Hello Stranger!

Anger is BAD!

2010-04-15T00:05:00.004+08:00

I would like to share with you a story found in the book "MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS - Overcoming Negative Emotions For a Life of Abundance" by Benny Ho. It is a very good and easy book to read and understand. You may like to read it one day =)

This is a story of a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him to hammer a nail into their backyard fence each time he got angry. On the first day, that little boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Gradually, the number dropped. The boy found out that it was easier to control his temper rather than driving the nails into the fence!

Finally, the day came when the little boy did not lose his temper at all. He went to tell his father and his father suggested that he pull out one nail for each day he did not lose his temper. Days passed and the boy was soon able to pull out all the nails. He quickly went to tell his father about it.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said to the boy, "You have done well, my son. But look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same again. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like the nails did. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It will not matter how many times you say 'I am sorry'; the wound will still be there."

WOAH! I found this short story very impactful. Indeed, when we get angry, we usually react by saying unkind words or react violently. Each time we do that, we are like the boy driving a nail into the fence. No matter how many times we apologise or try to make it up to the person you hurt (pulling out the nails), the hole will always be there. Yes, the person may forgive you, but can you forgive yourself everytime you see the hole? Therefore, i urge you to control your anger as anger can cause you to regret for a lifetime. The same applies to me. God bless! =)

Reflections on Love Will Guide You Home Musical

2010-04-08T23:25:00.002+08:00

After such a huge production, i feel that i should pen down the process of it. Before that, i just want to say something, I AM SUPER HAPPY TODAY! I actually reconnected with my long lost friends from my previous church through facebook. Glad that they are doing good =) Will catch up with them one day!

My Role in this musical:
Basically my role in this musical is a Stage Manager (SM). Basically what a stage manager does is to ensure the welfare of the casts, cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage, cue-ing of lights and sounds and do things for the directors (if needed). And my role in the SM team was to ensure the welfare of the casts and the cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage. =)

How i joined this musical:
Initially, i saw the recruitment on my church weekly bulletin and i had the urge to join. However, as i knew nothing about a musical, i hesitated. I did not even know what a SM does! I soon forgotten about the whole musical thing. Only after a few days, Evangeline (church friend) asked if i wanted to join as they needed people, seeing that they really needed people, i agreed. That was how it all started...

The whole process:
At first, i thought i would be in a sub-committee or a sub-sub-committee as committee members are usually adults, plus the fact i volunteered late. There was a meeting scheduled the next day (if i am not wrong), so i just tagged along. To my surprise, i was in the committee team! What a refreshing discovery! I was shocked! I started to get excited about the whole musical. This was near the end of school and beginning of the end-year holidays.

However, my enthusiasm started to die down as other activities came in. First there was my mission trip, followed by different church activities and the REAL program (1 month learning programme in church). All these started to give my boring life some... life. Nevertheless, i was still required to go help out at the musical such as meetings and taking notes for actors/actresses as they go through their character. It was quite boring as i just had to stare at them and take notes. Plus, i had to email them the notes. It was not what i had expected, i did not expect such things to happen in musicals but it did. I began to feel that such things were more of a chore rather than something exciting. However, i kept reminding myself that i joined because i love God! So, i dragged myself to the meetings and stuff. As time gone by, it started to get me excited again! The main reason was i actually experienced how people started to develop their character and how they evolved it. They got better and better and it really makes me excited to see everything starting to piece together.

Honestly, back then, i thought the SM just had to take notes for the casts. (quite dumb i guess...) Nevertheless, i still participated though i disliked it most of the time. However, as time went by, the actors/actresses did not practice alone or in groups any longer, they started going on stage. The stage set that was ordered was also delivered. Everything was set for a performance! Only from that day on did i realise the magnitude of the Musical. And only on that day did i truly comprehend what a SM had to do. However, as i was at first under the welfare side of the SM team, i assumed i just had to make sure everyone was in tip top condition. After a few rehearsals, i was actually given the role to cue the actors/actresses on stage! How cool! It is tiring! Running everywhere to find the people and ensuring they are all ready to go on stage (e.g. costume).

To cut the story short, the show ended wonderfully with 15 salvation! Praise the Lord! God is good!

Reflections:
1) God works in mysterious ways. Though i did not intended to join, i was actually in the main committee and i had an important role in the Musical.
2) I actually learnt how a Musical works and the church compound better.
3) Through this Musical, i could see God at work, not only through the Musical but also in my life. He was there for me when i needed Him. He did not leave me. He continued to support me and provid for me. His unconditional love is really unexplainable.
4) Though the Musical was awesome (i heard from feedback), i knew only God could bring 15 souls to Him. Only He could have done so. Thank God for the 15 saved souls and let the Heaven rejoice!
5) As the cue-man, i would NEVER see the show at all. I was actually quite sad because you would work very hard but you would not see the product of the whole production. Till now, i have not even seen the whole Musical... Now wating for the video recording to see the show... Excited!
6) I really met a lot of new friends and 1 or 2 close ones! You know who you are! ^.^ Thank God for you!
7) I really saw how different people worked together and how everyone plays an important role no matter how small it is. No role is insignificant.

The Woodcutter's Wisdom by Max Lucado

2010-04-05T21:36:00.002+08:00

Hello! Sorry for not blogging for very very very very very very very longgggggggggggg! Time to make this blog alive again! Haha! Let me share with you a short story by Max Lucado and what i felt through this story.

Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.
People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.
One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."
The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"
The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."
The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don't know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"
The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.
After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."
The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?
"Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don't say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don't."
"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.
The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.
"You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."
The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."
It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.
"You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."
The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows."
The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.
I don't know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best:
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Mt. 6:34)

Reflections:
What really struck me the most is not the part where blessings may be a tragedy and vice versa. What really struck me the most is the part about being judgemental. I realised that almost all of us (including me) like to jump to conclusions when we see a scene even when we do not know what is going on. I realised that the only one who is fit to judge is the one who knows everything, who is God. Only God deserves to judge because he is Sovereign and He knows everything. I pray that God will mould me into someone who will be less judgemental regardless of the situation. I hope you will make the same prayer too. God bless! =)

God came to show LOVE not give out punishment!

2010-03-05T14:53:00.003+08:00

I was sitting on the MRT when this suddenly came into my mind.

I imagined what i would do to someone if that person betrayed me or even do something worst to me. The first thing that came into my mind was PUNISHMENT! Slap that person! Make him/her suffer! Revenge! That was when the Holy Spirit intervened. The Holy Spirit asked me, "Is this the right thing to do for a Christian? Was that why God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins?"

I was speechless! God sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we may feel God's love! If God wanted to punish mankind, He could have easily done that long time ago! But He did not! God acted in LOVE! In the same way, we should show love and mercy to people as we are here to LOVE and not here to punish people! God bless!

How great is God's love!

2010-03-04T23:04:00.003+08:00

Imagine you are on a beach and you are stepping on the cool white sand~ Now, i want you to look for a particular sand! Possible?!

Alright! Let me make it easier for you! Go and find someone who is 187cm tall and weighs 52kg!

It is like finding a needle from a haystack! THAT IS WHAT GOD DID FOR US! The universe is so huge! Like ultra huge! Yet, God purposely searched for the panet earth, searched for your country and then search for YOU! God did not search for you and leave, He searched for you and even sent Jesus Christ, His son who did no wrong, to die on the cross for us so that we may be with Him!

John 3:16 (New International Version)

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.

God did not stop there! He continues to loves us and cares for us till we meet Him in Heaven. It is hard to love someone but it is harder to love someone forever! God bless!

God's goodness

2010-02-23T23:54:00.002+08:00

As you can see, i have not blog like SUPER LONG! GOSH! Busy busy busy... Its really like "Be Under Satan's Yoke" Super tiring!

However, i would like to thank God in this post! Though this week, it has been super busy, time with God was super little but He was still there to protect me and provided me with what i needed. He always made sure i had time to rest and had enough energy to do things. He ensured i was not too burdened by too much stuff and He gave me friends which makes me feel happy. Life in Junior College is much more happier as compared to life in secondary school. =) Thank you Lord for your goodness to me! Thank you for your grace! Love you Lord! =D

Best title ever!

2010-02-18T21:53:00.002+08:00

Person A: I have the best title ever! I am officially "The World's Richest Man!"

Person B: "Tsk!" Only that? I am called "The Smartest Person on Earth!" It is the best title ever!

Me: So good! However, both of you are wrong! I have the best title ever! I am called "A Child of God!"

Person A & B: "HUH?!" What is so good about that title!

Me: I get to live in heaven forever! Plus, i get to be loved by God, the Creator of everything! Being with God and being loved by Him is better than anything else on earth!

Person A & B: Really?? What do i need to do?!

Me: You just need to accept Him as your Lord and Savior and ask Him for forgiveness for your sins!

Person A & B: It is that simple?!

Me: Yup! That title is free and it is for everyone!

Challenge ahead!

2010-02-14T00:37:00.000+08:00

As the a new year begins and school starts once again, more work is given to me. Especially research... Reading assignments after reading assignments.

Oh God! Help me to keep my focus on you. I really need you!

I sense a great challenge to remain close with You! But God, i want to be close to You forever! Let me be focused and put You first forever! Dear God, please be with me! I love you Lord! I LOVE YOU!

The Worst Thing in Life is to be WITHOUT You (God)!

2010-02-11T20:57:00.002+08:00

If i die, i know i will be with God!
If i have friendship problems, i know God will be there to comfort and help me.
If i am sick/injured, i have faith that God will heal me or has a plan for me.

When i do not know what to do, i know God will lead me.
When i know i have many flaws, i know God will teach and guide me slowly.
When i feel like giving up in life, i know God will catch me and put me on my feet again.

The worst thing that could happen in my life is not, being sick/injured/handicapped, being lonely/isolated or even losing everything in this world.

THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN IN MY LIFE IS TO BE WITHOUT GOD!

God! I need you every second of my life! Do not leave me for one second! God is all that you need! What are you holding on in life that belongs to this world? God bless!

Being connected to God =)

2010-02-10T23:10:00.002+08:00

The best feeling i could ever get is the feeling of being connected with God.

The feeling of warmth,
the feeling of love,
the feeling of being protected,
the feeling of being treasured,
.
..
...
....

I yearn to be with God! When i am with Him, everything seems to fade away. There is only Him and me. Oh God! I love you so much! Please do not forsake me! I miss you!

Nothing works without God!

2010-02-09T22:27:00.002+08:00

Imagine you went to a toy shop and bought a remote control car. You bought it and rushed home to try it out. You went home to paint it, customize it and decorate it. When you want to start playing, you realised there were no batteries! And without the batteries, the car cannot move!

In the same way, we can plan a lot of stuff. We can even do great things! However, without God, nothing will work! Without God everything WILL FAIL! So make sure God is in your life before you start doing anything! God bless!

Which have you been focusing on?

2010-02-08T23:59:00.002+08:00

Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I was thinking about this verse when something came into my head. God said seek Him first and everything we NEED will be given.

However, do we seek Him to get what we need? NO! That is NOT the point of this verse! It is saying, seek the Lord first because God should be first in our life and we should seek Him because we love Him! Whatever we get is just bonus. As long as we have God, we got everything!

Seek God because you love Him! Not because you want something! Check your motive today! Make sure it is right! God bless!

Interesting...

2010-02-05T00:07:00.002+08:00

Try thinking of a monster now. If possible, try drawing it out.

You will then realise that whatever your monster looks like, you can describe it. Such like, it has a circle face, carrot nose, curly hands and etc. It is because whatever we can think of, it was already created by God long ago. You will then realise that we CANNOT create anything. We can only get inspiration from our surroundings and put them together.

