GODssips Gospel

I choose to be Mary

2011-10-21T11:17:00.002+08:00

Today on a cold spring day in Melbourne, I am filled with a sense of peace and stillness. God is present in my heart and I feel His overflow of love and peace. I am reminded that I have life because of His son.

I haven't written in a long time. It's as if I haven't written a love post to Him for a long time. Today as my heart tries to keep up with deciphering the love code He has written on my soul, the song plays on repeat........... Love came down and rescued me, Love came down and set me free, I am His.
And ohhh, how my soul sings out with joy!

Funny how songs reach where no speech can. Perhaps that is the reason heaven is filled with songs, songs of praise and worship, of adoration and awe.

I realise today that I'm always like Martha, having the mindset of running around getting things done (cos I figure that's more important) when Christ just wants me to be like Mary, sitting down at His feet to enjoy His company. Often, after getting things done, I just feel too tired to do anything else. How much better if I go to Him first then getting renewed/refueled for the days ahead. At least I set right first who is most important in my life.

So today (and by faith, everyday), I choose to be Mary. Teehee.

g3

Love Came Down- Brian Johnson

2011-10-21T11:14:00.001+08:00

If my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot hear Your voice
I’ll hold on to what is true though I cannot see
If the storms of life they come and the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith
I will believe

I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because Your Son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope
and every promise comes my way
When I feel Your hands of grace rest upon me

Staying desperate for You God
Staying humbled at Your feet
I will lift these hands and praise
I will believe

I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because Your Son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours I am forever Yours

I am Yours
I am Yours
All my days
I am Yours

I am Yours, I'm Yours forever
I am Yours, I'm Yours forever
I am Yours, I'm Yours forever Lord

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours I am forever Yours

g3

Learning

2011-04-11T17:15:00.004+08:00

A wave of worries have been flooding my life, one after the other which made me ponder upon what is love, and what loving another person truly is about.

I've finally realised today that loving is expecting nothing in return and having the person's best interest at heart. Nothing matters more than that when it comes to loving a person; not even my own hopes and expectations for ministry, cell group, or personal life.

I am learning to be aware that emotions can become our god, and how dangerous that can be in that emotions sway my perception of people, ministry and life. The person comes first in God's eyes.

I shall learn to put people first, ministry second. Much like how Jesus took His time to stop for a person even when He had many more to minister to. Just like how Jesus forgave Peter even after Peter denied Him three times, viewing things that happen with a much bigger perspective than just that moment in time.

How do I know exactly what or how or who? I've come to a point where I want with all my heart to hear God's voice. Not the voice of peers, friends, leaders, people I love, sermons, worship songs, books, testimonies. Just solely Him, purely Him.

He is more than enough.

g3

2 things

2011-04-02T21:31:00.007+08:00

2 things that God has reminded me today:

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails

Love is more than what we think it is. It is not what the world thinks it is. Love is selfless and sometimes, it means that we love enough to allow someone else to love another.

2. God is still good I am down with dry cough which makes me cough non-stop, even vomitting cos of the reflex. My lungs and throat constantly feels itchy and body aches. My mind feels tired and I am deprived of sleep.

I typed this in sms: "I spent the whole night and morning asking God why I can't be healed. Got quite pekchek cos felt so uncomfotable, tired and can't even sleep. Wondered when the feeling will pass. But now i feel peace. And when housemate went out to backyard, saw this: A peak of bright, warm rays of sunlight and the tree swaying in the wind. Then I knew God is still good, and I can still praise Him even in these moments. Even when I can't be healed this moment. Made me think about all the sick people who feels much worst than I do and having to go thru that everyday. Truly everything is His. My health, my life, my possessions. He gives and takes away. M awed. God is good, still good."

I never understood Job (in the bible). Today, I get a small glimpse of what it could have been for him....the thoughts, the sense of desperation, the turmoil of feelings happening inside. How he must have hung on to God.

So i believe in this: where I am now will not be where I am tomorrow. What I feel now will not be what I feel tomorrow. This will pass, just like the rainbow after the rain. God will restore my health and make me even more prosperous than before. My life is and will be blessed because this is His promise to us as His children.

g3

Awakened

2011-02-14T01:07:00.003+08:00

Sitting here hours before orientation starts to put my heart right before Him, I am reminded once again of God's love.
Of His real presence. His deliverance. His abounding grace.

My heart yearns to beat His heartbeat, my soul to be awakened, my being to be near Him.

All He says is that He is WITH us. He is FOR us.

So I deduce that if He says that, nothing can stand against us. :)

g3

she bothers

2011-01-22T18:28:00.004+08:00

person A: Why her?
person B: Because she bothers.

