Earth's Mission

Goodbye

2009-01-28T00:08:00.001+08:00

It is over.

Goodbye.

The agony of me.

2008-12-18T17:15:00.002+08:00

It's painful, the cutting words, the true revelation, on how horrible a companion I make.

I push people to do the things they don't like.
I force people to do the things they can't.

And all I can sincerely ask is, "did I?".

Maybe I'm destined to be single for the Lord. To spare men the agony in the form of this "small, cute little girl" for she is a monster in sheep's clothing.

Seems like I strayed far from my mission on Earth:

1) To bless people
Did I? No one told me they feel blessed by me. But my loved one pleaded with me to stop pressurizing and forcing any further. What did I do? I just make small requests. If can't fulfill it's ok, no one is pushing. But I did. I pushed. I pushed you over the edge, but before you fall, I fell.

2) To grow spiritually
I have placed my focus elsewhere, and God is moulding me back to where I should focus on. Not so hard, it hurts.

3) To share the gospel
Well, My Hope Singapore is in 3 days time. Let's hope I can at least fulfill this.

4) To better manage my time
I spend a lot of time enjoying myself with you.

5) To be able to say mission accomplished.

6) To be able to eat proper meals everyday.
I will work on it when I get my appetite back.

7) To live a fulfilling and wholesome life.
I can, if I were to sacrifice my "Isaac". Do I dare take up this challenge?

8) To be able to go for mission trips
MT to Khon Kaen was cancelled. Awaiting the next available one. The further away from SG the better. The longer the trip, the better.

9) To be obedient to His will and calling.
I will and choose to be obedient, just reveal to me Your will and calling! At this rate, I feel like I'm walking the wrong way! Why is the path so difficult to tread upon? Is it meant to be? Lord please guide me. Drag my lifeless body back to the path I am supposed to take. The roads hurt no more, the chill bites no more.

What lies ahead for me? For us?

My head hurts dwelling in the negative. But there's nothing positive now, is there?

Put all the pain on me, spare him. I'm willing. Is this the start of my suffering? Good. Then take suffering away from him. No point 2 people suffer for the same cause.

Please, spare him the agony.

The agony of me.

Mark 5:13-16

2008-12-05T10:22:00.004+08:00

When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me."
For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!"
Then He asked him, "What is your name?"
And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."
Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them."
And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
Mark 5:6-13

Have you ever been fascinated by the above story? I was, and that was all,
until the Lord revealed something humbling to me.

Worship - as shared previously, the highest form of worship unto the Lord is when we verbally ask, seek, thank, proclaim or acknowledge Him for who He is and what He has done....for such worship is in spirit and truth.

Ran - Mark 6:33: But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him.
A demon possessed man ran to Jesus....multitudes who knew Jesus ran to Him. That's the attitude we must have, to always always run first to Jesus in every situation, worshipping (see above) Him.... not to man.....in good times and bad times....not only in bad times.

These are the humbling revelation:

Implore, begged - the demon implored and begged Jesus, and being the gracious Lord He is, He gave permission !!!

1) What the Lord has shown me is that when my prayers/requests are answered, I am never to think that I have a right standing before God, for even the Lord answers the demons !!!

Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine; and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

2) The Lord showed in in the above is that the Lord answers our prayers so that we may know of His grace, His goodness and His mercy, in order that we may come to repentance.. but if we do not change, our end will still be the same.

Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

Temporal or everlasting joy?

2008-11-13T18:40:00.002+08:00

The road is long
With many a winding turns

He is faithful,
He is faithful,
He is faithful,
His joy is my strength...

My life, my burdens, I place in your hands, God.
Use it for your glory.
Basking in the happy times, dwelling in the painful times.
Above all, for every second of my life, I choose to give thanks.

:)

I will wait patiently for His perfect timing. I will not falter, not stray away.
I will be faithful and continue to press on heavenwards to the goal that He has prepared for me.

God I thank you for him.
I really do. :)

Do I go on?

2008-11-06T09:44:00.003+08:00

I'm crawling on the thorn-filled floor, with each step painful and excruciating, wanting to reach the goal that God has prepared for me. Yet, is this what God has prepared for me? Am I suffering for nothing or for a bigger picture I have yet to see? I want to give up not as a choice but coerced to give up because my knees are bleeding and I'm ignoring the pain, the flesh of my palms are ripped apart but I'm ignoring the pain. Still I crawl forth. Do I stop now or do I carry on?

Emotions, I learn to disregard.
Where do I go now?
What have I become?
Where am I now in this short span of youthfulness?
How long more do I have to wait?
Is this a test of endurance?

Am I being impatient?
Am I being absurd?
Am I being unreasonable?

This chapter of life starts on like this.
This chapter of life, will it end like a kiss?

Negativity is haunting me, many voices are cautioning me.
I find no comfort anywhere, only from God.

This is what I want, what I chose.
But I'm not prepared to die for it yet.
Sacrificing too much, with naught in return (yet).
To give myself away, not to the game of love,
But to the pain and denial the world brings.

I'm in pain, yet no one can help me. But God.

Weddings and A staff Retreat

2008-10-02T18:15:00.000+08:00

3 Weddings and a staff retreat.

By the grace of God!

A new chapter

2008-09-11T11:14:00.002+08:00

It is the end of a chapter, and the start of a new.

As the old chapter closes, it feels as if I've entered into a new realm. A realm of exciting uncertainty, yet uncertainty brings some element of fear.

It feels different. It is different.

It is not as simple as it seems, it is not as easy as it seems, it is not as smooth as it seems.

Nothing much can I offer, but to cling on to God as He leads.

A turning point in my life.

Many things I cannot comprehend. Mind full of questions, "why?".

To live for the present or to live for the future?

God is definitely evident in my life:
My thoughts, He sees.
My cries, He hears.
My heart, He searches.
My soul, He comfort.
My resolutions, He challenges.
My work, He prospers.
My family, He blesses.
My hope, He multiplies.
My weakness, He strengthens.
My strengths, He's glorified.

The whole world may crucify me, the whole world may be against me. But when my heart and soul seekth the Lord, there I shall find my peace.

The start of a new chapter, begins.

Taking a break

2008-08-09T14:03:00.001+08:00

Hi, I will be taking a break from blogging for a while.

Much apologies.

Sometime - God knows best

2008-07-07T23:19:00.002+08:00

God knows best.

Sometimes when life's lessons have been learned
And sun and stars 'ever more have set
The things our judgements here have spurned,
Things which we grieved with lashes wet

Flashing before like shining stars
On life's deeper tints of dark blue night
Hence we shall see God's plans were right
For He is the way, the truth and the Light!

So be content, you poor little heart
As God's plans, like lillies unfold
Pure and white as we're set apart
Only time will reveal the chalices of Gold

And if, through patient toil we reach
The land we stand, sandals loose, we rest
Then we shall see and understand
No truer words than "God knows best"

Booklets and smiles

2008-07-02T22:44:00.003+08:00

Lucky Lynette got to see and laugh hysterically at the old diary entries.

She asked permission to share with Azel one entry and ended up sharing everything.

Not that I mind since it happened 9 years ago :)

I thank God for the acceptance and smiles I received today. Although a part of me felt that the dog made the difference, but I hope to be bolder next week.

I thank God for you, such blessings in my life...

There is a time for everything

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to hurt and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and at time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to fight,

a time to quarrel and a time for peace.

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

Old diaries

2008-06-26T00:19:00.002+08:00

I found my old diaries somewhere in my closet.

Sweet, funny, sad, more funny memories were penned down and I could remember those crazy times like it just happened yesterday,

Where are all these people now? Are they fine?

I laughed at the language I used then.

I smiled at all the funny weird crushes I had.

I cried at the remembrance of all my dead hamsters.

I persevered to put a face to some of the names mentioned in the diary.

I laughed even more at the written prayer after every entry.

"Dear Jesus, You ROX!"

A walk down memory lane....

Not I, but Christ.

Be honoured, love, exalted.

Tired

2008-06-23T20:16:00.003+08:00

Time and tide waits for no man.

There can be no truer words than these.

Wait for me.

The tear reader

2008-06-18T00:03:00.002+08:00

Uncontrolled thoughts racing fury
Paralyzed emotion face affixed; worry
Screaming demons forever talking
Fear crouches in the shadow so dark; stalking

Torment. Daunting anguish afraid to reason
Lonely. Crowded solitude. Spiritual treason
Ready to burst not knowing what to do
No words to utter. Life experience too few

Wounded to long. Crushed. Hurt to deep
Please. Meaningless words are so cheap
Who will listen and understand
To the voice that trumpets; unheard by man

Tear stained pillow; interminable nights
Drenched whispers the last effort to fight
God, my well is parched and dry
Life's chapter complete. A final authored cry

Open up your eyes and put away your fears
I have read each one your tears
Quiet my child. I am your God, never doubt
I have already worked it out.

-

Yes it is, maybe not
On the morrow I'd have forgot
Many things I may have fought
Or so it seems, as I have thought

Questions aplenty, unrest heart
In it lies, is nothing but
Choppy waves that seemed somewhat
Perhaps, the red sea will never part

To place it all at the Father's feet
Is it truly an insurmountable feat?
Having faith like a mustard seed
O Lord, it's You I do so need.

Deepest Condolences to Xiuluan

2008-06-01T18:00:00.010+08:00

Deepest condolences to Xiu Luan on the demise of her father.

All in due time

2008-05-31T13:28:00.002+08:00

How often, Lord, I've wanted life
to be as I preferred,

impatient to reach all my goals,
insisting I be heard.

How many times I questioned You,
embarking on a feat,

unwilling to be passenger,
but in the driver's seat.

How seldom I was patient
as I begged that life be calm,

not believing all along
that I was in Your palm.

How fast possessions slip away,
though often I would cling

to things thought safe
instead of trusting what Your will would bring.

Be with me, Lord,
as I search for another hill to climb.

I know rewards will come to me,
all in the Lord's due time.

Lord I pray to you

2008-05-28T15:32:00.002+08:00

It's weighing heavy on me. It's all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer, I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me-----

those in this world who have barely enough food for this day,
and those who don't have a roof over their heads at night.

I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have passed on because of the earthquake and cyclone, for the many people who are dying of starvation, for the hundreds of thousands who are laid waste with other terrible diseases, for people whose bodies have been suddenly shattered, for those who are lying in hospital with agonizing bruises over their bodies, whose faces are beyond recognition.

I pray for people with emphysema,
whose eyes fill with terror as they struggle for every breath merely to live, for those who are tormented beyond words by irrational fears, for the elderly who are wracked with the pains of aging, whose only "escape" is death.

I pray for people who are watching their loved ones fade before their eyes through the grief of Alzheimer's disease, for the many thousands who are suffering the agony of Aids, for those who are in such despair they are about to commit suicide, for people who are tormented by the demons of alcoholism, and drug addiction.

I pray for children who have been abandoned by their parents, for those who are sexually abused, for wives held in quiet despair, beaten and abused by cruel and drunken husbands, for people whose minds have been destroyed by mental disorders, for those who have lost everything in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

I pray for the blind, who never see the faces of the ones they love, or the beauty of a sunrise, for those whose bodies are horribly deformed by painful arthritis, for the many whose lives will be taken from them today by murderers, for those wasting away on their deathbeds in hospitals.

Most of all, I cry out for the millions who don't know the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ....
for those who in a moment of time will be swept into Hell by the cold hand of death, and find to their utter horror the unspeakable vengeance of eternal fire. They will be eternally damned to everlasting punishment. O God, I pray for them.

Strange,
I can't seem to remember what my problem was.

In Jesus name I pray,Amen.

biao ge msn conversation

2008-05-26T00:32:00.006+08:00

HELLO BOSS!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

(I feel so obliged to type this for every new entry)

Anyway, I laughed so hard with my conversation with biao ge:

Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
I HEARD
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
YOUR FIRST KISS
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
GIVE TO A MOTH
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
joseph_shalom says:
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAA
joseph_shalom says:
i will kill aaron
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAaha
joseph_shalom says:
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
who's the lucky moth?
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
aahaahahaha
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
oh man
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
stomache
joseph_shalom says:
i will kill u
joseph_shalom says:
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
i cry again...
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
laugh until cry
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
share w me
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
how is it like kissing a moth?
joseph_shalom says:
i did not kiss it
joseph_shalom says:
it flew straight to my lips
joseph_shalom says:
and force a kiss from me
joseph_shalom says:
i feel so violated
joseph_shalom says:
can
joseph_shalom says:
i have to spit and wash my mouth many times
joseph_shalom says:
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
joseph_shalom says:
da huai dan that moth
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
now i know why doremon not attracted to you; because she's not a moth
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
ahahaaa
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
AND
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
i know you always steal aaron's underwear to wear
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
oh man.. i can't sleep anymore.. laugh too much
joseph_shalom says:
that one no choice
joseph_shalom says:
he always force me to stay in his house
joseph_shalom says:
so i need to be hygiene
joseph_shalom says:
and the worse thing is that i have to accompany him to the toilet at night
joseph_shalom says:
cos he scared of dark
joseph_shalom says:
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Tiffany & Co(Co) says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA

Ok, I'm wide awake. I miss spongebob!

MARK!

2008-05-23T23:16:00.007+08:00

HELLO BOSS,

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

Ok. Now what? Hahaha...

Sorry um... if anything here upsets you.

Didn't think you'd know about this little shoutout place of mine.

Thanks for being honest about it, appreciate it really. :)

Oh and hope you have a great time here!

-v-

Well, life resumes as per normal.

My sister showed me some of the blogs of her friend's friends:

http://youme-her.blogspot.com/
http://www.amulet-bb-blog.blogspot.com/
http://liz-de-light-of-my-life.blogspot.com/
http://kisscakee.blogspot.com/
http://www.fill-with-love.blogspot.com/
http://xiaodaisy.blogspot.com/
http://www.xanga.com/HUIPING_JN
http://immateenagemom.blogspot.com/
http://www.theattitudeme.blogspot.com/

Makes me wonder.
Some at 19 with 2.
Some my age with 2.

The moral of the story:

Peanut is still the CUTE-EST baby in the whole world. No competition! See!

Admire their courage, sense of responsibility?
Lack of self-control.

That is probably why none can compare to peanut!

-v-

It is quite disturbing to know that moral standards are inversely proportionate to oil prices.
It's becoming a trend, or a habit that the human race has / will come to terms and label it a "norm".
Yet at the same time, I'm worried for my sister as she approaches that age.

What do they know about love and marriage, and family?
It's not all about hooking up a random beng and ending up

"whoops!".
"I'm pregnant."
"$%&^%!"
"What now?"
"Marry me lor"
"Ok. No choice right"
"Ya."

There isn't any basic foundation for a family.
What will happen to the child when he / she grows up?
Dysfunctional family? Or can they keep it all together?
They even have a mommies outing! (Mommies age ranging between 18-23)
It's like a network of teenage moms within the same clique of friends.
It almost seem as if the pregnancy was intentional.
Whether it is or not is not mine to judge.
But it's still disturbing nonetheless.

Oh dear,

The world is really coming to an end.

Are you prepared?

AGM over!

2008-05-19T00:32:00.003+08:00

Thank God the AGM is finally over!

Today was a very challenging day, but I enjoyed every single bit of it. :D
It was physically demanding, mentally demanding but spiritually fulfilling.
I can almost imaging how things would be like without Adela and Mark.

Was really contented today when I had a really good and encouraging chat with boss.
Which was strange considering the fact that he was distancing himself quite some weeks ago.

I thank God for the opportunity to get to know him more, to appreciate his kindness for whatever remaining months he has left in the office. Thank you boss for the encouragement too. :)

So many things may happen in the world around us, but always remember to fix your eyes upon Him who is the giver of all good things, and also to exercise the element of love.

And if you're suffering,

Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.

With this hope in the Lord, disappointed we will not.

Feeling dumb

2008-05-15T20:17:00.002+08:00

[Warning: Serious rantings]

ARGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is happening to me seriously?

Have I lost my common sense and my sense of responsibility?

I feel like a degree holder with no ounce of common sense in my very being.

I knew what to do, knew the right thing to do, knew how to do it, but didn't do it.

I need to come back down to earth seriously.

Have been leading the past few days with my head in the clouds.

God, I seriously need to wake up.

Someone slap me please.

Sunday Worship May 11 2008

2008-05-11T15:35:00.003+08:00

Usually after worship we would have a short briefing, mentioning specifically about where we went wrong, or what we did right.

The last time we served, the worship was so deep and meaningful that our recording showed that there were 3 mins of silence, in our own world, worshipping Him. And these 3 minutes were so precious because it just display how intuned we are to the Spirit. Also, during these 3 mins, no cellphone rang, no babies cried, no one sneezed nor coughed. It was beautiful.

Today's worship was equally great, in a different feel. And I thought best to pen it down lest I forget the feeling and the aroma of God.

-v-

The team schedule to meet at 10-10.15 for prayer.

I thought the morning prayer was very good. In a way, we were spiritually, mentally and physically prepared to bring the congregation to a spiritual high.

Personally I felt touched by the Spirit during the prayer and even after prayer, as we were preparing for our service on stage, I still feel the presence of God very strongly in me.

During the pre-service prayer, I felt that the presence of God was already there in our midst. Somewhat like as we were praying, God's presence was with us and when we entered the service hall, there His Spirit went too. Kneeling in one quaint little corner, I can almost feel the passion erupting from the congregation as they dedicated these few minutes in prayer and I was so touched by the Holy Spirit moving that my heart just sang!

Starting off on this footing would mean that the people are ready - ready to be renewed, refreshed by the Lord. Ready to give Him all the praises and glory He deserves. Ready to just shout it out that Jesus is King!

As we entered into a time of worship, everything just flowed smoothly through and I can almost feel the gentleness of His touch on me, on the congregation. Soothing, calming, comforting, reassuring....

God had opened my eyes to see the wonders of His love once again. It wasn't like what we experienced 2 weeks before. But in a different feel, it was pure magical. The response from the congregation just made my heart soar higher and higher I really felt like flying... Hahaaa..

My every cell, every fibre, every vein was singing out to Him. Almost ready to jump off the stage. :):)

Yet I credit it all to our dedication, our perseverance, our united hearts, our passion to deliver, our desire to seek His face. In fact, I feel it all boils down to one thing: A shared passion. We may differ in thoughts, morals, values, shapes and sizes, but we have a shared passion, that is, to bring the presence of the Lord to the congregation. To stand in the gap.
(This could be the team's vision: To stand in the gap)

Of course, even with the aforementioned, the Lord was gracious and merciful. He showed up in all splendour and His people stand amazed.

Amen!

Exercise in the office

2008-05-08T15:20:00.002+08:00

I think I made the right choice when I canceled my membership with a nearby gym.