This also shows how creative our God is. God created us from nothing. God was there even before the beginning of time. This means whatever we have, our universe, galaxy or even earth was created by Him. God did not need inspiration, He just created us. God is indeed very creative! Our God is really a Great God! God bless!

Sustaining me through today

2010-02-04T23:09:00.002+08:00

Last night, after school, i directly went to meet the REAL people for their prayer retreat with Bryson! Super happy! The prayer retreat was actually something i really looked forward this week. And now... its over =(

We really just chilled and had fun for awhile before prayer began. It started at 3.30am and it ended at 6.30am. We had prayer walk then. =) However, i had to leave early as i had to go to East Coast Park for college CIP. I slept at 3am and woke up at 3.30am... Super tired at college CIP! However, as i was doing CIP, i had the energy and strength to do it! Only when everything finished, i started to feel tired and sleepy.

Thank God for sustaining me through this day! Really Thank God! And i just came back from Easter Musical Rehearsals/Meeting. Tired... However, God has really been sustaining me so far. I even have the energy to blog! Woots! Love God forever!

God bless!

In whom do we trust?

2010-02-02T22:21:00.003+08:00

Qn: If your eyesight is getting worse and you would like to find a solution to cure it, who do you look to?

Ans: The eye specialist. If a nurse came to tell you what was the problem, you would doubt her and question her prescribtion. If a doctor came and tell you what happen, you would believe what the doctor say. However, you may still have a little doubt. But, if a specialist came and tell you what is the problem, i am sure most of you will believe him/her 100%.

Qn: If your dog is sick, who do you look for?

Ans: The vet. If your friend came and tell you what happened, you will most likely not believe 100%. However, if you allow a vet to look at it, you would most likely believe 100% what the vet is saying.

There is a reason why i am giving you the example. In life, we look at the biggest 'rank' or 'status' and we trust that person in that rank the most.

In the same way, who do we trust more regarding God's word. Your friends? Pastors? Or God? How come we believe what our friends and pastors say about God so easily. Yet we find it so hard to believe the things written in the bible. Ironic! We should believe in God more! Not our friends or pastors! We should have a discerning Spirit and experience God ourselves!

God bless!

Grace of God

2010-01-31T22:28:00.004+08:00

Today, i really felt God's grace in my whole entire life.

I realised:
When i was proud, God still used me.
When i thought i could do without Him, He humbled me.
When i started drifting away from Him, He pulled me back.
When i am down, He comforts me.
When i am sick, He heals me.
When i am alone, He accompanies me.
When i seek Him, He is always there.
When i hurt Him, He forgives me.
When i need Him, He provides.
.
..
...
....
.....
......

I could go on and on. However, i shall not. I know i am just a mere human but i know God will use me when i surrender to Him. I know i do not deserve anything but by His grace, He gave me everything. How great is our God? That i cannot describe neither have i fully experienced His great love. Our God is a gracious God. And His grace never cease to flow. Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!

I still love God even if He does not give me all these because i know He loves me. That is shown through His act of sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. Thank you Lord for your love once again! Hallelujah!

2010-01-30T22:27:00.002+08:00

1 Chronicles 28:9 (New International Version)
v9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

In this passage, i have highlighted and underlined what struck me the most. This part of this passage really struck me. Whenever we serve God, or do anything in the name of the Lord. We have to make sure the reason/motive of why we are doing it in the first place is because we love God.

What i learnt from this passage is basically 2 things.
1) Confess that the Lord is our God. And there is no other gods.
2) Whatever we do for God, we have to do it to the best of our ability. Let us do it with all we have! And of course, let us do it willingly. If we do not do it willingly, we cannot do it to our best right?

God bless!

Time is slipping away....

2010-01-29T22:39:00.002+08:00

It is the start of my JC life already... And i just realised that time has been passing by very quickly. It has been slipping pass my hands. However, one thing i am glad about is that i have spent my holidays meaningful in REAL. Though time was spent meaningfully, it still goes on and it never stops.

What i am trying to say is, we should live our life to the fullest every second. We must know who we are living for and what are we living for. For me, i know i am living for God so that God can use me. Nothing else matters. How are we using our every second of life? Have we been glorifying God with our every move? I hope we have.

God bless!

Another Season of Life

2010-01-28T00:14:00.002+08:00

Today is the end of my REAL life while it is the beginning of my JC life... I already feel the emotional withdrawal syndrome from leaving REAL.

However, i am super happy as another REAL friend, Bryson, has appealed successfully to my school! PRAISE GOD! And we only prayed for it to be successful yesterday night! All glory to God and God alone! I have already thought of things i want to do and so for. However, i know it is a time of prayer.

My season of learning has ended while the season of action has not come yet. So now would be the season of prayer for me during this period of my life. I pray that God will give me a vision and use my mightily for His glory alone. I pray that God will give me a direction and nothing will prevent me from fulfilling His will. I would appreciate if you could keep me in prayer and pray for me. Thanks!

God bless!

End of REAL programme 2010

2010-01-27T00:42:00.002+08:00

Its the end of my 1 month programme and i am really glad i joined REAL. I believe that i will never regret joining REAL.

Though i have invested my time greatly on it, forgo many outings and had to re-arrange my priorities, i shall never regret this decision i made 1 month ago. In exchange, God has humbled me, opened my eyes to the things unseen, convicted me of my sins and revealed to me plentiful of things. I thank God for the humbling experience and for this moulding process.

I shall miss all of you (including Joey), and i really hope to see you guys (and girls) soon!

God bless!

Bintan (Tanjung Pinang) Trip!

2010-01-26T22:24:00.010+08:00

15 youths and 2 adults went for this trip. Nicole, Zhiying, Gaomin, Lengshan, Tiffany, Yixian, David, Jia Liang, Nigel, Bryson, Rafael, Kah Sheng, Joshua, Ian and Me. 2 adults - Joey & Brother Ronnie.

Day 1

I took my dad car and went to pick Yixian and Zhiying up so that we could travel to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal together. When we picked up Zhiying and about to leave, Joey suddenly smsed us and asked us to regroup back at G1. I was stunned! The first thing i thought was, was the trip cancelled? I was very afraid as i really wanted to go. When we reached G1, Joey explained the situation. So we were given 2 options. 1) Wait for 3pm ferry. 2) We travel to Batam and take a internal ferry to Bintan. In the end, we took the second choice as we would arrive Bintan 1 hour earlier. Thank God we could make it! Thank God!

At Bintan, we quickly took our lunch/dinner before we rushed to check in our hotel. We quickly splitted into 2 groups. 1 group went to do children ministry at a Christian school while another group stayed at the hotel to pray for us and prepared a dance for the evening services. For the children ministry, Kah Sheng, Leng Shan, Jialiang, Joshua, Nicole, Nigel, Zhiying and me went. In the beginning, there were some hiccups along the way as most of us are first timers and we didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, everything fell into place once again and the programme resumed normally. Thank God!

After the programme, we went back to the hotel to meet up with the remaining team. After which, we took a 15minutes before we gathered and left for the night service. We went to Ps. Janu's church. It was just a small two-storey shop house building. We went to the second floor and attended the youth service. Before the sermon, the other group danced for them. They danced really good. After which, the sermon began. Ian was the preacher that night. Good job Ian! You did well! =) Then followed by altar call then we left~ We went to a noodle shop and ate supper before we went to sleep =) No wait! We had de-brief before we went back to prepare for tomorrow. It was like 12midnight Bintan time went we finished? Lol? Then i went back to prepare and redo devotion as Joey somehow said the same passage during the de-brief. And you know what? I only chose that passage in the morning that day! Awesome right! Hahahaa! I quickly redo, submit to Joey and it got approved! Weeee~ Then i quickly went to bathe and went to Nicole's room to help out for the children programme. She was leading Sunday's children programme and she was super super super stressed. Thank God she decided to re plan again. It was a 2hour programme and whatever i saw that night could last the most 45minutes to 1 hour? Thank God! Thank God for Saturday's (today) hiccups! We started throwing in ideas and started to just get to work. Some people were just too tired but they came to give emotional and mental support. Heh! So we planned until 3am! Yup! 3am! We went to Joey for his approval and guess what? He approved! First check and cleared! So we quickly went back and prepared to sleep.

Day 2

Woke up at 6:45am, met at Joey's room at 7:15am and started devotion. My devotion was not fully prepared and there were many loopholes in it. However, the Holy Spirit started to lead the devotion and just filled the place. In the end, many people shared about experiences of surrendering their lives to God and their opinions on surrendering. And i strongly believed we all left we different things but all was about surrendering. Praise God!

My Learning points:

Not surrendering our life is considered a sin as we are being disobedient to God.

Surrendering involves surrendering your all. Not just one aspect of life.

It is easy to surrender the outcomes of things that we cannot control to God. While it is tough to surrender the outcomes of things to God that we can control.

After which, Gaomin led us into prayer session before we went to eat breakfast. After which, we quickly left the place to the church for the service. We were splitted into 2 groups again. 1 group went to the adult service while the other group was below doing the children's programme. For the children's programme - Nicole, Lengshan, Kah Sheng, Jialiang, Nigel, Joshua and me. Adult service - Bryson, Gaomin, Zhiying, Ian, Yixian, Tiffany, David and Rafael. Bryson was preaching at the adult service. At the children's programme, i self proclaimed myself as the camera man and took pictures of them. I also observed them at the corner. I must say, they really could run the programme by their own even though they were super afraid and super freaked out. They must be super happy! =P Thank God that all went well! After which, Joey checked my sermon while we waited for the vehicle before we left for lunch. I was requested to do changes to my sermon... After which, i quickly took some time before lunch to prepare my sermon.

After lunch, we went to a restaurant as the youth programme was held there. We started to set-up things in 5-10minutes and started the afternoon programme. I immediately dived into my sermon. MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION! I was supper panicky and desperate. I had 2-3hours to almost re-construct my entire sermon. In the end, i managed to pull through as i allowed the Holy Spirit to take control. Thank God! Really thank God! I really learned through this experience that i am nothing without God. NOTHING! No matter how good i can talk, i needed God to pull me through. Thank you God!

Next, we went back to the hotel and had a long de-brief. Had an argument that night due to some stuff. We took a 5 minutes break before we came back to talk again. Some of us really needed that break. In the end, those who were involved apologised to one another and peace resumed. Hallelujah! In the end... ended at 2am! Next, went to help Nigel with his devotion the next day. However, it didn't seem he needed help. So i left to play cards with Joshua, Nicole and Leng Shan. So we talked almost for 1 hour and Ian joined us in between. Had a great time of fellowship there! Thank you Lord! At 4am, someone could not take it and went to sleep. So i went to sleep too as i had nothing to do.

Day 3

Woke up at 7:15am today. We had a short devotion and breakfast before we splitted up into 2 groups. 1 group went to a secular school to give tuition while another group went to visit locals. Children tuition - Bryson, Gaomin, Zhiying, Joshua, Rafael, Ian, Nigel, Nicole, Lengshan and me. House visitation - Jia Liang, Yixian, Tiffany, Kah Sheng and David. For the children tuition, it went on smoothly and all went well. Me like! For lunch, we headed to a fast food restaurant to eat at the locals fast food restaurant. Haha! Yummy~ Next, we went back to the hotel and took a ferry back to Singapore. Amazing trip!

Conclusion a.k.a. Learning points:

I really learnt i cannot do anything without God. It was really a humbling experience for me.
God has no language boundaries and He can work through anyone. Including those of different languages, races, culture and so on. God's love is inclusive.
God works in mysterious ways.
God is faithful and He never fails.