Just 2 simple words. She bothers. It requires effort, time and a heart. Do you bother?=)

g2

2 Cor 9:8

2011-01-17T17:49:00.002+08:00

And God is able to make all abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

g2

job 14:19

2011-01-12T15:13:00.002+08:00

Water wears away stones.

g2

1 Corinthians 2:9

2011-01-05T02:15:00.003+08:00

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

I will let you go because I know He has things in store for you that is waiting for you back in Malaysia. Go and accomplish the missions God has prepared for you. I love you.
g2

Hebrews 11:1

2011-01-01T22:32:00.003+08:00

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Today I had the chance to meet up with one sister who really has the so-called faith in God. She is one who is not ashamed of who she is in His kingdom. She talks about God like nobody's business and she always glorifies and honours His name in her daily conversations with people around her. I'm just amazed by the pure faith she has. On the way home, she shared with me the above verse from Hebrews. MAybe, just MAybe for many of us, we just need a little bit of faith to walk this journey? For the things ahead of us, the uncertainties there are in the world, MAybe we just need a little bit of faith. Also, talking about our FATHER in heaven shouldn't be something that we are ashamed of or something we only do while we are among christians. It should be a lifestyle. We should be proud to talk about Him in any occasions because He is indeed faithful and true. No doubt about that.

John 14:2-3

2010-12-31T14:07:00.002+08:00

Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will COME again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you will be also."

Colossians 4:5

2010-12-31T01:42:00.001+08:00

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

realising...

2010-12-30T19:41:00.002+08:00

Soooo long since I last blogged! Been busy=) Well, so many things happened around me. Problems that I have to face, problems people around me have to face, etc. Today I just had a chat with one of my friend who is going tru a tough time and was smsing a cellie who thinks God is kicking her around and met up with an old friend who I didn't contact for a long time.

Today I realised that there are many out there who are left out. I feel for these people. Meeting up with my old friend helped me open up to the fact that we can really do something. BUt do we want to take that time out for them? It would probably take just a meal to bring them back closer to God. Are we able to choose them over our close ones? I wonder next time will I choose the former, I hope so=)

God is incharged of our lives. He really is. We have to trust Him and surrender our lives into His mighty hands EACH day. Achknowledging Him is sooo important. I love God. He never fails to embrace us each time we fall, each time we fail Him, each time we cry, each time we go down. God is GOOD. He will forever be GOOD=)

You are more

2010-11-29T22:54:00.001+08:00

This song came onto the radio one night, and i knew God was speaking:

This is for you, you are more.

g3

For those who wait

2010-10-04T21:18:00.002+08:00

This is for those who wait

Another day, another waiting game
A little different but it's still the same
I am here, but where's the one I'm longing for?
I'm having trouble feeling all alone
Will my heart ever find a home?
I want to hope but sometimes I just don't know
I know I'm not the only one

So we sing a lullaby to the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire, let it set you free
When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

I want to open up my eyes
I know that all I need is time
I'm growing stronger every single day
God, I'm going to lean into You now
Letting go of all my fear and doubt
I can't do this on my own so I'll give You control
I know I'm not the only one

The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
And the difference makes it worth it

g3

I Saw Jesus by Karen Templin

2010-09-20T23:54:00.001+08:00

Read this testimony=) blessed...

