I would like to share with you a story found in the book "MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS - Overcoming Negative Emotions For a Life of Abundance" by Benny Ho. It is a very good and easy book to read and understand. You may like to read it one day =)
This is a story of a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him to hammer a nail into their backyard fence each time he got angry. On the first day, that little boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Gradually, the number dropped. The boy found out that it was easier to control his temper rather than driving the nails into the fence!
Finally, the day came when the little boy did not lose his temper at all. He went to tell his father and his father suggested that he pull out one nail for each day he did not lose his temper. Days passed and the boy was soon able to pull out all the nails. He quickly went to tell his father about it.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said to the boy, "You have done well, my son. But look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same again. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like the nails did. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It will not matter how many times you say 'I am sorry'; the wound will still be there."
WOAH! I found this short story very impactful. Indeed, when we get angry, we usually react by saying unkind words or react violently. Each time we do that, we are like the boy driving a nail into the fence. No matter how many times we apologise or try to make it up to the person you hurt (pulling out the nails), the hole will always be there. Yes, the person may forgive you, but can you forgive yourself everytime you see the hole? Therefore, i urge you to control your anger as anger can cause you to regret for a lifetime. The same applies to me. God bless! =)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Reflections on Love Will Guide You Home Musical
After such a huge production, i feel that i should pen down the process of it. Before that, i just want to say something, I AM SUPER HAPPY TODAY! I actually reconnected with my long lost friends from my previous church through facebook. Glad that they are doing good =) Will catch up with them one day!
My Role in this musical:
Basically my role in this musical is a Stage Manager (SM). Basically what a stage manager does is to ensure the welfare of the casts, cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage, cue-ing of lights and sounds and do things for the directors (if needed). And my role in the SM team was to ensure the welfare of the casts and the cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage. =)
How i joined this musical:
Initially, i saw the recruitment on my church weekly bulletin and i had the urge to join. However, as i knew nothing about a musical, i hesitated. I did not even know what a SM does! I soon forgotten about the whole musical thing. Only after a few days, Evangeline (church friend) asked if i wanted to join as they needed people, seeing that they really needed people, i agreed. That was how it all started...
The whole process:
At first, i thought i would be in a sub-committee or a sub-sub-committee as committee members are usually adults, plus the fact i volunteered late. There was a meeting scheduled the next day (if i am not wrong), so i just tagged along. To my surprise, i was in the committee team! What a refreshing discovery! I was shocked! I started to get excited about the whole musical. This was near the end of school and beginning of the end-year holidays.
However, my enthusiasm started to die down as other activities came in. First there was my mission trip, followed by different church activities and the REAL program (1 month learning programme in church). All these started to give my boring life some... life. Nevertheless, i was still required to go help out at the musical such as meetings and taking notes for actors/actresses as they go through their character. It was quite boring as i just had to stare at them and take notes. Plus, i had to email them the notes. It was not what i had expected, i did not expect such things to happen in musicals but it did. I began to feel that such things were more of a chore rather than something exciting. However, i kept reminding myself that i joined because i love God! So, i dragged myself to the meetings and stuff. As time gone by, it started to get me excited again! The main reason was i actually experienced how people started to develop their character and how they evolved it. They got better and better and it really makes me excited to see everything starting to piece together.
Honestly, back then, i thought the SM just had to take notes for the casts. (quite dumb i guess...) Nevertheless, i still participated though i disliked it most of the time. However, as time went by, the actors/actresses did not practice alone or in groups any longer, they started going on stage. The stage set that was ordered was also delivered. Everything was set for a performance! Only from that day on did i realise the magnitude of the Musical. And only on that day did i truly comprehend what a SM had to do. However, as i was at first under the welfare side of the SM team, i assumed i just had to make sure everyone was in tip top condition. After a few rehearsals, i was actually given the role to cue the actors/actresses on stage! How cool! It is tiring! Running everywhere to find the people and ensuring they are all ready to go on stage (e.g. costume).
To cut the story short, the show ended wonderfully with 15 salvation! Praise the Lord! God is good!
Reflections:
1) God works in mysterious ways. Though i did not intended to join, i was actually in the main committee and i had an important role in the Musical.
2) I actually learnt how a Musical works and the church compound better.
3) Through this Musical, i could see God at work, not only through the Musical but also in my life. He was there for me when i needed Him. He did not leave me. He continued to support me and provid for me. His unconditional love is really unexplainable.
4) Though the Musical was awesome (i heard from feedback), i knew only God could bring 15 souls to Him. Only He could have done so. Thank God for the 15 saved souls and let the Heaven rejoice!
5) As the cue-man, i would NEVER see the show at all. I was actually quite sad because you would work very hard but you would not see the product of the whole production. Till now, i have not even seen the whole Musical... Now wating for the video recording to see the show... Excited!
6) I really met a lot of new friends and 1 or 2 close ones! You know who you are! ^.^ Thank God for you!
7) I really saw how different people worked together and how everyone plays an important role no matter how small it is. No role is insignificant.
My Role in this musical:
Basically my role in this musical is a Stage Manager (SM). Basically what a stage manager does is to ensure the welfare of the casts, cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage, cue-ing of lights and sounds and do things for the directors (if needed). And my role in the SM team was to ensure the welfare of the casts and the cue-ing of actors/actresses on stage. =)
How i joined this musical:
Initially, i saw the recruitment on my church weekly bulletin and i had the urge to join. However, as i knew nothing about a musical, i hesitated. I did not even know what a SM does! I soon forgotten about the whole musical thing. Only after a few days, Evangeline (church friend) asked if i wanted to join as they needed people, seeing that they really needed people, i agreed. That was how it all started...
The whole process:
At first, i thought i would be in a sub-committee or a sub-sub-committee as committee members are usually adults, plus the fact i volunteered late. There was a meeting scheduled the next day (if i am not wrong), so i just tagged along. To my surprise, i was in the committee team! What a refreshing discovery! I was shocked! I started to get excited about the whole musical. This was near the end of school and beginning of the end-year holidays.
However, my enthusiasm started to die down as other activities came in. First there was my mission trip, followed by different church activities and the REAL program (1 month learning programme in church). All these started to give my boring life some... life. Nevertheless, i was still required to go help out at the musical such as meetings and taking notes for actors/actresses as they go through their character. It was quite boring as i just had to stare at them and take notes. Plus, i had to email them the notes. It was not what i had expected, i did not expect such things to happen in musicals but it did. I began to feel that such things were more of a chore rather than something exciting. However, i kept reminding myself that i joined because i love God! So, i dragged myself to the meetings and stuff. As time gone by, it started to get me excited again! The main reason was i actually experienced how people started to develop their character and how they evolved it. They got better and better and it really makes me excited to see everything starting to piece together.
Honestly, back then, i thought the SM just had to take notes for the casts. (quite dumb i guess...) Nevertheless, i still participated though i disliked it most of the time. However, as time went by, the actors/actresses did not practice alone or in groups any longer, they started going on stage. The stage set that was ordered was also delivered. Everything was set for a performance! Only from that day on did i realise the magnitude of the Musical. And only on that day did i truly comprehend what a SM had to do. However, as i was at first under the welfare side of the SM team, i assumed i just had to make sure everyone was in tip top condition. After a few rehearsals, i was actually given the role to cue the actors/actresses on stage! How cool! It is tiring! Running everywhere to find the people and ensuring they are all ready to go on stage (e.g. costume).