3 Days Bintan Trip Pre-Post =P

2010-01-25T22:33:00.002+08:00

Yo people! I just came back from a 3 Days Mission Trip to Bintan (a.k.a. Tanjung Pinang). I am like super super super tired, so i will not blog about the trip today. Hopefully it will be done by tomorrow night.

Though it was a short 3 days only, God is still faithful, God is still awesome and God is always personal. Many things happened during the trip. One word to describe the trip would be "revelations". I learnt through experiencing things during the trip that would shape my character and make me a new and improved Samuel that can be used for the glory of God.

Will share with you about the trip asap! =D

REAL Program Update 2

2010-01-21T22:58:00.002+08:00

So far... it has been physically draining for me due to sleeping late and waking up early part. Other than that, the lessons and workshops was exciting. I don't really suffer from mental tiredness or anything actually. If i am given something to do, i can still go on for hours. So yup... more on physical tiredness.

Other than that, i have been discovering more about myself and how i work in different situations. I also feel it is time to be disciplined once again as i have been really slack lately... so yup! Back to seeking God once again!

God bless!

A Thank You Note!

2010-01-20T22:57:00.002+08:00

Today, when i went to my blog (the one you are in now) to prepare to blog, i saw a comment by someone named stranger on my tag board. You can read it if you want to but it is up to you.

To tell you the truth, i was shocked when i first saw that comment. I really got stunned when i saw that comment because i did not know i was giving people the impression that i was doing it for myself.

However, i would actually like to thank him/her because i was reminded of the reason why i started blogging in the first place. I remembered the first time when i thought of blogging. I told myself i would not last a month or two and it will die down very soon as i am not someone who can sustain things for very long. In the beginning, i was also quite hesitant as i was also afraid of teaching the wrong things on my blog. In the end, i was inspired by God to touch lives and reach out to people through blogging. Anyone could have access to my blog and read from it. Therefore, it would be quite an effective tool. As you realise, my blogging has not been very consistent lately because of the busyness of my life. Having to commit to many different things. Blogging has became a chore and i really struggled to think of topics to blog.

Now, i am on fire once again as i recall and remember why i started blogging in the first place. Thanks for questioning me stranger! I appreciate it! I thank God once again for you! God bless!

Nothing Definite.

2010-01-19T23:06:00.002+08:00

I was looking at the car park cement floor today when i realised different shades of grey. Thus, i concluded the following. A certain colour can have many different shades due to the intensity of light. In the dark, grey may be one colour. In light, it may turn another. It is hard to say which is the correct grey. Even professionals can not guarantee which is the 100% correct grey. Only the Creator (God) who defined grey can guarantee which is the correct grey.

In the same way, we humans are the same (cement floor). However, we have different shades during different situations in our lives. No one can say that he/she knows you 100% well or he/she knows you perfectly well. We humans may have a pattern of behaviour but we are definitely not 100% predictable. Thus, we do not judge each other on what we see or perceive. We DO NOT try to correct them using your own understanding without understanding why they did it in a certain manner in the first place. You first try to understand why they do certain things before you give your suggestions or opinion. You might even realise you are wrong in the first place. Therefore, try to understand the other person before judging or criticizing them. God bless!

Hope in the LORD!

2010-01-15T00:40:00.000+08:00

Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
v30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
v31 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.

Ever felt like giving up on life? Ever felt that life is meaningless?

Ever felt like you had made the greatest mistake in your whole entire life? Ever felt that what you have done is too sinful?

This few verses tells us that WE WILL get tired. We WILL feel useless and we WILL feel like giving up. It also says that we WILL make mistakes in our life. Not only that! It has even gave us a cure to solve this problem! The answer is... HOPE IN THE LORD! When we trust God and ask God to give us strength through our lives, and we believe He will, we WILL be given strength. Strength to continue running this race without feeling tired. Strength to go through whatever nonsense the world throws at you. The strength to go through all the mistakes in life. So trust in God! Believe God can give you the strength you need!

Let us lean on God today for strength and direction. Only the Creator of the universe can provide you with what you need. God bless!

REAL Program Update

2010-01-14T00:36:00.000+08:00

Remember the program i told you that i joined? Yup, here is the update.

This week, we did Contact Work (CW). It means we go to secondary school students to ask them to do a short survey for us. And get their contact number if possible. However, it is mainly for us to make more friends. After which, we will plan an activity for the students! Exciting? I guess? Excited? I sure am!

However, now we have to do plenty of administrative work such as collating the data... GOSH! Hmmmm, so far the program has been more physically draining while the mental drainage starts tomorrow. I have no idea if i should be happy or not... Oh well! I have God, there is nothing to fear!

Want more update? Tag on my board! Don't worry, you can use all sorts of funny name you want. HAHA! God bless!

Jesus got tempted, why not you?

2010-01-13T22:24:00.004+08:00

Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version)
v1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
v2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
v3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
v4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
v5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. v6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
v7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
v8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
v9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
v10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
v11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

In this few verses, it shows that even JESUS got tempted! YES! Jesus got tempted by satan! However, Jesus was able to resist temptations and defeat the devil.

First temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to make stones into bread. Note, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights! I am sure you will be eating ANYTHING if you fasted that long. Jesus must have really controlled Himself from turning the stones into bread for Himself.

Second temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God. The devil wanted Jesus to test God. However, Jesus did NOT. Jesus managed to counter the devil's words.

Third temptation, the devil promised to give Jesus anything in the world. ANYTHING! Money, jewellery, palaces, mansions, cars, lands, property and MUCH MORE! However, Jesus knew what was more important, obeying God! Jesus was determined to worship only the Lord our God!

How did Jesus overcome the temptations? Jesus used the Word of God! The devil will try and bluff us with the Word of God, therefore, we must be sure of what we are studying and who God is. Only by constantly reading the bible will we know how to counter the devil's lies. So... START READING THE BIBLE! It will REALLY help you counter satan more easily! God bless!

Do NOT Worry!

2010-01-13T00:02:00.003+08:00

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)
v25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
v26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
v27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
v28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
v29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
v30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
v31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
v32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
v34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This post is mainly to those who have not done well in 'O' levels and are worrying about their future. Verse 27 says it very clearly, since we cannot add a single second even if we worry, why do we worry then? Why not just trust God and let Him deliver you through the tough times. I know it is hard to trust God and surrender at this point of time, you may even begin to doubt God and start giving up. But i just want to remind you of your purpose on earth. Not to do well in studies, not to be rich and powerful, not to have the most friends BUT TO DO THE WILL OF GOD!

How much you can surrender to God is how much you trust that God is in control. Pray to Him now for Him to take away all your worries, sadness and emotions. And for Him to show you your path in future. God will still listen to you no matter how crappy you feel about yourself. Trust God and hang in there! God bless!

'O' levels result day

2010-01-12T00:14:00.002+08:00

Today was the day that i collected my results =)

I wont tell u what i get unless you ask me =) hahaha!

I just want to thank all my friends who encouraged me before i collected my results. Verses after verses, jiayous after jiayous, encouragement after encouragement. It was just so heart warming =) Thank God for these people!

That's all! God bless!

What have you been focusing on?

2010-01-10T00:12:00.002+08:00

Luke 10 (New International Version)
v38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
v39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
v40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
v41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
v42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

This passage is very interesting. Actually, a short conversation with Yi Xian reminded me of this story. Thanks Yi Xian! Hahaha!

In this story, Mary was listening and just focusing on God the whole entire time when Jesus entered the house. However, Martha was so busy preparing things to welcome Jesus (Maybe food and some drinks?). However, Jesus said 'Mary had chosen what is better'. Jesus DID NOT say what Martha did was wrong, Jesus just said Mary chose what is BETTER.

In life, when we welcome Jesus into our life, some of us would passionately serve in many ministries. We get so busy with our lives and ministry work and we worry about many things. The saddest part is that we may even start to ignore God... It is good to serve in the ministry and serve God but it is even BETTER if we focus on God and listen to Him first. I am NOT trying to tell you not to serve! I am just saying, make sure you have a balanced lifestyle. Enough time for God, ministry and your daily lifestyle. Remember, the one who does better is the one who focuses on God and NOT the world! What have you been focusing on?

God bless!

Brothers and sisters in Christ

2010-01-09T23:55:00.002+08:00

I am watching a show right now. There was a well respected gangster (lets call him Andy) who was just released from jail after 8 years. That gangster contacted 1 of his past brothers.

Brother 1: A very well known despicable lawyer who would do anything for money. He was having a conversation with a client. However, after he received the call from Andy, he immediately left and contacted the next brother.

Brother 2: A road stall seller. After being contacted he asked his family to go back to his wife's hometown so that he may help out Andy in his 'business'. And he contacted the next guy.

Brother 3: A florist. He was about to get a huge promotion plus pay rise. However, upon receiving the call, he quited his job IMMEDIATELY. And he joins Andy.

Why am i saying this? As we know, once we are son/daughters of God, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when one of us is in trouble, will we go ALL OUT to help him/her?
Will we be willing to stop playing computer games just to listen to them? Will we be willing to give them money to bless them when they need it? Will we be willing to give up anything and everything for their sake? It is SUPER SUPER SUPER hard for me too... But i am doing my best!

When Jesus Christ came on earth, He died on the cross for us. When we still did not know Him, He already knew us and was willing to die on the cross for us. How great is our God! He sacrificed EVERYTHING for us! In the same way, let us show Christ love to the best of OUR abilities to one another. God bless!

Trust God in ALL situations!

2010-01-08T23:17:00.002+08:00

Psalm 3:6-7 (New International Version)
v6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
v7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

This few verses was written by David. He is declaring that even if he has to fight thousands of people from every side, he is NOT afraid. Imagine thousands of people were to shout at you at the same time, i think you would faint because of fright. At least I think i would... It was such a scary scene/place to be in but David declares that he is NOT afraid.

Why? It is stated in verse 7! It is because David has the Lord our God! David knows that no matter what happens, God is with him! God will protect him and keep his enemies away from him! But it is impossible to have thousands of people to attack you in this modern days right?
I believe that it is saying that NO MATTER what crap/rubbish/nonsense/pain/suffering you are going through now, trust that God will deliver you! He will never forsake you! Trust in God! He only wants the best for YOU but only if u surrender to Him and allow God to take control of your life. Hang in there people!!!

Rejoice in the tough times!

2010-01-07T23:38:00.003+08:00

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)

v17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
v18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

In the past, what people counted as property/money was livestock (sheep, goats, cows), plantations (rice, wheat, olive, grapes) and maybe jewellery too? However in these verses, Habakkuk (prophet) told the Lord that even if his plantations fail and his crops dies. Even when he has no more livestock, he will still rejoice in the Lord our God.

In the same way, we can learn from Habakkuk. When God let us go through the tough times to prepare us for the future, when we suddenly lose something important. When we go bankrupt or we suffer from illness/diseases or maybe even lost our loved ones, will we still praise God and worship God? It is okay to grumble and complain to God but let us trust in Him and know that God is in control. Always remember our final stop in life is in Heaven, NOT during our life. So hang on to God and do not give up! God bless!

Focus!

2010-01-06T20:48:00.002+08:00

Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)
v24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

I guess in life we want to master many things and excel in it. However, there are some things which cannot be done together. Matthew 6:24, man CANNOT serve God and money at the same time. It is not just about money. It can be computer games, MSN, shopping, arcades, movies and much more. We can only focus on God OR the worldly things.