Never in my whole life in the office had I boiled so much water to fill half a pail (3 pots of hot boiling water to fill 1/2 a pail), run down to the pantry and pour it into the sink, 3 times. I can feel my waist slimming down already!
(And my arms, enlarging)

The morale of the story is: Never underestimate small people.

Some quotes that made my day:

"Absolutely no situation is impossible for Me to work out for you. No promises that I have made in My Word is without power, for I am able and willing to perform it in your life."

"Ask for anything in the name of Jesus and I will give it to you. I delight in answering your prayers so that your heart might rejoice in My faithfulness."

"You can rest assured that I am helping you become all I have created you to be. I will never stop working in you, strengthening you to perform the plans I have for your life until the day My Son Jesus returns to earth."

"But now the Lord who created you... says: Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up - the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Saviour..."

"I know the troubles you are facing. Come to Me with confidence, because you are My beloved child. Then I will give you mercy for your failures and grace to overcome in your time of need."

Emotionally drained

2008-05-05T21:18:00.003+08:00

It's pretty silly of me to assume and expect a lot out of working in a Church environment.

I thought, hey, we're all Christ-centered, full of love, what could go wrong?

Not once did I ever think it could get so emotionally draining. I'm tired already.

No, it's not the workload.

It's just... me, I guess.

I always (try to) convince myself to not let fleshly / earthly matters rob the joy God had intended for me. And, I'm not doing a very good job out of it.

Can I last one year in #19-01 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre?

Can I not look at what's happening in the world, or around me and keep my eyes focused on the Lord?

Can I not belittle myself so much so that I blame myself for every trouble that comes my way?

Can I not judge you for your selfish actions and behaviour? (judged)

Can I not think too much?

2008 will be a challenging year for many. As said earlier (much earlier) in this blogspace, entering 2008 gave me the shudders, literally. And a quiet voice entered my mind, saying

"This is a year of testing. A test of your faith. Do you cling on or do you let go? Many will fall. But those who wait on Me will soar on wings like eagles. They will walk and not be faint. They will run and not be weary."

I am determined to stay strong for the Lord. For, if the Lord is for me, who shall be against me?

Nonetheless, whatever problems present in the world cannot be easily ignored. But during this time of trial and tribulation, who do we seek first?

Who do I seek first?

God please give me the grace to forgive, the wisdom of discernment, the courage to stand up for myself, the love to continue loving unconditionally. Just like You Father.

I wanna be just like You.

Biao Ge loves me!

2008-05-04T15:22:00.003+08:00

BIAO GE LOVES ME! :D

Just received a personal email from him:

Dearest Tiffany,

Seeing that you must be feeling a time of stress, I decided to write a note to cheer you up. Heez, see how nice I am to you (wahahah).

You have always been a rather bubbly girl and your blog always reflect on the love of God, of how much He loves you so. It is certainly true and that we can always look unto God for what He has done for us, and that He will always take care of us. Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Take care and do not lose the joy that God has given to you for it is precious and you can use it to
attract others to God by your smile and joy. I always see you as a kai xin guo and I believe others do see it in that way too. Take care and spare my slayer from any more pain or else he will bite you really really hard. (HAhaha)

Hope this mail will at least cheer you up. Take care and be ministered greatly in the church camp.

Biao Ge

Ok, I'm elated.

True enough, I do have some worries of my own, plus stress. Yet I will try not to let go of the true joy of the Lord for fleshly matters.

I always believe that to feel happy / contented always is not to have any expectations at all. But now I know, that true joy only comes from the Lord.

A phrase keep appearing in my mind for the past few days / weeks:

"He is the Giver of all good things"

I keep repeating this phrase at almost every appropriate opportunity and have no idea why, of all phrases, this.

It is, of course, very joyful to know that He has me in mind and is more than willing to bless me (and you) with His riches!

So let's take time, to wait upon the Lord.

Can't do math?

2008-04-29T15:24:00.002+08:00

Little Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything.. Tutors, Mentors, flash cards, special learning centers. In short, everything they could think of to help his math.

Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work.

His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner.
To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made
all the difference.

Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, His Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math. She could no longer hold her curiosity.

She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?"

Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied, Was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? "WHAT WAS IT?"

Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around."

-Courtesy of lynkong

What is happening?

2008-04-23T00:01:00.002+08:00

I've reached a point in life that the only person whom I can turn to is Him.

Lead me, Lord. I'm lost.

Returned wallet

2008-04-18T23:32:00.003+08:00

Hallelujah! Jesus is alive! Death has lost its victory, and the grave has been denied.

Praise the Lord! The thief returned Ps Chi Her's wallet in his mailbox today with only 2 things missing: Cash and EZ-link card. Isn't our Father so amazing?

Have been feeling very vexed and moody as of late. Trying to drown my sorrows in Vermont's Finest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough but to little avail. Lord please saturate me once more.

2008 really mark a year filled with challenges and hurdles to cross. Hold on tight, never let me go. I wanna lay it all down again, to hear you say, that I'm yours. Jesus please be my desire, for no one else would do and nothing else could take your place. Let me know You are near.

-v-

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss, come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true,
Though there were times you did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Sigh...

2008-04-16T20:38:00.001+08:00

I actually brought work home to do.

But didn't manage to do it.

Is this a hint?

:S

THIS IS THE MAN!

2008-04-15T11:10:00.003+08:00

THIS IS THE CULPRIT!
(Courtesy of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre)

We watched the video and this man was running the minute he got out of the lift. He was identified by Ps Chi Her.

Although his face and features are unclear, please do keep a look out for him if you happen to be around the area.

Daylight Robbery

2008-04-14T20:46:00.002+08:00

-v-

Read something earlier that ignited something in me to blog about it.

Friday, April 11 2008, The Straits Times

Fatal assault in void deck: 3 get jail, cane

3 men who assaulted another man so brutally that he choked on his own blood and died were sentenced to 3 years in prison and 6 strokes of the cane each.

(To cut a long story short..)

3 criminals:
Herry Indra Putra Muhamad Noor, 32
Ismail Salim, 28
Abdul Latiff Haji Hussainar, 39

1 victim:
Ng Hui Khiam, 34

Scene: Bukit Batok St 21

Cause of crime:
"Mr Ng, who was jobless, had approached the three men in the void deck at about 4am to ask them to make less noise. That triggered the assault that led to his death"

"The three men had initially been accused of murder, but the charge was amended"

OBJECTION!!!!!!!!!!!

Why was the charge amended?!?!!?!

My tolerance for noise decreases every hour after midnight. And I know they are of the same race based on the language they shouted. Not that I want to discriminate them. But it's usually them.

The deceased was doing everyone a favour by asking them to shut-up. Usually I would shout thru my window if I seriously can't get to sleep. The ______ population in Bukit Batok area should be higher than any other areas. Perhaps that's why my sis chose 1 for a boyfriend.

I was so against the amended charge. So smelly. BTH.

Thought of the day

Good Samaritan: To be or not to be?

PUSHPUSHPUSHPUSH.

Delda is problematic

2008-04-07T20:47:00.002+08:00

Ever since Delda tendered her resignation, I can feel that her heart is not there anymore.

Please keep us in prayer.

Thanks.

Spiderwick

2008-04-03T22:13:00.003+08:00

The powerpuff girls wanted to watch Leap Years starring Wong Li Lin.
But we're a little tooo slow.

The next available show was Spiderwick which was rated PG (Some frightening scenes). To double confirm, Doris asked the counter staff for more details.

Counter staff: "Oh! Not scary one la, kid's show! Disney Disney! Nice, cute cute animals!"

Delda and Doris: *staring at me*
Tiff: ...

The first 30 mins of the show had me clawing at Adela who was leaning far towards the closed-eyes Doris.

Some pics of the cute animals:

I can't really say I enjoyed the movie, yet it wasn't a horrible experience after all.

[Not my kind of show, so, my comments may be a biased]

-v-

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description.
As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.

He asked me, "Do you love me?"

I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't; be able to do, the things that I took for granted.

And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.

So I answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"

How could I praise without a voice?

Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks.

So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"

I thought I had answered well, but... God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?"

I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

"THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading
the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."

"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."

I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

@ Doris's place

2008-04-02T00:27:00.002+08:00

Today's TPM was very prophetic. Some words spoken were right to the heart. Somehow I still feel that there's a barrier between me and God. I cannot enter worship like before. And I think I know why.

Do keep me in prayers. Don't exactly know what's wrong nowadays. Yet, I think I do. Ha. If it makes any sense at all.

Going for a jog tomorrow morning with Sporty. After which a movie with the girls. I guess I need to clear my mind, and I hope I do.

Have been feeling very dependent lately. Sometimes by choice. Still have a lot of unsettled emotions, but I'm doing good.

:D

How about you?

God cares for me

2008-03-29T13:05:00.002+08:00

Today's daily devotion by Ps Prince can never be more apt:

1 Peter 5:7
… 7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

It does not matter how tightly knit our families are or how many close friends we have. When we go through a difficult time or trial, many a time, we still feel all alone and that no one really cares or understands.

Martha knew that feeling. She had on one occasion cried out to Jesus, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?...” (Luke 10:40) Jesus’ disciples also knew what it was like to feel small, alone and in trouble. They cried out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” when they were swept up in a terrifying storm. (Mark 4:38)

Today, maybe the cry of your heart is also, “Lord, do You not care that I am left all alone… that I am going under… that I am perishing?”

My friend, the Lord does care for you. He loves you so much that He wants you to cast all your cares upon Him — not just some of them but all of them. He wants both your big and small cares. There is nothing too small or big for Him. If it is a care in your heart, He wants you to cast it upon Him.

When the apostle Peter wrote “casting all your care upon Him”, he was talking about the continuous act of casting all your cares upon the Lord. As a care comes, God wants you to cast it to Him. That is the lifestyle He wants you to adopt. Why? The verse gives us the reason — “for He cares for you”. You are casting all your cares upon the One who loves you, and who left all of heaven to come and die for you. That is who you are casting your cares to. It is not just any person, but it is the One who gave His Life for you!

When you are going through a difficult time, God wants you to believe that you are never alone because He Himself has said that He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) As the object of His care, He will take care of you for the rest of your life. You are never alone and always cared for!

Bye my 2 loves

2008-03-28T19:23:00.001+08:00

I always tell my friends:

I love my job!!

I now realised the truth:

I love Delda and Mark that working became something pleasurable.

Will miss you guys.

Saturate me

2008-03-26T00:13:00.004+08:00

Saturate me in Your anointing
Saturate me in Your presence
I've got to have more of your anointing
In my life
Saturate me O Lord today

So I wait O Lord
As the Holy Spirit
Is moving
In my midst

And I wait O Lord
For Your manifested presence
to come and touch me
Come and refresh me
Come and fill me Lord, today.

-v-

And I will lift Your Name on high
I choose to lift Your name on high
I lift Your name like a banner in the sky
And I will lift Your name on high

-v-

I lift up my eyes to the hill
Where does my help comes from?
My help comes from the Lord
Maker of heaven and earth

-v-

Hold me close, let Your love surround me
Bring me near, draw me to your side

-v-

I know that I will look back and laugh at my silliness. I can't wait to fast forward to see the bigger picture. The emotional department is seriously shorthanded.

God help me

2008-03-25T23:12:00.006+08:00

Dear Lord,

Please help me to accept the things I cannot change, and to change the things I can.

Dear Lord,

Help me to see the beautiful bigger picture You have for me and not to focus on the ugly small picture that is surfacing

Dear Lord,

Help me to understand that everything that I'm going through is for Your purpose, and to put away my selfishness for Your greater glory

Dear Lord,

Reveal Your purpose to me - my very being in the office

Dear Lord,

Please strengthen me emotionally

Dear Lord,

I want to feel more of Your presence.

Dear Lord,

Please heal my heart.

Dear Lord,

I need You.

Dear Lord,

Help.

[Funny how my emotions took a 180 degree turn within the span of 1 day]

[If I loved God during happy moments, can I, too, love Him in unhappy moments?]

[God knows my needs more and above what I could ever know about myself]

[I am weak, You are strong]

[Thy will be done]

[I will submit]

Birthday!

2008-03-24T20:58:00.002+08:00

Numbers!

1, 9, 8, 5
The year a baby born to life
2, 4, 0, 3
The day and month of someone's glee
8, 2, 2, 0
The days you've lived a sinful soul
2, 6, 0, 8
A brand new life began this date
8, 4, 0, 1
The dusks and dawns now passed and done
8, 4, 0, 2
I wish a great birthday for you!

Thanks J.Soh for the lovely poem. :D

-v-

Today is one day I felt God's love for me, in abundance, over what I could ever want, what I could ever imagine, what I could ever need.

All I had was a simple lunch with 1/8 of the number I had on my 21st. But the experience, and the joy was exponentially multiplied.

Sigh, the joy and wonders of simple living, together with His body.

[Still savouring the moment]

I believe in Jesus

2008-03-22T23:22:00.002+08:00

I believe in Jesus
I believe He is the Son of God
I believe He died and rose again
I believe He paid for us all

And I believe He's here now
Standing in our midst
Here with the power to heal now
And with the grace to forgive

He is the resurrection, and the light!
This is the testimony of Jesus Christ
For he has promised us, eternal life
Now we're a new creation, of His light
Let us jump into the river and see
There is life, deliverance, freedom and liberty
For whosoever finds Him
Whosoever believes Him,
They will have joy
Let us jump into the river of life

Hallelujah!
Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
and the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
HE'S ALIVE!

He's the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is He
The curse of sin is broken
We have perfect liberty
The lamb of God is risen
HE'S ALIVE!

Songs stuck in my head.

Passed driving

2008-03-20T19:23:00.001+08:00

Yay! Passed!

2008-03-14T09:42:00.001+08:00

GEORGE CARLIN’S ADVICE

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away...

Cast your burden on te Lord, and He shall sustain you

2008-03-13T18:35:00.002+08:00

Almighty God, I have great concerns on my heart today, yet I know You are a great Lord who can help me with those concerns. Uncertainty about te future and my inability to solve everything reminds me of my human limitations. And worries about loved ones and friends occupy my thoughts.

Help me to cast my burdens upon You, and stop trying to manage my burdens in my own strength. In this quiet moment of prayer, I deliberately commit each one of my burdens, large and small, into Your gracious care. Help me not to snatch them back. And give me an extra measure of Your wisdom, insight, and discernment as I tackle the challenges of this day.

Make this a productive day in which I live with confidence that You will guide my thinking, unravel my difficulties, and empower my decisions. I am ready for tomorrow, Lord, and I intend to live it with freedom and joy.

Meaningful day

2008-03-10T00:52:00.002+08:00

Warning: Random musings

-v-

It's been quite a while since I last felt so "contented", "fulfilled". Life isn't perfect, but it's fulfilling for me all the same.

Well, at least that's what I'm feeling now.

Work:
I love my job. I love the monotony of what I do everyday with random duties added each day, giving my monotonous duties a face-lift. It may not make much sense, but it does to me. I enjoy serving. In this area, I share the same characteristics as Kang. Both of us love to serve, be it in terms of ministry, or cell group, or just being a friend. I enjoy being a support for all pastoral staff; I enjoy preparing for Sunday services and many other church events. I like my schedule pack, and, to quote Lynette, "The boxes are too small for me to record all my events!" (somewhere along that line).

Monday night - ML training; Tuesday night - TPM, Wednesday night - practice, Thursday night - Grandma's house night, Friday night - (empty), Saturday night - cell group, Sunday night - Coco's. I'm super super busy, and enjoying every moment of it. There were low periods, but no matter how "rock-bottom" I feel, it's still very enjoyable for me. I love my job. Have I said that already?

Cell group:
There is a certain peace in me regarding the cell group. Peace knowing that the Lord is in control. Peace knowing that all of us are still making the effort to come. I was very encouraged seeing Audrey at cell last Saturday. She just bought a Nikon DSLR and was planning to go to Chinese Garden to snap some pictures with a night scene that Sat. But she gave that up just to come for cell for she confessed that she had missed everyone. I felt that the Lord was smiling down upon her as she willingly forgo her personal outing for cell. How many of us are able to put this family before your own personal time? She did, and it encouraged me immensely. I also felt peace knowing that for cell group to reach a "high", we must know what is low; Acknowledge it, and overcome it. Together. I sincerely love this family of mine. If only we can put our own selfish needs aside, and think for the cell group as a whole. Nonetheless, I've got peace like a river.

Family:
Celebrated my grandad's birthday today. We're quite a close-knit family and I just feel soooooooo blessed to have these people as my family. After a hearty dinner, had a meaningful walk with Edrea jie, Pi and Josh (to aid digestion). I poured out my woes to jie and she, me. And we realised that we are going through the same (almost!!) emotional uncertainty. In fact, today was so great that words cannot truly express what's in my heart. I can only say so much, but my feelings are somewhere in the clouds. One request: Do keep my dad in prayer as he's facing some health problems and medication only makes him lethargic. Plus, his job is emotionally draining for him. Plus plus, he worries too much. Pray that he will be able to trust in the Lord and lean not on his own understanding.

I like the lyrics of this song, especially now:

You are worthy

There's always something
An emptiness in me
A void, I cannot fill.
But your love poured on me
Your love fills my soul
Now I'm complete...

With nothing, I come
To you, I say
I say I'm not qualified
But you have your plans for me
In failures you lifted me
Faithful Lord

I had given my life
To the things too little
Compared to your plans
But now I can see
The wonders of your love

You are worthy
You are worthy
You are worthy, Lord.

-v-

Without the Lord, we will always be unsatisfied. Sometimes there's just this lack in us that we ourselves cannot explain. We can make wild guesses trying to fill this void; But fail terribly for we were looking at all the wrong places.

Cast your cares upon Him, turn your eyes to Him, seek Him in all your ways and He will fill this void with His love - Now I'm complete.

We humans have so many limitations and what we have on earth (our earthly treasures) is nothing compared to the riches in His Kingdom. And with this nothing, we come to Him in prayer and say, "Lord, I am undeserving, unqualified, unworthy of your love, grace and mercy". But His plans and His will are far greater than ours. We have had experienced failures in numerous areas of our lives, but time and again, God will pick us up for He is faithful, merciful and gracious.

Have you given your life to the things too little as compared to His plans?
Can you see the wonders of His love even if you failed Him time and again?
He is worthy of all praise
He is worthy of all honor
He is worthy of all glory
He is the Lord of Lords

February 17

2008-03-06T17:53:00.002+08:00

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another... distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Romans 12:10-13

Father, the day ahead is filled with details that can easily confuse and misdirect me. Reveal Your will for what is best for me to do today. I yield my mind to think, and then communicate Your thoughts. Invade my attitudes with Your patience so that I will be able to work effectively with others - especially those who differ with me. Help me to listen to others as attentively as I want them to listen to me.