I Saw Jesus The vision I had not been to church for many years, though I was a believer in Jesus, & I loved him. Suddenly I felt like he was calling me to know him better. I started reading other people's testimoneys of him, & also people's near death experiences, who had actually gone to Heaven, & met him. The more I read, the closer I felt to him. I met a new friend who invited me to church. I said, yes, anything that would draw me closer to him. As I sat in church, the minister asked the question, "What is the mountain in your life?" He told us to take a few minutes to meditate about it. I thought about things I had not been able to overcome in my life. My biggest mountain was definitely the lack of forgiveness I felt for people who I thought had wronged me or hurt me in some way. I could easily walk out of people's lives, & hold a grudge for 20 years or the rest of my life for that matter. As I thought about these things, I felt a deep wrenching pain in my heart, even physical pain, as though my heart was being squeezed tight in my chest. I bowed my head. I knew what the bible says about forgiveness, & I thought, Jesus is probably mad at me. Still feeling the pain in my heart, I thought, Look for the face of Jesus. I had read that somewhere, but I didn't think I would literally see him. If I did see him, I was sure he would come condemming me. As I was thinking I should look for his face, I raised my eyes, & couldn't have been more surprised that he was actually there. It was just his face, but he was alive, & moving around. He was there, in that room. He was wearing a crown of thorns, & smiling at me with the most loving smile I had ever seen. I just gazed up at him, & the first thing I thought was, he looks a little different than in his pictures, but only slightly different. I felt no condemnation from him at all. That surprised me. Next, I felt him sending me love that was full of compassion. It was an overwhelming kind of love that I was sure human beings aren't capable of. I was in awe that he could love me that much. It was blissful. I was totally absorbed by that love to the point where I felt my heart could burst. I have never felt anything like it, & I'm sure that I never will as long as I'm on this Earth. I just continued to gaze up at him, & he continued to smile at me like I was so special to him. Throughout the whole vision, he never once stopped smiling at me. Next I saw him sending beams of transparent, white light towards my heart. I felt the light penetrating my being. The light was nothing but love, & compassion. He was very kind, & loving, not condemming at all. I only felt a strong out pouring of love from him. Next he began to communicate with me, but no words were used. He communicated by sending me feelings, & there was knowledge in the feelings that I understood clearly as it was transferred to my mind. He said that he already knew about it all, my lack of forgiveness towards others, how I had been hurt by other people, & what circumstances in my life that had made me feel that way. He said, "I know everything about you." That surprised me greatly, but I also felt comforted by it. It meant that he had never been far from me, like I had always thought, but I had been constantly under his supervision. Again, I felt more compassion from him pouring out to me. He said, "I feel your pain. I grieve with you." He was like a loving parent who will pick you up when you are hurting, and hold you in his loving arms. He will comfort you, & wipe away all of your tears. I actually felt like I had been comforted, & held in the arms of Jesus. After he lovingly comforted me, he spoke again. He told me not to worry or concern myself with these things because he would take care of it. I felt like a burden had been lifted, & I felt like it was easy for him to take care of my burdens. I sensed that it was no problem at all for him. I was still looking at him, still surprised by some of the things that he said. He still wore that loving smile on his face that would melt the heart of the worst hardened sinner. He was still sending me love, & it was to over flowing. There was so much love that I felt like my heart couldn't hold it all, & it may burst. I felt like I couldn't handle it any more. Seeing all of the goodness & purity in him, I felt like I may break down into tears & sobs. I started to feel unworthy of his pure holiness. He was a soul that had evolved to the highest level of pure perfection. Seeing this makes you aware of even your smallest sins. I felt unworthy of him, & then I looked away. When I looked back, he wasn't there anymore, but I was left with a feeling of total awe. Jesus had been there, I had seen him, I had felt him, He had communicated with me, and the thing I was left knowing was that he loved me more than anyone had ever loved me in my life! A few days later, I thought about how I had sat in church that day knowing I had sinned, & yet, Jesus blessed me with a vision. I knew he still loved me unconditionally, in spite of my flaws. I thought to myself, How can this be? Later that night I started to read the Bible, The Book Of John. Jesus answered my question clearly: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who so ever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is already condemned because he has not believed. I had sought to know him with my whole heart & soul. I remembered that he had worn the crown of thorns in my vision. I now realize that they were meant to be symbolic, a reminder to me of how he loved us all enough to be lifted up, & crucified on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The crown of thorns are a symbol of his love that he feels for each one of us. He had truly shown me how to forgive.

A confession

2010-09-14T00:26:00.006+08:00

I have a confession. I have a weakness that God has rebuked time after time. My weakness is that I find myself looking for my confidence and self-worth in others/worldly things instead of God. I find myself thriving on praises and compliments and successes.

Maybe that's the reason why I think the world of achievements, be it through grades, wealth, titles or accomplishments in life. I respect people who are high achievers in their respected areas, people who are driven, people who are doing great things which are making a difference.

Maybe that's why my reality cannot match my expectations. Call it reading too many novels, or having high-achieving friends, or not being contented/coveting others' talents/lives/achievements or whatever you want but it is sadly a very real struggle. For example, when my academic reality doesn't match my expectations, my coping mechanism is to shut down. I stop doing my best so I can comfort myself by telling myself that it's not because I'm not able, it's because I've not done enough/my best. What a lie I've been living...I've been living on my pride/ego.

Success comes to those who work hard with what they have; not those who dream about things they don't have, yet do nothing with what they have.

For example, in the academic side of things, I dreamt about being valedictorian since young because of characters I've read in novels. It's a good dream but in reality, I'm neither smart nor hardworking enough. So, because I know that it is not achievable, I make excuses to not study/do my assignments to the best of my ability so it does not justify my real ability. In other words, I like to lie myself. I don't want to face reality, preferring to live in this twisted mind of mine. I fear doing my best and yet find that it is not enough.

Lies+unrealistic dreams/goals+laziness+pride= a vicious cycle of self condemnation+guilt trap

An example of self condemnation is this:
I always feel that I disappoint my parents because I'm not achieving much academically. I like to live in the past where I was one of the higher ranking students in school. I like to dream of making my parents proud through awards etc. I always wonder why I'm not doing as well, yet not make any efforts. I condemn myself, I shut down when I don't get the grades I desire. This leads to even poorer results. Then, I would feel ashamed. I feel I've let my parents down. I feel guilty, feel I'm a failure that my parents have sacrified so much yet I've given them nothing in return. (the vicious cycle)

The above is only an example out of the many. There are plenty of these cycles in different aspects of my life that has eaten my self worth and confidence. The cycles make me think and feel less of myself. I thank God less, and forget/ignore His words. Truths such as 'I am made in the image of God' and 'Everything comes from God' are forgotten. I make myself the centre of attention instead of God. :(

The cycles extend to following God. In this aspect, the same applies. When I fall, I feel I've disappointed God. I shut down; I walk further away because I'm embarassed to face God. It's only when God intervenes that I return to Him after much suffering and pain.