To cut the story short, the show ended wonderfully with 15 salvation! Praise the Lord! God is good!
Reflections:
1) God works in mysterious ways. Though i did not intended to join, i was actually in the main committee and i had an important role in the Musical.
2) I actually learnt how a Musical works and the church compound better.
3) Through this Musical, i could see God at work, not only through the Musical but also in my life. He was there for me when i needed Him. He did not leave me. He continued to support me and provid for me. His unconditional love is really unexplainable.
4) Though the Musical was awesome (i heard from feedback), i knew only God could bring 15 souls to Him. Only He could have done so. Thank God for the 15 saved souls and let the Heaven rejoice!
5) As the cue-man, i would NEVER see the show at all. I was actually quite sad because you would work very hard but you would not see the product of the whole production. Till now, i have not even seen the whole Musical... Now wating for the video recording to see the show... Excited!
6) I really met a lot of new friends and 1 or 2 close ones! You know who you are! ^.^ Thank God for you!
7) I really saw how different people worked together and how everyone plays an important role no matter how small it is. No role is insignificant.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Woodcutter's Wisdom by Max Lucado
Hello! Sorry for not blogging for very very very very very very very longgggggggggggg! Time to make this blog alive again! Haha! Let me share with you a short story by Max Lucado and what i felt through this story.
Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.
People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.
One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."
The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"
The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."
The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don't know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"
The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.
After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."
The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?
"Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don't say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don't."
"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.
The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.
"You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."
The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."
It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.
"You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."
The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows."
The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.
I don't know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best:
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Mt. 6:34)
Reflections:
What really struck me the most is not the part where blessings may be a tragedy and vice versa. What really struck me the most is the part about being judgemental. I realised that almost all of us (including me) like to jump to conclusions when we see a scene even when we do not know what is going on. I realised that the only one who is fit to judge is the one who knows everything, who is God. Only God deserves to judge because he is Sovereign and He knows everything. I pray that God will mould me into someone who will be less judgemental regardless of the situation. I hope you will make the same prayer too. God bless! =)
Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.
People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.
One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."
The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"
The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."
The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don't know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"
The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.
After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."
The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?
"Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don't say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don't."
"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.
The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.
"You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."
The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."
It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.
"You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."
The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows."
The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.
I don't know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best:
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Mt. 6:34)
Reflections:
What really struck me the most is not the part where blessings may be a tragedy and vice versa. What really struck me the most is the part about being judgemental. I realised that almost all of us (including me) like to jump to conclusions when we see a scene even when we do not know what is going on. I realised that the only one who is fit to judge is the one who knows everything, who is God. Only God deserves to judge because he is Sovereign and He knows everything. I pray that God will mould me into someone who will be less judgemental regardless of the situation. I hope you will make the same prayer too. God bless! =)
Friday, March 5, 2010
God came to show LOVE not give out punishment!
I was sitting on the MRT when this suddenly came into my mind.
I imagined what i would do to someone if that person betrayed me or even do something worst to me. The first thing that came into my mind was PUNISHMENT! Slap that person! Make him/her suffer! Revenge! That was when the Holy Spirit intervened. The Holy Spirit asked me, "Is this the right thing to do for a Christian? Was that why God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins?"
I was speechless! God sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we may feel God's love! If God wanted to punish mankind, He could have easily done that long time ago! But He did not! God acted in LOVE! In the same way, we should show love and mercy to people as we are here to LOVE and not here to punish people! God bless!
I imagined what i would do to someone if that person betrayed me or even do something worst to me. The first thing that came into my mind was PUNISHMENT! Slap that person! Make him/her suffer! Revenge! That was when the Holy Spirit intervened. The Holy Spirit asked me, "Is this the right thing to do for a Christian? Was that why God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins?"
I was speechless! God sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we may feel God's love! If God wanted to punish mankind, He could have easily done that long time ago! But He did not! God acted in LOVE! In the same way, we should show love and mercy to people as we are here to LOVE and not here to punish people! God bless!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
How great is God's love!
Imagine you are on a beach and you are stepping on the cool white sand~ Now, i want you to look for a particular sand! Possible?!
Alright! Let me make it easier for you! Go and find someone who is 187cm tall and weighs 52kg!
It is like finding a needle from a haystack! THAT IS WHAT GOD DID FOR US! The universe is so huge! Like ultra huge! Yet, God purposely searched for the panet earth, searched for your country and then search for YOU! God did not search for you and leave, He searched for you and even sent Jesus Christ, His son who did no wrong, to die on the cross for us so that we may be with Him!
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God did not stop there! He continues to loves us and cares for us till we meet Him in Heaven. It is hard to love someone but it is harder to love someone forever! God bless!
Alright! Let me make it easier for you! Go and find someone who is 187cm tall and weighs 52kg!
It is like finding a needle from a haystack! THAT IS WHAT GOD DID FOR US! The universe is so huge! Like ultra huge! Yet, God purposely searched for the panet earth, searched for your country and then search for YOU! God did not search for you and leave, He searched for you and even sent Jesus Christ, His son who did no wrong, to die on the cross for us so that we may be with Him!
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God did not stop there! He continues to loves us and cares for us till we meet Him in Heaven. It is hard to love someone but it is harder to love someone forever! God bless!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
God's goodness
As you can see, i have not blog like SUPER LONG! GOSH! Busy busy busy... Its really like "Be Under Satan's Yoke" Super tiring!
However, i would like to thank God in this post! Though this week, it has been super busy, time with God was super little but He was still there to protect me and provided me with what i needed. He always made sure i had time to rest and had enough energy to do things. He ensured i was not too burdened by too much stuff and He gave me friends which makes me feel happy. Life in Junior College is much more happier as compared to life in secondary school. =) Thank you Lord for your goodness to me! Thank you for your grace! Love you Lord! =D
However, i would like to thank God in this post! Though this week, it has been super busy, time with God was super little but He was still there to protect me and provided me with what i needed. He always made sure i had time to rest and had enough energy to do things. He ensured i was not too burdened by too much stuff and He gave me friends which makes me feel happy. Life in Junior College is much more happier as compared to life in secondary school. =) Thank you Lord for your goodness to me! Thank you for your grace! Love you Lord! =D
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Best title ever!
Person A: I have the best title ever! I am officially "The World's Richest Man!"
Person B: "Tsk!" Only that? I am called "The Smartest Person on Earth!" It is the best title ever!
Me: So good! However, both of you are wrong! I have the best title ever! I am called "A Child of God!"
Person A & B: "HUH?!" What is so good about that title!
Me: I get to live in heaven forever! Plus, i get to be loved by God, the Creator of everything! Being with God and being loved by Him is better than anything else on earth!
Person A & B: Really?? What do i need to do?!
Me: You just need to accept Him as your Lord and Savior and ask Him for forgiveness for your sins!
Person A & B: It is that simple?!
Me: Yup! That title is free and it is for everyone!
Person B: "Tsk!" Only that? I am called "The Smartest Person on Earth!" It is the best title ever!
Me: So good! However, both of you are wrong! I have the best title ever! I am called "A Child of God!"
Person A & B: "HUH?!" What is so good about that title!
Me: I get to live in heaven forever! Plus, i get to be loved by God, the Creator of everything! Being with God and being loved by Him is better than anything else on earth!
Person A & B: Really?? What do i need to do?!