With God, we will be disciplined, our character will improve. It may be hard, but necessarily. God will provide for us, love us and care for us no matter what. And we will go to Heaven to live with Him forever and ever.

With the world, you will NEVER be satisfied. When you level up in computer games, you want more. When you have money, you want more. When you are loving with your family, you expect more from them. The world CANNOT provide fully for you. Maybe temporarily joy.

But God can give you permanent joy as long as you trust Him. Sometimes it is hard to take the first step. However, by taking the first step to trust in God, it is a decision you would NEVER regret!

REAL camp 2009~ (long post, i think)

2009-12-24T02:20:00.007+08:00

Oops! I realised i have not been blogging for veryyyyyy long! Yikes! Hmmm, time to get back into the habit of blogging.

What is REAL programme?
Basically it is a yearly programme that my church have to provide a platform for people to learn more about God's Word, do community work and to learn how to work better with people and baiscally just to have fun! It is NOT a brain-washing programme! (I knew you were going to say that!) Weeee~~ It is a 1-2month programme, which u can choose either 1 or 2 months depending on your schedule. We have lessons on tuesday to friday while weekends are for us to serve in church and monday is off day! A.K.A slack day!

REAL camp is a 3 days 2 nights camp for us to get to know each other better and just bond together. So yep... here goes! (good luck all sanguines!)

Day 1
First day of the camp. We were given a short briefing and we were splitted into 3 groups. The theme of the camp is "Back To Square One". Which means the basics of Christianity that some of us have forgotten or did not know about. Each group were given $50 to buy food for 3 breakfast, lunch and dinner. So basically $150 for 22-26 people for 9 meals! Exciting right?! So we combined our money together and just bought food together at nearby market and stuff. We brought everything back and we started to cook. YES! We cooked all our meals ourselves. Oops! Did i forget to mention that? So each group take turns to prepare lunch and dinner for 20+ people. It was a pretty cool and awesome experience. I think. Lol! Then we had a workshop and then dinner and then worship and service. Yup! We got sermons too! Weeee~~

Learning point:
1) We tend to see God base on our feelings and maybe sometimes people too?
2) Guard our heart and have a clear conscience.
3) Do we live on the truth or on our feelings? Feelings betray us sometimes but the truth do not.
4) We do not need to hear God to know God is there. We just know God is here with us no matter where we go or where we are.

Day 2
This morning we woke up like early at 5.30am to go to East Coast Park (ECP) to do devotion and just spend quiet time with God. To some of you, it may sound ridiculous. However, it is like the BEST thing ever! I can like just sit at the beach to read God's Word for hours and hours if we had time. You can really feel God's presence with you. Praise God! Then we went back to church to have our morning workshop then lunch then afternoon workshop then dinner then service and worship! Some of you may think worship is sing song only and nothing much or even waste time or just to enjoy the music. But to me, it is really a place to just feel God's presence and just listen to how He talks to you. It is really just an amazing time. It is like one of the best thing, not the music, not the songs but to hear God speak to you and you just worship Him with all you have. Hallelujah!

Learning point:
1) God wants us to be involved in His plans. Regardless of size, race, religion, height and etc. However, it is up to US to respond and allow God to use us and be involved. And when we respond, you WONT regret it. Its like the BEST decision you can ever make in your life! The BEST!
2) Leaders are NOT perfect although we always wish for it. So support your leaders and give them your support because it means alot to them.
3) God's standard is the standard we should all have. And it is super high! Yikes! >.<

Day 3
Woke up at 3.30am today when they said 5.30am! Like ok ok lor... Went to Changni beach to do devotion this time. And we saw a lot of dead fish. =O The water quality must really be c.m.i (cannot make it). Every 10 steps got 1 dead fish. Is this considered a lot? HAHAHA! Same routine, workshops lunch workshops dinner service and worship. WORSHIP is really really really awesome! Like awesomeness x1000

Learning point:
1) We have to be authentic when we be with people. This means be your real self. I know it is hard to do it sometimes and you may feel rejection and stuff. But really, it just sets you free and you will not be as worried or paranoid as you would when you have a fake front.
2) God can use ANYONE He likes. Even beggars, prostitutes, presidents, CEOs, me and YOU! You just have to let Him take over and trust Him. It will be hard at first but you will really thank Him for all He has done.
3) We have to do what we preach. It is VERY VERY hard, even for me. But hey, we Christians are not perfect that is why we need God. So, i am just trusting God for He is greater than ALL things.

Day4
We just did area cleaning, sharing and stuff before we break camp. Weeee~~

Learning point:
1) Everyone is different and we just have to learn from each other.

Yup! Thats all! God bless you!

What do we seek in life?

2009-12-20T01:28:00.002+08:00

Some of us seek love, attention, money, cars, houses, girlfriend/boyfriend, fashion and more. All these may/can fill the hole in your heart BUT it is only temporarily. When you do not have all these, what do you do? How do you react to it?

There is something that can fill that hole FOREVER, that is believing in Jesus Christ! As long as He is there, there is NOTHING we are afraid of! So let us all seek God in all our life!

So what are we here today? To please God or man? You decide! Your choice! God bless! =D

Is this judegement?

2009-12-17T03:52:00.001+08:00

When floods, famines, terrorist acts, deaths and etc happens, some of you may ask "Is this judgment from God?"

It is possible, however, that is NOT the first question we should ask. The first question is "How much are we willing to repent before God?" God's judgment comes only when men are sinning greatly. So the question is, HOW MUCH are YOU willing to repent before God?

If men obeyed God and repented their sins, God would not need to send judgement.

There is no such thing as a smaller sin or bigger sin. All sins are equal. Lying is as sinful as killing. No sin is more serious than the other in God's eye. Thus, we are all equally sinful. The question is, how much are you willing to repent?

Conclusion: Are you willing to humble yourself and repent before God? Or do you want to wait for God's judgment to come before you feel afraid? If you want to repent, say this prayer out loud.

Dear God, i humble myself before you and admit i am a sinner. I admit that i need your grace. Please forgive me of my sins and continue to teach my through the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for your grace. In Jesus Name i pray. Amen!

Prayer is powerful!

2009-12-16T00:23:00.000+08:00

Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
v19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
v20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

This two verses has confirmed how powerful prayer is. When 2 true Christians come together to ask God for something, it WILL be done. When more than 2 ask something in the name of God, God will be with them. Praise God! I realised i have underestimated the power of prayer. Prayer helps us communicate with God. And God can do ALL things! Hallelujah! Praise God! Are you worried about anything today? Commit it to the Lord through prayer. Get more people to pray for you.

Prayer is NOT a sign of weakness. It is a sign to show that you are humbling yourself before God. Praise God!

God loves YOU!

2009-12-14T23:49:00.003+08:00

John 3:16-17 (NIV)
v16 "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.
v17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
only Son.

This 2 verses suddenly came into my mind. So i would like to share with you.

v16- This tells us that NO MATTER what happens, our salvation is secured IF we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Even if you never serve in the ministry or even if you continue to sin, you WILL still go to heaven.

HOWEVER, if you love God, you would want to be holy and do things to please Him right? For example, you would do almost anything for your girlfriend/boyfriend if you love them. In the same way, we would do anything for God if we really love Him.

v17- Jesus DID NOT come to earth to say "YOU ARE DEAD! YOU WILL PERISH IN HELL!" God sent Jesus to earth so that Jesus could bring more people to Him. Jesus would most probably say " I do not care about your past, i would like to invite you to my house in Heaven." God does not care if you are rich/poor/talented/tall/short and more. He invites ALL of us to Heaven. The question is, would you like to go to Heaven?

Think about it! God bless!

That's God!

2009-12-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

If we know what God is going to do, our God would not be that great right?

If we know what God is thinking, our God would not be that great right?

What i am trying to say is our God is great and wonderful because we will never be able to guess what God is going to do. God is the only One who is ALWAYS in control and perfect in ALL ways. Our God is much better then we think and no one on this world will be able to be better then Him. God is the best of the best and all knees shall bow and all tongues will confess that He is God. Even the demons feared Jesus when He was on earth. This proves He is the one and only God and there is NO other gods except the Lord our God

God bless!

Moulding process

2009-12-11T23:33:00.005+08:00

The moulding process is never easy. Sometimes it will really hurt you emotionally, physically and mentally. You may even be going in circles in life. However, the best thing about it is you will always end up better and stronger. During the moulding process, you will not be able to see God's plan for you in it. You will be confused and frustrated even to the point of blaming God. Thankfully, our God is a patient God and He welcomes all our scolding and tantrums. If you are feeling lost, i have a few suggestions you may want to consider...

1) TRUST. Trust that God's plan is perfect even to every single second. It is never too late nor early.
2) BELIEVE. Believe that what He has for you is the best of the best. He will only give you the best and nothing less.
3) FAITH. Sometimes you may even wonder if God even exists during this period. Let me tell you this, He does. He will NEVER leave you once you are a Child of God. Therefore, do not let go of your faith in our Great and Mighty God!

Once you have finished the moulding process, do not forget to thank the Lord our God =) God bless!

Roller Coaster

2009-12-08T01:32:00.000+08:00

Another uncertain phrase of life? Well, just sit back and let God take control! There is nothing much you can do anyway... Just allow God to mould you and guide you as we live each day. Trust God that He will never let something you cannot handle happen to you. So do not worry. Just allow God to take control! God bless!

God holds on to us

2009-12-07T00:12:00.000+08:00

Are you going through a tough period? Let me share something interesting with you.

You DO NOT have to hold on to God! God Himself holds on to you! Let me give you an example. Let us use Noah's Ark. Read Genesis 7 if you do not know the story.

Notice that Noah and his family and the living creatures went INTO the ark. God told Noah to go into the ark and not cling onto the ark from outside. God could have made Noah hang on to the ark from the outside, but God told Noah to go in. The ark protected Noah for 40 days from the rain and the flood. Imagine the waves beating against the ark. The wind blowing so strongly that the ark could overturn any moment. In the end, everyone in the ark was well protected and saved. In the same way, God is that ark. God will protect us from any danger. No matter what happens, God will protect us and shield us. He will NEVER let go nor will He forsake you. He will hold on to you tightly. Take a moment to thank our great and awesome God! Praise God!

God loves each and single one of us dearly!

2009-12-06T00:56:00.000+08:00

Genesis 18:22-33
22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
23 Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?
25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
26 The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."
27 Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,
28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?"
"If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it."
29 Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?"
He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."
30 Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?"
He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."
31 Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?"
He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it."
32 Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?"
He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."
33 When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

I think the most significant thing is that God loves each and every single one of us. He is willing to stop his judgement for the sake of even 1 person (although this passage says 10). God is willing to do anything for each and single one of us. We do not deserve all these. Even with God, we continue to sin and do things that make God very angry. Yet He is willing to do anything to save us and protect us. This is how great our God is. What are you going to do to show that you are thankful to God? God bless!

God our Provider

2009-12-04T23:18:00.004+08:00

This is a picture taken in Nepal =) As you can see, it is a picture of the sunrise! Haha! Evangeline requested a picture to add 'life' into my blog, so i shall =) See i so nice. Haha!

This picture does not bring out the full beauty of the scenery. When you are there, you see the mountains, the town, the sunrise, the clouds floating and much more. You cannot help but to think who created all these. As we know, it is God Himself. God created all these! If God can create the mountains, make sure the sun rises at the exact time and ensure enough food, water and air for the villages. There is nothing you should fear or worry. God will protect you all the way till you meet Him in Heaven! He will also provide everything you need in your life! So do not worry, give your fears to Him and enjoy His presence in your life. Not only for today but for forever! God bless!