I thank God for waking me up, for helping me figure out whats is wrong: the sins I'm committing, the cycle I'm stuck in, helping me understand the need to get out of this cycle. I can't be ignorant anymore. I don't want to live with these circles my whole life.

Today, I received an sms from my mom. She said this:
'It's not always about how popular you are, how many marks you get, or how active you are in school/uni. It's about the person you are, deep down inside that radiates out the things you do that touches people....the real genuine you.'

My mom hit the bulls eye; those are the qualities I've always desired and still do. Yet, she told me that I've got it all wrong. Her love is not based on my achievements. What my mom is really proud of is the person I truly am inside.

I teared because that was what I needed to hear. Love is not based on achievements. Love is not earned through works. Our parents love us for who we are. Our parents love us simply because we are their children.

It is even more true of God. We can never earn His love. Nothing we can ever do can make Him love us even more/less. He already loves us for who we are to the most of His ability. He loves us because we are His. This love is unconditional, everlasting, uncontainable, incomparable. No sin can seperate us from God! NOTHING can seperate us from the love of God!

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

If you're like me, stuck in the cycle, know that God is in control. Hang onto His promises! Remind yourself everyday by reading God's words. Ask from God to show you how to overcome things in your life. Thank Him for His providance, grace, and glory. Trust that God will bring you through regardless of the circumstances you're in!

Don't be afraid of failures or mistakes or sin, bring them to God. He is not ashamed of you, you do not disappoint Him! You have not failed God or anyone else. Don't feel the need to be perfect; He alone perfects us as He purifies our faith!

It's time to rise up, to walk out of the cycle. It's time to be all we are in Christ....confident because of Him in us, contented in every circumstance, and living life to the fullest!

g3

The God i know

2010-09-02T14:28:00.001+08:00

The Greatness of Our God

2010-09-02T11:34:00.002+08:00

The Greatness of Our God

Verse 1:
Give me eyes to see
More of who You are
May what I behold,
still my anxious heart.
Take what I have known
And break it all apart
For You my God, are greater still.

CHORUS
No sky contains,
No doubt restrains,
All You are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know,
And I'm far from close
To all You are,
The greatness of our God.

Verse 2:
Give me grace to see
Beyond this moment here.
To believe that there
Is nothing left to fear.

That You alone are high above it all.
For You my God, are greater still.

Bridge:
And there is nothing
That can ever separate us.
There is nothing that can ever
separate us from Your love.
No life, no death, of this I am convinced.
You my God, are greater still.

And no words can say, or song convey,
all You are the greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know,
And I'm far from close
to all You are,
the greatness of our God.

g2

The Parable of the Growing Seed

2010-08-24T01:14:00.003+08:00

Mark 4:26 - 29

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

I don't know how He does it but He does it! Praise be to God the almighty. He deserves all the glory, all the praise, all the worship! He is more than gold, more than wealth, more than anything on earth! I'm glad I know Him just as I did! This message will be spread and it will NOT STOP!!! I love YOU and surrender=)

Jesus You Are

2010-08-24T01:04:00.003+08:00

Jesus You Are
Jesus You are You are
Everything I'm not
And everything that I want to be
Jesus You are You are
The maker of my heart
Finish what You started in me

This is the hope I have
It's something I cannot see
You willingly gave Your life
Willing to die for me
Now I believe
I believe I believe

As I reflect on how far God has brought me tru, I can't help but smile at His wonderful plans. He had plans for me even before I was born. Everything was and is in His control. I'm amazed by Him all the time. And I pray He finish what He started in me. This is my prayer that I will become the Trecia He wants me to be. I realised there is soo much to learn, soo much to absorb from Jesus. He really is soo REAL. How I hope that everybody can see that! My Jesus is sooo REAL!=)

Simply beautiful!

2010-08-20T23:53:00.005+08:00

We love because God first loved us

2010-07-22T00:15:00.003+08:00

My thoughts are a jumbled mess. A lot of times, I start writing only to realise that I do not know how to continue it. So it is with this post. So much to say but no right words to do it justice.

God's lessons are unending. I thought I have learnt how to love, but life happens and I realise that I have not grasped even 5% of what it is like to love the way God loves. God's love is immeasurable, unchangeable, indescribable. So much more than what I think it is.

Love is living a lifestyle, not merely relishing a hobby or a goal or a spur-in-the-moment. Love truly is loving the unlovable, loving even when I can't and don't want to, loving despite the seasons/circumstances/mood I'm in, loving when I have nothing to give or offer. Why? Because love comes from God.