Me: You just need to accept Him as your Lord and Savior and ask Him for forgiveness for your sins!
Person A & B: It is that simple?!
Me: Yup! That title is free and it is for everyone!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Challenge ahead!
As the a new year begins and school starts once again, more work is given to me. Especially research... Reading assignments after reading assignments.
Oh God! Help me to keep my focus on you. I really need you!
I sense a great challenge to remain close with You! But God, i want to be close to You forever! Let me be focused and put You first forever! Dear God, please be with me! I love you Lord! I LOVE YOU!
Oh God! Help me to keep my focus on you. I really need you!
I sense a great challenge to remain close with You! But God, i want to be close to You forever! Let me be focused and put You first forever! Dear God, please be with me! I love you Lord! I LOVE YOU!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Worst Thing in Life is to be WITHOUT You (God)!
If i die, i know i will be with God!
If i have friendship problems, i know God will be there to comfort and help me.
If i am sick/injured, i have faith that God will heal me or has a plan for me.
When i do not know what to do, i know God will lead me.
When i know i have many flaws, i know God will teach and guide me slowly.
When i feel like giving up in life, i know God will catch me and put me on my feet again.
The worst thing that could happen in my life is not, being sick/injured/handicapped, being lonely/isolated or even losing everything in this world.
THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN IN MY LIFE IS TO BE WITHOUT GOD!
God! I need you every second of my life! Do not leave me for one second! God is all that you need! What are you holding on in life that belongs to this world? God bless!
If i have friendship problems, i know God will be there to comfort and help me.
If i am sick/injured, i have faith that God will heal me or has a plan for me.
When i do not know what to do, i know God will lead me.
When i know i have many flaws, i know God will teach and guide me slowly.
When i feel like giving up in life, i know God will catch me and put me on my feet again.
The worst thing that could happen in my life is not, being sick/injured/handicapped, being lonely/isolated or even losing everything in this world.
THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN IN MY LIFE IS TO BE WITHOUT GOD!
God! I need you every second of my life! Do not leave me for one second! God is all that you need! What are you holding on in life that belongs to this world? God bless!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Being connected to God =)
The best feeling i could ever get is the feeling of being connected with God.
The feeling of warmth,
the feeling of love,
the feeling of being protected,
the feeling of being treasured,
.
..
...
....
I yearn to be with God! When i am with Him, everything seems to fade away. There is only Him and me. Oh God! I love you so much! Please do not forsake me! I miss you!
The feeling of warmth,
the feeling of love,
the feeling of being protected,
the feeling of being treasured,
.
..
...
....
I yearn to be with God! When i am with Him, everything seems to fade away. There is only Him and me. Oh God! I love you so much! Please do not forsake me! I miss you!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Nothing works without God!
Imagine you went to a toy shop and bought a remote control car. You bought it and rushed home to try it out. You went home to paint it, customize it and decorate it. When you want to start playing, you realised there were no batteries! And without the batteries, the car cannot move!
In the same way, we can plan a lot of stuff. We can even do great things! However, without God, nothing will work! Without God everything WILL FAIL! So make sure God is in your life before you start doing anything! God bless!
In the same way, we can plan a lot of stuff. We can even do great things! However, without God, nothing will work! Without God everything WILL FAIL! So make sure God is in your life before you start doing anything! God bless!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Which have you been focusing on?
Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I was thinking about this verse when something came into my head. God said seek Him first and everything we NEED will be given.
However, do we seek Him to get what we need? NO! That is NOT the point of this verse! It is saying, seek the Lord first because God should be first in our life and we should seek Him because we love Him! Whatever we get is just bonus. As long as we have God, we got everything!
Seek God because you love Him! Not because you want something! Check your motive today! Make sure it is right! God bless!
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I was thinking about this verse when something came into my head. God said seek Him first and everything we NEED will be given.
However, do we seek Him to get what we need? NO! That is NOT the point of this verse! It is saying, seek the Lord first because God should be first in our life and we should seek Him because we love Him! Whatever we get is just bonus. As long as we have God, we got everything!
Seek God because you love Him! Not because you want something! Check your motive today! Make sure it is right! God bless!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Interesting...
Try thinking of a monster now. If possible, try drawing it out.
You will then realise that whatever your monster looks like, you can describe it. Such like, it has a circle face, carrot nose, curly hands and etc. It is because whatever we can think of, it was already created by God long ago. You will then realise that we CANNOT create anything. We can only get inspiration from our surroundings and put them together.
This also shows how creative our God is. God created us from nothing. God was there even before the beginning of time. This means whatever we have, our universe, galaxy or even earth was created by Him. God did not need inspiration, He just created us. God is indeed very creative! Our God is really a Great God! God bless!
You will then realise that whatever your monster looks like, you can describe it. Such like, it has a circle face, carrot nose, curly hands and etc. It is because whatever we can think of, it was already created by God long ago. You will then realise that we CANNOT create anything. We can only get inspiration from our surroundings and put them together.
This also shows how creative our God is. God created us from nothing. God was there even before the beginning of time. This means whatever we have, our universe, galaxy or even earth was created by Him. God did not need inspiration, He just created us. God is indeed very creative! Our God is really a Great God! God bless!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sustaining me through today
Last night, after school, i directly went to meet the REAL people for their prayer retreat with Bryson! Super happy! The prayer retreat was actually something i really looked forward this week. And now... its over =(
We really just chilled and had fun for awhile before prayer began. It started at 3.30am and it ended at 6.30am. We had prayer walk then. =) However, i had to leave early as i had to go to East Coast Park for college CIP. I slept at 3am and woke up at 3.30am... Super tired at college CIP! However, as i was doing CIP, i had the energy and strength to do it! Only when everything finished, i started to feel tired and sleepy.
Thank God for sustaining me through this day! Really Thank God! And i just came back from Easter Musical Rehearsals/Meeting. Tired... However, God has really been sustaining me so far. I even have the energy to blog! Woots! Love God forever!
God bless!
We really just chilled and had fun for awhile before prayer began. It started at 3.30am and it ended at 6.30am. We had prayer walk then. =) However, i had to leave early as i had to go to East Coast Park for college CIP. I slept at 3am and woke up at 3.30am... Super tired at college CIP! However, as i was doing CIP, i had the energy and strength to do it! Only when everything finished, i started to feel tired and sleepy.
Thank God for sustaining me through this day! Really Thank God! And i just came back from Easter Musical Rehearsals/Meeting. Tired... However, God has really been sustaining me so far. I even have the energy to blog! Woots! Love God forever!
God bless!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
In whom do we trust?
Qn: If your eyesight is getting worse and you would like to find a solution to cure it, who do you look to?
Ans: The eye specialist. If a nurse came to tell you what was the problem, you would doubt her and question her prescribtion. If a doctor came and tell you what happen, you would believe what the doctor say. However, you may still have a little doubt. But, if a specialist came and tell you what is the problem, i am sure most of you will believe him/her 100%.
Qn: If your dog is sick, who do you look for?
Ans: The vet. If your friend came and tell you what happened, you will most likely not believe 100%. However, if you allow a vet to look at it, you would most likely believe 100% what the vet is saying.
There is a reason why i am giving you the example. In life, we look at the biggest 'rank' or 'status' and we trust that person in that rank the most.