You have revealed in Scripture, through the generations, and in my own experience, that You pour out Your power when there is unity, mutual esteem, and oneness.

Bless me with your Spirit so that I may disagree without being disagreeable, share my convictions without being contentious, and lift up truth without putting others down. Help me to seek to convince without coercion, persuade without power moves, motivate without manipulation. May I trust You unreservedly and encourage others unselfishly.

Amen.

Working out of rest

2008-02-29T10:51:00.002+08:00

Remember how I lament about sharing my testimony on stage: How un-interesting my testimony could be, how I might miss out crucial parts or say something inappropriate.

Then I read this article.

Working Out Of Rest

Hebrews 4:3
3For we who have believed do enter that rest…

Naturally speaking, when we rest, we don’t work. So what does working out of rest mean? Well, let me share with you what the Lord had taught me.

Many years ago, when I first started preaching, I would prepare diligently for all my sermons. All my points were really fine-tuned and I made sure that everything was in place. I would think to myself, “Man, I am going to share this... and that…”

But when I preached, I would forget to mention certain points. Because of that, I would get angry with myself. I would tell myself, “That was such a good point. Why didn’t I share it? How could I forget?”

Then, God began to speak to me. He said, “Son, your preaching is not out of rest. It is out of your memory.” What He said next changed my life, not just in the area of preaching, but also in every other area of my life, and I pray that it will bless you too. He said, “Prepare what you need to prepare. But when you stand in front of the people, whatever you need to say, I will give it to you.”

Yes, there must be preparation, whether it is your sermon or sales presentation. I am not telling you to be lazy and just do nothing. You need to prepare and do your homework, but don’t depend on it. Just trust God and tell yourself that whatever you forget, God wants it forgotten. And whatever you didn’t plan to say but said, it is because God wanted it said. Don’t be stressed out and brought out of your rest by thinking, “I must know everything, I must remember everything and deliver everything I have prepared!”

No, believe God and be at rest. When the time comes, whatever you need to know, there and then, God will let you know. Whatever you don’t need to know, you don’t need to know. And don’t worry about what you didn’t say — believe that God didn’t want it said.

My friend, when you live life like that — trusting God and resting in His love for you — you become cool and collected. And when you are peaceful and at rest in Him, what you do prospers!

- Pastor Prince (NCC)

Working vs studying

2008-02-28T18:01:00.002+08:00

Time really flies when you're working.

Time literally crawls when you're studying.

At least that's the case for me.

I'm reaching the end of my 6 months probation in this job and that's like 1/2 a year!

Time really flies... I'm getting older.

Wait for me.

CNY and Vitamins

2008-02-20T14:52:00.002+08:00

Tiffy is neglecting her blog because of the facebook! The silly twit added applications and now she's some sorta an addict. Well, she's gonna bring Coco down for a walk now, and she wants to leave you with some vitamins:

Spiritual Vitamins A to Z
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anxious? Take Vitamin A.
All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue? Take Vitamin B.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Ps 103:1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Crushed? Take Vitamin C.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Depressed? Take Vitamin D.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (Jas 4:8)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empty? Take Vitamin E.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. (Ps 100:4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fearful? Take Vitamin F.
Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. (Isa 41:10)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greedy? Take Vitamin G.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Lk 6:38)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hesitant? Take Vitamin H.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." (Isa 52:7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Insecure? Take Vitamin I.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jittery? Take Vitamin J.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 13:8)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Know nothing? Take Vitamin K.
Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves. (Ps 100:3)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lonely? Take Vitamin L.
Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Mt 28:20)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M.
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nervous? Take Vitamin N.
Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O.
Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quitting? Take Vitamin Q.
Quit you like men and women, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Restless? Take Vitamin R.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Ps 37:7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scared? Take Vitamin S.
Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me. (1 Sam 22:23)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tired? Take Vitamin T.
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uncertain? Take Vitamin U.
Understand that I am (the Lord). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. (Isa 43:10)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vain? Take Vitamin V.
Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W.
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
eXhausted? Take Vitamin X.
Exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
(1 Tim 4:7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zapped? Take Vitamin Z.
Zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)

-v-

Too many CNY pics to upload, but but you can find them in my facebook! Hopefully I will find more inspiration to blog again. :)

CNY

2008-02-13T02:59:00.000+08:00

Had a fruitful CNY although I have my reservations when it comes to CNY.

Stories and pics will be uploaded soon. Sorry for the hiatus. (Not that anyone visits anymore)

Hahahaha... Blessed CNY!

2008-02-03T23:52:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug.

He wasn't a Scrooge. He was a very kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with other men. But he didn't believe all that stuff about an incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was too honest to pretend that he did.

"I am truly sorry to distress you," he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer, "but I simply cannot understand this claim that God became man. It doesn't make any sense to me."

On Christmas Eve, his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He declined to accompany them. "I'd feel like a hypocrite," he explained. "I'd much rather stay at home. But I'll wait up for you."

Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier.

"If we must have a Christmas," he reflected, "it's nice to have a white one."

He went back to his chair by the fireside and began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later, he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another. He thought that someone must be throwing snow balls at his living room window.

When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window.

I can't let those poor creatures lie there and freeze, he thought. But how can I help them?

Then he remembered the barn where the children's pony was stabled. It would provide a warm shelter. He quickly put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on the light. But the birds didn't come in.

Food will bring them in, he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction - except into the warm, lighted barn.

"They find me a strange and terrifying creature," he said to himself, "and I can't seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me. If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety."

Just at that moment, the church bells began to ring. He stood silently for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the snow.

"Now I understand," he whispered. "Now I see why you had to do it."

Shopping for 1-3rd Feb

2008-01-30T23:18:00.000+08:00

I don't know why but I am excited to serve on the 1st - 3rd Feb. Strange isn't it?

Did a whole lot of shopping with a newly-found acquaintance, Kim.

When: I got to know Kim early this month.
How: I was bringing Coco down for a walk and she brought Snowy down too.
Where: Blk 419 playground
Commonalities: Salty things (I just found out today), whole family from same secondary school, detests cockroaches and wearing specs/lenses..........

To cut a long story short, God really placed me in a strategic location for me to do His works. And I'm taking it very slowly. Ultimately, salvation is His, but I'm a willing vessel and I will be praying for the family's salvation.

This is the day that the Lord hath made, I have rejoiced and was glad in it.

Do keep her in your prayers too.

-v-

This is a new beginning we're taking here today,
For the Spirit of God is moving;
Revival's on its way,
Be prepared my people,
For my move has begun;
Be prepared my people,
You will not walk, but run.

Get ready for my battle,
Get ready for my call;
For when I set my plans up,
Revivals going to fall.

This will be quite a movement,
The wine is going to flow;
And my people who will drink it,
I never will let go.

For I am going to use you,
In the coming days;
And you will bring my people back,
In many different ways.

So stand up if you're with me,
My people start to pray;
And you will see revival fall,
Upon your world today

My updates

2008-01-26T02:09:00.000+08:00

After browsing through my latest archives, I realised that I didn't really update much about myself. For those who really care and want to know, I'm doing well. Very well in fact.

I'm now trying to get my life in order - to know what I want in many areas of my life. Sometimes I think I know what I want, sometimes these wants seem foolish to me. I love working @ church, and serving God wholeheartedly. Seriously I can't see myself in any other jobs but this, yet, a part of me wants to try something else as well. I will go where my Saviour leads me.

Father, help me to know what YOU want to do in my life as I confess with my mouth and make you Lord over my body, soul, mind, spirit, will and emotions.

L.I.F.E - Living It For Eternity (Aaron Yeh)

-v-

Give me light Lord Jesus.
I need it to set me free.
Give me light Lord Jesus;
shine it bright before me.

Lord Jesus, give me the light.
I need it to guide me through this life.
Lord Jesus shine it bright,
so I may find some peace of mind.

Give me the light Lord Jesus.
Shine it and make me whole.
I do still love you Jesus.
For it was You who saved my soul.

But I've strayed from your light Lord Jesus.
I need you once more to make it shine.
So give me light Lord Jesus;
direct this life of mine.

For you have been my dearest friend
and your light has led me through.
Now I need your light again.
Please bring me back to you.

You've used your light all along I know.
You never turned your back.
But I have had on some real dark glasses,
so shine your light and get me back on track.

Bring me back to you Dear Jesus,
the way I use to be.
Please, once more shine that light
and get Satan away from me.

Christianity & Chinese traditions / Culture

2008-01-24T15:01:00.000+08:00

Chinese Traditions and Beliefs

On a sporadic basis, I would often ask myself or my parents about the differences between Buddhism and Chinese Traditions. My dad mentioned to me that traditions should be kept, but know how to draw the line at idol-worshipping and the likes. On the other hand, my grandma rebuked traditions claiming that in Christ we have been freed of such bondages for she feels that as Chinese festivals neared, there will be much hustling and bustling around preparing for it or else. Or else people will look at you differently to the point that sometimes people feel forced to celebrate the occasion just to “fit in”.

My mum loves to make ang pow lanterns and if you had been to my humble abode before, you can see them hanging below the fans. It somehow seemed, to me, rather clashing to have one wall that says “Your word is a light to my path and a lamp unto my feet” and another wall hangs a free calendar with the top half bearing the pictures and descriptions of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

My opportunity came when Ps Song received complimentary passes to hear a sermon or a talk regarding this: A Biblical approach to Chinese traditions and beliefs.

The speaker, Rev. Daniel Tong ponders the dilemmas faced by many Chinese Christians. The talk seeks to provide some guidelines on the cultural practices that believers may or may not be a part of, and offers sound biblical reasons for the decisions. Most of the time, Rev. Tong explains certain festivals and its representation of how these festivals came about. The goal is simply to help Christians live their faith to the fullest, while maintaining the fact that they come from an ethnic group with a long and rich heritage.

As best as I can, I hope I can piece together the notes that I took down and to be able to comprehensively share this knowledge with you.

Most of Rev. Tong’s sharing revolved around 3 principles of engagement:
Origin vs. Legend (Can the origin of certain practices be traced back to olden China? Or is it pure legend?)
Content vs. Connotation (The content and connotation of certain practices differ in different context)
Symbolism vs. Superstition
Proclamation vs. practice

Festival 1: CNY

The Chinese usually hold celebrations for 2 things: Life and Death.

In the aspect of Chinese New Year, it is a focus on life and is a celebration of life among the Chinese. Its origin can be mythological with a strong belief in a legendary dragon waking up once a year to kill, steal and destroy. After many years, they “found out” the tastes and preferences of this dragon. According to them, the dragon dislikes bright lights, the colour red and loud noises, which are also the reason why many families put up fire crackers, switching on all the lights, and displaying red items all over the place.

How much of this tradition and practices are actually factual?

Going back into History, back into olden China, there were no electric heaters, nor warmers nor blankets thick enough to withstand the harsh winter weather. Many will be stuck indoors for months and are eagerly waiting the coming of the spring. This is also why CNY is called “The celebration of spring”.

As Singapore has only 1 season, how does CNY apply to us?

CNY, in fact, identifies with us as an ethnic race.

Due to this fact, there are struggles that we, as Christians face: How much of our Christian faith do we want to keep and yet uphold ethnicity?

Here, Rev. Tong brought us through CNY and their elements.

Practices:

1. Preparation

The buying of new clothes every CNY has been a practice that is still ongoing even in the 21st century. History had recorded the practice of replacing all the winter clothing and items with spring clothing and items after the cruel winter had passed. This is a pragmatic natural development in people which had thus become a tradition to “wear new clothes”. In olden China, even beggars with patchwork clothes will make it a point to wear new clothes on this occasion. This is a form of symbolism and superstition for families that good fortune will await them in the coming year. (Also, a good excuse to expand my wardrobe)

Eating with leftovers is another symbolic and superstitious practice for “abundance for this new year”. It is a symbolic wish for good fortune so that in the new year ahead, there will be more than enough for them.

Spring cleaning is another practice that is allowed until CNY eve, for any other “sweeps” in the house after the eve will symbolize sweeping away all the luck. Not only is sweeping disallowed after CNY eve, the stroke or the way the broom cleans the house have to be taken note of. It is believed that even if there is a need to sweep after the eve of CNY, we must “sweep in” instead of “sweep out”. I couldn’t really imagine how does one sweeps “in” or “out” because a vacuum cleaner does the job more efficiently and effortlessly. Also, what’s the point of sweeping “in” when I’m sweeping because I want the dirt out? Or maybe I just don’t get it…. *confusion*

Rev. Tong believes that we can all follow these practices with a pinch of salt: Not to be obsessive compulsive. It’s alright for choosing not to sweep on the day of CNY, but adhering to the sweep in, sweep out, sweep up, sweep down, sweep left, sweep right, sweep with long strokes, sweep with short strokes, sweep with broom upside-down could be a little too obsessive compulsive. It is also important to take note that the above practices are generally fine unless one goes overboard with the practices such as getting too obsessed with new clothes on new year that one spend beyond his / her means. Eating with leftovers because everyone had their fill is more acceptable that eating with leftovers because it means “abundance” for the coming year. I guess tradition and practices are okay unless you really put all faith in its symbolism and superstition. (My point of view)

2. Reunion dinner

The Chinese believe that the food must be presented to God before the partaking of the meal. For us Christians, we can identify with reunion dinner as a family get-together once every year, but stay away from the worship rituals.
Visitation and reunion dinner in fact have important elements which are acceptable (improving social and family ties, bonding). Always know when to draw the line. For Singaporean families, it is sometimes hard to get together for a dinner, even if it is with immediate families and thus reunion dinner sets aside this time to meet up with one another.

3. Decorative items

As the Chinese give meaning to everything, it is hard to abstain from displaying items with a symbolic meaning as almost everything (to the Chinese) is symbolic. Rev Tong’s advice is to avoid things that are overtly superstitious such as the word 福. Some may argue that sticking the word福 all over the place is still ok, but the upside-down福 is overtly superstitious, with the connotation of “the arrival of fortune in the place”. According to Rev. Tong, pussy willows are generally ok, but the bamboo potted plants and bamboo shoots weaved together is overtly superstitious. The history behind the bamboo shoots is about how a group of assassins (who plotted to murder the King) escaped massacre (by the King) by hiding in a bamboo plantation. Thus, the bamboo plants symbolize warding off evil and are displayed as a good luck charm. Which brings me to a thought: How come no one ever brings bamboo shoots into the exam hall? And also, how does the saving of the assassins lives equate to “good luck”?

The following are questions posted to Rev. Tong:

Q: What is the Christian take on Lo Hei?
A: Lo Hei is a Singapore invention! It is based purely on economic gains. It all started when a restaurant is low on business. The 4 chefs of that restaurant put their heads together to create Lo Hei. However in the Christian context, we take it as fun. Rev. Tong mentioned that when the Chinese lo hei, they believe that the higher they “lo” the more possible their wishes will come true. But there are some Christians who “lo” and say Bible scriptures instead.

Q: What about the giving of ang pows?
A: The Chinese believe that red packets are only given to the old, and the young. The Chinese give to the young to symbolize protection against the dragon whereas red packets are also given to the old as a form or show of respect. However, do not fall into superstition such as “cannot give odd numbers”, “best to give with $8 or the number 8’”.

Q: What about the 2 oranges?
A: As oranges signify gold, a giver who gives 2 oranges with both hands symbolizes generosity in wealth. This practice is more of a good symbolism than superstition.

Festival 2: Hungry Ghost Festival

Unlike CNY, Hungry Ghost Festival (HGF) is a festival for the dead, with its origin lost in history. It is believed that on the 1st day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, many many 鬼s will be released from hell. To them, 鬼 = ghost = dearly departed. The reason why the ghosts were released could be due to the “compassionate” heart of the King of Hades.
But to us Christians, 鬼 is a form of demonic impersonation.
In the Christian context, the 1st day of the 7th month is also marked as important dates in the Bible.

Leviticus 23:24

The LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.”

Nehemiah 8

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.
So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Rev. Tong classify these similarities as demonic parallelism and are counter attacks to the Christian belief.

Does the gate of Hell really open on the 7th month?
In 2006, there are 2 HGF back-to-back. Does it really mean that the door of hell open, closes, re-opens and re-closes again? Was the King of Hades overwhelmed by his (its?) “compassionate heart”?
It was concluded that the 7th month is not true as there are many loopholes present with its origin lost in history.

It is believed that Ge Tais are constructed for the entertainment purpose of the dearly departed souls to refrain them from using the entertainment devices in our homes. Where do we, as Christians draw the line?

Then, is hell all punishment and no entertainment? Is that why people are hosting Ge tais all over Singapore to "provide" them with entertainment?

Rev. Tong explained that it is alright for us to be passing by and happen to catch a glimpse of it. But be careful not to engage or participate in its activities like giving money.

Festival 3: Zhong Yuan Jie

ZYJ is a dinner hosted mainly for auctions with its proceeds given to charity. It is also a chance for people to show off their wealth by placing high bids. The highlight of the auction is usually the auctioning of Black Gold. This, in layman’s terms, is also known as charcoal. It is a piece of charcoal. A wild guess led Rev. Tong to assume that charcoal may be precious in the olden days (?). Although this festival has pragmatic roots (to give to the poor, like in this day and age how do we know 100% of our $$ goes to charity), it is starting to change overtime to a show of wealth, status and fame among “donators”. His take is to “avoid where possible”.

Festival 4: Qing Ming Jie

QMJ is another festival of the dead with its origin lost in history as well. A common practice associated with QMJ is cleaning up tombs of our ancestors. QMJ however, brings about a question of worship or respect. Imagine an altar with different kinds of gods placed on it. Offerings of cakes and fruits are also in abundance, of worship to the gods. We all call this, worship. (idol-worshipping)

Now, replace all the statues with pictures of your ancestors or dearly departed, ceteris paribus (all things remaining constant). The Chinese calls it respect. To Christians, they are still worship.

Christians believe in a wide divide between humanity and God. But for the Chinese, there is no such thing because human beings can become either an immortal or a鬼 as they believe that we become supernatural entities in the afterlife. For the Chinese, there is also no clear distinction between worship and respect. Setting up an altar on the tombstone should also be seen as demonic rather than divine.

Although in many aspects there is no right or wrong, Rev. Tong believes that the church should have a common decision regarding each gray areas of Chinese tradition and beliefs.

Bowing down to the living, offering tea is a show of respect. (Marriages)

Bowing down to the dead, offering tea is a show of worship. Although the act of bowing down and offering tea is similar, the context changes the connotation.

The Chinese also believe in 3 souls after death. The first soul will go to heaven / hell, the second soul would remain in the tomb, and the third soul will reside in the ancestral tablet.