Love is unconditional, continual, sacrificial. Love is blind to colour, age, health, wealth, life conditions. Why? Because God is the epitome of love.

As I ponder about life, I can't help but realise how simple the truth is.
We love not because we are able to, are good at it, or because we have to.

We love because God first loved us.

g3

In Christ

2010-07-13T21:30:00.002+08:00

So, I'm back home and I cannot describe how I feel. I'm greeted by the familiarity of home, by memories, by both the sweet and harsh realities of life.

What I am learning is this: I am the same person in Christ everywhere, with whoever, in every situation and circumstances; in Perth, in Kuching, out of church, among family, cell members, old friends. I cannot be different persons and if I am, something is wrong somewhere.

I'm glad I'm home. Although I'm missing out on all the orientation action, I'm where I am supposed to be be :)

g3

There Will Be A Day

2010-07-02T00:59:00.004+08:00

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel your walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

g3

'One of them'

2010-05-03T00:49:00.004+08:00

If you had told me 4 years ago that I would be the person I am today, zealous for God, I would have laughed in your face and call you crazy. It's true. 4 years ago, I had this mentality that it's good to be passionate for God but that's about enough. I used to think that people who commit too much to God are overdoing it. I used to avoid turning into 'one of them', keeping myself at a safe distance so I don't seem uncool.

God is having the last laugh because today, I'm 'one of them'. I'm one of those madly in love with God. I'm sitting here so hungry for more of God. My heart yearns for Him, I long to be near Him, I wanna be soaked in His presence and burn with passion. I've tasted, and God is so so good!

I wonder when did things changed for me. I can't remember exactly when I stop settling for less, and chosed God's abundance. All I know is that He has placed choices along the way, and when I make one that honours Him, He taught and gave me more. I remember being challenged to forgive, being asked to surrender my broken pieces, being encouraged to take His road and stop sitting on the fence.

I walked with Him, and He has never forsaken me. Even at times when I could neither hear nor feel Him, He never left my side. He patiently waited for me, encouraged me, comforted me, cried with me, helped me up when I fell. God is faithful.

I have no regrets being 'one of them'. I see now that God's love is worth everything I've given up and more. Some may not understand now, but will one day when God opens the eyes of the heart. Worldly things truly cannot compare to God's glory.

Faith. Hope. Love. Peace. Joy.

One can never have enough of Him.

g3

Be Near

2010-05-02T23:52:00.004+08:00

by shane barnard

You are all
big and small
beautiful
and wonderful
to trust in grace through faith
but i'm asking to taste...

for dark is light to You
depths are height to You
far is near
but Lord, i need to hear from You

be near, oh God
be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good
be near, oh God
be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good, our good

Your fullness is mine
revelation divine
but, o, to taste
to know much more than a page
to feel Your embrace...

for dark is light to You
the depths are height to You
far is near, but Lord
i need to hear from You

be near, oh God
be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good
be near, oh God
be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good, our good

(psalms 73:28; 139)

g3

God is REAL!!!

2010-04-12T14:59:00.003+08:00

Passion Easter Camp!!! I had an awesome time and I believe many of us enjoyed it too. Worshiping God, fellowshipping and going crazy (in a good way) with my fellow brothers and sisters from different zones all day long, not to mention throwing people into the sea=)

It was really a retreat for me. Ever since I came back from summer holidays, helping up with orientation, leading a cell, with my big load of pharmacy studies, everything just hit me BOOM BOOM BOOM and a lot of things happened all of a sudden all at the same time. I was really stressed up and I seriously cried so many times, practically every night. I needed to feel God’s presence once again, to be renewed again, making certain that the God I am serving is REAL and has not abandoned me.

Deep down in my heart, I knew this camp was going to be awesome because I trust somehow God was going to touch me and I needed that touch! And true enough I had the best 2.5 days this year. During the 2nd night when Pastor Harold was there, I went for the altar call, pastor prayed for me. Karen, Cindy and a few others prayed for me too and BOOM I felt the electric shock once again! God really touched me and showed me once again that He is REAL. After that, I felt that PEACE (which is the theme of the camp).

He reminded me that He is REAL. The God I read in the bible, The God I hung on to, The God I complained to, The God I cried to every night, The God I knew for 21years of my life, that God is REAL.

Those who have known Him for 10/30/40 years or even just 1 day, He wants you to know that He is REAL. For those who have served Him all your life, for those who have been faithful to His calling, for those who have been giving and sowing faithfully, God wants to remind you that He is REAL. The God you doubt so many times, The God you complained to most often, The God you threw tantrum at, That God is REAL! And for those who have not known this God, He wants you to know that He is REAL.