In the same way, who do we trust more regarding God's word. Your friends? Pastors? Or God? How come we believe what our friends and pastors say about God so easily. Yet we find it so hard to believe the things written in the bible. Ironic! We should believe in God more! Not our friends or pastors! We should have a discerning Spirit and experience God ourselves!
God bless!
Ans: The eye specialist. If a nurse came to tell you what was the problem, you would doubt her and question her prescribtion. If a doctor came and tell you what happen, you would believe what the doctor say. However, you may still have a little doubt. But, if a specialist came and tell you what is the problem, i am sure most of you will believe him/her 100%.
Qn: If your dog is sick, who do you look for?
Ans: The vet. If your friend came and tell you what happened, you will most likely not believe 100%. However, if you allow a vet to look at it, you would most likely believe 100% what the vet is saying.
There is a reason why i am giving you the example. In life, we look at the biggest 'rank' or 'status' and we trust that person in that rank the most.
In the same way, who do we trust more regarding God's word. Your friends? Pastors? Or God? How come we believe what our friends and pastors say about God so easily. Yet we find it so hard to believe the things written in the bible. Ironic! We should believe in God more! Not our friends or pastors! We should have a discerning Spirit and experience God ourselves!
God bless!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Grace of God
Today, i really felt God's grace in my whole entire life.
I realised:
When i was proud, God still used me.
When i thought i could do without Him, He humbled me.
When i started drifting away from Him, He pulled me back.
When i am down, He comforts me.
When i am sick, He heals me.
When i am alone, He accompanies me.
When i seek Him, He is always there.
When i hurt Him, He forgives me.
When i need Him, He provides.
.
..
...
....
.....
......
I could go on and on. However, i shall not. I know i am just a mere human but i know God will use me when i surrender to Him. I know i do not deserve anything but by His grace, He gave me everything. How great is our God? That i cannot describe neither have i fully experienced His great love. Our God is a gracious God. And His grace never cease to flow. Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!
I still love God even if He does not give me all these because i know He loves me. That is shown through His act of sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. Thank you Lord for your love once again! Hallelujah!
I realised:
When i was proud, God still used me.
When i thought i could do without Him, He humbled me.
When i started drifting away from Him, He pulled me back.
When i am down, He comforts me.
When i am sick, He heals me.
When i am alone, He accompanies me.
When i seek Him, He is always there.
When i hurt Him, He forgives me.
When i need Him, He provides.
.
..
...
....
.....
......
I could go on and on. However, i shall not. I know i am just a mere human but i know God will use me when i surrender to Him. I know i do not deserve anything but by His grace, He gave me everything. How great is our God? That i cannot describe neither have i fully experienced His great love. Our God is a gracious God. And His grace never cease to flow. Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!
I still love God even if He does not give me all these because i know He loves me. That is shown through His act of sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. Thank you Lord for your love once again! Hallelujah!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1 Chronicles 28:9 (New International Version)
v9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
In this passage, i have highlighted and underlined what struck me the most. This part of this passage really struck me. Whenever we serve God, or do anything in the name of the Lord. We have to make sure the reason/motive of why we are doing it in the first place is because we love God.
What i learnt from this passage is basically 2 things.
1) Confess that the Lord is our God. And there is no other gods.
2) Whatever we do for God, we have to do it to the best of our ability. Let us do it with all we have! And of course, let us do it willingly. If we do not do it willingly, we cannot do it to our best right?
God bless!
v9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
In this passage, i have highlighted and underlined what struck me the most. This part of this passage really struck me. Whenever we serve God, or do anything in the name of the Lord. We have to make sure the reason/motive of why we are doing it in the first place is because we love God.
What i learnt from this passage is basically 2 things.
1) Confess that the Lord is our God. And there is no other gods.
2) Whatever we do for God, we have to do it to the best of our ability. Let us do it with all we have! And of course, let us do it willingly. If we do not do it willingly, we cannot do it to our best right?
God bless!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Time is slipping away....
It is the start of my JC life already... And i just realised that time has been passing by very quickly. It has been slipping pass my hands. However, one thing i am glad about is that i have spent my holidays meaningful in REAL. Though time was spent meaningfully, it still goes on and it never stops.
What i am trying to say is, we should live our life to the fullest every second. We must know who we are living for and what are we living for. For me, i know i am living for God so that God can use me. Nothing else matters. How are we using our every second of life? Have we been glorifying God with our every move? I hope we have.
God bless!
What i am trying to say is, we should live our life to the fullest every second. We must know who we are living for and what are we living for. For me, i know i am living for God so that God can use me. Nothing else matters. How are we using our every second of life? Have we been glorifying God with our every move? I hope we have.
God bless!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Another Season of Life
Today is the end of my REAL life while it is the beginning of my JC life... I already feel the emotional withdrawal syndrome from leaving REAL.
However, i am super happy as another REAL friend, Bryson, has appealed successfully to my school! PRAISE GOD! And we only prayed for it to be successful yesterday night! All glory to God and God alone! I have already thought of things i want to do and so for. However, i know it is a time of prayer.
My season of learning has ended while the season of action has not come yet. So now would be the season of prayer for me during this period of my life. I pray that God will give me a vision and use my mightily for His glory alone. I pray that God will give me a direction and nothing will prevent me from fulfilling His will. I would appreciate if you could keep me in prayer and pray for me. Thanks!
God bless!
However, i am super happy as another REAL friend, Bryson, has appealed successfully to my school! PRAISE GOD! And we only prayed for it to be successful yesterday night! All glory to God and God alone! I have already thought of things i want to do and so for. However, i know it is a time of prayer.
My season of learning has ended while the season of action has not come yet. So now would be the season of prayer for me during this period of my life. I pray that God will give me a vision and use my mightily for His glory alone. I pray that God will give me a direction and nothing will prevent me from fulfilling His will. I would appreciate if you could keep me in prayer and pray for me. Thanks!
God bless!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
End of REAL programme 2010
Its the end of my 1 month programme and i am really glad i joined REAL. I believe that i will never regret joining REAL.
Though i have invested my time greatly on it, forgo many outings and had to re-arrange my priorities, i shall never regret this decision i made 1 month ago. In exchange, God has humbled me, opened my eyes to the things unseen, convicted me of my sins and revealed to me plentiful of things. I thank God for the humbling experience and for this moulding process.
I shall miss all of you (including Joey), and i really hope to see you guys (and girls) soon!
God bless!
Though i have invested my time greatly on it, forgo many outings and had to re-arrange my priorities, i shall never regret this decision i made 1 month ago. In exchange, God has humbled me, opened my eyes to the things unseen, convicted me of my sins and revealed to me plentiful of things. I thank God for the humbling experience and for this moulding process.
I shall miss all of you (including Joey), and i really hope to see you guys (and girls) soon!
God bless!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bintan (Tanjung Pinang) Trip!
15 youths and 2 adults went for this trip. Nicole, Zhiying, Gaomin, Lengshan, Tiffany, Yixian, David, Jia Liang, Nigel, Bryson, Rafael, Kah Sheng, Joshua, Ian and Me. 2 adults - Joey & Brother Ronnie.
Day 1
I took my dad car and went to pick Yixian and Zhiying up so that we could travel to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal together. When we picked up Zhiying and about to leave, Joey suddenly smsed us and asked us to regroup back at G1. I was stunned! The first thing i thought was, was the trip cancelled? I was very afraid as i really wanted to go. When we reached G1, Joey explained the situation. So we were given 2 options. 1) Wait for 3pm ferry. 2) We travel to Batam and take a internal ferry to Bintan. In the end, we took the second choice as we would arrive Bintan 1 hour earlier. Thank God we could make it! Thank God!