The Chinese also believe in reincarnation.

Does it mean that all 3 souls would then be combined into one to be reincarnated? If that’s the case, then why should believers burn offerings and items to “send” to their deadly departed since they have been reincarnated? I guess there are too many loopholes and too many questions regarding many traditions / practices.

As for handling the gray areas of certain tradition / practices, a phrase came into my mind:

“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.”

Enlightened by someone of high Biblical caliber.

In a nutshell, symbolisms are fine, but draw the line at superstition.
Some actions / practices are fine by themselves but placed in a different context will garner different connotation and thus, we as Christians will try to abstain from using it in the wrong context.

Whatever the practices / beliefs are, take it with a pinch of salt and not obsessive compulsion.

Seminar hosted by: http://www.emmanuel-books.com/

Anyway, this book is very interesting (I managed to get a sneak read from Ps Song and it is very engaging): The pattern & the prophecy: God’s great code by James Harrison.

P.S: There is an upcoming seminar on The relationship between Christianity and our Chinese Culture. Although this will not touch on Chinese traditions and beliefs, I believe it will be a breakthrough for many so as to be able to minister to the Chinese.

Christianity has all along been stigmatized as a "western" belief. But this seminar is going to prove it wrong. In fact, in olden China, the King worshipped One God. There are many Bible stories hidden behind the old chinese characters before they were modernized. For more information:

www.cccworldwidetrumpet.com

When I am afraid...

2008-01-20T17:48:00.000+08:00

In worry, God will care:

Jesus said: I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek ye first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:25, 32-34)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

In loneliness, God will be near:

You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you". (Isaiah 41:13)

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. (Psalm 25:15,16)

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Psalm 27:10)

God has said:"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

In failure, God will help:

Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:8)

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving towards all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:13,14)

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted ans saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

The God of all grace... will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)

In discouragement, God will strengthen:

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)

The Lord said: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

In danger, God will protect:

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:2)

The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore. (Psalm 121:7-8)

Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid... 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. (John 14:27; 16:33)

In distress, God will comfort:

The Lord says: As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. (Isaiah 66:13)

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1)

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

Jesus said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

O God... when I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:1,3)

Through death, God will give life:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)

Jesus said: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)

God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. (Isaiah 12:2)

2008-01-15T00:09:00.000+08:00

Can someone help me create a nice blogskin? :D

-v-

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him,

"I always park there. You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated,

"That's my seat! You took my place!"

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said,

"That's where I always sit You took my place!"

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"

The visitor replied,

"I took your place."

Muslims converting to Christianity

2008-01-07T08:12:00.000+08:00

During the appreciation night, I had a conversation with Pastor Song
through sis Yvonne introduction.

My wife Pat mentioned about a recent clip report we've seen by CBN News about the major Christian today's movement.
The China mission work "old silk road back to Jerusalem" is recognised as the main driver of the good news.

This echoed most of Pastor Song sharing in the church regarding China. China is sending back thru the old silk road via the Muslim nations enroute back to Jerusalem. This china movement is clearly at works by the Holy Spirit which even CBN mentioned as "supernatural".

In this clip entitled "Muslims Converting to Christianity", the testimony of a fanatic Muslim shows that the good news can be preached and embraced by Muslims as well. Predominantly, the China's movement is recognized as mission sending source which will forward the good news back to Jerusalem. It will cross the Muslim world according to the report which has never been successful in the last 14 centuries.

The China movement back to Jerusalem is supposed to enter the "hard" ground which has not happened or been successful for centuries. It is now firmly in the hands of the Chinese people.

Here is the reason why GOD is going to bless China in the 21st century...Watch with prayers.

Praise GOD, when the good news is preached "to the end of the world", the end shall come as mentioned by Jesus our Lord. Even the CBN that represents our current world view at large affirms that China holds the key.

What Pastor Song has been sharing in most of his sermons about China co-relate with this report.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=88bc9a6cf8de213b5181

Blessings,
David Tan

LIVING IS WHAT MATTERS

2008-01-02T02:51:00.000+08:00

LIVING IS WHAT MATTERS

The moment our breathe stops
We die;
Our past becomes history,
Just memories.

Our wealth & power
Will become useless;
All tears will evaporate,
All our achievements become memories,
Just memories.

Happiness may keep us sound & sweet,
Trials may nurture strength within,
Sorrows should trigger realization of our finiteness,
Failures may force us to be humble,
Success may increase our confidence
But it is only God
Who determines everything we do.

Eternity with bliss
Begins with fragility on earth;
The processes of humility, sickness & sadness
With the intersperse of happiness, wealth & recognition
Must inevitably take place
And then depart.

Only those who are humble & sweet,
Willing to help
Always thinking good
Wanting to do good
Displacing toxicities
Of anger, hatred & unforgiveness
Can be happy.

True living is for the present:
For the good of others
Refusing to trouble or inconvenience
Always wanting to bless, inspire & help
Doing our best at all times with utmost humility.

- Bro Jimmy for 2007 going on 2008

Meeting Liyan

2007-12-30T01:30:00.000+08:00

31st December 2006

Today will be a very exciting day for me! I was invited to the co-worker's appreciation dinner and after which, the gang will be coming over my humble abode to chill out! YAY!

31st December 2007

Today will be a very busy day for me. I have to prepare the invitation cards (the yellow ones) for the co-worker's appreciation dinner. I have been receiving some comments about the monkey picture inside the card. I chose it because I thought our church was unique for we are the only church (I think) which is surrounded by at least 5 generations of monkeys, and people will stop by the church to admire the monkeys which I feel can also be a way to share the gospel by saying:

"They are cute aren't they? Wanna know Who created them?"

But some people see it as insulting:

"Wah! Monkey ah! Those who go for the dinner are monkeys?!" (People DO say that)

Oh well. The monkey is really cute la, cartoon type. Already printed. Kena scolded also. Ha. Ok la, next year no monkeys. I print Bill Clinton's face there, then those who go for the dinner will be Bill Clintony-rich$.

Then, I have to prepare 40 large books for the board members and 150 English and 150 Chinese summary booklets for those attending the Annual Planning Meeting. Of which, I really sincerely wanna thank DELDA and JON for helping me thru this tough and busy period. Without them, I will need to sleep in the office until I can get them done on time. And it's not a last minute work. I prepared it at the start of November, but after going thru much vetting and corrections, it can only be prepared last week. :S

Not forgetting, I need to stay for the anointing service after the APM meeting which may end until 1am on 01/01/2008, which is, also, our dear friend Shawn aka Turbochicken's big day.

See how ONE year can change my life story SO MUCH.

For the better, of course. Nothing beats working for God.

But, the purpose of this blog today is to share about how our amazing God works and His plan is the only perfect plan that we should truly seek.

I've told some of you over supper, but still, it deserve to go on praise-adonai.blogspot.com for archiving purpose.

Saturday, 29th December 2007

Due to work, it was required of me to attend Saturday Celebration Service at 7.30pm instead of cell group @ 8pm. I was groaning, moaning and complaining about not being able to go for cell. I reached the service at 7.25pm and Xiaolin was available to help me with the work I was supposed to do. I was telling myself, "Praise God! I can attend cell group now!"

I left the hall and stopped by Judy's booth promoting Rev Samuel Ng's Seminar and Gala Dinner just to exchange a few words before going back to the church office. When the lift arrived at the 3rd storey, a familiar face exited the lift. I turned around but only her back view was visible. I thought to myself,

"Looks like my sister's friend".

But I wasn't certain. Then I noticed her shorts. Bukit View PE shorts!

I decided to go with the odds and ran back into the hall. I observed her before approaching her. She was alone.

I took the chance and sat beside her, and I'm glad that she remembers me! So while I was there, I chatted quite a bit with her and I realised that she had a misunderstanding with her friends and she's alone for today's service. Of course, I joined her for service, and it was wonderful.

After talking to her, I truly admire her courage, her persistance, her passion for Christ, her love for Jesus.

Because of her faith, she is being persecuted by her immediate family memebers.
Because of her faith, she is being verbally abused and shunned by her grandparents.
Because of her faith, she have to endure all the vulgarities her grandparents throw at God.
Because of her faith, she does not have much friends in school because whenever she tries to share the Gospel, they ignore her. (My sis included)
Also, her 'N' results were not very desirable and she has quit school, now looking for a job.

If I were in her shoes, at a tender age of 16, I would have forsaken God totally. I would have said "no" to God just to be accepted by my family & friends. I would deny Christ just to have my grandparents treat me favourably again. I would mock Christ just to maintain my friendship in school. If I were in her shoes at 16, I truly might have done all of the above.

If I know my friends whom I had a misunderstanding with were to turn up during service, I would try to avoid attending that service, or any services altogether. But with courage, she came, walked past them, and sat herself down comfortably and focused on God.

This dear little sister was recently baptised a few weeks ago in December. Her parents were not there to support, neither were her friends. Which made me rethink my baptism and the .ppt slide I made in memory of it. Flowers, family, friends...

She accepted Christ 1 year ago, made her own decision to be baptised in COSBT, painfully ignoring how her earthly family and friends would treat her, I am just so overwhelmed by her guts. I know, I can never do it.

No family support
No friends
No studies / work
No cell group

She still loves Jesus.

If my God is for you, who can be against you?

She will be attending our cell group come 2008 and I hope everyone will try to engage her in our activities. She's very very shy and may need more coaxing, but, she's spiritually and mentally mature, like my dear Estherpoohpiglet. I hope we can turn all the "no"s in her life into "yes"es. To give her the support that she needs during this time.

Can you see God's plan? Logic cannot satisfy my curiosity about how I ended up in Sat Bilingual Service, how a mere girl stopped me from taking the lift down, how I ended up noticing this girl, how I focused on her shorts and realised it's really her, how I observed her, how I joined her for service, how I was there to pray for her, how I was there to invite her to cell group, HOW?!

On hindsight, it was God at work. He planned for Mark to not go for service so I'll have to do it. He planned for Judy to be at the lift so I could talk to her while waiting for the lift to arrive. He planned for me to turn and look at this particular girl. He planned for me to notice her shorts (?!) He planned for me to have the courage to trial and error and talk to her. Everything just falls into place and I am awed at His perfect plan. Like what Jeff mentioned:

"We are strategically placed in a certain place or situation for God to work in us"

Never truer.

Her name is Liyan and I wish to see her grow in our cell. Let our hearts all beat in unity and we lift each other up and worship the one true God.

Blessed 2008!!!!!

Mission Nong Khai

2007-12-20T20:35:00.000+08:00

I had received my most expensive Christmas Gift by far: S$700 and the key to go for missions this December to pray for the sick as well as to distribute reading glasses.

2nd December arrived faster than I could say “Nong Khai” and despite not sleeping the night before, I was full of energy and with the eagerness of a 9-year-old kid, I quickly washed up, double-checked my luggage and rushed down to board the already-waiting cab.

(Insert a crazy night laughing with Lynette when we were supposed to get our much needed R & R)

The roads at 3.40am were clear, lights were mostly green, with the driver having fun going at 90km/h. We arrived at the budget terminal at 4.05am.

When everyone had arrived, we checked in our luggages, and prayed for journey mercy. The maximum weight for a luggage is 17kg and my luggage weighed exactly 16kg. It was to my knowledge that I brought many unnecessary things like extra towels, extra toiletries, extra money, stationery and everything else in excess just in case anyone forgot anything. Praise be to God that my luggage was within the limit!

Everything else was going smoothly until we were told, just before boarding Tiger Airways, that the boxes in which we stored the reading glasses could not be brought up the plane as it was a full flight that day. A little bit shaken but by faith, we managed to stuff close to 500 glasses in our carry-on bags. Although it was already a miracle how we managed to gather up 1000 reading glasses for the people of Thailand within a short time span, God further helped us by getting Jeff to bring half of it over first. His Grace is sufficient for us!

Tiger Airways flight TR 102 to Bangkok (BKK) was a smooth journey. For Esther, the youngest in the team being at only 15 years of age, it was her virgin flight and much to the amusement of many, she let out a ear-piercing scream during take-off. The journey lasted a little over one hour.

Landing safely at BKK International Airport, we gathered together once again to proceed to our next destination: Don Mueang Airport (Thailand Domestic Airport) for a transit to Udon Thani. We squeezed 4 to a cab and while some of us slept during the cab journey, some of us tried to use our limited knowledge and foreign accent to communicate with the driver. Wen Kang, Gabriel and I had a good time conversing with the driver, and the driver was really open and friendly towards the Gospel. From what I know, Thailand is made up of 90% Buddhists and 10% other religions. But with faith and passion for Thailand, the statistics will soon be changed.

Reaching Don Mueang Domestic Airport, we checked in, had lunch and waited for the call to board our flight (Nok Air) to Udon Thani. Unlike the Singapore Budget Terminal, Don Mueang Airport has a maximum luggage limit of 15kg! In Singapore, where my luggage weighed 16kg, how possible is it that it will not exceed the 15kg limit and escaping the additional costs? But nothing is impossible when we believe in a true and living God. My luggage weighed an exact 15kg. You may argue the cause to be other reasons, but nothing could stop me from chanting “Pra Yesu Kao Jai (Jesus understands)”!

During the wait, we sat around the waiting area, fellowshipping, teasing one another, having great fun just by being together. Looking back, I see it as parts of God’s plan as the fellowshipping helped in strengthening bonds and encouraging unity before being faced with the challenges on a mission field. We boarded Nok Air when the gates opened and arrived in Udon Thani about an hour later.

Two vans awaited our arrival at Udon Thani to transport us to Nong Khai. By the time we reached our final destination, it was about 6-7pm. We checked in our luggages into the Guesthouse and proceed to dinner: Tom Yum!

The food was alright, but the tom yum was “spiccceh”! After dinner, we shopped a little at 7-11 and went back to the Guestroom for our much needed rest. As my roommate Poi will only be arriving on the 4th, I had to bunk in with Lynette and Alyssa for 2 nights. (Read: 2 crazy nights)

Something personal to share: When I arrived at the Guesthouse initially, I was filled with dread. Everyone disappeared into their respective rooms, chatting away excitedly with their designated buddy. I opened the door to my room only to hear the silence which engulfed me. I know that all the sisters would be more than willing to invite me into their conversation, but it’s not as good as having a buddy of your own (if you know what I mean). I was the one who planned the rooming and yes I am aware that my buddy will only be arriving on the 4th. The walls between rooms were so thin I could hear Lynette’s and Alyssa’s maniacal laughter just next door, which somehow triggered tears of self-pity. I do sincerely apologize to those who happen to come knocking while I was busy showering rain on that 1 sqft of NongKhai and getting a shock of their life seeing the rain goddess in action. But the feeling of loneliness didn’t last long. Soon enough, I realize that God was with me all these while, as well as my sisters. The sadness and loneliness were replaced by love.

We rested for the day and woke up the next feeling excited yet again. Gabriel started it off with a good sharing of witnessing to the people, about having faith, and about fulfilling the Great Commission: To Go and Make Disciples of all Nations. Brother James and Sis Bee Yan taught us how to distribute the glasses as the glasses were powered differently. Younger people in the age range about 30-40 may require a +1.00 while 40-50 may require a +2.00 and 50-60 may require a +3.00. It took us quite some time to get it right because far sightedness and near-sightedness do somehow affect the power as well. It is also important to let the people know that these are reading glasses and not glasses to correct far / near sightedness as they have the tendency to think otherwise.

Breakfast was alright, but the real excitement came when we proceeded to a place that somewhat reminded me of a community centre. About 270 people were gathered there waiting for what is to come. The air was cool, about 23 Degrees Celsius, albeit sunny. We had set up a “prayer clinic” (a circle of chairs) for praying and 4 tables for the distribution of glasses. Before this, we had a stopover at our partner church “Nong Khai Assembly of God” to collect the remaining 500 glasses that Jeff had brought over. The first day, I was in charge of scanning their Thai National Card (like our IC) so that the missionaries there could do a follow up on them after receiving their glasses. Which is how I know there was a close approximate of 270 people in that area itself. As it is our first try, the system was a bit messy. Many were queuing for the glasses and very few came for prayer. But those that came, miracles were displayed right in front of me. The lame can walk again. “Sure or not?” The lame did walk again without the help of his crutches. Miraculous as it may seem. About 300 pairs of eyes were witnesses to this miracle.

Somehow, scanning the ID cards didn’t make me feel as if I’m part of their prayer team. Yet, the Lord impressed upon me that I can still pray for them by speaking in tongues and scanning the cards. I don’t need my mouth to scan the cards. I can still use my mouth to pray in tongues or pray aloud. This knowledge comforted me greatly. After lunch, we did the same thing, giving out of glasses and praying for the sick. It was quite discouraging (for me) to know that the people who were there on the 1st day of our giving out glasses project were there just for the free glasses instead of the healing. In fact, very few came for healing.

At night, we were preparing for the musical rally and I was nervous because the makeshift stage which we were supposed to perform on did not seem quite stable to me but thank God, He kept us safe! My keyboard kept dying on me because the power cord was loose but God sustained us all with good music and ambience. Not forgetting, at least 80 Youth Impact mission trippers were there too and they added on to the numbers which added on to the nervousness. I also had a role to play for the “Everything” skit that Lynette had painstakingly choreographed and trained us into perfection. Donning large sunglasses at about 9pm, heels that were too big for me and an up-turned collar, I strutted my stuff on cue. Once again, God preserved me by ensuring that my heels did not get caught in the holes in the planks. Everyone did a great job and it was a success!

On the second day, the distribution of glasses was held in a “house” filled with chairs. This time, it was more systematic. Wei Sheng was in charge of the registration, after which they will proceed to the “prayer clinic” and then they will take a queue number for their glasses. I was assigned to pray with Lynette and the opportunity to pray for the villages touched my heart that they came forward with faith rather than for glasses. Aaron and a few others were chosen to invite other villagers to a musical rally that evening and as they were walking around, a man with faith came and ask for prayer. This man was a soldier and was shot between his eyes some years back which resulted in a loss of hearing. Acting on faith, Aaron and many others laid hands on his ears and prayed for the Holy Spirit to heal this man. Lo and Behold, he could hear again! The man fell to his knees and worshipped Aaron, which all of them quickly pointed out that it was Jesus Christ who healed him and they were just vessels and channels for God to work His miracles! I deeply regret not being able to witness this miracle, but the fact that it happened, all Glory goes to God!! This day, we had also witness the strong faith of a man with physical disabilities due to an accident while he was a soldier. He could not stand straight without support and his speech was slurred. When praying for him, we did not expect a full recovery, but the best that we can do through prayer. When he arrived at the “house”, he couldn’t speak a single word properly. After much prayer, he managed to utter “Pra Yesu” which awed his mother and the many of us who prayed for him. His mother eventually received and accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. He left the “house” still unsteady but we believe, he is on the road to recovery as long as he keeps Jesus in his heart.
Before evening arrived, we were invited to a primary school to do some skits and to interact with the students. The students enjoyed the skit we brought them, enjoyed the games we played with them, and my favourite part was the last part where we mingled with the students, dancing with them and seeking Aaron do a chicken dance(?)! I literally almost died laughing due to a serious lack of breath.