Today I testify that God is REAL! Come taste and see the goodness and REALness of God!=)

Offering

2010-04-08T21:20:00.001+08:00

Offering by Paul baloche

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love
There is no shadow in Your Presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your Blood and it's only through you mercy
Lord I come

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You
I bring an offering to You

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You
O Lord I bring an offering to You
O Lord I bring an offering to You
I bring an offering to You

G2

To live is to live life to the fullest

2010-04-03T01:04:00.002+08:00

As I sit here, I can't get the image of the elderly man staring into space out of my head. The elderly man was the man I took to shower to assess how he is going with it, the one with dementia, the one who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

I wondered what he was thinking. I tried stepping into his shoes and pictured how humiliating it must be to have a stranger watching and helping him. He told me later he wanted to go somewhere because he was getting tired of the place, and I took him to the garden. And when I walked away to continue my job, that was when I caught him looking into space.

I felt my heart break for him. For others. When there were two deaths a few days ago, I was reminded of when my own grandmother passed away.

What is life? What is it like to live till an old age, to be faced with uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring? To have loved ones taken away one by one? To have memory and body failing you?

And as I pondered, I do not know the answers. Maybe I will one day. What really matters now for me are the big important lessons I'm learning every single day. That life is short. Our time here on earth is precious, and it is timed.

Every working day, I am reminded of that. I am reminded that I have my youth now, I have the capacity, the ability, and the opportunities to go the distance. I realise that I do not want to short change my time for things that will not mean anything when I'm 80. I will have all the time in the world to myself then, for now, I want to make each day matter not only to myself but to someone else.

I want to live each day to the fullest. I want to love like I never have. I want to lay down my life for God and for people. There's so much to do, so much to see, so much to live for. God will take care of that but first; I have to be willing to surrender, to trust and to obey Him.

I want to truly live so that maybe, just maybe, when I'm old, I will have done all the things God put me here on earth to do. I will have spent all the time I have wisely that I will not have any regrets. I will be prepared to meet my Maker, and spend my remaining days contented with the blessings I have.

I will stare into space reminded of the great things God has done in my life, and dream about finally meeting God whom I love most face to face. And just maybe, I will recite to those young sweet people about my journey home.

Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, every single day. May I after being awakened, work towards living it out, and fight against falling back into slumber.

May the depths of your soul and spirit be awakened to that fact so God can do something new and amazing in you each day. May you truly live and live truly.

'Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom' Psalm 90:12

g3

Good Friday

2010-04-02T23:15:00.002+08:00

Today, Christ died for me on the cross. He endured humiliation, injustice, suffering and pain so I can live.
I am thankful. I praise Him. I love Him. and I pray I will grow to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind.

Today, Christ died for us on the cross. He endured humiliation, injustice, suffering and pain so we can live.
We are saved, we love Him, but how much are we willing to sacrifice for Him? How much of Him do we really want to see? How far are we willing to go for Him?

Today, Christ died for them on the cross. He endured humiliation, injustice, suffering and pain so they can live. My heart cries out for those who do not know Him, those who are lost, those who are ignorant, those who wandered away.

How many have I passed by today? How many have I neglected? How many have I gave up on? How many have I chosen to ignore because I was tired or selfish or full of me-my problems, my limited time, my life?

My heart cries. The Holy Spirit has convicted. God has spoken.

Christ died for everyone.

g3

I shall come forth as gold

2010-03-24T23:09:00.002+08:00

^{Job 1:13-22}

¹³ One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

²⁰ At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 23:10

“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold”

Cling to God. He has promised to work on our behalf, even in the worst possible scenario.

~Denise Fisher~

God often sends me joy through pain,

Through bitter loss, divinest gain;

Yet through it all—dark days or bright—

I know my Father leads aright.

~Conklin~

The living God can take the fear out of living

G2

Matter of the heart

2010-03-08T10:21:00.002+08:00

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:5-8

Not a waste of time!

2010-03-02T02:36:00.003+08:00

:)

"With all these going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And dont look back. Throw yourself into the works of the Master, confident that nothing that you do for Him is a waste of time or effort." 1Cor 15:58

Orientation is behind us! *Applauses~~~
Great job, everyone! *Thumbs up!!!

"Nothing you do/ have done is a waste of time or effort!" (paraphrased part of 1Cor15:58)
What you have done has eternal value:) Trust in God that He will use it for the good!:)

"With all these going for us..." (Part of 1Cor 15:58)
What is all these?
It is the gift of God: that all sin are GONE and we are given LIFE through CHRIST!

Continue to jia you!:)

Love you,
G1

being the reason behind the smile on God's face!

2010-02-17T00:10:00.005+08:00

i saw the story below and i just had to share with you all. I hope the moral of the story will encourage you, i know i was encouraged. And it relates to orientation too!! you never know something you're writing would put a smile on somebody's face! you never know how a smile you put on your face today may help somebody while you're walking along curtin grounds! you never know the help you offer today to somebody would bring him/her to the most wonderful place you could ever imagine>>>HEAVEN! my friends and COMRADESS!! ahhhh!!! Let's bring a smile onto ppl's facess and most importantly a smile onto our FAther's face! and remember! the even more beautiful thing is knowing that you are the reason behind the smile on God's face!