At Bintan, we quickly took our lunch/dinner before we rushed to check in our hotel. We quickly splitted into 2 groups. 1 group went to do children ministry at a Christian school while another group stayed at the hotel to pray for us and prepared a dance for the evening services. For the children ministry, Kah Sheng, Leng Shan, Jialiang, Joshua, Nicole, Nigel, Zhiying and me went. In the beginning, there were some hiccups along the way as most of us are first timers and we didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, everything fell into place once again and the programme resumed normally. Thank God!
After the programme, we went back to the hotel to meet up with the remaining team. After which, we took a 15minutes before we gathered and left for the night service. We went to Ps. Janu's church. It was just a small two-storey shop house building. We went to the second floor and attended the youth service. Before the sermon, the other group danced for them. They danced really good. After which, the sermon began. Ian was the preacher that night. Good job Ian! You did well! =) Then followed by altar call then we left~ We went to a noodle shop and ate supper before we went to sleep =) No wait! We had de-brief before we went back to prepare for tomorrow. It was like 12midnight Bintan time went we finished? Lol? Then i went back to prepare and redo devotion as Joey somehow said the same passage during the de-brief. And you know what? I only chose that passage in the morning that day! Awesome right! Hahahaa! I quickly redo, submit to Joey and it got approved! Weeee~ Then i quickly went to bathe and went to Nicole's room to help out for the children programme. She was leading Sunday's children programme and she was super super super stressed. Thank God she decided to re plan again. It was a 2hour programme and whatever i saw that night could last the most 45minutes to 1 hour? Thank God! Thank God for Saturday's (today) hiccups! We started throwing in ideas and started to just get to work. Some people were just too tired but they came to give emotional and mental support. Heh! So we planned until 3am! Yup! 3am! We went to Joey for his approval and guess what? He approved! First check and cleared! So we quickly went back and prepared to sleep.
Day 2
Woke up at 6:45am, met at Joey's room at 7:15am and started devotion. My devotion was not fully prepared and there were many loopholes in it. However, the Holy Spirit started to lead the devotion and just filled the place. In the end, many people shared about experiences of surrendering their lives to God and their opinions on surrendering. And i strongly believed we all left we different things but all was about surrendering. Praise God!
My Learning points:
Day 1
I took my dad car and went to pick Yixian and Zhiying up so that we could travel to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal together. When we picked up Zhiying and about to leave, Joey suddenly smsed us and asked us to regroup back at G1. I was stunned! The first thing i thought was, was the trip cancelled? I was very afraid as i really wanted to go. When we reached G1, Joey explained the situation. So we were given 2 options. 1) Wait for 3pm ferry. 2) We travel to Batam and take a internal ferry to Bintan. In the end, we took the second choice as we would arrive Bintan 1 hour earlier. Thank God we could make it! Thank God!
At Bintan, we quickly took our lunch/dinner before we rushed to check in our hotel. We quickly splitted into 2 groups. 1 group went to do children ministry at a Christian school while another group stayed at the hotel to pray for us and prepared a dance for the evening services. For the children ministry, Kah Sheng, Leng Shan, Jialiang, Joshua, Nicole, Nigel, Zhiying and me went. In the beginning, there were some hiccups along the way as most of us are first timers and we didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, everything fell into place once again and the programme resumed normally. Thank God!
After the programme, we went back to the hotel to meet up with the remaining team. After which, we took a 15minutes before we gathered and left for the night service. We went to Ps. Janu's church. It was just a small two-storey shop house building. We went to the second floor and attended the youth service. Before the sermon, the other group danced for them. They danced really good. After which, the sermon began. Ian was the preacher that night. Good job Ian! You did well! =) Then followed by altar call then we left~ We went to a noodle shop and ate supper before we went to sleep =) No wait! We had de-brief before we went back to prepare for tomorrow. It was like 12midnight Bintan time went we finished? Lol? Then i went back to prepare and redo devotion as Joey somehow said the same passage during the de-brief. And you know what? I only chose that passage in the morning that day! Awesome right! Hahahaa! I quickly redo, submit to Joey and it got approved! Weeee~ Then i quickly went to bathe and went to Nicole's room to help out for the children programme. She was leading Sunday's children programme and she was super super super stressed. Thank God she decided to re plan again. It was a 2hour programme and whatever i saw that night could last the most 45minutes to 1 hour? Thank God! Thank God for Saturday's (today) hiccups! We started throwing in ideas and started to just get to work. Some people were just too tired but they came to give emotional and mental support. Heh! So we planned until 3am! Yup! 3am! We went to Joey for his approval and guess what? He approved! First check and cleared! So we quickly went back and prepared to sleep.
Day 2
Woke up at 6:45am, met at Joey's room at 7:15am and started devotion. My devotion was not fully prepared and there were many loopholes in it. However, the Holy Spirit started to lead the devotion and just filled the place. In the end, many people shared about experiences of surrendering their lives to God and their opinions on surrendering. And i strongly believed we all left we different things but all was about surrendering. Praise God!
My Learning points:
- Not surrendering our life is considered a sin as we are being disobedient to God.
- Surrendering involves surrendering your all. Not just one aspect of life.
- It is easy to surrender the outcomes of things that we cannot control to God. While it is tough to surrender the outcomes of things to God that we can control.
After which, Gaomin led us into prayer session before we went to eat breakfast. After which, we quickly left the place to the church for the service. We were splitted into 2 groups again. 1 group went to the adult service while the other group was below doing the children's programme. For the children's programme - Nicole, Lengshan, Kah Sheng, Jialiang, Nigel, Joshua and me. Adult service - Bryson, Gaomin, Zhiying, Ian, Yixian, Tiffany, David and Rafael. Bryson was preaching at the adult service. At the children's programme, i self proclaimed myself as the camera man and took pictures of them. I also observed them at the corner. I must say, they really could run the programme by their own even though they were super afraid and super freaked out. They must be super happy! =P Thank God that all went well! After which, Joey checked my sermon while we waited for the vehicle before we left for lunch. I was requested to do changes to my sermon... After which, i quickly took some time before lunch to prepare my sermon.
After lunch, we went to a restaurant as the youth programme was held there. We started to set-up things in 5-10minutes and started the afternoon programme. I immediately dived into my sermon. MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION! I was supper panicky and desperate. I had 2-3hours to almost re-construct my entire sermon. In the end, i managed to pull through as i allowed the Holy Spirit to take control. Thank God! Really thank God! I really learned through this experience that i am nothing without God. NOTHING! No matter how good i can talk, i needed God to pull me through. Thank you God!
Next, we went back to the hotel and had a long de-brief. Had an argument that night due to some stuff. We took a 5 minutes break before we came back to talk again. Some of us really needed that break. In the end, those who were involved apologised to one another and peace resumed. Hallelujah! In the end... ended at 2am! Next, went to help Nigel with his devotion the next day. However, it didn't seem he needed help. So i left to play cards with Joshua, Nicole and Leng Shan. So we talked almost for 1 hour and Ian joined us in between. Had a great time of fellowship there! Thank you Lord! At 4am, someone could not take it and went to sleep. So i went to sleep too as i had nothing to do.