In the evening, we prepared for the musical rally and God preserved us through and through. This time, I was given the opportunity to act the main character and it was what I had always desired to do (haha!) . I forgot some parts but thankfully the overall outcome was satisfactory. This was also the very same day a woman was slained due to the movement of the Holy Spirit in her. I didn’t think the people in Thailand was capable of understanding the meaning of being slained but it was a bonus and a confirmation that the Holy Spirit who is in us is one and the same who is in her.

On the third day, we went to an example village whereby many villages in the near future will be adopting this village as an example to follow. There was a long queue for healing! People are willing to wait under the sun just for their turn to be healed. It was extremely encouraging to know that the Holy Spirit had prepared the land before us and had touched many hearts, healed many diseases! Charms were cut like never before – charms that looked like friendship bands on their wrists are obstacles for complete healing! Some of them voluntarily cut them off themselves and the souls saved were too many to keep track, too many to count. On this day, we had also visited a Singaporean who married a Thai and lived there ever since. She welcomed us with open arms as we chatted with her and laid hands on her to pray for health and safety and for her family’s salvation. We ended the day with a wonderful Korean BBQ dinner. All made possible only by God’s grace and mercy.

On the fourth day, which was also the last and the longest day of the project, we arrived after 1 hour of traveling at Phon Phisai whereby healing was so much needed that people cut queue not for glasses, but for healing. There were 2 cases that struck me deeply:

There was this very cute old lady who totally cut the queue for prayer, went up to brother Phua and tugged at his pants. As brother Phua was praying for someone else, he was puzzled as he felt the tug on his pants. He opened his eyes to see the cute old lady sitting on the floor, pulling off her slippers and pointing to the soles of her feet, speaking to him in a string of Thai words. Brother Phua quickly seated her down on one of the empty chairs and asked her to wait. While waiting, P’Joy and I decided to attend to her first. After much shouting into the old lady’s ear, we realized that she couldn’t hear. All we could do is to hand-sign our intentions to her and she understood. We clasped her hands tightly to indicate prayer and she bowed her head. We laid hands on her and started praying fervently for God to release the blockage in her ear so she could receive and hear the Gospel. After prayer, she clasped my hands tightly saying she can hear people saying “one, two, three” in Thai! We assured her that it is Jesus who is doing the healing while we are all vessels, and we continued praying fervently for her. This time, she could hear (somewhat) and repeat the sinner’s prayer and be saved! Praise the Lord!

Another woman was also bonded so tightly to unforgiveness and hatred that we have problems praying for her ailments and she does not seem to get healed. It was the Holy Spirit that impressed upon me that she is harbouring unforgiveness and hatred for a particular someone and it is hindering her healing process. She admitted that she is, harbouring some negative feelings towards someone and we prayer for inner healing. She was healed internally and we believe that once she lets Jesus into her heart, whatever ailment that gets her down will ultimately be washed away. We made her admit to everyone of us out loud that she will forgive her enemy. We comforted her by telling her that we are a family in Christ and we will be her support, emotionally and spiritually. She hugged many of us and cry, which I feel is the start of her internal healing. Glory in the Highest Heavens!

The number of people healed and saved was too many to keep track of. In this case, the numbers matter as it prove that God is at work in us, through us, we can very soon claim Thailand to be His inheritance. It proves that we are serving a miracle-working God. It proves that He is real!

To add, this testimony is from Jeff:

One of the days when we were there, there were actually 2 witch doctors whom were in our midst. They came for healing and were healed. When they went back to their usual “business”, the pain came back again. Then they thought to themselves “Jesus heals! And our god brings the pain back!” From then on, they have been bringing people to church. Hallelujah! Even places that do not have a church have starting asking for one!

Everyone, this is a time of harvest.

Matthew 9:35-38
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."

There will be a team going to Nong Khai again in mid-March. Well?

[Sorry no pics! Wei Sheng is compiling everything now]

back from MT

2007-12-13T02:37:00.000+08:00

Hello all!

I'm back from Thailand Nong Khai and there are many things I wish to blog and share about but am still refining it plus adding pictures so do check back for a testimony-cum-what we did over there and I hope whatever is in the next post will revive the fire for God in you.

CandyCane

2007-11-28T12:22:00.000+08:00

A Soldier's View of the Tomb:

Cassius stood at rigid attention in front of the commanding officer of Jerusalem's military cohort. "Centurion," the officer barked, "explain yourself! One of your squads was assigned to guard a tomb, a dead man. What could be so hard about that? Now I'm hearing rumors that the body is missing? Tell me this is all a mistake!"

"Sir, may I be frank, one old soldier to another?" asked the Centurion. He and the Tribune went back a long way, though the Tribune was of the equestrian class, and he a mere commoner.

"Please, Cassius," he said somewhat more gently, and motioned for the Centurion to take a seat.

"I must beg your indulgence, sir," Cassius began. "The story actually begins weeks ago."

"Take your time," the Tribune said, relaxing somewhat.

"Ever since this Jesus began preaching around Jerusalem, we thought he might be some kind of revolutionary bent on stirring up the populace with his talk of the Kingdom of God. But I went and listened to him, sir. He was no threat. Thousands would sit in rapt attention as he would talk about his Father, and loving your neighbor, forgiveness from past sins, and beginning a new life. It was fascinating, sir. Made you feel like he cared about you personally, he did."

The Tribune was resting his chin on his hand. "Go on, soldier."

"The next I saw him, we had been ordered to stand guard outside the Governor's official residence. The crowd was getting ugly. Pontius Pilate was sitting up there on the judgment seat and Jesus stood before him. Someone had roughed him up a bit, sir.

"What did you expect, Centurion?"

"Finally," Cassius continued, "Pilate motioned for silence. 'I find no crime in this man,' he called out. Then he tried to set Jesus free. He asked them to choose between Barabbas--a known murderer and rebel--and Jesus."

"And now that criminal Barabbas is walking free again."

"Jews from the ruling Sanhedrin were shouting, 'Crucify him! Crucify him!' The rabble took up the cry. It was touch and go for a minute there, sir. Then Pilate called for a basin, and began to wash his prissy little hands ...."

"Centurion, I'll allow no disrespect," the Tribune said sharply.

"Yes sir, but you know Jesus was innocent, pure and simple. He had just offended some powerful priests. But when Pilate saw how the wind was blowing he went along. I thought Rome was about law and justice, not expediency."

"Ruling is sometimes dirty business, Centurion," interjected the Tribune.

"So is soldiering, sir. On your orders one of my squad was picked to scourge the man."

"Oh, they enjoyed it well enough," said the Tribune. "That tall soldier ... Publius, wasn't it? He flogged like a madman, as I recall, with the metal tips of the scourge biting into his back until the skin lay in tatters and blood ran free."

"Few times in my career have I been sickened by blood," commented Cassius, "but to see an innocent man treated with such cruelty...."

"I don't recall you stopping them from dressing him in a purple robe with a reed for a scepter and a crown of thorns. Oh, they were having fun, all right."

"I've crucified hundreds in my time," Cassius replied, "but this man was different. He didn't curse. He didn't whimper. He was half-dead already from the beating Publius gave him, and he fell on the way to Golgotha."

"Fell?"

"He was just too weak to carry the cross, so we conscripted a strong Cyrenean to carry it. Then we crucified Jesus."

"All men die the same."

"Not like he did," replied Cassius. "We spiked him to the cross-bar and hoisted it onto the upright, but I'll never forget his prayer: 'Father forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing.' Sir, I was responsible for killing him, and he forgave me."

"Haven't you been a soldier too long to be troubled by a guilty conscience, Cassius?"

"Then the thief crucified next to him asked to be remembered when Jesus came into his kingdom."

"His kingdom!" the Tribune sneered.

"But listen to his answer: 'Today you will be with me in paradise.' Amazing! About noon, Tribune, the sky grew dark. Everyone saw it, and felt the cold chill when he cried, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' He sounded like the loneliest man in the world, hanging in the darkness. He spoke scarcely a word until three in the afternoon when he shouted, almost triumphantly, 'It is finished!' And, if you listened closely, you could hear him whisper, 'Into your hands I commit my spirit.'

"At that very moment the ground began to tremble and roll," said Cassius. "Knocked me to the ground for a moment. And then the darkness began to lift. I tell you, Tribune, that was no mere man we crucified, he was the Son of God."

"A few freak coincidences and you're willing to declare him divine? He's just as dead as anyone."

"No, Tribune, he's not."

"He's not?"

"The chief priests and Pharisees insisted that Pilate guard the tomb so Jesus' disciples wouldn't steal the body."

"I know. I ordered it."

"We posted three men around the clock, relieved every eight hours as regulations call for. I sealed the tomb before they began. It was secure."

"So, what's this rumor that the body is gone?"

"It is gone, sir."

"I'll have your hide, Centurion!" the Tribune shouted, rising to his feet.

Cassius stood, too, but went on. "About seven o'clock Sunday morning, sir, the three soldiers on duty came running into the barracks like they'd seen a ghost. 'Centurion! Centurion!' they shouted. 'He's alive!' I got them calmed down, and made them tell me every detail.

"Their shift had begun about midnight," he said. They had been wide awake all night--telling stories about their girlfriends back home most of the time, I understand. Then, just before dawn, they said the garden tomb lit up as if it were high noon, and an angel with garments like lightning came and rolled the stone away from the tomb. They just sat there trembling. Then one of them got up-- Publius, I think they said--and looked in the tomb. The body was gone, and the graveclothes were lying on the limestone shelf wrapped round and round, but no body in them."

"You expect me to believe that?" the Tribune responded disdainfully.

"I questioned them closely. Each looked. Each saw the same thing. The body was gone."

"They must have fallen asleep, and told a story to cover themselves."

"They were battle-hardened veterans, sir, not some green troops. I know those men. Besides, sir, you'd think the sound of people trying to roll a huge stone would awaken sleeping soldiers. No, they were telling the truth, all right."

"What do you expect me to tell people, Centurion? That he rose from the dead?"

"I don't know what you're going to tell them, Tribune, but that's what happened. He's alive. I tell you, he's alive!"

"We'll tell the soldiers to say they fell asleep and his disciples stole the body," suggested the Tribune.

"What soldier is willing to say he fell asleep?" asked Cassius with a thin smile on his face.

"We'll pay them to say it," said the Tribune. "The chief priests owe us. They'll come up with a goodly sum to bury this story.... I'll take care of it from here on out, Centurion. You didn't see anything. You don't know anything. Got it?"

"But I do know, and I did see, Tribune. I can't change what happened. Jesus is out there alive. More than alive."

"Forget this ever happened, Cassius."

"Forget it if you can, sir. But with all respect, Jesus is alive, and that changes everything."

-v-

Coco @ office

2007-11-18T22:07:00.000+08:00

I don't really know how many rules I have broken by bringing Coco to the office, but............

(hopes none of the staff reads this)

it was fun!!!

At some point of time I got a bit jealous because she preferred the YI people instead of me!! After the YI peeps left, she was still loitering around the door. :(

I really thank God Coco did not defecate in the Church Office, anywhere at all, not even spraying.

:D

-v-

A Saviour's Plea

Upon this hillside my flesh cries out in pain. Yet, it is my heart that searches for mercy. I scan the crowd and see my accusers. I see those who knew me as their friends.

Yet, I choose to travel in time to a place where I sit here with you. I look upon your face which is so dear to me. I remember the day you were created. I remember how my heart leaped for joy when I was forming you in the womb. I remember how my hands delicately were placed around your heart. I remember the God-shaped hole I placed there. I smiled when I thought of all the accomplishments you would make.

But, all of those pale in comparison to the reality that is set before you. And what is that reality? Beloved, look upon my hands and feet. Look upon my thorn covered brow. Look upon the wound in my side and the marks upon my back. That is how much I love you.

This blood I shed was paid at my expense and if it had taken one drop at time, surely I would have paid such a high price for you. Do you realize how much I love you? Do you know that when you cry that I cry too? Do you know that when you feel defeated, alone and rejected that I long to tear open the heavens and show you my face? Do you know that I want so badly to hold you when you cry? Do you know that when man speaks words that wound and tear at your very soul that I long to kiss your brow and tell you how much I love you?

Why do you look to man to give you what only I can? Why do you give man the first fruits of your time, affections and talents only to be left disappointed and rejected? While we sit here my child I ask you these questions. I do not ask to hurt you or make you feel condemned. I ask that you may seek the truth and find it. For when you seek truth, you find me.

For I AM the way, the truth and the life. Beloved, will you choose the path I have laid before you? Will you choose to never be lonely again? Will you choose me so that I may come in and heal you of all that man has done? Will the word "yes" fall from your lips? Oh, how I have longed for the day when you will say "yes".

Just one word would send all of heaven rejoicing and place hell in vast turmoil! Just that one word would fill my heart with adulation, beloved. There is no one so horrible that my blood cannot cleanse, neither is there anyone so good that doesn't need me.

Whisper my name beloved, whisper and I will come running. I will run to you. You do not even have to meet me halfway. I will meet you right where you are. Say my name- "Jesus." Say it now from your heart and I will show up. Seek me with the eyes of your heart and you will find me there. You will see that I have been with you all along.

I travel back in time to this hillside. It is here where I think of you. All that you need, desire and ever longed for is in this blood. Will you choose my way? Surely, I cannot hide my opinion, for how could a creator deny the affection of his creation?

But, the choice is yours, beloved. I cannot make you choose, for that would not be love. But, know this dear one, know that I will not turn you away! Come- I will be waiting.

Love,
Jesus

-v-

Oh and I promised to get back to you on what biaoge mentioned about why our Jesus is real:

1) Our Worldly Calendar is based on Him and Him alone, with BC standing for "Before Christ" and AD standing for "the year of our Lord" (instead of after Christ as I mentioned in my previous post)

2) Jesus can be historically proven. The Jews themselves have seen Jesus! He walked the Earth, breathe the air; He can see, can touch, can smell, can hurt... Just like us.

3) He did many miracles that history can't deny. He healed the sick, let the blind to see, and the deaf to hear. History cannot deny this. He is real! He is the only living God. There can be many other "gods", but this is the real deal! The only Living God.

4) He started off with 12 disciples, and now, has expanded to the biggest religion in the whole world!

5) His body cannot be found and no acceptable reason can be given for the missing body. He died and rose again! That's why He lives until now!

6) Our (my) testimony and encounters that causes us(me) to believe in Him.

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof, anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song, we barely understood

Now we are not afraid
Although we know theres much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we knew we could...

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill

Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will..
You will when you believe.

In this time of fear
Where prayer so often proved in vain
Hope seemed like a summer bird
Too swiftly, flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
With a heart so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill

Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will..
You will when you believe..

They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way safe through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says love is the relief...
(Says hope is very near)

Be still
And know
That I am God...

Golden Compass

2007-11-15T23:16:00.000+08:00

Dear leaders,

Please take note of the upcoming movie THE GOLDEN COMPASS. It is totally anti Christian just like The Davinci Code, only worse. The difference is the author of the golden compass wrote the book with the sole purpose of proving there is no God. In his trilogy(just like Narnia) there is one scene where God is actually killed.

So fellow christians, as more and more such movies come out to counter what God is doing through us, we need to be aware and be vigilant. Lets tell our members about it..

Ps Daniel Cheo

The Golden Compass Movie

There will be a new children's movie out in December called 'The Golden Compass'. The movie has been described as 'atheism for kids' and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled 'His Dark Materials' that was written by Phillip Pullman.

Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the 'Chronicles of Narnia'. His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series.

Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that 'my books are about killing God.' He has even stated that he wants to 'kill God
in the minds of children'. It has been said of Pullman that he is 'the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed.'

While 'The Golden Compass' movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another
character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as 'a very powerful and convincing mistake.' In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse
regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.

'The Golden Compass' is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season (and staring Nicole Kidman), and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will
enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas.

Please pass this information to everyone you know (including church leaders). This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.

Don't let kids see 'The Golden Compass'

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

-v-

Sometimes I get too busy with work to notice the surroundings and its happenings. A big thank you to Ps Daniel for keeping us (me) updated. I guess we need to pray against such things as more of which are coming up.

-v-

Last week, it was my first time prayer walking and it gave me a totally whole new perspective of my life. Sometimes I find life a bit boring: You work, go home, sleep, work again the next day. On off days, I either bathe Coco or sleep through. Walking the dog is a whole new experience for me now. There's a giganormous golden statue of guan yin opposite BBDC and I'm hoping to try to save souls by prayer-walking there everytime I bring Coco down for a walk. That's my short term goal.

Sometimes sharing Jesus is not as easy as it seems. Maybe, it wasn't even easy to begin with. I carry a few booklets of the Daily Bread Christmas Edition (The one given out during Sun services)with me everyday. As I go to work, I can see old folks bird watching, playing chess, or just catching up with each other. And I wanted to go up to them and slip them a booklet. But I don't dare... HAHAHAA... I wanna be more daring, but yet I dare not be more daring. Haaa....

When talking about Jesus, to the laypeople, you are just talking about something that we cannot see, nor touch, nor smell, nor taste (?). And we are living in a logical world where air, is scientifically proven to sustain life, how logical can Jesus be? The Bible says that those who have seen Jesus and believed in Him, they will be blessed. But (more) blessed are those who do not see, and yet believe. How do I convince the world that our Father exists? Jesus is not like some magic trick that we conjure by saying "If you believe, you will pass all your exams with flying colours".
I particularly liked the way Biao Ge gave the (worldly) examples of the truth of our Father:
1. The world's calendar is based on Jesus - B.C (Before Christ) A.D (After Christ) If Christ is a just figment of our imagination, why would the world use Him as a common calculation of our calendar?
2. Why do we have so many holidays that stemmed from Christ? Easter, Good Friday, Christmas. And yet, these are world wide holidays. Not just Singapore. Not like Qing Ming Jie, or CNY.
3. I forgot what else he mentioned. Hahahahhaahah... Ok I shall ask him again before he returns to KZ.

But I think the first point is the most important and most convincing one.

IF Jesus is a whole lot of nonsense, why is the world following a calendar based on something nonsensical? There must be a reason why it is called Before Christ and After Christ. 2007 is two thousand and seven years After Christ. Think.

