaking on the theme on the spiritual life and disciplines.
Sadly i won't be able to go though, kinda sad... especially since it's my last year here. But i decided to go for a mission trip to malta instead. Wish to focus on fewer things, and not try to put my feet into too many ponds as a friend would say ;) About 6 solidrockers are going for the mission trip, as well so guess it'll be a mini solid rock retreat too. heh. we're going to help out on board the logos2 which will be docked there while we're there. i'm looking forward to washing the decks for some reason or other!

Hope everyone's doing well, wherever you may be, may His grace and peace be with you. Solid rockers, rock on for Jesus! ;)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easilt hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:1-2

Praise God all ye people!

For Him,
Pam

sharing...

A mail I shared with J,A,P,SL and WX the other day...

These couple of days, God had been waking me up quite a lot in the middle of the night. First two nights, I didnt know what it was all about. Tonight, I really felt God speaking to my heart. Making me aware of things. Just to share one with you.

I was thinking about the topic of 'sharing' with others. There were times where I get really excited and just feel like sharing a bible verse with others, or sharing with them a song in my heart or letting them know about how God's been working in my life, but then, something stopped me. The thought of maybe, the other party will just look at my message and do feel anything at all and dont appreciate it at all, just like how I can be. How I sometimes feel that I dont need God at all. Especially when life is adequate, I've got most of the basic things I need and want, and I am happy. Then, even knowing that I still believe in God, but the passion for God isn't there anymore. I dont feel excited seeking Him or needed Him. I was led to thinking about my attitude towards receiving words of encouragement and sharing from SR's email or from other fellow christians, who would send me bible verses or words of advice, and I just look at the mail and didn't even bother to read it, then closed the window, forgetting about it. Wonder if you guys do experience this as well?

Ya, so perhaps God wants me to learn from this lesson. I used to think that the 'caterpillar turning into a butterfuly' process is just a one off event. That I'll just experiencing it once, but I think, I would have to experience it many many many times in my walk withe Lord. Every lesson that God teaches me is like another butterfly in process effect. We are all the caterpillar and the butterfly at the same time. We are all growing. We are in a process of becoming. In some areas of our life, maybe we are the caterpillar, vulnerable and hungry. In some relationships maybe we are in a cocoon, taking time and space, or doing our best to give it to others. And in some ways, we are all fully grown, mature and free, like the butterfly. And thus it is our task to emulate God, to grow and to become and to improve ourselves throughout our whole lives.

Reading a book now by Joshua Harris "Not even a hint"

This song is gonna be a hit!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart
And all your soul and all your mind
And love all mankind as you would love yourself

Love the Lord your God with all your heart
And all your soul and mind
And love all mankind

We've got Christian lives to live,
We've got Jesus' love to give,
We've got nothing to hide because in Him we abide

p/s : gonna sing it this friday!

What He Does Best

I saw a man, he was sitting,
Alone at the top of a building,
So I climbed up all the stairs,
Just to sit by his side,
I asked him what he was doing,
He said that all hope had left him,
And the promise life once held,
Was slowly slipping away,
And I wished that I could save him,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in
And do what he does best......

I see a lady at the bustop,
She's cold and she's lonely,
And I watch her as
She quickly wipes away,
The tears from her eyes,
She's overworked, kids are hungry,
There are more bills than there's money,
And the weight of life has washed away,
All her joy and her youth,
And I wished that I could save her,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in,
To do what he does best,

There was a time in my life,
When I just knew all hope was lost,
Then I found God and He said,
Come child,
Take up your cross and follow me,
That's when the Lord he saved me,
There's no way,
I could have saved myself,
When I asked the Lord to step in,
He did what He Does Best.........

Don't give up hope,
God will be right there
When times are hard and spirits are low,
Take up your cross and follow, follow, follow....................

c. 2002 T. Worth, F. Offard, R. Walters, Jr.

yeahhh.. there are times when we dont know how to help someone.. or that person might not want to be helped or we feel too discouraged/weak to help.. the best we can do is hand that person/friend over to God. God's mighty arms can do beyond what we can possibly do with our human hands.

This is indeed a shared journey.. for the journey of life is not an easy one. Jesus tells us to take heart (=be brave)! for He has overcome the world. We face challenges each day..can be frustrating n discouraging but God is with us! He will never leave us nor forsake us..I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper (Heb 13:5-6)

finally, a blog that i want to recommend : www.therebelution.com check it out!