Day 3
Woke up at 7:15am today. We had a short devotion and breakfast before we splitted up into 2 groups. 1 group went to a secular school to give tuition while another group went to visit locals. Children tuition - Bryson, Gaomin, Zhiying, Joshua, Rafael, Ian, Nigel, Nicole, Lengshan and me. House visitation - Jia Liang, Yixian, Tiffany, Kah Sheng and David. For the children tuition, it went on smoothly and all went well. Me like! For lunch, we headed to a fast food restaurant to eat at the locals fast food restaurant. Haha! Yummy~ Next, we went back to the hotel and took a ferry back to Singapore. Amazing trip!
Conclusion a.k.a. Learning points:
- I really learnt i cannot do anything without God. It was really a humbling experience for me.
- God has no language boundaries and He can work through anyone. Including those of different languages, races, culture and so on. God's love is inclusive.
- God works in mysterious ways.
- God is faithful and He never fails.
Monday, January 25, 2010
3 Days Bintan Trip Pre-Post =P
Yo people! I just came back from a 3 Days Mission Trip to Bintan (a.k.a. Tanjung Pinang). I am like super super super tired, so i will not blog about the trip today. Hopefully it will be done by tomorrow night.
Though it was a short 3 days only, God is still faithful, God is still awesome and God is always personal. Many things happened during the trip. One word to describe the trip would be "revelations". I learnt through experiencing things during the trip that would shape my character and make me a new and improved Samuel that can be used for the glory of God.
Will share with you about the trip asap! =D
Though it was a short 3 days only, God is still faithful, God is still awesome and God is always personal. Many things happened during the trip. One word to describe the trip would be "revelations". I learnt through experiencing things during the trip that would shape my character and make me a new and improved Samuel that can be used for the glory of God.
Will share with you about the trip asap! =D
Thursday, January 21, 2010
REAL Program Update 2
So far... it has been physically draining for me due to sleeping late and waking up early part. Other than that, the lessons and workshops was exciting. I don't really suffer from mental tiredness or anything actually. If i am given something to do, i can still go on for hours. So yup... more on physical tiredness.
Other than that, i have been discovering more about myself and how i work in different situations. I also feel it is time to be disciplined once again as i have been really slack lately... so yup! Back to seeking God once again!
God bless!
Other than that, i have been discovering more about myself and how i work in different situations. I also feel it is time to be disciplined once again as i have been really slack lately... so yup! Back to seeking God once again!
God bless!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Thank You Note!
Today, when i went to my blog (the one you are in now) to prepare to blog, i saw a comment by someone named stranger on my tag board. You can read it if you want to but it is up to you.
To tell you the truth, i was shocked when i first saw that comment. I really got stunned when i saw that comment because i did not know i was giving people the impression that i was doing it for myself.
However, i would actually like to thank him/her because i was reminded of the reason why i started blogging in the first place. I remembered the first time when i thought of blogging. I told myself i would not last a month or two and it will die down very soon as i am not someone who can sustain things for very long. In the beginning, i was also quite hesitant as i was also afraid of teaching the wrong things on my blog. In the end, i was inspired by God to touch lives and reach out to people through blogging. Anyone could have access to my blog and read from it. Therefore, it would be quite an effective tool. As you realise, my blogging has not been very consistent lately because of the busyness of my life. Having to commit to many different things. Blogging has became a chore and i really struggled to think of topics to blog.
Now, i am on fire once again as i recall and remember why i started blogging in the first place. Thanks for questioning me stranger! I appreciate it! I thank God once again for you! God bless!
To tell you the truth, i was shocked when i first saw that comment. I really got stunned when i saw that comment because i did not know i was giving people the impression that i was doing it for myself.
However, i would actually like to thank him/her because i was reminded of the reason why i started blogging in the first place. I remembered the first time when i thought of blogging. I told myself i would not last a month or two and it will die down very soon as i am not someone who can sustain things for very long. In the beginning, i was also quite hesitant as i was also afraid of teaching the wrong things on my blog. In the end, i was inspired by God to touch lives and reach out to people through blogging. Anyone could have access to my blog and read from it. Therefore, it would be quite an effective tool. As you realise, my blogging has not been very consistent lately because of the busyness of my life. Having to commit to many different things. Blogging has became a chore and i really struggled to think of topics to blog.
Now, i am on fire once again as i recall and remember why i started blogging in the first place. Thanks for questioning me stranger! I appreciate it! I thank God once again for you! God bless!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Nothing Definite.
I was looking at the car park cement floor today when i realised different shades of grey. Thus, i concluded the following. A certain colour can have many different shades due to the intensity of light. In the dark, grey may be one colour. In light, it may turn another. It is hard to say which is the correct grey. Even professionals can not guarantee which is the 100% correct grey. Only the Creator (God) who defined grey can guarantee which is the correct grey.
In the same way, we humans are the same (cement floor). However, we have different shades during different situations in our lives. No one can say that he/she knows you 100% well or he/she knows you perfectly well. We humans may have a pattern of behaviour but we are definitely not 100% predictable. Thus, we do not judge each other on what we see or perceive. We DO NOT try to correct them using your own understanding without understanding why they did it in a certain manner in the first place. You first try to understand why they do certain things before you give your suggestions or opinion. You might even realise you are wrong in the first place. Therefore, try to understand the other person before judging or criticizing them. God bless!
In the same way, we humans are the same (cement floor). However, we have different shades during different situations in our lives. No one can say that he/she knows you 100% well or he/she knows you perfectly well. We humans may have a pattern of behaviour but we are definitely not 100% predictable. Thus, we do not judge each other on what we see or perceive. We DO NOT try to correct them using your own understanding without understanding why they did it in a certain manner in the first place. You first try to understand why they do certain things before you give your suggestions or opinion. You might even realise you are wrong in the first place. Therefore, try to understand the other person before judging or criticizing them. God bless!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hope in the LORD!
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
v30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
v31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Ever felt like giving up on life? Ever felt that life is meaningless?
Ever felt like you had made the greatest mistake in your whole entire life? Ever felt that what you have done is too sinful?
This few verses tells us that WE WILL get tired. We WILL feel useless and we WILL feel like giving up. It also says that we WILL make mistakes in our life. Not only that! It has even gave us a cure to solve this problem! The answer is... HOPE IN THE LORD! When we trust God and ask God to give us strength through our lives, and we believe He will, we WILL be given strength. Strength to continue running this race without feeling tired. Strength to go through whatever nonsense the world throws at you. The strength to go through all the mistakes in life. So trust in God! Believe God can give you the strength you need!
Let us lean on God today for strength and direction. Only the Creator of the universe can provide you with what you need. God bless!
v30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
v31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Ever felt like giving up on life? Ever felt that life is meaningless?
Ever felt like you had made the greatest mistake in your whole entire life? Ever felt that what you have done is too sinful?
This few verses tells us that WE WILL get tired. We WILL feel useless and we WILL feel like giving up. It also says that we WILL make mistakes in our life. Not only that! It has even gave us a cure to solve this problem! The answer is... HOPE IN THE LORD! When we trust God and ask God to give us strength through our lives, and we believe He will, we WILL be given strength. Strength to continue running this race without feeling tired. Strength to go through whatever nonsense the world throws at you. The strength to go through all the mistakes in life. So trust in God! Believe God can give you the strength you need!