Bump on the road...

2009-12-03T01:53:00.000+08:00

Guess you can say i got hit a bump on the road currently... So, i have nothing much to post today~~ Still on the road! Staying strong! Weee~~ God bless! =)

Never fixed...

2009-12-02T23:13:00.002+08:00

I have already 'planned' my future out, which path to take or which school to go. I even know what to do in future. However, the more i share about what i want, the more information and suggestions i get. I realised that there are many factors in life we have to consider. Which is kind of sad yet we have no choice.

Probably what i want to tell you is life is always full of changes. Sometimes you have to be flexible in life. You DO NOT have to give up your dream/passion but sometimes you have to go through by another path. It may not be the path you like to take, however God would provide the path that you need the most to mould you and guide you.

Conclusion: Allow God to mould you from today onwards. Do not insist on going with a particular way. Sometimes, it is better to go another way though it may be tougher and more tiring =) God bless!

Irony

2009-12-01T20:37:00.002+08:00

It is the holidays now! Free from study and nothing else to do... It is kind of sad to be unable to do anything =( Bored at home, nothing constructive to do. Probably the next thing to look forward to is REAL programme? (that is if i get accepted) Now is probably a good time to just rest my body and take things easy and see what God has for me next. Maybe i will start reading books for a change =O

PS: I dont really like reading >.<

The things i did in Nepal Trip! (going to be super long!)

2009-11-30T15:01:00.008+08:00

Day 1

This day was a test of endurance -.- First, we took a 5hour flight from Singapore to Nepal. Next, we met up with Ps Shwu Eng and took a mini bus all the way to Pokhara. Did i mention the trip took about 9 hours?! Thank God we had 1-2 breaks in between. Maybe lasting only about 5-15 minutes each time? However, we finally reached the hotel! YAY! These are the people that went on the trip too!

Ps Judy - Leader
Matthew - Doing his ACTS programme
Cindy - dancer 1
Stephanie - dancer 2
Joon-yan - dancer 3
(They dance really good! You should really see them dance!)
Wallis - aka Wall-E (HAHAHA! Hope he doesnt see this >.<)
Ivy - Spiritual Mother! =D
Loo-See - Spiritual Mother! =D
(i got 2 mums after the trip ^_^)
Christine - See the pictures!!! (wink)
Brenda - SUPER LIGHT SLEEPER
Eugene - THE cute one! Haha!
Sarah - My sister!
Samuel - Me!

Day 2

We went to the church to do a full day children programme from 9am-5pm. It was tiring but very rewarding! Ivy and Brenda went to do the teacher's training after lunch, while the rest continued with the children's programme! After which, we quickly packed up and left for a children orphanage. We did a 2hour programme over there. We taught them a dance, i did a magic show (yes, i am a qualified magician) while Matthew did a short sharing. We prayed for them, gave them a few sweets and left for the hotel. It was a very fun day!

Learning points:
1) Always be flexible during missions
2) Bring as much resources as possible as unexpected changes may happen
3) Teaching is to guide, not to force feed
4) God is good all the time, and He is always there!
5) We are immortal until God's Work for us is done

Day 3

We had a short devotion by Brenda.

Lerning point:
Job and Moses did many great things for God even when they did not have Jesus. However, we now have Jesus. This means we can do even greater things for God!

Next, Wallis, Brenda, Ivy and Ps Judy went to the church to do a teacher's training while the rest of us went to a secular school to have a 2 hour programme there. Matthew, Cindy, Stephanie and Joon-yan took the older group while Christine, Samuel, Sarah, Loo-See and Eugene. We taught them songs, and played games with them which had moral values in them. Christine told them a story about being a good friend before we broke them into groups to do colouring. The amazing thing is this school opened up to foreigners for the first time! We were the FIRST group to do a programme with them! (A Christian group) I believe more missionary groups will be allowed in and the Word of God will be spread to them in one way or another eventually. Praise God! The other group had extra 10 minutes to spare, thus, i did a short magic trick for them. Hope they enjoyed it! =D Next, our group went back to church. Cindy, Stephanie and Joon-yan taught the teachers a dance while Wallis, Ivy and Brenda did methods of counselling. The rest... we just nua~~ HAHA! I sat in the lesson for methods of counselling. I also learnt DISC in there ^_^ A chime topic wor~~

Learning points:
1) Treat every patient uniquely! They are not just another patient!
2) Be personal with them, try to know more about them
3) Do not focus on the problem, focus on the overall situation
4) See the people around the patient to identify the problem
5) Ask what methods have been used and try new methods! Best not to re-use!

Next, our whole group headed down to another orphanage. When me and Loo-See where trying to cross the road, we almost experienced a near death/serious injury experience. Woah! THANK GOD! God has really been looking out for us and keeping us safe. We actually planned to do a few things, however, due to space limitation, we scraped everything and impromptu-ed on the spot. I played balloons with them while Sarah taught them balloon sculpturing before i did a gospel magic trick.

Learning points:
1) God is in control
2) God creates everything
3) Do not hide Jesus in your pocket

After we prayed and blessed them, we did "I got peace like a river" game. It is very fun and addictive! Hehe! Next, we went back to the hotel and ate dinner before zzzZZZzzz =D

Day 4

Next, we had devotion by Loo-See before Sarah, Christine, Matthew, Wallis, Eugene and me left for another secular school. The rest went to the church and did the teacher's programme. Me and Christine did the programme for the younger group while the rest did the programme for the older group at the secular school. Me and Christine taught them 3 things...

1) Do not cheat
2) Do not say bad things about people
3) Be a good friend/true friend

After the programme at the secular school, we went to meet the rest of the team at the church. At that time, Cindy, Stephanie and Joon-yan did the dance workshop while Loo-See, Brenda, Ivy and Ps Judy did the "How to manage a classroom". Loo-See was teaching the lesson. I sat in and learnt a few things.

Learning points:
1) Respect every kid
2) Take all discipline offline
3) Be earlier in class than the kids
4) Show that you care before they will learn/listen from you

Next, we went back to the hotel to pack our ministry stuff and took a day pack before we left for Serangkot mountain. It was a little scary on the way up, due to the recent rain. The driver did not dare to drive us all the way up as he was afraid the van might get stuck. Thus, we took all our belongings and trekked further up to the motel/guest house. We had dinner before some of us stayed back for fellowship. After many days of ministry, we finally got to have 1 day off tomorrow to allow God to minister to us. Thank you God! =D

Day 5

Today is day off for the team. There is no ministry today. Some how it makes me happy yet sad. I cant do God's work today yet i am allowing God to minister to me =) Praise God! We trekked up early in the morning to catch the sunrise. It was beautiful! We saw the Himalayas and the sunrise. Praise God for God created all these. We took pictures and more pictures and more pictures before we trekked back to have our breakfast =) My sister and I went to buy a few things before we joined the rest of the team for breakfast =) Next, our team splitted into 2 groups. 1 group did paragliding while the other group did trekking. I was in the trekking group and we trekked trekked and trekked for like 1-2hours? Gosh! No joke! After FINALLY trekking for so long, we cabbed to town and ate at KOTO restaurant. It is a very nice japanese food and the miso soup was SHIOK! Very nice, better than singapore's japanese restaurants! =D After lunch, the trekkers walked back to the hotel and rested for about 1 hour. During that period of time, i saw a preaching done on television by 3ABN. I learnt a few things from it.

Learning points:
1) The wind, trees, universe and much more obeys every single command from God. Yet we human, supposedly to be more superior then them, are the only ones giving God so much trouble. We humans are the ONLY creation who disobeys God.
2) Luke warm Christians are the best tool for the devil! We can only be on fire for God and never luke warm!

After which, we went to a nice chinese restaurant to eat with an elder at the church. It was sort of a farewell dinner. =(

Day 6

We set off early that day around 6am to travel to Kathmandu, another place in nepal. It was a few hours journey, maybe 6-8hours? After which, we checked in to MANANG Hotel and drank onion soup. It didnt look appetizing yet it was YUMMY! Did i mention the momo there was nice? (momo is a delicious local delicacy). After 1 hour break, we head off to the believer's meeting at the church. Matthew shared on Good Grace while Wallis shared his testimony

Learning Points:
1) We were given everything by God's grace
2) We must be thankful for everything given to us
3) We are blessed because we are to bless God's people, NOT because we deserve it

After that, we went to KOTO restaurant AGAIN to have dinner with Ps Shwu Eng and her husband. We also celebrated Wallis and Sarah's birthday =) There was even a chocolate cake! Hehe!

Day 7

Today, we gathered early in the morning and went to a buddhist temple for prayer walk. I realised i need to continue to train my spiritual antenna! Its not sharp enough =( After the walk, we went to Fire & Ice Restaurant for pizza! A super yummy lunch! And its in our budget! Super YAY! After that, we did some shopping while we headed back to our hotel. It was fun, in a way =O After reaching the hotel, we prepared for ministry. The whole team went to the church. Christine, Ivy, Sarah, Eugene and me were doing the children's programme while the rest did G12. It is like a cell group. A more intense and close one. We repeated the programme we did in pokhara. It was super fun as Eugene met his match! There was this hyper active kid and i got Eugene to play with him! Super funny!!! You should have seen both of them!

Day 8

That day was a little hectic but me like =D First, our team splitted up into 2 groups. We both headed to 2 different secular school and did a children's programme again =) We basically just repeated the same programme while Matthew and Cindy took the older group and did many funny time-wasters which he managed to add in a moral. Not bad! Next, we met up with the team and had lunch. Ps Shwu Eng ordered more so we could pack some to the orphanage to bless the kids. In the end, i was responsible for bringing the food safely there... LOL! So we splitted up into the same group, Christine, Matthew, Brenda and me went to a children orphanage. Cindy, Stephanie and Joon-Yan went to do a dance workshop while Ivy, Sarah, Eugene and Wallis went to the same study centre and did another programme. =) Loo-See and Ps Judy went to the money changer to settle some accounts. The orphanage i went to was a little different.

1) The children are all musically talented
2) They have been really blessed and well provided by God

Next, we all met at the hotel by coincidence and we splitted up to eat dinner. Some ordered room service, some went out to eat and so on =D All within the church budget! Hehe =P

Day 9

I shall not blog about this day. I have my reasons =D After the morning programme, we headed to the airport and flew home! HOME SWEET HOME!

Nepal Trip 2009 from 20-28Nov

2009-11-29T23:50:00.002+08:00

I came back from a 8-9days mission trip to Nepal! It was soul-enriching... like really! Did many new stuff,discovered much more of me... and like just WOAH! Learnt plenty of stuff! From the simplest to the very complicated stuff! EVEN LEARNT MOONWALK! But that's not the point! Really hope we have been a blessing to the people there and we have made an impact there! I look forward to my next mission trip! Hopefully soon! =D

P.S. The things we had to do were enriching, the place was awesome. But what made the trip SUPERB was not the programme nor the place, it was the team i worked with! Our team was really put together by God and i thank God for His ever strong presence in my life! Thank you all!

Start blogging again...

2009-11-15T00:03:00.000+08:00

Yo! Long time no blog! Now i shall start again! *claps*

I am going for missions from 20-28november 2009, so do not miss me! HAHA!

God really plans everything out just nice for you! Really!

I applied for 3 mission trips before O levels. However, only 1 got approved (the one i am going). I actually realised in december (the dates of the 2 mission trip which got rejected), i have plenty of stuff to do. And i realised i did NOT have the time to prepare for so many mission trips. So really thank God! God really plans everything out for you in your life.