Very random snippets:

One good news: While I was working in church, many other smaller churches paid us a visit because their church is growing so rapidly that they need space to hold their services. Too bad we are also lacking in this aspect. Although we can't be of any help, praise the Lord for growing churches!

I met up with Zoe Yang some time back and she asked me: "Is your church very traditional?"
Me: "What do you mean by traditional?"
ZY: "Cuz Caecelia's church every night go chionging with her one"
Me: "Are you sure it's a church? Doesn't sound like one to me"
ZY: "Ya it's a church, can't think of the name right now"
Me: "ok....... (confused and bewildered)"

Our dearest Shawn Kok TurboChicken is finally tying the knot!!
Shawn Kok Wai Heng and Adeline will be exchanging matrimonial vows on the 1st of January 2008! And, I'm invited to decorate the hall! What honour! Hahahaa.. So if it's ugly, you know who to find/blame/scold. But if it's nice, I may consider doing it for you. :D:D:D
(If it's Aaron and Xiuluan it would be easier - Jurassic Park Theme!)

Working in church is full of surprises. Each day is like a gift given by God.

Today's musing: Mac will earn more money if they are less stingy with their sauces.

This entry is so... all over the place.
Oh well.

GOD BLESS!

Believe

2007-11-11T21:48:00.000+08:00

An abandoned, neglected child,
Left to wonder the streets wild.

A faithful yet beaten wife,
He continually threatens to take her life.

Why would God permit these things?
Why won't He give the hurt ones wings
To fly away from all the pain,
To fly away from the insane?

How can we understand
Why He won't stop them with His mighty hand?
Why can't the blind be made to see
And the innocent be set free?

So many try to hold onto this life.
They are willing to take it all in strife.
Yet God has so many higher plans.
Far beyond all of man's.

Men cannot see into eternity,
And they do not know who can set them free.
But God wants to give us a heavenly home.
One we can truly call our own.

He looks forward to the day
When He can wipe all their tears away.
He offers a hope and a peace
That can set their minds at ease.

All they must do to receive
Is simply to believe!

3rd Nov Thai Mission Practice

2007-11-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

PREPARATION FOR MISSION TRIP TO NONGKHAI THAILAND

Please bear with some of the pictures. I didn't wanna use flash to distract everyone so I took them without flash, thus, the blurriness (?).

HET NAN MER RAO (THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANDSOME CALABEEEEEEEEE & SWEET GABBYYYYY!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D

God has visions of your future

2007-11-02T17:49:00.000+08:00

"GOD HAS VISIONS OF YOUR FUTURE--HEALED, DELIVERED AND BLESSED"

I HAD A VISION OF BEING SEATED IN A MOVIE THEATER

The lights were turned down and the show began. Astonishingly, the
pictures on the screen were about my life, the ups and downs, the joys
and sorrows, and the ultimate fulfillment of my destiny and all of
God's plans concerning the calling He has on my life. As I watched in
amazement and joy, others started to enter the theater and sit down. I
thought, "Why would God want to let others see what is happening with
my life?" Then I realized that He wasn't. Each person saw his or her
"own" life. Even though there was only one screen, God was showing
"faith photos" that could only be seen by the one whom the pictures
pertained to.

God says: "YOU'RE INVITED TO SEE A PHOTO SHOOT I TOOK OF YOU AGES
AGO...."

"I've always had a picture of you. My photo albums are full of special
moments I have reserved for your life. In some of the pictures, you are
crying, but I have saved every tear in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Even
though I wipe them all away (Isaiah 25:8), not one will be wasted. I
even have the future pictures of you when you arrive at your Heavenly
home...in every picture, you are smiling brightly because of the joy,
and you can hardly contain yourself (Matthew 25:21, 23).

You have read: 'I saw you before you were in your mother's womb' (Psalm
139:16), but I also saw all the future days of your life because I
predestined you for good works ages ago (Ephesians 2:10). I have
pictures of every one of those days and for many of you, your works are
not nearly done. You have mountains to move, fields to plant and reap
from and rejoicing to do when you see your loved ones come to Me (Acts
16:31).

Many of you have not experienced the miracle I have for you. I have a
picture (vision) of that too, so do not be discouraged. I'm in charge,
so don't run from evil, but overcome it (Matthew 5:39), knowing that I
already have a picture of you doing so (Hebrews 7:25)."

God says: "I HAVE PICTURES OF YOU--HEALED, DELIVERED AND MORE...."

"You've looked upon what the 'worldly theater' has to show you. Now
look upon what I want you to see. I am inviting you into My 'Divine
Theater.' The picture show I have for you will change your mind about
wrong assumptions you may have had. Some of the worldly pictures you
have of yourself show failure and oppression. My pictures show the real
story...of you not only leaving a broken heart and the pain behind, but
entering into a place of joy like you never thought possible.

Some of your worldly pictures are dismal negatives. Many have looked
out of the window of their souls and have seen only pictures of
darkness (Ecclesiastes 12:3). Yet, I am about to take a snapshot of you
in your current condition, and the flash will cause all of the darkness
to flee, because only I will do the developing and only My pictures
count in My Kingdom.

Some of you will go to pick up your carnal pictures and they won't turn
out. The enemy of your soul has tried to slip his false photos into
your life's album, and he will be exposed for what he is...a liar. And
although he may be the father of lies, you are a child of the Truth (1
John 3:19). I have pictures of you being so happy, laughing so hard,
that you fall over in exhaustion. I have pictures of you being so
healthy, you want to jog around the block. You might call them unreal
or doubtful. I call them 'Heavenly snapshots' of future blessings about
to be manifested. Say cheese."

God says: "SOME HAVE VISIONS OF ME, BUT I HAVE VISIONS OF YOU...FOR
YOU."

"When My Son told Nathanael, 'You believe because I said I saw you
under the fig tree,' he didn't know it at the time, but Nathanael
opened up Heaven. Simply for believing that My Son saw a picture
(vision) of him under the fig tree, Nathanael would, from that time on,
see Heaven open and My angels ascending and descending on the Son of
Man (John 1:50-51).

Some of you are about to see Heaven open. There is a great reward for
believing My pictures that I want to show you. Child, I am good (Psalm
143:10) and I have a good word for you. As you believe, I will show you
more of My goodness, so resist the devil who has no power over you
(Luke 10:19), and walk in My blessings. Prepare to see pictures of
yourself from My Heavenly view because they are already etched in
eternity.

Isaiah saw a picture of Me sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.
He saw mighty angels and felt unworthy until a live coal came upon his
lips to cleanse him (Isaiah 6:1-7). Yet, I have given you the precious
Blood of My Son, which cleanses your entire being, spirit, soul and
body, making you worthy of all blessings. Feel guilty no more (Romans
8:1).

Come forward, the entrance is free. I have pictures for you. Some of
you will start to see these pictures in dreams (Joel 2:28), while
others will see them in visions (Proverbs 29:18). You've heard it said,
'A picture is worth a thousand words,' but My pictures are worth more
than gold...and I have reserved a seat for you at My Divine Theater.
The Heavenly picture show is ready to begin and your life is about to
hit the real big screen."

"...the Heavens were opened and I saw pictures from God." Ezekiel 1:1

Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life Ministries
Email: a.thomas@myactv. net

Halloween

2007-10-30T10:32:00.000+08:00

Warning: A dino-long entry about Halloween and our Christian faith

It is end of October again this year and beside the all important Protestant reformation day which is to be properly remembered by God‘s people instead, (but sadly neglected or forgotten by many today) Halloween has taken center stage and is featured in the Straits Time (Life Section front page) on 27 Oct 2006 and is celebrated by many today including Singaporeans (Christians and churches alike) as a fun time for kids (see Toy ‘R’ Us) and adults, putting on evil looking wizards or witches’ costumes, cauldrons, brooms, vampires apparel, skeletons, candles, amulets, tarot cards, voodoo dolls, charms and chants and other activities in horror parties in town. In some kindergartens, child care centres and night spots (i.e. Ministry of Sound, Devil’s bar, Sentosa, Bird Park, etc.) and even condominiums and Safra are organizing events to go door-to-door to get candy and play tricks on others. But it is also known as a time of witches, ghouls, goblins, and ghosts and spirits that will come alive and haunt the earth. Many including some Christians see Halloween as just a harmless time of fun and not a ghastly and demonically inspired night to be avoided.

As Christians, should we allow our children and ourselves to have some fun and participate in Halloween? Is it alright to go trick-or-treating? Can we dress our homes or our kids up in diabolical costumes on that day for some malevolent fun as Christians?

A bit of objective history of the event or celebration of Halloween will help here.

The word Halloween is derived from the term "All Hallows Eve" which occurred on Oct 31, the end of summer in Northwestern Europe. "All Saints Day" or "All Hallows Day" was the next Day, Nov 1st. Therefore, Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day.

Apparently, the origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Ireland and Scotland around end Oct. On Oct. 31st, the Celts celebrated the end of summer. This was important because it was when animal herders would move their animals into barns and pens and prepare to ride out the winter. This was also the time of the crop harvests. This annual change of season and lifestyle was marked by a festival called Samhain -- pronounced 'sow-ane' and means 'end of summer.' Sow rhythms with cow.

There was much superstition associated with this time of change including the belief in fairies, and that the spirits of the dead wandered around looking for bodies to inhabit. Since the living did not want to be possessed by spirits, they dressed up in costumes and paraded around the streets making loud noises to confuse and frighten the spirits away. In addition, the new year began for the Celts on Nov 1. So, the day of Samhain was believed to be a day that was in neither the year past or the year to come.

Since it was in between, chaos ruled on that day. Often, people would pull practical jokes on others as a result with ghostly tricks.

Later, around the 5th century, as the Catholic Church developed and moved into the area, instead of adding a new day to celebrate, it took over the Samhain celebration.

Nov. 1st became "All Hallows Eve" where all the saints of the Catholic church were honored. A later custom developed where people would go door-to-door on Nov. 2, requesting small cakes in exchange for the promise of saying prayers for some of the dead relatives of each house. This arose out of the religious belief that the dead were in a state of limbo before they went to heaven or hell and that the prayers of the living could influence the outcome. This may have been the precursor to Trick-or Treat.

The Jack-0-Lantern apparently comes from Irish folklore about a man named Jack who tricked the devil into climbing a tree. Once the devil was in the tree, Jack carved a cross on the trunk, preventing the devil from coming down. The devil then made a deal with Jack to not allow Jack into hell after Jack died if only Jack would remove the cross from the tree. After Jack died, he couldn't go to hell, and he couldn't go to heaven. He was forced to wander around the earth with a single candle to light his way. The candle was placed in a turnip to keep it burning longer. When the Irish came to America in the 1800's, they adopted the pumpkin instead of the turnip. Along with these traditions, they brought the idea that the black cat was considered by some to be reincarnated spirits who had prophetic abilities.

So, it appears that the origins of Halloween are a mixture of old Celtic pagan rituals superstition and early Catholic traditions. An as true believers of Christ, we have nothing to do with both of them for they are contrary to the biblical teachings of scriptures which clearly forbid the celebration of occutlic events or practices (Lev 19:27-30, Deut 18; 9-14).

What does the Bible say about occultic events like Halloween? The word of God warns us solemnly against dabbling with the occult like consulting witches, the stars gazers or astrologers or those who read horoscopes, spiritists or necromancers in consultation with dead, (i.e. Halloween has to do with the dead) with mediums, bomohs and neo paganistic worship, that is prevalent today.

Exodus 22:18, You shall not let a witch live.

Deut. 18:10-12, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"

The Bible clearly admonishes us about occultic practices like necromancy,
astrology, spirits consultation, and witches and condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it. (Isa 47:12,13, Jer 27:9, Gal 5:20 .and Rev 21:8)..

As Christians, we are to have nothing to do with the occult. Tarot Cards, yoga, horoscopes astrology, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, talisman, amulets and diabolical supernatural powers. There are all anti biblical and diabolical and can harm a Christian's effective witness and fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression and even satanic entanglement for some (Jas 4:7,8). Most Christians should know this and make an effort to avoid all these unedifying activities. But some are still ensnared by these ancient pagan connections and present occultic connections (as seen in churches and kindergarten who organized Halloween parties and trick and treats for the children) and need to be delivered from this bondage and slavery of the evil one (1Thess 5;21,22).

Can a Christian celebrate Halloween?

The Christian as commanded by our Lord (2 Cor 6:14-18, Lev 19:27-31, Jer 27:9, Isa
47:12,13) is to be separated from evil and is not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that uplifts the occult. To do so is to contradict God’s word, dabble in demonic spirits, and invite entanglement with satanic forces and judgment from God. If a Halloween celebration is centered on demons, devils, spirits, etc., I would say don't have anything to do with it.

On the other hand, some have said that it isn't wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying 'Trick or Treat". It's just fun for the kids.” The answer to that is found in 1 Cor 6:9-12 and 1 Cor 10:23,31 which tells us all things are lawful but all things are not profitable nor expedient according to God‘s will for us. This is a very clear matter that it is totally forbidden for us to participate in.

It is a proven historical fact that Halloween has pagan origins, therefore a Christian who wants to honour and please God should not follow the world in dressing up our kids in malevolent costumes and go door-to-door and just have fun on Halloween. On another note, for conscience’s (not just yours but others as well) sake and our obedience to God, one should not as a Christian friend stumble others by our participation in it (1 Cor 8:13).

Conclusion

By and large, the world today is greatly exposed to the occult and not aware of its grave perils to their souls eternally. It is like playing with fire or a venomous snake and scorpions and not knowing the serious consequences that it can have on us. Today’s society, night spots and even some of the churches have become so desensitized to the subtle and insidious invasion of the occult and the diabolical holiday of Halloween that many secular (and even Christian) kindergartens and preschools has even embraced as a fun time of parties and games for the children's and Christian parents have unwittingly or knowingly embraced it and encouraged their children to participate in this malevolent entertainment as well.

Though some Halloween fans say the occasion is only harmless fantasy or fun, and Halloween is perceived as a child's fun holiday, but many are oblivious that there is a darker side to it. We need to pray for wisdom and courage to stand up to the pressures of friends and neighbours and even some school teachers, notwithstanding the fun and parties and costume selection for our children, and dutifully seek out the will of God and obey it and honestly examine the issue before God. We need to make a clear stand against it and before it adversely affects our children and our family or Christian school or church that they are in. Believers are to be discerning and to separate ourselves from the corruption of sin and evil for the devil is a roaring lion seeking any that he may devour in these last days and not be contaminated and compromised with the devil in this diabolical celebration which is an affront and abomination to the most holy God.

Dr Jack Sin
Maranatha BP Church
www.maranatha-bpc.com

-v-

Most noteworthy phrase: "All things are lawful and permissable, but not all things are beneficial nor edifying to the Body of Christ"

Halloween reminded me of a horrific incident I had witnessed when I was a little tot.
My family and I were having a holiday at Genting with one of the day falling on a halloween. "They" were dressed in ghoulish costumes together with masks, scaring people on the down-going escalator. I remembered hearing my mum saying "If anyone tapped you from behind, don't turn".

*Tap tap*

I didn't turn. The "ghost" was scared off because I didnt turn, and becase I didn't turn, he/she pranked another lady in front of me and I saw the back of the "ghost", buttons and all. She was being tapped, she turned, screamed, and rolled down the escalator. The good news, she rolled only a few steps down as it was already near the landing, nothing fatal.

The horrific news: She was pregnant.

I was quickly ushered away from the scene as there was a huge commotion over there.

Until this day, I dare not watch horror shows, even if it is just a commercial.

So for those who are unsure about Halloween and our Christian faith, I hope this dino-long post helped. If not, just take it as a long-winded ranting. :D

God bless!

genting / kl trip pics

2007-10-29T00:14:00.001+08:00

After returning home to Singapore, I was hit with the truth:

3 days of leave
GONE!

But I thank God for His blessings and love throughout the trip :)
Glory be to God!

Brothers

2007-10-27T01:54:00.000+08:00

I didn't expect today to turn out as it is today.

I thought it was just another day as I entered the office today feeling the effects of a lack of sleep.

I checked my mail first thing in the morning as a usual routine and I saw Dino's mail which encouraged me greatly, thank God for that!

Quite unexpectedly, I joined Doris, Adela, Anna (etc.) in attending the Arise Kindergarten Graduation ceremony 2007. I don't really have a soft spot for kids, but,

I LOVED THE ZEBRA COSTUME BOY/GIRL!

I also loved the fact that the Gospel is being taught to them at such a young age, and the passion that exuded from their performances brought great joy to my heart!

Oh ya, I loved the zebra costume boy/girl because I was able to see the faces of the other animal performers but the zebra suit was a little to big for the boy/girl that he/she was the only animal that I couldn't even see the face! The costumes were in such a way that the cape takes the shape of the animal's head. So the poor little kid was practically engulfed in the suit and it was hilariously cute! Hahhahahahaa... I always thought I didn't have a soft spot for kids. I guess I do....

The day closed by watching a movie with some of the staff.

The movie is called "BROTHERS" (XIONG DI)

Ok that's all.

Ok that's not all.

There's ANOTHER story behind "Brothers" which I don't want to further defame spongebob by writing it here although he doesn't have much to spare.

It just goes to show what goes on in his subconscious mind.

HAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Ok la. Maybe I shall write it here so I can forever keep it my memory. :D:D:D

Remember the story about spongebob breaking fast?

Aaron: Biaoge 你叫什么?

Biaoge: 我叫 Chicken Chop.

Aaron: Huh? 你叫什么?

Biaoge: 我叫 CHICKEN CHOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaron: Orh. Chicken Chop 你好。

Biaoge: ARGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

It was something similar when booking "Brothers" movie:

Tiff: Biaoge, 你在 book 什么戏?

Biaoge: 胸部。

Tiff, Doris, Adela: HUH?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!

Biaoge: Oops... Siao Liao.................................. I MEAN 兄弟!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!

I guess biaoge will be expecting to see this here. Sorry biaoge! Please don't get offended. But it's really huarnie!!!

And... I just found out that when I was in K2, Doris was a teacher in my school. Just that she didn't teach me. Or did she? I can't remember... I guess it's time to dig out all the old school photos.. Muhahahahaaha...

ARISE SHINE
FOR THE LIGHT IS COME!

MARTYRDOM IN GAZA

2007-10-25T09:24:00.000+08:00

PRAYER UPDATE FROM ISRAEL (October 15, 2007)

MARTYRDOM IN GAZA

"And that they loved not their lives, even unto death" (Revelation 12:11b).

The small Christian Arab community in Gaza was badly shaken last Sunday (Oct 6th) when Rami Ayyad, a 30 year old believer who ran a Palestinian Bible Society book shop in Gaza City, was found slain after having been kidnapped from near his home the previous day. He had been stabbed and shot. He had been tortured before he expired. Rami had received numerous threats before and after his shop was firebombed last spring. He is survived by his pregnant wife and two young children.