Let us lean on God today for strength and direction. Only the Creator of the universe can provide you with what you need. God bless!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
REAL Program Update
Remember the program i told you that i joined? Yup, here is the update.
This week, we did Contact Work (CW). It means we go to secondary school students to ask them to do a short survey for us. And get their contact number if possible. However, it is mainly for us to make more friends. After which, we will plan an activity for the students! Exciting? I guess? Excited? I sure am!
However, now we have to do plenty of administrative work such as collating the data... GOSH! Hmmmm, so far the program has been more physically draining while the mental drainage starts tomorrow. I have no idea if i should be happy or not... Oh well! I have God, there is nothing to fear!
Want more update? Tag on my board! Don't worry, you can use all sorts of funny name you want. HAHA! God bless!
This week, we did Contact Work (CW). It means we go to secondary school students to ask them to do a short survey for us. And get their contact number if possible. However, it is mainly for us to make more friends. After which, we will plan an activity for the students! Exciting? I guess? Excited? I sure am!
However, now we have to do plenty of administrative work such as collating the data... GOSH! Hmmmm, so far the program has been more physically draining while the mental drainage starts tomorrow. I have no idea if i should be happy or not... Oh well! I have God, there is nothing to fear!
Want more update? Tag on my board! Don't worry, you can use all sorts of funny name you want. HAHA! God bless!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jesus got tempted, why not you?
Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version)
v1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
v2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
v3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
v4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
v5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. v6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
v7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
v8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
v9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
v10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
v11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
In this few verses, it shows that even JESUS got tempted! YES! Jesus got tempted by satan! However, Jesus was able to resist temptations and defeat the devil.
First temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to make stones into bread. Note, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights! I am sure you will be eating ANYTHING if you fasted that long. Jesus must have really controlled Himself from turning the stones into bread for Himself.
Second temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God. The devil wanted Jesus to test God. However, Jesus did NOT. Jesus managed to counter the devil's words.
Third temptation, the devil promised to give Jesus anything in the world. ANYTHING! Money, jewellery, palaces, mansions, cars, lands, property and MUCH MORE! However, Jesus knew what was more important, obeying God! Jesus was determined to worship only the Lord our God!
How did Jesus overcome the temptations? Jesus used the Word of God! The devil will try and bluff us with the Word of God, therefore, we must be sure of what we are studying and who God is. Only by constantly reading the bible will we know how to counter the devil's lies. So... START READING THE BIBLE! It will REALLY help you counter satan more easily! God bless!
v1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
v2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
v3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
v4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
v5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. v6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
v7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
v8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
v9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
v10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
v11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
In this few verses, it shows that even JESUS got tempted! YES! Jesus got tempted by satan! However, Jesus was able to resist temptations and defeat the devil.
First temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to make stones into bread. Note, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights! I am sure you will be eating ANYTHING if you fasted that long. Jesus must have really controlled Himself from turning the stones into bread for Himself.
Second temptation, the devil wanted Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God. The devil wanted Jesus to test God. However, Jesus did NOT. Jesus managed to counter the devil's words.
Third temptation, the devil promised to give Jesus anything in the world. ANYTHING! Money, jewellery, palaces, mansions, cars, lands, property and MUCH MORE! However, Jesus knew what was more important, obeying God! Jesus was determined to worship only the Lord our God!
How did Jesus overcome the temptations? Jesus used the Word of God! The devil will try and bluff us with the Word of God, therefore, we must be sure of what we are studying and who God is. Only by constantly reading the bible will we know how to counter the devil's lies. So... START READING THE BIBLE! It will REALLY help you counter satan more easily! God bless!
Do NOT Worry!
Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)
v25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
v26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
v27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
v28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
v29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
v30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
v31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
v32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
v34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This post is mainly to those who have not done well in 'O' levels and are worrying about their future. Verse 27 says it very clearly, since we cannot add a single second even if we worry, why do we worry then? Why not just trust God and let Him deliver you through the tough times. I know it is hard to trust God and surrender at this point of time, you may even begin to doubt God and start giving up. But i just want to remind you of your purpose on earth. Not to do well in studies, not to be rich and powerful, not to have the most friends BUT TO DO THE WILL OF GOD!
How much you can surrender to God is how much you trust that God is in control. Pray to Him now for Him to take away all your worries, sadness and emotions. And for Him to show you your path in future. God will still listen to you no matter how crappy you feel about yourself. Trust God and hang in there! God bless!
v25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
v26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
v27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
v28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
v29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
v30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
v31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
v32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
v33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
v34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This post is mainly to those who have not done well in 'O' levels and are worrying about their future. Verse 27 says it very clearly, since we cannot add a single second even if we worry, why do we worry then? Why not just trust God and let Him deliver you through the tough times. I know it is hard to trust God and surrender at this point of time, you may even begin to doubt God and start giving up. But i just want to remind you of your purpose on earth. Not to do well in studies, not to be rich and powerful, not to have the most friends BUT TO DO THE WILL OF GOD!
How much you can surrender to God is how much you trust that God is in control. Pray to Him now for Him to take away all your worries, sadness and emotions. And for Him to show you your path in future. God will still listen to you no matter how crappy you feel about yourself. Trust God and hang in there! God bless!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
'O' levels result day
Today was the day that i collected my results =)
I wont tell u what i get unless you ask me =) hahaha!
I just want to thank all my friends who encouraged me before i collected my results. Verses after verses, jiayous after jiayous, encouragement after encouragement. It was just so heart warming =) Thank God for these people!
That's all! God bless!
I wont tell u what i get unless you ask me =) hahaha!
I just want to thank all my friends who encouraged me before i collected my results. Verses after verses, jiayous after jiayous, encouragement after encouragement. It was just so heart warming =) Thank God for these people!
That's all! God bless!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
What have you been focusing on?
Luke 10 (New International Version)
v38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
v39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
v40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
v41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
v42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
This passage is very interesting. Actually, a short conversation with Yi Xian reminded me of this story. Thanks Yi Xian! Hahaha!
In this story, Mary was listening and just focusing on God the whole entire time when Jesus entered the house. However, Martha was so busy preparing things to welcome Jesus (Maybe food and some drinks?). However, Jesus said 'Mary had chosen what is better'. Jesus DID NOT say what Martha did was wrong, Jesus just said Mary chose what is BETTER.
In life, when we welcome Jesus into our life, some of us would passionately serve in many ministries. We get so busy with our lives and ministry work and we worry about many things. The saddest part is that we may even start to ignore God... It is good to serve in the ministry and serve God but it is even BETTER if we focus on God and listen to Him first. I am NOT trying to tell you not to serve! I am just saying, make sure you have a balanced lifestyle. Enough time for God, ministry and your daily lifestyle. Remember, the one who does better is the one who focuses on God and NOT the world! What have you been focusing on?
God bless!
v38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
v39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
v40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
v41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
v42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
This passage is very interesting. Actually, a short conversation with Yi Xian reminded me of this story. Thanks Yi Xian! Hahaha!
In this story, Mary was listening and just focusing on God the whole entire time when Jesus entered the house. However, Martha was so busy preparing things to welcome Jesus (Maybe food and some drinks?). However, Jesus said 'Mary had chosen what is better'. Jesus DID NOT say what Martha did was wrong, Jesus just said Mary chose what is BETTER.