Conclusion: If you are worrying or afraid about anything in life, JUST GO FOR IT! God will plan everything out just nice for you!

Thank God! WOOTS!

2009-11-04T00:21:00.002+08:00

O levels is awesome!... So far! I believe it will continue to be awesome! =)

Thank God for pulling me through all the way! Breakdown of subjects to thank God for:

1) English - First paper, yet i was not stress!
2) E Maths - I could do all!
3) A Maths - I could not do some questions at first, when i went back to do, i could do! YAY!
4) SS - The chapters i studied all came out! Somehow Venice did not come out, lucky i never study it only! So i just picked 1 SEQ that i was most comfortable with! =)
5) Chemistry P2 - Easier than i thought! Thank God! (i am not good with sciences)
6) Elective History - Cold War never come out! I studied for all the questions for SEQ! So i picked one i was better at! Thank God again!
7) Physics P2 - The paper was a little tough to me... However, i am quite confident with the section B part. Usually i don't do well at that part... so THANK GOD! (i am not good with sciences)
8) Geography P1 - THANK GOD! THANK GOD! THANK GOD! Geography P1 was the paper i am most thankful for! I studied the day before for only 1-2hours? After physic paper i chiong to study the rest within 3-4hours. I could not memorise much as my brain was very tired... In the end, the questions i knew how to do came out! So.... THANK GOD!

Please continue to pray for me for my O levels! Next Monday would be Geography P2. Tuesday is Higher Chinese P1,P2 and physics P1. Friday is chemistry P1.

Will update you after my papers! God bless!

It is time!

2009-10-24T02:01:00.000+08:00

It is time for me to trust fully in the Lord. It is time for me to surrender to the Lord. The time is now! Lord, do whatever you please, according to YOUR will and not mine. I love you, God!

I mean O levels =) hahaha! God bless!

Who is ashamed now?

2009-10-23T22:47:00.003+08:00

1 Peter 3:13-16
v13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
v14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."
v15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
v16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

What really struck me was verse 16. It says people who talk bad about me will feel ashamed because they know it is not true! If we keep ourselves holy, NOBODY can say anything bad about you. Even if they do, they will be ashamed of themselves!

Conclusion: How do you want to live you life? Say it out and start on it!

God bless!

Contradiction

2009-10-22T01:09:00.002+08:00

If you like to sin, you do not love God! If you refuse to repent, you do not love God!

DO NOT say 'i love God' when you are scolding vulgarities, watching porn and more and REFUSE to repent. You are being a hypocrite! The main thing is REFUSE to repent. When you want to repent, it must come with ACTION. God forgives anyone and everyone who is willing to repent.

What are you going to do about your life? You will account to God yourself, for your mistakes and sins. What do you want to hear God say to you when you meet Him? Are you willing to repent today? God bless you!

Too busy?

2009-10-21T22:42:00.002+08:00

In our daily life, are we too busy to help someone? Are we too busy to help someone who is lost to find his/her way? Are we too busy to hear someone share their problems? Are we too busy to even thank God for all He has done in you? Are you too busy to even say 'i love God?'

Question: "What are you busy in? Studies? Work? Playing?"

How long have you not talked to God? How long have you give busyness as an excuse not to read His Word? Are you really that busy or are you just refusing to find time for God? Think about it now. God bless =)

Do you know why you ask and do not receive?

2009-10-20T00:28:00.003+08:00

James 4:3-4
v3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
v4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Ever wondered why God says no to your request? This 2 verses answers your question. If you like worldly things, it means you hate God. Scary! If you ask for worldly things so that you can enjoy it, it is WRONG! We should not be enjoying worldly things, instead we should do more for the glory of God! God bless!

In control...

2009-10-19T23:17:00.003+08:00

When we accept God as our Lord and Savior, we have said that God is our Father, and we are His children.

What do all fathers do? Discipline us!

God will discipline us if we have done anything wrong. In this way, we will grow every day to be a better person. God will shape our character! Discipline is NEVER fun. It will hurt... A LOT! However, we all know that we will be a much better person after discipline. That is all it matters. =)

Do you know what is the amazing thing? God is IN CONTROL! God has never lost control and will never lose control in disciplining you. So remember this when you are going through tough times. EVERYTHING IS IN CONTROL! Your life is NEVER out of control or too messy. Stay strong in the Lord! =) God bless!

This is good!

2009-10-18T00:49:00.001+08:00

Ever heard people praise you? Example, "You are responsible!"

Then you would say, "I cannot accept the praise. I need to be humble!"

True humility is accepting what God makes you! Accept the fact! However, do not be proud or arrogant! Just simply say "thank you".

Once you accepted Christ, you are NOT sinless. You will still sin. However, in God's eyes (which only matters), you are blameless. It is because Jesus Christ died on the cross for YOU! You are already clothed in righteousness once you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior! That is why you will be blameless before God. Praise God!

About Anger.

2009-10-17T21:36:00.002+08:00

James 1:19-20
v19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
v20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

This verse is really what most of us need, including me. Why do i get angry so easily? What is so beautiful or amazing about anger that makes me want to get angry? The answer is NOTHING! The devil wants me to get angry so that i do unholy stuff. I shall persevere! With God, nothing can control me or bring me down!

If you are in trouble, seek God for help FIRST. God is the one who solves all problems.

God bless!

Just going to ask you a question today...

2009-10-16T22:37:00.002+08:00

Is God all that you can live for?

This means you do not care if you do not have anything/anyone, as long as you have God.

Answer yourself truthfully. God bless you!

Discipline!

2009-10-15T23:54:00.003+08:00

Hebrews 12:7-11
v7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
v8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
v9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
v10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
v11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

This few verses already explains itself. We go through many different things, especially hardship, so that we can be disciplined. God is training us to be a better person. If you have not gone through any suffering before, you are NOT God's children. However, everyone does. So we are ALL His children! Praise God! Pain and sufferings will not be comfortable and it will not be fun. It will hurt a lot! However, the reward is righteousness and peace. Do you want to have it? I do!

God bless!

Cool...

2009-10-14T00:44:00.000+08:00

I just saw this on the application 'God wants You to Know' on facebook and it is very interesting. It encouraged me and i thought i might as well share with you! =)

"If all you had to do was wish for something and you would have it, life would be pretty boring, wouldn't it? God placed barriers between us and what we want, so we can enjoy interesting and satisfying lives. God hid our biggest rewards behind the highest barriers - our deepest fears. God wants us to face our fears, and hold ground in their presence, and let them go, and that's how we get out biggest rewards. What are you most afraid of? Say it, just start by saying it."

Hope you feel encouraged by this. At least i was =) God bless!

Interesting...

2009-10-13T00:47:00.000+08:00

Isaiah 43:2 v2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
v8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
v9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

John 16:33
v33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

I saw something interesting on crosswalk which was linked to me by Sheena! *waves* In these few verse you see the words 'will', 'when you' and 'are' when it mentions about tough times (highlighted in blue). This means our lives will have pains, sufferings, hurts and more. The bible does NOT mention our lives will be comfortable after knowing God, so what is special in knowing God? The answer is below.

It is like an ancient pan scale. Two pans on each side of the needle. On the left, God places all our troubles, pains, sufferings and more. God does not take it away to balance the scale, He places eternal weight of glory on the right to balance it! In another word, a lifetime with Him! That is the best thing one could ever ask for! By placing weights on the right, our burdens start to get lighter and gets lifted up. So you can also say, more sufferings equals to more eternal rewards! Praise God! So do not worry about suffering for Christ! You will just get more eternal rewards! =D

God bless you!

Shine!

2009-10-12T01:46:00.000+08:00

I read a devotion material and i thought it was really interesting. So i would like to share with your.

When you light a candle, do you put something over the candle or do you put the candle in somewhere dark?

Of course you would put it in somewhere dark!

In the same way, the moment we come to Christ, we are the lighted candle. We are shining for God! The question now is, how are you going to use your light? Are you going to hide it and feel ashamed about knowing Christ? Or are you going to shine in the dark so that more people can come to know about God? Your life, your choice! Make a decision now! Do you want to shine for Christ?

God bless! =)

Focus on the big thing!

2009-10-11T00:40:00.000+08:00

I just realised something really weird. I felt the same message coming to me in different forms this week. It feels really weird yet exciting for me.

In a summarised version:
When we are going through tough times, we see the problem. However, why do we not see God as the One who will help us? When problems rises, why do we focus more on the problem rather than seeking answers from God? It really struck me... I hope that from today onwards, we will focus more on God rather than the problems we have in life. God is greater than all things, He is above all.

Topic on love... again.

2009-10-10T01:35:00.000+08:00

We live in a world filled with people and people WILL criticise, bear grudges, get angry, react violently and more... Christians are no exceptions. Many things will also happen among Christians. However, we Christians must not bear grudge. We must... forgive.

3 Things we must know:
1) Love Willingly
2) Love Selflessly
3) Love Obediently

When you say it is worth it, you will love that person automatically! The first step is to tell yourself it is worth it! Remember Jesus Christ died on the cross for you, a sinner! I believe i do not have to explain the second one. However, there is something important about the last point. As long as we act accordingly to God's command and show love, even if our heart says we hate that person, we are NOT hypocrites! Awesome right? So let us go out and show our love! No more fear of being a hypocrite! God bless!

God the faithful.

2009-10-09T23:45:00.002+08:00

This week, i really felt that God has been super understanding and patient with me. As in SUPER understanding. This week i was really mugging for O levels and i really hope to do well, with God's help of course. I still pray and read the bible daily though the time spent was shorter. I feel so torn apart, spending time with God vs studying. However, God has provided me time to rest, time to study and time with Him alone. He helped me when i had a problem and never once did He leave me alone although i did not spend as much time with Him as usual. God never fails. He loves me and i love Him. Right here, i would like to say sorry God for spending less time with you. I know He understands, yet i still feel sad. Thank you God for all your help! Please help me do well for the O level so that i can glorify your name. Let it be your will and not mine. Let me surrender the outcome to you.

Without you i am nothing, with you i am everything. I love you God!

Really?

2009-10-08T21:47:00.002+08:00

Today when i was walking home i asked myself. "Do i love God?" I said "yes".

Then i asked myself again, "Do i REALLY love God?" I hesitated. The reason? If i REALLY love God, i would do anything for Him and obey His every single instructions and commands. I did not. I realised i have took God for granted. I believe most of us are like this. If we were to add the word 'really' into our questions, we may find another answer. Take this time and ask yourself, "Do you REALLY love God?" and "Do you really know who God is?" Really? Be honest with yourself, there is no reason to lie.

Where did we put our trust?

2009-10-07T23:51:00.002+08:00

When troubles happen and when you are in danger. When exams are coming. When you are being robbed. When you may get fired anytime. When someone you love or care is in danger. Who do we turn to FIRST?

Best friends? Parents? Teachers? Doctors? Here is the question, "When do you ask God for help? Do we ask God first in every situation or do we wait till we can do nothing on our own before turning to God?" We should seek God for help FIRST in every and any situation. God is NEVER too busy to hear your questions/needs. We should trust in Him in every situation.

I recently gone through a sticky situation this week. (read my blog for more information) I realised the first thing i did was to solve it on my own. I forgotten that whatever i had was from God and i thought i was 'great'. However, i was wrong. Thank you God for reminding me! I was caught by surprised and i fell. This shows that we should always be prepared! Our walk with God must NEVER stop for a single second! We NEED God! God bless!

Ah well!