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.

When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling¦
And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!

AWESOME!

2010-02-15T23:30:00.003+08:00

Today, in my awesome uni, together with awesome passion ppl, we met awesome freshies and we brought them out to awesome little caesar's to eat awesome pizzas and have an awesome fellowship time! It is super awesome!

But the most awesome thing is that my awesome God is in control of every awesome thing!!!!

Believing for more awesome things to come!!

God is going to do new things!

2010-02-07T22:44:00.000+08:00

I got something to share! today after church, i was catching up with the youths in my church and they told me they saw my photos of cell in perth and it looks really fun. smile=) ofcoz larr!!! haha=) thats not the point! the point is they want to start cell groups for the youths in church! one chinese one english! previously they had youth sessions every sat and outings etc etc. wooohooo!!! when i heard that, i was like WHOA! THATS AWESOME MAN!!!=) then the youth leader ask me to share with them what we do for cell, how to start one, etc etc. So, i sat down on the floor with the youths and started TALKING! thats what i do best ya. TAlkING! haha=) i told them how we organise cells, how things are done, how we need to spend time with our cell members, love them, care for them, coremeetings, logistics, etc. My gosh!!! it was exciting just talking about cell!!! wooohooo!!! im sooo excited that the youth in my church here are going to start cell groups! my church is a small family church and i just think this is SOOOO amazing!!! ahhhh!!! God is awesome!!!

ok, so my point here is God is working everywhere! It doesn't matter where on earth you are at whatever time! God is working! He's planting, He's sowing! Everywhere in this world! He's doing what He does best! my friends!!! ahhh!!! aren't you excited you are part of this???!!!=) i know i definitely am superrr excited about what He's doing!!! this is sooo coolll larrrrr!!!=) this year God is going to do new things!

Isaiah 43:18-19 ¹⁸ "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

He is definitely going to do new things! are you ready?! are you preparing your hearts and soul for what is coming your way??!!! wooohoooo!!!=) im realy excited man!!!=) let's continue to pray for orientation!!! very near liao! superr near! God is going to do new things! remember that! blink hehe=) klar...we pray together lar! love you all!!!=) hehe=)

Orientation

2010-02-07T15:18:00.006+08:00

Orientation Sem 1 2010 is coming up! (for uni students)

ARE YOU READY????

Be a light that shines brightly,
Salt that doesn't lose it saltiness,
A city that is on a hill for everyone to see

A little longer

2010-02-06T11:13:00.003+08:00

This is a song i heard/watch from my friend's fb...

Part of the song goes...
"What can i do for You beautiful king...

i hear You say...
You dont have to do a thing...
Just simply be with Me and let those things go
cos they can wait a minute.

Wait...this moment is too sweet
Would you stay here with Me
and love on Me a little longer
i would love to be with you a little longer
cos I'm in love with you."

The red words of this song is written by the composers as if it was God speaking.. This is like a love song from God to us:)
This song also answered my prayers...
i was not living life as God meant for me to live...
i prayed for Him to release me from it
then,
"Martha, Martha," the lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:41-42
"...Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what He taught." ~Luke 10:39

i LOVE my KING!!! i want to spend time with You! :D
G1

I LOVE You

2010-02-04T12:00:00.004+08:00

Valentine's Day is round the corner... Sing a love song to our King! :)

As you sing this song, can you hear Him say,"I love you."

God loves you!
G1

Journey Back HOME

2010-02-01T16:04:00.003+08:00

I would like to share with you all something which i shared with pia and cindy last friday night. For the past few days before last friday, I have been erm...well, i told cindy i had no feelings. Maybe not that true when i said that, or partly true too. I actually felt anger rising inside me. I have been asking and praying that God will prepare my heart to go home. It's 18days and it's not too long but anything can happen. I'm quite an impulsive person, so i'm quite certain i will get angry and say something bad if some stuff occur. That's why i asked God to prepare me. Those few days, i have been crying and asking God. I know the emotions i had wasn't from God, that is for sure. Sometimes i think self pity comes into play and i know that self pity is definitely not from God.

Thursday night i was msning with cindy and then i knew something is not right, that's not me. I knew my heart was wrong. I was supposed to do word on friday and i actually really looked forward to sharing word but i knew my heart was totally wrong! wrong until i duno how to explain. I was, i would say VERY VERY LOST. I didn't know what to do and i just felt like not talking to anybody at all (which is weird for a person like me who loves to talk). I just wanted to be alone and the thought of not going to cell came up too. I LOVE CELL!!! i would never want to miss a cell, but that thurs night and fri morning cum afternoon, i just felt like not going to cell. I even came up with ideas of skipping cell, maybe ask wilson put me at millpoint and then he can pick me up after cell. Or i just go abacus and wait till cell is over, then come home. My gosh! i can't believe those ideas came up in my mind. tsk tsk tsk.