It is estimated that there may be up to 3000 Christians in Gaza, in a sea of some 1.5 million Muslims. Most are Greek Orthodox; there are around 100 Baptists. Christian Arabs have a very difficult time in all of the areas under Muslim Palestinian control-those who have converted from Islam are especially targeted. In Gaza, since the takeover by the radically religious Hamas element, the threats and incidents of violence have begun to increase alarmingly. (Hamas is an Arabic anagram-but in Biblical Hebrew, the word means "violent cruelty", cf. Psalm 25:19).

A dear friend who is closely connected with the believers in Gaza reports that as always, fear is the weapon which the enemy is counting on most to further his work. The believers, trying to be strong, are under a barrage of fear-many are terrified to come out of their homes. ("It's not like they can go to Egypt and lie low for two months-they can't go anywhere, but must just sit and see what happens.") They also must battle the implications drawn from the facts that the murderers would have acquired Rami's cell phone with the numbers of all of his friends, that there is no way of knowing how much information concerning his associates may have been forced out of him before he died, that no organization has come forward to claim responsibility, suggesting that they may have other incidents planned before doing so. Yet, a friend close to Rami's widow shared with our friend how she expressed to her amazement at the grace she senses covering her during this time.

PLEASE PRAY:

*For the widow of Rami Ayyad, angelic protection over her heart, spirit and body, her two children and the little one still in her womb.

*For the Father of mercies and God of ALL true comfort (II Cor. 1:3) to shelter this family and the believing community around them under His wings.

*Over the minds of Believers in this community, that they will be protected from the enemy's attempts to plant and rerun images of what might have taken place in their minds. Phil 4:6-7 speaks of the necessity of God's ineffable Shalom guarding our hearts and minds in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). A Scripture which we are praying for the loved ones is Ps 25:5, "Guide them in Your Truth and teach them, for You are God their Savior."

*Acts 4:29-30 over Palestinian Arab believers throughout Gaza, Judea and Samaria: that God will take note of the threats and grant that His bond-servants may speak His word with all confidence, while He extends His hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of His holy servant Yasuah (Arabic; or in Hebrew: Yeshua; or in English: Jesus). Pray that the power of the Holy Spirit would break out through all denominational and religious boundaries in the brothers and sisters and vindicate the Name to the Muslim community in goodness, and mercy and power. That what satan meant for evil in Gaza, the LORD will use to further His Kingdom of love and hope and life in this dark and despairing place.

*For the Body of Messiah in Israel, that as these things increase we will be sober-minded yet not fear the fire-that Jewish and Arab Believers will be joined together in the unity of Yeshua's love and that "those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

Away

2007-10-18T23:30:00.000+08:00

HELLO

I took a long break from work and had one of the best times of my life!

The best part about Genting is the ability to explore places that I didn't go previously and the best part about KL is the hotel. I wished I had more leave to stay longer though. :S

I doubt I would ever have the time to upload all the pictures but we'll see how.

Staff retreat was crazily fun!

The experience was amazing, laughter-filled, and I witnessed how God's love and blessings has been upon this team as they work in unity to serve God and His people. New staff like me, spongebob, Adela and Judy were able to mingle with the "old timers" and this retreat had set a new standard for my idea of fun. I shared a room with Adela and a suite with Ps Chi Her and Ps Khang. Which seemed quite a weird way to match up initially. But we had loads of fun (funny scenarios) with Ps Khang, although we seldom see him, and Ps Chi Her was there to make apt lame jokes.

I played a round of pool (not swimming pool la) with Ps Tim and he is really good! It's those kind of bonding you will never get on any normal office day nor any Sundays. :)

Not forgetting an occasional knock on the head from spongebob.

Our trainer, Benjamin was a fun chap! I really thank God for him and his coming over from China just to give us some team-building activities and heading back to China on that very same day. I also wanna thank sis Tsao Yuan for facilitating the last 2 days with patience and love. It is very true when they say working in church is a very sheltered choice for everything is done with grace and mercy and love.

I feel that many leaders have been taken for granted. We see them everyday, maybe it is good to take some time to appreciate them. A small card or so brings loads of happiness into their lives. People that we look to when we usually look for when in need: Sis Doris, YYH, Anna, Ps Song, Chi Her... Next time when we see them, instead of a hi and a bye, maybe give them a hug...

Which reminds me, please pray for me! Had food poisoning after the staff retreat and the stomach upset is so bad that it came out from both ends. The cause of it is the salt I took (and I know many will scold me for eating too salty) in the hotel and had consumed it before Mark told me that it had turned brown. Not only is the salt brown but the water in the toilet is brown too.

I bought some stuff for cell members, nothing exorbitant, nothing grand, just some reminder to all that although I was physically away, you guys are with me in soul, spirit and mind. :D

YAY!

Can't wait for the next staff retreat!

-v-

How often, Lord, I've wanted life
to be as I preferred,
impatient to reach all my goals,
insisting I be heard.
How many times I questioned You,
embarking on a feat,
unwilling to be passenger,
but in the driver's seat.
How seldom I was patient
as I begged that life be calm,
not believing all along
that I was in Your palm.
How fast possessions slip away,
though often I would cling
to things thought safe instead of trusting
what Your will would bring.
Be with me, Lord, as I search for
another hill to climb.
I know rewards will come to me,
all in the Lord's due time.

Winning and Losing

2007-10-08T01:05:00.000+08:00

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six pack of Root beer and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug.

She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.

She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Embrace all equally!

-v-

I win some, I lose some. How do I stop losing the some and keep winning more some(s)? It's hard work, it's time consuming, is it worth it?

God's grace and mercy

2007-10-06T10:28:00.000+08:00

I am very blessed today!

God's presence is nonetheless among us as we go about our daily lives.

He provides all my needs, guides me away from the temptations of the evil one, and He gives me the comfort and reassurance that He is always with me.

We can't see Him, but who can be better than Him?
He's watching you work, watching you study and is waiting for you to talk to Him in prayer.

Did you ignore Him?

Our body

2007-10-01T14:24:00.000+08:00

Think of your anatomy
How your eyes adjust to light
How they will close and open
According to dark or bright

Think of all the tiny veins
How delicately they're made
Pumping oxygen and blood
Your beating heart is their aid

Who could have made a body
That could heal on its own
When you get a cut or scratch
It can heal all alone

You can take your intestines
And can stretch them for a mile
They're packed, perfectly inside
And protected all the while

How bones grow in the body
From a baby to adult
It's all in perfect balance
A miracle's the result

How perfectly we are formed
From our head down to our toes
No human could have done it
It's only our Lord who knows

For if we did attempt it
We'd leave something vital out
I think it is to show us
What God's powers' all about

We can take a simple seed
And plant it within the ground
Still don't know just how it grows
The results will be profound

Ponder on God's awesomeness
Can we think
He don't exist?
How could something such as this
Be so easily dismissed?

Who packs your parachute?

2007-09-27T00:36:00.000+08:00

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, you're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!" "How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb. "I packed your parachute," the man replied.

Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man.

Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform: A white hat, a bib in the back, and bell bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor."

Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory-he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

His experience reminds us all to prepare ourselves to weather whatever storms lie ahead. As you go through this week, this month, this year...recognize people who pack your parachute!

Do you have a brain?

2007-09-25T14:08:00.000+08:00

There were two roommates in college, one a believer and one not. One day they were discussing the validity of God. The believer said to the non-believer, give me five good reasons why God does not exist and we will go from there. The nonbeliever thought for a while and finally came up with his five reasons. He said to the believer, "can you see God?"

"No," said the believer.

"Can you smell God?"

"Not really," said the believer.

"Can you touch God?"

"No," said the believer.

"What about taste?"

"No," said the believer.

"Well can you hear God?".

"Well, ya I can hear God, in the wind and stuff".

"Well," said the nonbeliever, "four out five, God does not exist."

The believer thought and asked for a while to think about it. Finally he came back and said to his friend, "Okay. Can you touch your brain?"

"No."

"Can you see your brain?"

"Nope."

"Can you smell your brain?"

"No."

"What about hear it?"

"I guess not," replied the nonbeliever

"Then can you taste your brain?"

"No."

"Well then," said the believer, "I guess it is pretty obvious. Five out five, you have no brain."

BUSY

2007-09-24T09:37:00.001+08:00

Irony:

Have been so busy that I can't find the time to blog except during office hours.

Although this may be a little late,

WELCOMEBACKTOSINGAPOREBIAOGE!!!!

Wanted to upload pics. I will upload them. When I'm free.

Also, wanted to blog about this seminar I attended -

A Biblical approach to Chinese traditions and beliefs.

I guess I'd have to pen it down in .doc.

If you have questions about the rites and practices of the Chinese tradition and beliefs and how applicable these are for us as Christians, drop me a tag and I'll send the notes I'd taken down over.

Thanks and God bless!!

God and man

2007-09-21T09:36:00.000+08:00

I posted something earlier, for about 5 mins.

Then an sms came and the post became irrelevant.

If you managed to catch it, read and forget.

Thank you.

In the office

2007-09-18T17:53:00.000+08:00

Im sitting at my desk, falling asleep, facing the yellow paper sign on the door that says "administrative department".

You can find Popdoh on my table, a file full of forms that needs to be redesigned, inbox / outbox tray, yellow stapler, a stack of used papers for recycling, scotch-tape, a pen, a telephone with many lines and blinking lights, a pink Piglet mug and a Sony Ericsson S500i handphone.

In front of me is Yanhui, listening to Canon's operating machine because all operators are engaged. I wonder how many are married. "Please hold, and we will attend to you shortly" x 1000

Weisheng is also in front of me, disturbing me. Hahahaha... He said: "Wah, the red sea is separating me and Ade cuz we're using msn to chat when she's just behind me. Hahahahha... and he just TSK-ed in my face...

I apologise for the lame post.

I will try not to let another of such entry happen.

"Thank you for calling Canon Singapore private limited. Please hold and we will attend to you shortly *song*"

?

2007-09-14T23:57:00.000+08:00

I didn't want to write anything today.
But my fingers logged me in so here I am typing away without anything in mind to share.

I started work, Day 2 now. So far so good.

I'm working in church now, for those who are unaware. This Sunday's bulletin will be announcing a new church admin staff. It'll be quite embarrassing if Ps Song were to call me up to the front to pray for me. That was what happened to Adela when she first joined. Ha....

Have been getting a lot of questions and remarks about my job. Why did I choose this job? Sometimes I get dizzy forcing myself to answer that question. I chose it because it is what my heart wants. I guess I'm more into doing meaningful work rather than work for the sake of money and status. When I was being interviewed by Mark for this position, he actually told me that another candidate applied for the same post but he didn't find this post suitable for her. I don't know who this candidate is, nor even bother to find out. But she's a uni-grad too. Maybe people are into meaningful work nowadays? Or maybe not.

I didn't tell my parents about my job because I know exactly how negatively my mum would react and my dad will always be supportive but he would prefer I go for something else. They will find out sooner or later anyway.

I didn't know of any other jobs that would really interest me. For those who care enough to ask me about my interests, they'd received all the same answer. Big hug and love to them! I guess I am still praying about my job, about whether it is the path I should take, or rather, the path that God wants me to take. But the spiritual attacks I encountered before starting work was very distracting and irritating and emotionally draining.

Which is why, we are learning to put on the armor of God:

Helmet of Salvation
Breastplate of Righteousness
Belt of Truth
Gospel Shoes
Sword of the Spirit
Shield of Faith

if I may add one more garment,

Pants of Perseverance.

Because any warrior will look funny without a pair of pants on when he goes for battle and perseverance is an important mentality when we are bogged down, heavy laden, or simply too burdened to carry on.

When there are personal strongholds (fleshly desires), persevere and hold on to the Truth (wear your belt) that ALL worldly things will come to pass, but anything done in God's name is eternal.

When there are idealogical strongholds, persevere to hold on to His words, His decrees, and His precepts (Psalms 119) rather than to be engulfed with the culture and ideology of the world.

When there are cosmic strongholds, persevere to read on this entry because I have not completed the day where cosmic strongholds are being discussed and shared.

To end this no-particular-objective entry, a light sharing about thanksgiving found in MasterLife book 3 Week 1 Day 1:

1. The source of thanksgiving is grace. Because of God's grace, we give thanks. True gratitude registers surprise that God could be so good to us when we deserve nothing.

2. The condition of thanksgiving is agreement. You give thanks because you agree with what God had done for you.

3. The response of thanksgiving is worship. Praise and thanks are natural partners in worship. When you thank God, you enter His presence, worship Him, and present an offering to Him.

4. The occasion for thanksgiving is everything. As God is active in every area of our lives, nothing should stop us from thanking Him.

5. The reward of thanksgiving is the enjoyment of God's blessings.

Give thanks, with a grateful heart
Give thanks, unto the Holy One
Give thanks, because He's given Jesus Christ
His Son
And now, let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what, the Lord has done, for us...

Days of the week

2007-09-12T14:05:00.000+08:00

Days of the week

Monday - Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected though the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.

Thursday - Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday - Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love

Saturday - Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday - The Lord's Day

O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honored guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

Happy birthday Lynette

2007-09-08T04:08:00.000+08:00

Lynette babe.
This is not a poem.
Just a normal entry.

Knowing you for 1+ years
had been my greatest pleasure.

Suddenly, so many thoughts flooded my mind
Fighting to be recorded down in this entry
But I'm having a serious case of mental block.

Whatever it is,

Happy Birthday Lovely Lynette!

May our good Lord, bless you with the desires of your heart as you seek Him daily.

Happy Birthday Lovely Lynette!

[This short paragraph doesn't do our sisterhood justice too]

Slimderella and bball

2007-09-04T01:19:00.001+08:00

Cute comic.

http://slimderella.bobbin-comic.com/01.html

-v-

Some basketball pics on the 2nd September 2007.

MOST IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
HINDHEDE QUEST II

Please participate.
Thank you :)

Graduation 2007

2007-08-31T23:22:00.000+08:00

Let the pictures say it all :)

BAPTISM

2007-08-26T23:14:00.000+08:00

::~[("v")-V-("v")]~::

[M]ore Precious Than Silve[R]

Lord You are more precious than silver
Lord You are more costly than gold
Lord You are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with You!

::~[("v")-V-("v")]~::

August 26th 2007 marks the birth of a new self in the Lord Jesus Christ as I went through a beautiful and awesome transformation that keeps the flame and passion for Christ burning bright.

I wish many of you can feel the JOY that I felt!
The joy of being reborn again!
To put away the past and to focus on what God had planned for my future!

The gratitude for those who witnessed, the love for those who aided me in the process, the joy for wanting to share the gospel, the patience, the kindness the... LOVE.

The week of my baptism wasn't a smooth sailing one. I was in emotional turmoil, I started to experience negative feelings like anger and jealousy over small (really small) issues. I fell sick. I experienced a whole house blackout the night before my baptism. I had also deleted my favourite and most often-used icon called 'Show Desktop' unintentionally and am unable to get it back. I was feeling down, gloomy and depressed with thoughts like "am I ready for baptism?", "will I regret?" and "Do I really wanna go through this?" poisoning my mind. I knew I was ready the minute I set many reminders for the 101 class. Prayers after prayers after prayers, God overcame every down that I went through and I finally got married to God.

During the same day of my baptism, a nephew turned one and a buffet party was held in order to commemorate it. Although I couldn't be there, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS LEE. Anyway, a big thank you to Josh and Edrea jie for rushing over after the lunch to attend my baptism! Even more so, to my family for forgoing the lunch to be at my baptism. It is times like this that shows me family love and bonding. I heard from Josh that the lunch was grand topped with a chocolate fountain. Wouldn't expect less from Singapore's 18th wealthiest family (based on a recent update in The Straits Times).

Truly it almost felt as real as a wedding, without the wedding gown and the dinner and the... dry ice. The wonderful surprises from people like Carol Chia Yan Ling who told me she couldn't make it, Caleb Ong Kala Bee(my very own calabee cracker who thought I wore a cheongsam for my baptism), Lynette Soh Jia En (the name says it all), Valerie (your tags are always surprises to me :D) Aaron, Terence, Jon Lin, Gabriel, Alyssa and Derek who came just to support and give their blessings. :)

Thank you Paul for being a towel boy for everyone who were baptised.
Thank you Derek, Alyssa, Paul, Gary, and Kang for praying for me.
Thank you YYH for being the one who baptised me and for praying for me as well.
Thank you Jon Soh and Sijie and Summer for your well wishes and sms-es.
Thank you Azel and David for sharing the same baptism water as me.
Thank you God for seeing me through.

I will remember this day forever. That I commit my whole life to my Lord and Saviour. Knowing that the road is tough, but I am willing to press on. When life gets me down, I look to the heavens, and I know where my help comes from.

Baptism 2007 Church of Singapore 26th August.

[P]hoto [G]allery

I carry a cross as a simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I a a Christian no matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic.
Nor it is a good luck charm.
It isn't meant to protect me.
From every physical harm.

It's not for identification for all the world to see.
It's simply an understanding between my Saviour and me.

When I look at the cross, it is there to remind me of the price Jesus paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day.
And to strive to serve the Lord better in all that I do and say.

It's also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort I share with all who know my Master, and give themselves to His care.

So, I carry a cross reminding no one but me

That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life.

Thank you Gary for this wonderful poem and a keychain to go with it. :)

Negative comments (W)

2007-08-22T01:18:00.000+08:00

Why do people like to be right?
Why do people flare up / get agitated to hear that they're wrong?
Why do people like to find excuses to cover up their wrong accusations rather than admitting to it and hurting others in the process?
Why can't people take negative but constructive comments?
What is wrong with being wrong?
What's so good about being right?
Why do people comment scarstically and yet strongly demands that 'you started it first'?
How will you feel when being judged unjustly?
How will you feel when judging people unjustly?
How did God feel when He was unfairly judged?
How do you like feeling unjustified and helpless?
Why do people like to say 'I'm right and you're wrong'?
Do they gain satisfaction by saying that?
How do you feel when someone abuse his/her power to judge people unfairly?

The world is full of unfairness.

Only God is partial and kind.
Therefore Lord, I will follow you all of my days.
Thank you for strengthening me.

Dog story

2007-08-20T02:00:00.000+08:00

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.

Whenever I was 'bad', you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" But then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, who is now your wife, is not a 'dog person' - still welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection and obeyed her, I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how i wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love.

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes and investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and the touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life, if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog", and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to another apartment that does not allow pets. You have made the right decision for your "family", but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.

It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers".