2009-10-06T20:39:00.003+08:00

Titus 3
v1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
v2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Verse 1 says be subject to rulers and authorities! That means you have to obey the rules and laws! WAIT! The important thing is do only what is good in God's eyes! Sorry guys, that means going for a haircut if your hair is too long. =) No littering too! Most importantly, OBEY God! God is the one and only true ruler and He has all the authority on earth and in Heaven! He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords! "..., to be obedient,..." Why say this? It is because God prefers obedience rather than sacrifice. He wants us to be obedient to Him! It is better to obey Him rather than giving Him offerings.

The main thing in verse 2 for me is to show true humility toward ALL man. That means everyone! Even if you do not like that person, we have to show TRUE humility! That means coming from your heart and not acting. HARD! >.< I will do my best, God help me do the rest! God bless!

Let your actions speak not your mouth

2009-10-05T23:08:00.002+08:00

Titus 1:16
16They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

This verse sounded simple when i first read it but after thinking for awhile, i found it quite meaningful. "They claim to know God,...." shows that with their mouth, they declare they know God and believe in Him. "... but by their actions they deny him." This means, ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS! Their actions DENIED God. This means that action is more important. Although they may say "I LOVE YOU GOD", if they continue to sin and refuse to repent, they DO NOT love God.

Conclusion:
-First, let your actions show that you LOVE God!
-Second, it is not the point to be perfect. The point is to continue to stop sinning. Just keep trying! If you keep trying to stop sinning, God is happy. God bless! =)

Sticky situation.

2009-10-04T23:37:00.003+08:00

I am currently in a sticky situation and trust me, you do not want to be in one. I cannot do this and that and that too. ARGH! I cannot move forward or backwards, left or right. I can only stay where i am. However, i am going to trust in the Lord our God. I choose to have faith in Him. Though i feel frustrated and sometimes angry, i know God will NEVER leave me. He will always be with me! If you are also in a sticky situation, why not commit it to the Lord now? God bless! =)

Sin.

2009-10-03T23:42:00.004+08:00

What is sin? Sin is not something you do then you go "Oops! I did something wrong. Sorry God." It is much serious then this! Way more serious!

There is two meaning to sins:
1) Doing something you know you should not do (lying, stealing, killing, greed, lust)
2) Doing something you should have done but did not (love your friend, telling the truth)

Sin is a rebellious action towards God! When you sin, you disregard God's law! This means you are rebelling against God! Even a tiny lie is rebelling! WOAH! When you sin, you are associated to the devil! Do you know what this means? You suffer the same consequences as the devil!

Example: You dye your hair rainbow and you walk like gangster. When you go on the streets, people will give you a stare. Police officers will also ask you for your IC. Why? It is because you have been associated with a gangster! You will be treated as one!

Do you want that? The devil is going to hell! Do you want to go to hell too?

Then what can we do? First, you must admit that it is sin! DO NOT give excuses! Do not say, "Oh, it is like that." or "My mother say i am like that." STOP! When you have sinned, say you have sin! You cannot hide anything from God! Nothing! If it is an act (willing to admit sin is sin), it is easy to correct. If it is an attitude (refuse to admit sin is sin), that would be hard! Now take the time to identify what your sins are.

...
...
...

The devil has 3 ways to destroy us:
1) Entice us to sin
2) Inflicts diseases into our body
3) Seduces us to error

Let me tell you this, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO OVERCOME SIN! When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He not only washed our sins away. He has also gave us the power to overcome sin! Through the Holy Spirit, you can be changed! The Holy Spirit will transform our sinful nature to more godly characteristics. (righteousness of God)

Conclusion: The point is not to make your life perfect. We WILL sin! The point is to keep trying to stop sinning. That is all it matters. To keep trying! Regardless how many times you fail, keep trying!

I see...

2009-10-02T22:18:00.003+08:00

2 Timothy 2:11-13
v11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
v12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
v13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

This 3 verses really summarise our walk with God. On earth, when we die because we believe in the Lord our God, we will forever live in Heaven with God. Praise God! When we go through trials and we persevere, we will always come out as the winner! God will always be there to help us to persevere and get through the difficulties =) When we say we do not believe in Him anymore, He will allow you to leave Him. However, He will also reject you. It is your choice! If you want Him, He will be there. If you do not, He will not force you to be with Him. If we have lost faith in Him, He will always be full of faith. This means that as long as we believe in the Lord our God, He will always be there for us. He never fails! God bless!

Money is the root of all evil. Indeed!

2009-10-01T22:14:00.002+08:00

1 Timothy 6:7-10
v7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
v8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
v9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
v10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

This few verses has brought my attention to how i am living in life. The first verse is so true. I believe most of us already know it. We bring nothing to the world, we take nothing out of it.

Then why are we hungering for all these?

It struck me... I was and still am speechless. What is the point of saving so much money just to buy something when you can use the money to bless someone? That is a very good point. I have seen and personally experienced becoming enemy with my friend(s) over money issues. I have seen how money tore up a family who used to be close together. I have seen people lying to one another for the sake of money. Money... is the root of all evil. If we desire for it, no doubt we can enjoy the comfort of the world. However, it will lead to many sufferings.

So i encourage you, do not let money be part of your life. Do not hold on to it. Do not be obsessed about it. Money is important in this world, but it should NOT be important in your heart. God bless!

Young? No problem!

2009-09-30T23:02:00.002+08:00

1 Timothy 4:12
v12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Does being young give you an excuse to disobey God's Word? Does being young give you an excuse to push all blames away? Does being young means you cannot do great things for God? NO! So what if you are young? You can still do great things for God! You still have to obey His commandments! You will still be judged for your sin! So live your life that pleases God! The younger generation will say what a good example you are. While the older generation will be ashamed of their own behaviour. So who says being young means you are useless? Think about it! Then act! God bless!

Will you?

2009-09-29T22:02:00.002+08:00

1 Timothy 2:1-4
v1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
v2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
v3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
v4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

v1-2 just shows how prayer should be done. And it shows that prayer pleases God. However, the main point is in verse4.

God our Savior, who wants ALL MEN to be SAVED and to come to a knowledge of the truth. God wants you to know Him! Every single one of you! No matter what you do for a living, no matter how tall or short you are, how fat or skinny, how rich or poor you are, God wants to save YOU! He wants you to be in Heaven with Him! The only problem is, will you accept His help? Will you allow Him to change your life for the better? Will you let Him be your Lord your God?

If you want, say out this prayer with me. If you do not, close this screen NOW! I am serious!

Dear Heavenly Father, i want to accept you as my Lord and Savior today. Please enter my life and forgive me of my sins. Let the Holy Spirit guide me and lead me. I thank you for sending your one and only Son Jesus to die on the cross to wash my sins away. And i also thank you for letting me be your child even though i do not deserve it. In Jesus Name i pray. Amen!

Start the love!

2009-09-28T22:47:00.003+08:00

Ever felt you were unloved? Or no one really cares for you? Do you sometimes feel alone? Do you sometimes also people to love you?

If you feel like the above, here is what you can do. Why not start loving others? If everyone were to ask why nobody love me, then who would be the one loving others? Why not YOU start spreading the love? Love others as God has loved you. Love is the greatest commandment from God. Love others because God wants you to, NOT because you want to get attention/loved back or more.

Mark 12:29-31
v29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
v30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
v31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."

Remember, love others because it is pleasing to God! Not because you want attention! God bless!

Faith.

2009-09-27T22:59:00.002+08:00

Faith:
1) belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
2) confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.

I have seen a quote before, i can not really remember where. If you know, please tell me so i can give the credit. This quote is NOT mine. "Believing in something unseen is faith, believing something that can be seen is knowledge." This is very true! When you say where is God? I can not see Him. Then where is your faith?! If God were to show Himself to everyone, then it is knowledge and not having faith in God! Then how do we separate those who truly love God and those who do not? So STOP doubting! The Lord our God EXISTS! He is the one and only God! Though we may not see Him, have faith! So stay strong in your faith, because one day, you are going to meet Him in Heaven! God bless you!

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Touched

2009-09-26T21:43:00.002+08:00

Today, i have learnt about many things this week and i have seen things in different ways. I have really experienced God's wonderful grace and perfect planning. It is AMAZING how God works everything out. All it does is for me to obey. I learnt a lot, and i thank God for providing me with many sources to walk closer with Him! Thank you!

My question to you is, have you been obeying God? Have you been listening to Him? If not, i encourage you, OBEY HIM! Love him with all your heart. And TRUST Him in everything! Even when we think things are getting bad, TRUST Him!

Praise God! =)

100th post!

2009-09-25T02:28:00.000+08:00

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
v5 All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
v6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you
v7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

This tells us that God is JUST! God will not judge anyone with favouritism and He is ALWAYS right. It also says that whatever you suffer for Christ, God will reward you for it. So stay strong! Do not give up! It also says that God will always protect you, comfort you and always be there when you need Him. He NEVER fails. You may not feel His presence, but He is there!

God bless!

Something that struck me in 1 Thessalonians

2009-09-24T21:49:00.004+08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
v12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
v13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
v14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
v15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
v16 Be joyful always;
v17 pray continually;
v18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

admonish
1.to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
2.to reprove or scold, esp. in a mild and good-willed manner: The teacher admonished him about excessive noise.
3.to urge to a duty; remind: to admonish them about their obligations.

v12 says respect those who serve God faithfully in His ministry. And to respect those who are walking closer to God. It does not say age or name or race. It says ANYONE who is closer to God. Respect them, and listen for advice from them. Then you will also grow closer with the Lord.

v13-14 Love one another and be an encourager to your friends. However, i urge you to encourage them appropriately. Giving the wrong type of encouragement can be destructive to the person. Encourage him/her in the right way.

v15 Simple, do not bear grudges. Always forgive.

v16-18 Always pray and always give thanks to the Lord for EVERYTHING good or bad. For the Lord always give you the BEST!

God bless!

Suffer your own actions.

2009-09-23T23:51:00.004+08:00

Colossians 3:25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Lately i have realised a trend. One would usually say "That guy/girl hit me for no reason!" or something like that. Then i would ask them, "Does it matter what wrong they did to you?" I agree that you will feel hurt, maybe betrayed and more. But after that, what else do you want to do? Hit them back? Have revenge? If so, what difference are you from him/her who did u wrong? NONE! Let me tell you, God will punish those who did wrong. According to HIS/HER OWN actions. God will do the punishing for you. But, if you take revenge, God will ALSO punish you! THERE IS NO FAVORITISM! For Christians or non-Christians, God will treat all the same! You will have to take the punishment for your own actions! Therefore, i urge you! Forgive! It is OK to be bullied. For you know, God will NEVER forsake you! He will bring you through all your difficulties. Trust in Him and all will be provided for you! God bless!

Slave!

2009-09-22T22:30:00.003+08:00

Romans 7:24-25
24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

For your info, the writer is Paul. Notice i underlined the word 'slave'. When i read this, i asked myself. "Why did he say that? Was he actually doing God's work out of the sake of doing it? Was he actually reluctant to do?" Then i checked up the definition of slave.

Slave - a person who is the property of and wholly subject to another

The explanation "wholly subject to another" solved my question. Paul was not whining or showing his grudge against God. He was saying that he is totally under God's law. He does not obey the world's law but only God's law. 100% without doubt. He does not care if he is tortured or even killed if he does God's works. He only obeys God!

This made me think, do we obey God's law wholeheartedly like Paul? Or do we give up or surrender when someone tells you that you can be jailed for obeying God or even killed. It made me realise, i am still not a slave to God's law. But i want to be! God, make me a slave of your law! I am willing! Have a God blessed day!

Action!