In life, when we welcome Jesus into our life, some of us would passionately serve in many ministries. We get so busy with our lives and ministry work and we worry about many things. The saddest part is that we may even start to ignore God... It is good to serve in the ministry and serve God but it is even BETTER if we focus on God and listen to Him first. I am NOT trying to tell you not to serve! I am just saying, make sure you have a balanced lifestyle. Enough time for God, ministry and your daily lifestyle. Remember, the one who does better is the one who focuses on God and NOT the world! What have you been focusing on?
God bless!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Brothers and sisters in Christ
I am watching a show right now. There was a well respected gangster (lets call him Andy) who was just released from jail after 8 years. That gangster contacted 1 of his past brothers.
Brother 1: A very well known despicable lawyer who would do anything for money. He was having a conversation with a client. However, after he received the call from Andy, he immediately left and contacted the next brother.
Brother 2: A road stall seller. After being contacted he asked his family to go back to his wife's hometown so that he may help out Andy in his 'business'. And he contacted the next guy.
Brother 3: A florist. He was about to get a huge promotion plus pay rise. However, upon receiving the call, he quited his job IMMEDIATELY. And he joins Andy.
Why am i saying this? As we know, once we are son/daughters of God, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when one of us is in trouble, will we go ALL OUT to help him/her?
Will we be willing to stop playing computer games just to listen to them? Will we be willing to give them money to bless them when they need it? Will we be willing to give up anything and everything for their sake? It is SUPER SUPER SUPER hard for me too... But i am doing my best!
When Jesus Christ came on earth, He died on the cross for us. When we still did not know Him, He already knew us and was willing to die on the cross for us. How great is our God! He sacrificed EVERYTHING for us! In the same way, let us show Christ love to the best of OUR abilities to one another. God bless!
Brother 1: A very well known despicable lawyer who would do anything for money. He was having a conversation with a client. However, after he received the call from Andy, he immediately left and contacted the next brother.
Brother 2: A road stall seller. After being contacted he asked his family to go back to his wife's hometown so that he may help out Andy in his 'business'. And he contacted the next guy.
Brother 3: A florist. He was about to get a huge promotion plus pay rise. However, upon receiving the call, he quited his job IMMEDIATELY. And he joins Andy.
Why am i saying this? As we know, once we are son/daughters of God, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when one of us is in trouble, will we go ALL OUT to help him/her?
Will we be willing to stop playing computer games just to listen to them? Will we be willing to give them money to bless them when they need it? Will we be willing to give up anything and everything for their sake? It is SUPER SUPER SUPER hard for me too... But i am doing my best!
When Jesus Christ came on earth, He died on the cross for us. When we still did not know Him, He already knew us and was willing to die on the cross for us. How great is our God! He sacrificed EVERYTHING for us! In the same way, let us show Christ love to the best of OUR abilities to one another. God bless!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Trust God in ALL situations!
Psalm 3:6-7 (New International Version)
v6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
v7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
This few verses was written by David. He is declaring that even if he has to fight thousands of people from every side, he is NOT afraid. Imagine thousands of people were to shout at you at the same time, i think you would faint because of fright. At least I think i would... It was such a scary scene/place to be in but David declares that he is NOT afraid.
Why? It is stated in verse 7! It is because David has the Lord our God! David knows that no matter what happens, God is with him! God will protect him and keep his enemies away from him! But it is impossible to have thousands of people to attack you in this modern days right?
I believe that it is saying that NO MATTER what crap/rubbish/nonsense/pain/suffering you are going through now, trust that God will deliver you! He will never forsake you! Trust in God! He only wants the best for YOU but only if u surrender to Him and allow God to take control of your life. Hang in there people!!!
v6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
v7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
This few verses was written by David. He is declaring that even if he has to fight thousands of people from every side, he is NOT afraid. Imagine thousands of people were to shout at you at the same time, i think you would faint because of fright. At least I think i would... It was such a scary scene/place to be in but David declares that he is NOT afraid.
Why? It is stated in verse 7! It is because David has the Lord our God! David knows that no matter what happens, God is with him! God will protect him and keep his enemies away from him! But it is impossible to have thousands of people to attack you in this modern days right?
I believe that it is saying that NO MATTER what crap/rubbish/nonsense/pain/suffering you are going through now, trust that God will deliver you! He will never forsake you! Trust in God! He only wants the best for YOU but only if u surrender to Him and allow God to take control of your life. Hang in there people!!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Rejoice in the tough times!
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)
v17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
v18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
In the past, what people counted as property/money was livestock (sheep, goats, cows), plantations (rice, wheat, olive, grapes) and maybe jewellery too? However in these verses, Habakkuk (prophet) told the Lord that even if his plantations fail and his crops dies. Even when he has no more livestock, he will still rejoice in the Lord our God.
In the same way, we can learn from Habakkuk. When God let us go through the tough times to prepare us for the future, when we suddenly lose something important. When we go bankrupt or we suffer from illness/diseases or maybe even lost our loved ones, will we still praise God and worship God? It is okay to grumble and complain to God but let us trust in Him and know that God is in control. Always remember our final stop in life is in Heaven, NOT during our life. So hang on to God and do not give up! God bless!
v17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
v18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
In the past, what people counted as property/money was livestock (sheep, goats, cows), plantations (rice, wheat, olive, grapes) and maybe jewellery too? However in these verses, Habakkuk (prophet) told the Lord that even if his plantations fail and his crops dies. Even when he has no more livestock, he will still rejoice in the Lord our God.
In the same way, we can learn from Habakkuk. When God let us go through the tough times to prepare us for the future, when we suddenly lose something important. When we go bankrupt or we suffer from illness/diseases or maybe even lost our loved ones, will we still praise God and worship God? It is okay to grumble and complain to God but let us trust in Him and know that God is in control. Always remember our final stop in life is in Heaven, NOT during our life. So hang on to God and do not give up! God bless!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Focus!
Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)
v24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
I guess in life we want to master many things and excel in it. However, there are some things which cannot be done together. Matthew 6:24, man CANNOT serve God and money at the same time. It is not just about money. It can be computer games, MSN, shopping, arcades, movies and much more. We can only focus on God OR the worldly things.
With God, we will be disciplined, our character will improve. It may be hard, but necessarily. God will provide for us, love us and care for us no matter what. And we will go to Heaven to live with Him forever and ever.
With the world, you will NEVER be satisfied. When you level up in computer games, you want more. When you have money, you want more. When you are loving with your family, you expect more from them. The world CANNOT provide fully for you. Maybe temporarily joy.
But God can give you permanent joy as long as you trust Him. Sometimes it is hard to take the first step. However, by taking the first step to trust in God, it is a decision you would NEVER regret!
v24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
I guess in life we want to master many things and excel in it. However, there are some things which cannot be done together. Matthew 6:24, man CANNOT serve God and money at the same time. It is not just about money. It can be computer games, MSN, shopping, arcades, movies and much more. We can only focus on God OR the worldly things.
With God, we will be disciplined, our character will improve. It may be hard, but necessarily. God will provide for us, love us and care for us no matter what. And we will go to Heaven to live with Him forever and ever.
With the world, you will NEVER be satisfied. When you level up in computer games, you want more. When you have money, you want more. When you are loving with your family, you expect more from them. The world CANNOT provide fully for you. Maybe temporarily joy.
But God can give you permanent joy as long as you trust Him. Sometimes it is hard to take the first step. However, by taking the first step to trust in God, it is a decision you would NEVER regret!
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