You had to pry your son's fingers from my collar as he screamed. "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibilities and about respect for life.

You gave me a good bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet, and now I have one too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked,"How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lose my appetite days ago.

At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping that it was you that you had changed your mind, that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weigh heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slide the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry" She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from the earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you" was not directed at her. It was directed at you. My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wit for you forever. May everyone in you life continue to show you as much loyalty as I do.

Having a life time responsibility is something that you have to understand from day one you choose their doggie. Please treat them nice. A new puppy/dog is just like a new born baby to your family. Do not treat them like an object. Love them with all your heart.

A special dedication to all dogs and dog owners.

Basketball 120807

2007-08-13T00:51:00.000+08:00

Some Videos...

Our God is an awesome God

2007-08-10T23:21:00.001+08:00

I know you're tired. I know you feel overwhelmed. You may feel as though this crisis, this problem, this hard time will last forever.

It won't. You are almost through.

You don't just "think" it has been hard; it has been hard. You have been tested, tried, and retested on what you have learned.

Your beliefs and your faith have been tried in fire. You have believed, then doubted, then, worked at believing some more. You have had to have faith even when you could not see or imagine what you were asked to believe. Others around you may have tried to convince you not to believe in what you were hoping you could believe.

You have had opposition. You have not gotten to this place with total support and joy. You have had to work hard, in spite of what was happening around you. Sometimes, what motivated you was anger; sometimes fear.

Things went wrong....more problems occurred than you anticipated. There were obstacles, frustrations, and annoyances en route. You did not plan on this being the way it would evolve. Much of this has been a surprise; some of it has not been at all what you desired.

Yet, it has been good. part of you, the deepest part that knows truth, has sensed this all along, even when your head told you that things were out of whack and crazy, that there was no plan or purpose, that God had forgotten you.

So much has happened, and each incident....the most painful, the most troubling, the most surprising....has a connection. You are beginning to see and sense that.

You never dreamt things would happen this way, did you? But they did. Now you are learning the secret....they were meant to happen this way, and this way is good, better than what you expected.

You didn't believe it would take this long, either...did you? But it did. You have learned patience.

You never thought you could have it, but now you know you do.

You have been led. Many were the moments when you thought you were forgotten, when you were convinced you had been abandoned. Now you know you have been guided. Now things are coming into place. You are almost at the end of this phase, this difficult portion of the journey. The lesson is almost complete. You know....the lesson, you fought, resisted, and insisted you could not learn. Yes, that one. You have almost mastered it.

You have been changed from the inside out. You have been moved to a different level, a higher level, a better level.

You have been climbing a mountain. It has not been easy, but mountain climbing is never easy. Now, you are near the top. A moment longer, and the victory shall be yours.

Steady your shoulders. Breathe deeply. Move forward in confidence and peace. The time is coming to relish and enjoy all which you have fought for. That time is drawing near, finally.

I know you have thought before that the time was drawing near, only to learn that it wasn't. But now, the reward is coming. You know that too. You can feel it.

Your struggle has not been in vain. For every struggle on this journey, there is a climax, a resolution.

Peace, joy, abundant blessings, and reward are yours here on earth. Enjoy!

There will be more mountains, but now you know how to climb them. And you have learned the secret of what is at the top......abundant life! Freedom! Everything that your heart has desired. It will all come to pass.

Remember to keep climbing to the top, don't look back. You will make it because Jesus is leading the way and has a hold on you that will never release. He will make sure that you have success. You will make it. Don't give up!

And remember, I love you, but Jesus loves you so much more than I ever could.

So much more...

Looking for change?

2007-08-05T23:27:00.000+08:00

I sit and think of what I used to be.
It wasn't me it was what everyone else wanted to see.
I had to change to fit in the crowd.
My kindness and unbroken rules were not allowed.

Soon vices were my only option to be cool.
But now I can only think that I was such a fool.
I was a fool to not do what I knew was right.
I gave in to soon and thought that I had lost the fight.

But now I realize that the devil didn't win!
For I have repented of every sin.
I did what is good again when I turned to the Lord.
He became exactly what I wanted and changed my whole world.

I choose now to not follow but to leave.
I have found what I truly want in life, everything I need.
With the Lord's helping hand I have now found a way.
And I truly know that if lean on him, I can conquer all the battles that I face every day.

Top 7 people I have a burden for

2007-07-29T00:24:00.000+08:00

Xia Xue has an entry about the Top 7 most disgusting bloggers in the Singapore blogosphere.

And I have.......

Top 7 people whom I carry a burden for

The list is not in order.

Alyssa

Alyssa is one of the most encouraging and helpful sister I have ever encountered. She supports me from time to time, always provide a listening ear, and I can be quite sure she loves me as much. Ha! I am really very upset to not be able to see her during cell group nowadays. It seems like she's been busy. As I come to cell every week, I always pray and hope that she will turn up to join us. I miss her, really. She's one of my pillar of support and it seems like my support is crumbling. Sometimes she tells me she's coming but she didn't in the end. I didn't question her because this is her spiritual life and she is no longer a kid who needs to explain her every action to me. But I can be sure she knows what is best for herself. I just wish to see her every Saturday night with us. Alyssa, come can? Come to cell faithfully again....

Derek

Derek is very understanding brother whose leadership skills I would never question. I see so much potential in him, to do great works for the glory of our Lord. I'm sure every cell session would provide him the necessary knowledge on how to improve himself, to prepare himself for being a potential intern. Similarly, I never get to see him. Derek, I feel that you can give depth to every cell group session. With your extensive knowledge of the Bible, you can provide us with more insights and examples that will enrich our knowledge. I feel very burdened for him because I don't want him to waste his talents away. He can really be a talented leader.

Jonathan / Speedo

I know Jonathan reads my blog. *Waves at Jon in a very Tiffy-ish way*
I really love Jon like a brother. I wish I can be of some support in his life. I may not know the struggles he is facing, but I do have a burden for him, to find peace in the Lord.

Yan Ling

A very sweet sister, didn't like her cockiness at first, but love her like crazy now. I really hope to see her coming to cell AND church faithfully. I want her to give the Holy Spirit a chance to do a great work in her life. To fulfill her days meaningfully and to earnestly seek the Lord.

Summer

I really regret that Summer and I are no longer as close (it is mostly my fault), but I do still love her a lot. She hasn't been coming cell because of her work and I'm glad her first show is over. I seldom communicate with her nowadays, but in my heart, I feel a very strong sense of burden for her. You may call it guilt or other emotions but I assure you, it is not. I spoke to her recently and I can see that she has been seeking the Lord and for this I am greatly peaced. Nonetheless, I still do have a burden for her, maybe because the baptism date is nearing. And also, many other minor reasons.

Joshua

I had a talk with Joshua on the way home from cell. I realized that his group of friends are rather "fair-weathered". Friends who display unhappiness whenever they are rejected to go out or participate in any other activities. Today, his friends tried to persuade him to join them and to tell us that "he's not free" to come to cell. Thank God my cousin has the sense to know right from wrong and I'm dang proud of him can? It seems like this clique of friends are not suitable and I wish he can find another clique. But being the shy boy he is, it might be a tad hard. I hope that all the brothers can reach out to him and help him through this tough time. When someone is being saved, the devil will try all ways and means to make it fail. He will be going through a tough time, please keep him in fervent prayer!!!! I really love my cousin... and I did warn him of the devil's attack. Burdened....... Stupid devil.

Lynette

Lovely Lynette! (Anyway, while I was typing this, my mum came up to me and said "Lynette looks like Summer.")
I wuv nette. As her A levels approaches, (I forgot what I wanted to say). I just have a burden for this little one. She's been coming to cell and church faithfully and I wish she can also find peace in the Lord.

Well, none of the 7 mentioned above wanted me to bear this burden for them.

"I also never ask her to be bothered by me."

It's an unspeakable burden. If you name is in the list, the reason why I'm blogging about it is to let you know that you are the few greatest loves in my life. And because of this bond we share, anything that happens to you, will affect me some way or another as well. I'm not blaming you for burdening me. I just wanna let you know that I am caring and hold a lot of concern for you. I wish all of you well.

To those who are not mentioned in this entry, all has been going (seemingly) well for you and I wish that the Lord will bless you even more!

*P.S This entry is purely based on my personal feelings. No hard feelings I hope. God Bless!

B+ blood needed

2007-07-26T21:20:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

a friend's colleague's 1-year-old son needs B+ blood urgently as he is suffering from Blood cancer.

If you know anyone who is willing to donate B+ blood drop me a line k?

Thank you so much!

Funny Hossan Leong

2007-07-24T04:00:00.000+08:00

Hossan Leong and his wise-crack humour.

I personally liked the "throat cancer" and "heart attack" part.

Now, THIS is my kind of humour.

Not Borat or or.. What's the other should-not-be-made movie? Nacho Libre. Eww.

Oh well, enjoy!

Warning: Video may contain suggestive vulgarities.

-v-

Jokes aside, there are more serious issues that we need to pray about.

For all those who are reading this, please pray for the 23 kidnapped S.Koreans who missioned to Afghanistan. They are held captive by the Talibans who demand the release of certain members of the gang in exchange.

Do keep biao ge in your prayers as well.

Actually being a missionary is quite an interesting hobby. You get to travel and do God's work at the same time. I labelled it as a "hobby" because it is only possible if you have extra reserves in your bank.

I sincerely believe that God will watch over His children and to deliver them safely home. Nonetheless, as we all have our quiet time everyday, do squeeze in a few minutes in reverent prayer for these people as it is the best help we can provide them with, with our human limitations.

Paul asked me: "Do you think that the sun will be extinguished one day?"

Me: "I believe that there will be a Light far brighter and glorious than the sun, which will make the sun looks extinguished"

We must all believe in the Way, the Truth and the Light.

Because, NO ONE comes to the Father BUT by Him.

2007-07-19T18:30:00.000+08:00

In a dream, I had an interview with God.

"Come in," God said to me, "So, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled and said: "My time is called eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"None that are new to you. What's the one thing that surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.

That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.

That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.

That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..."

God's hands took mine and we were silent. After a long period, I said, "May I ask you another question?" "As a Parent, what would you ask your children to do?"

God replied with a smile: "To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. what is important is who they love. To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to destroy it.

To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. There will be others better or worse than they are.

To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their attitudes will control them.

To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to show their feelings.

To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that does not give them the right to upset those around them.

To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a landing gear to achieve.

To learn that true friends are scarce, he/she who has found one has found a true treasure.

To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they forgive themselves.

To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves and slaves of what they say.

To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip they will harvest intrigues, if they plant love they will harvest happiness.

To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals but to learn who they are through striving towards them.

To learn that happiness is a decision. They decide to be happy with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what they lack.

To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

To learn that those who are honest with themselves without considering the consequences go far in life.

To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease the pain.

To learn that by trying to hold on to loved ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side by side forever.

To learn that even though the word "love" has many different meanings, it loses value when it is overstated.

To learn that they can never do something extraordinary for Me to love them; I simply do.

And..

To learn that the shortest distance they could be from Me is the distance of a prayer.

FGC delayed pics

2007-07-11T03:55:00.001+08:00

Some long-procrastinated pictures from the CLCN trip to Malaysia with Full Gospel Church:

A whole lot of pictures.

A whole lot of memories.

Basketball game

2007-07-09T21:00:00.000+08:00

One observation: The higher the socks, the older they are.

To repeat this for the 75289472652th time, this basketball game was ONLY made possible with God's blessings and His grace, and I'm too lazy to elaborate more.

Do you ever feel

2007-07-06T02:52:00.000+08:00

Do you at times feel helpless
Like a ship against the tide?
You feel the darkened waters
Constant crashing against the side?

You're in tumultuous waters
You have been tossed to and fro
Your thoughts are turning frantic
And the tides too strong to row

You're out in the great open
At the mercy of the sea
And suddenly you're feeling
All your inadequecies

Feeling so awfully helpless
Forces out of your control
For they are so much bigger
Without help, affect your soul

There is one force that's greater
That is stronger than the rest
It is our Lord Almighty
For solutions, He's the best

When you're feeling tossed about
And your future's looking bleak
May it be God you call for
And the first one that you seek

For He's the greatest calmer
Greatest peace you'll ever find
When our own understanding
Leads us in these waters blind

He is always there for us
We need give control to Him
And let the Lord take over
When you're just too tired to swim

For He is your protector
Safely carry you ashore
So call on Him and trust Him
Let His love for you outpour

Caleb Frost Bite

2007-07-02T23:06:00.001+08:00

I am and will be a Canon fan.

Visited Caleb's entrepreneurial stall @ BBCC and took quite a bit of pictures. Picture quality.. yucks. I can't even upload it to my com, 'cept for this:

I was tired when I labelled the picture "Calab". Not to worry, I know it's Calabee Bongcer. There are many more! FROST BITE! FROZEN ICE BALLS FOR $1.50! Can you spot Caleb? He's the blurry figure in a checkered shirt. Was glad I was able to lend some support.

Camera. Nutz. And I have to send it for repairs by myself, to, God knows where and I have to research to find out. Such inconvenience without a car.

Oh well. Caleb, I hope you break(broke?)-even.

Deepest condolences to Jeff's papa.

CLCN over

2007-07-01T01:24:00.000+08:00

It's 1.25 in the morning and I should be sleeping and recharging my batteries for church tomorrow.

Yet, I'm very awake and refreshed after a loooong bath.

2 words to describe the trip.

No regrets.

The turnout unfortunately was not as expected. From the email, I gathered that there will be 11 churches involved in this "gathering" ( I don't know what else to call it)

In the end, the people consists of mainly us, Full Gospel Church (FGC) Malaysia, and one cute.. little... brother from COS(MP).

God's will is perfect and pleasing. He says GO! I go. Every Sunday's church bulletin will scream at us to GO! And make disciples of the nations. NO regrets.

Ok, the below-soon-to-be-mentioned story is TRUE, yet will garner different reactions from people. Ultimately, one thing is evident - God's miracles and blessings.

As we neared the Woodlands Immigration Checkpoint, we were just teasing Aaron that his passport had expired ,which sparked Jonathon to double check his passport. The expiry date on his passport read AUG 2006.

Respectfully, Kang volunteered to accompany Jonathon to CNBB (or someplace) to renew his passport whereas the rest of us will enter Malaysia as there will be people waiting to receive us.

At this point of time, I truly admired Jonathon. If I were in his shoes, I would feel very SIAN and would probably say "Aiyah, so mah fan, don't go already la" and take a train back to Gombak.

Not only he didn't express such pessimistic attitude, he didn't let this small incident affect him even after entering Malaysia. I would feel very dejected the whole day.

When Kang and Jon finished settling the passport issue, the cute brother from COS(MP) was just about to drive in from Pasir Ris and the timing was perfect. Perfect to fetch Kang and Jon at CNBB and enter Malaysia. Just nice. Just in time. Just perfect. YYH managed to connect the two together in communication and everything went smoothly.

Even before we entered Malaysia, God showed us that He is with us and everything He do is pleasing and perfect.

Which reminds me to say something very cliché: No matter what circumstances - good or bad - it is all part of God's perfect and pleasing will.

I shall not talk about bowling. Maybe except the fact that my thumb hurts badly and my middle and ring fingers have "red rings" on them.

Lunch was at a restaurant or restoran which was a treat by FGC. Luo han guo was the drink. It wasn't like some chinese medicinal herb drink I thought it was.

We played a few fun games, CSI and some shapes and colours game.

Dinner was steamboat. Cheap steamboat with my favourite scallops. Quite a nice place. I took a brochure in case we would wanna eat there again.

Ok I'm starting to feel the fatigue.

Ok enough of talking, now it is time for some pictures!

Yup. Not everything went smoothly. My camera went bonkers over there at Malaysia. I seriously don't know what's wrong with it. I guess I will always be a Canon fan. Olympus 7.1 megapixels is much better than Canon ixus 4 megapixels. But, my Canon lasted for 3 years? I just had this Olympus about a month ago. -.- nutz. When I reached home, the camera is back to normal. Freaky, yes. Nutz.

I guess when God's plan is too perfect and pleasing, guess who/what is here to spoil the party?

I shall fill in that blank spaces when I take the pics from Aaron. Thank God for his camera.

Before I K.O, the people there were nice, I mean, OF COURSE THE PEOPLE WERE NICE! CHURCH PEOPLE OK. They treated us like royalties. Hahahahaha! Made some nice new friends, fellowshipping with them was fun, perhaps a slight language barrier for me.

To sum it all, they were on fire for God. We are on fire for God. No regrets, even though no donuts and shopping.

It was a day well spent.

Tiffy K.O.

CLCN

2007-06-30T00:08:00.000+08:00

I will be going for the CLCN trip to Malaysia tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be able to witness more than I expected (not like I'm expecting much, in fact, I don't really know what to expect). I didn't want to attend in the first place because and only BECAUSE, none of my blondies wanna go. And you know how we girls (or even some guys) function: She don't go I don't go. He don't go I don't go. It's some sorta habit that was formed sometime... dunno when. Especially when there's a class gathering. People will call me and ask "do you know who is going?".

As I was in the shower asking God whether I should attend, suddenly something (more like phrase) came to my mind: Go! and make disciples of the nations.

Then, I GO! lor.

See if I can get any pictures. :)

Is sin fun?

2007-06-26T23:59:00.000+08:00

A mother told her young son to go to bed and be sure to say his prayers and ask God to make him a good boy. The boy's father, passing by the bedroom, overheard his son praying: " And make me a good boy if You can; and if You can't, don't worry about it, 'cause I'm having fun the way I am."

Does this sound familiar? How many times do we think this? I do not think that anyone would admit it, but we all know that sin is fun. Why is it fun? It should not be, but it is, because it is easy and it gives instant gratification. That is not what God calls us to do though. It has been said that the things that mean the most, that are most important and meaningful, are the things that we have to work for.

That is the way the Christian life is. First of all we have to work to be obedient. It is a constant battle to do what is right, but the end result is much better than the instant gratification that we get the other way. I heard a sermon one time about choices. We all have choices, but what we have to live with is the consequences. What I do today will never change, but the consequence of that choice is something that I will have to live with. My challenge to you is to think about what you do and make sure that it is God's will that you do it. Does this situation look like it will be in God's plan? Will it glorify him? That is a question that we should always be asking.

John 8:34,36 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

The words of an engraving from the cathedral of Lubeck, Germany, beautifully reflect our Lord's teaching here:

"Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us, You call Me master and obey Me not, you call Me light and see Me not, you call Me the way and walk Me not, you call Me life and live Me not, you call Me wise and follow Me not, you call Me fair and love Me not, you call Me rich and ask Me not, you call Me eternal and seek Me not, if I condemn thee, blame Me not."