2009-09-21T21:50:00.002+08:00

Philippians 4:8-9
v8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
v9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Verse 8 says think about everything good. Everything that is worthy of God's name. It does not say think about sin, or unholy things like lust, porn, violence and etc. We usually act according to what we think. If we keep thinking of righteous and holy things, we will be filled with it and our actions will show. If we are filled with violence and lust, our actions will also show (pervert or mad).

Verse 9 says that whatever we learn that is holy and good, we put into action. NOT keep it to our self. It is to put it to ACTION. It means practice what we learn. If we keep what we learn to our self, there is NO point in learning! So practice what we learn! Always be aware of your actions. I will be learning with you! Let us work hard to always practice what we learn. And as we will learn forever, we practice forever. At least till we die. God bless!

What do we first pray about?

2009-09-20T23:05:00.002+08:00

What do we first pray about?

What i thought: "Pray for others and the church." Why? "To pray for blessings upon them." Why do you pray? "To talk more to God and be closer to Him."
(notice it is a conversation type)

However i was WRONG! What is the purpose of praying? It is to talk to God and to be closer with Him. Then why do we pray for other things before we can get closer to Him? Why not pray for that first? If you are spiritually weak or your walk with God is not close, how is it possible for you to pray about other things? Only when you are spiritually strong, will you be able to pray for others.

Therefore, pray for YOURSELF first. Build your relationship with God! When your walk with God is close, when you feel spiritually strong. Spread it to those who are in need. Pray for others, pray for your church, pray for your leaders. Pray for those who are hurt and in need. Basically pray for everything! Do not keep anything that God has blessed you with extra. Spread the love to others! God bless u!

Going deeper.

2009-09-19T23:56:00.002+08:00

Recently, my spiritual walk was sort of "smooth" and was spiritually filled. Very eager to learn God's Word and so on. However today shavinn said something which was very unexpected yet meaningful. SUPER unexpected (SUPER is an understatement). I learnt to question deeper into things. Learn things not by quantity but quality. Not to question the faith i have in God. It is NOT to question the faith. It is to really to know the true meaning of things and experience it. THAT is when i will grow more deeper. It is time to get out of my comfort zone. Time to take this challenge just to know more about God! God bless!

Serving & Obedience

2009-09-18T00:39:00.003+08:00

Philippians 2:5-8
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

You may want to read this post before you begin. (click here)

Look at verse 6, Jesus came down to earth as a human being. Though Jesus was also God, He came down in the form of a human being. Not some mystical creature or some bright light. But as a human being, so that He can show us the meaning of humility. Jesus was powerful, yet He became a servant. To serve us. This shows that, we are on this earth to serve and NOT to be served. We should be servants for God. We must act in humility like Jesus Christ and serve others. Putting our pride away. Hard, but necessary.

Verse 8, "... he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" Jesus obeyed the Father all the way to death. In the same way, we should obey God, even if it means we have to die. Obedience is very crucial and very important in our walk with God. Obedience is something we all need to learn and apply it in our life.

Have a God blessed day! =D

God's full armor! =D

2009-09-17T22:59:00.003+08:00

Ephesians 6:11-17
v11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
v12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. v13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
v14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
v15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
v16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
v17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

When i read verse 12, i really connected with it. When i ask myself "Why am i afraid to spread the gospel to people?" The answer is "Scared i will get rejected, scared they will say i am not being sensitive." It is true i need to be sensitive, yet being over-sensitive or afraid causes me to disobey God. Especially when Singapore is a multi-racial society. It actually provides a lot of restrictions. In this world, we are not trying to 'kill' one another. We are actually fighting against people who have the power to torture/harm us (e.g. put us to jail). This is because we are afraid of being tortured by them! At least i am... And of course, the constant spiritual warfare that is always ongoing.

So how do we stand firm, and not be 'destroyed' by our enemies. We msut have:
1) Truth
2) Righteousness
3) Gospel of peace
4) Faith
5) Salvation
6) Word of God

God bless you! =)

Transparency

2009-09-16T23:42:00.003+08:00

Ephesians 5:11-14
v11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
v12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
v13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
v14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Here it says to have NOTHING to do with darkness. It means do not even go near it or even be in it. Stay clear from sin. We WILL continue to sin, but we must do ALL our best to stop sinning. It also says fruitless deeds. Whatever we do will be judged by God when we die. Whatever that we do that is pleasing to God gives us eternal treasure. While everything not pleasing (sins) will NOT give us eternal treasure. Therefore, it is fruitless.

We must be work to be open to everyone. All our dirty secrets should be exposed. If you are afraid of being exposed, you will work hard to stop doing sinful stuff. Simple as that. Jesus Christ has died on the cross and rose again to save us! He gave us life, so that we may shine for Him. Let us shine for God and glorify His precious name! Praise God!

Are our actions showing what is in our heart?

2009-09-15T23:14:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 29:13
v13 "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me"

When i read verse, i had this weird feeling in me. It struck me very strongly. Notice 'Me' is God speaking. We do things for God and we worship Him. We praise Him and give thanks with everything we do. But does our heart feels the same way? One example. When we say grace to give thanks for the food, are we really thankful? When we say 'God, i love you!', does our heart really say that?

Another thing is being involved in the ministry. When we serve God and do many things, are we doing it out of love and passion for God OR is it out of the sake of doing it? Do we serve in a structured and cold way? If you are, you are doing it for the WRONG reason. We should serve God because we LOVE Him!

It is time for me to reflect once again... God bless you!

All you have to do is TRY!

2009-09-14T23:40:00.002+08:00

Galatians 5:24
v24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

In this verse it just says that if you are in Christ, all your sinful nature has died if you desire to stop sinning. You DO NOT have to totally stop sinning to be saved. In fact, you CANNOT stop sinning! What God really wants is for you to do YOUR best to stop sinning. Do not compare yourself with others. God NEVER judge you by comparing with someone else. God just wants you to have the desire to stop sinning. As long as you do that, God is happy. This is a very simple message, but the question is, "Are you willing to take the first step to stop sinning for GOD?"

Surrendering our all.

2009-09-13T23:04:00.002+08:00

Surrender:
1) to give (oneself) up,
2) to give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion, etc.
3) to give up, abandon, or relinquish (comfort, hope, etc.)

When we say we surrender our all to God, it is really giving up everything. It is not only when we are in good times, or being blessed with everything. It is also praising God when God takes everything from us. EVERYTHING. Even to the extend that we lose our close friends/ family members. It is praising God even when you are sad or depressed. Praising God when you lose your job or had a fight with your close friends. It is praising God when EVERYTHING goes wrong in your day. THAT is surrendering your ALL.

For me, it is very hard to surrender my all. Although i have always tell God i want to surrender my all, i always fail. I am still attached to this world. But i am working hard to really surrendering it all. I know that God will not let us suffer for no reason, in fact, God wants the best for us and DO NOT want us to suffer. God allows satan to tempt us and test us so that we will grow closer to Him. Trials and temptations brings perseverance. Perseverance brings out character. Character brings hope. And God NEVER fails. Allow God to mould you and train you today! The only way that can be done is for us to let Him take control of our lives. Which is surrendering our all to Him. Even our lives. Let God take charge, and wait for a wonderful transformation!

My cell GDP (God's Dwelling Place)

2009-09-12T23:34:00.002+08:00

My cell... is AWESOME! Some say we are super quiet, some say weird? But i say, it is the best cell i could ask for. Seeing them grow one by one... AHHHHH! So touching! If you are seeing this, I LOVE YOU! xD Seeing them desiring for Christ. Seeing them trying to be more than they are. It is their desire and their love they have for God even if they are unaware. It is really touching. GDP, I LOVE YOU! Let us all grow in Christ together!

Learnings from Prayer & Power Night (PnP) 12/09/09

2009-09-11T00:42:00.000+08:00

If we believe in God, we are ALREADY SAVED! No matter what happens, you will be in Heaven. But this is NOT the issue. The issue is, how have we invested our talents/gifts that God has given us? Only by doing God's works can we receive our REWARD! Our reward is given by what we have done on this earth. It is not judged by comparing with anyone in this universe, but by your capabilities + your choice to respond to God + your decisions in life. If we do not live up to God's expectations, we are the LOSERS! Not God, not your friend, not your family but YOU!

Decisions that do not follow God's will = straw
Decisions that follow God's will = precious gems
In your life, every decisions we make determine if our life will be filled with more STRAW or more PRECIOUS GEMS. When we die, God will judge us. He will use a burning torch and burn everything we have done in this world. Those that are made of straw will be WORTHLESS! However, those that are made of precious gems will be REFINED and it will be given as an offering to God. So let us do God's will, let us be obedient and obey His every command. Let us live our life for God so that we will have more precious gems when we account to God. WE WILL ALL ACCOUNT TO GOD!

God never makes junk! When God called you to be His children, He wants to use you! You are not useless, not worthless, not a waste of resources. You are meant to do His works! Remember, GOD NEVER MAKES JUNK! You are precious in His eyes. Do not let Him down.

Another point i learnt today was this. During this week, i kept complaining to God why He did not do this, why He never do that. Why He never listened to me or help me. Then i was convicted today. We are here to please God, NOT here to ask God to please us. Even if we suffer, we must please God! This is our purpose in life. To PLEASE God! Have you been pleasing God? Or have you been like me, complaining to God about everything?

There is one thing that i have yet to fully understand. "There is ONLY this day and THAT day (when we die and are judged)!" I will think through it!

Before i end, i just want to share something awesome! After the sermon, we had a prayer for healing, and my pain really disappeared! Amen! Praise God!

Weakness!

2009-09-10T23:10:00.002+08:00

2 Corinthians 11:30

v30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness

This verse is showing that if we have to boast about things, let it be about our weaknesses so that people can see that it is our God that is being glorified and not us. Our weaknesses will show the need for God! So i would like to share some of my weaknesses. Food, soccer, girls -.- , lack of perseverance. I can only think of these few at this moment. I thank God for guiding me since i was born and has continue to guide me without giving me up. THANK YOU GOD! I pray that we will be open with our weaknesses so that God will be glorified and not us. We are nothing without God. NOTHING! God bless you!

Doubts?

2009-09-09T23:28:00.002+08:00

Went to church to study with my cell, GDP (God's Dwelling Place), and ate dinner with them. We talked about the issue on doubts.

Some questions like "Why was Israel first specifically blessed by God?" "Why are there contradictions in the bible or things we do not understand?"

I just thought of this, there are doubts in our minds, but it is because we are using our own understanding and knowledge to read the Word of God. Who are we to question God's plans? Who are we to say that God is showing favouritism or anger or His actions are unholy? God judges us, and NOT we who judge God. Remember that God is perfect, He makes NO mistake! Some doubts are given from the devil, just cast it out and have faith in the Lord our God for He is PERFECT!

CAM Musical 2010

2009-09-08T23:15:00.002+08:00

WOOTS! My church is having a Musical Concert on 1-2 April 2010. Long way~~~ But preparations have started :D I have joined as STAGE CREW a.k.a. manual job labourers. HAHA!

There is a few things that I hope we can all pray together about:
1) God's covering on everyone involved as we are doing His works and the devil will try to stop us.
2) Pray that we will not crash and burn.
3) There will be no internal conflicts. United we stand, divided we fall.

For Christians who are still not serving in any ministry, i urge you to join one and serve God. The church needs you regardless of how small you think you are. Without the cleaners, the church is dirty. Without the ushers, who will guide you to the correct place. Without the teachers, who will teach you about God's word? No one is too small for anything. God has made you perfect to serve in whatever ways you can. Stop being shy and do your best for God! God deserves it! God bless!