Then i talked to jaclyn, she was on msn fri afternoon. I told jac i don't want to let the others see me in a bad mood, somemore i knew canning kids were coming. I don't want to let them see a depressing trecia, but neither do i want to pretend to smile and laugh and make ppl laugh. It's fake! Anyways, when talking to jac, my attitude was bad too and i just didn't accept anyone's advice or speech. Really! i was superrr pekchek! jac was very nice, she gave good advices and told me i could always be myself but it just wasn't the time to go into my brain. So i decided, that i'll go cycling before cell. In my mind, i was thinking while i'm cycling, i can decide if i want to go cell or not. If i want, i will just cycle back home; if not, i will just cycle to somewhere where there is nobody and just be by myself. So at 7pm, i took my bike and handphone with headsets and went on my JOURNEY! trust me! i took the long road purposely! and i also msged wilson and asked him to start without me. But then 3songs ministered to me during my JOURNEY BACK HOME and the lyrics sang my heart out! i will cut and paste by sequence the 3songs i heard while cycling home (read the lyrics if possible):

SAVIOR, PLEASE by Josh Wilson
Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me

THE LOST GET FOUND by Britt Nicole
Hello my friend
I remember when you were
So alive with your wide eyes to the light
Then the light that you had when your heart was stolen
Now you say that it ain’t worth stayin’
You wanna run but your hesitatin’
I’m talkin’ to me

Don’t let the lights go down
Don’t let the fire burn out
Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don’t you rise up now?
Don’t be afraid to stand out
That’s how the lost get found
The lost get found

So when you get the chance (get the chance)
Are you gonna take it (take it)
There’s a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
There’s a girl on the streets, she’s cryin’
There’s a man who faith is dying
Love is calling you

Why do we go with the flow?
Why take the easier road?
Why are we playin’ it safe?
Love came to show us the way
Love is a chance we should take
I’m movin’ out of the way

So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it
There’s a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it

THE MOTIONS by Matt West
This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

My gosh! The lyrics in the songs spoke soooo vividly into my heart! I cried while cycling. SAVIOR, PLEASE sang my heart out! it couldn't be more accurate, the lyrics. Those were my thoughts! THE LOST GET FOUND ministered to me. It says Don’t let the lights go down, Don’t let the fire burn out, Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe, Why don’t you rise up now? I was convicted to the MAX! In my mind, i was thinking what am i doing cycling around curtin when i was supposed to be at cell. Somebody in cell might need a reason to believe but what am i doing?! THE MOTIONS healed my heart. It says No regrets, Not this time, I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind, Let Your love, Make me whole, I think I’m finally feeling something. Well, the whole lyrics of this song spoke to me! I'm finally feeling something! Broken! I cycled back to CELL. I was healed on the way back. God spoke to me. And also along the way home, these verses came to my mind.

Matthew 6:25-27 ²⁵"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? ²⁶Look 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? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:33-34³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I guessed along the way of asking God to prepare my heart to go home, i didn't realised i started to WORRY!=) Friday's word spoke to me! God is faithful! I do not need to worry what will happen when i go home! I don't even need to think about it coz God is faithful in loving me!=) And i was able to give my 101% in cell that night! Cheahyen asked me to share about how God is real to me. I replied: "sori, i can't." That was a few hours before cell. But when cheah was sharing, i felt convicted to share so i shared. After i shared, the canning kid who came asked if she could share her story too and she broke down and cried while we were singing a song after word. I was able to pray for her. And i really really really honestly ENJOYED cell! He helped me ENJOY! I LOVE CELL!!!=) thats my sharing. I know it's very long. Thanks for reading=) i guess i will never be ready to go back JB but God is faithful enough and He will always guide me back HOME~

G2
the one smiling again

childlike faith

2010-01-28T13:51:00.002+08:00

When I saw this video today, I just cried and cried.

Here is a little 6 year old girl, with her beautiful childlike faith, having such a desire to be baptised and how she confessed her faith.

And that angelic voice singing that how she wants to be used by God.

Simply beautiful.

Lord, I pray that everyone who watched this video be touched by her childlike faith and they will catch the fire. Lord, I pray that they will have that desire, that longing to be used by you. We are Your feet, Your hands, Lord. Use us as You have planned. I uphold everyone into Your mighty hands, In Your loving name, Amen.

Lyrics to "set the world on fire"
I wanna set the world on fire
Until it`s burning bright for You
It`s everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There`s nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father`s hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

I`m gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

Jamming session with God

2010-01-24T18:11:00.003+08:00

I was really tired today. Since morning, although I was able to wakeup early to prepare to go to church, somehow I knew I wasn't myself. Just felt tired physically. So during the service, I was thinking to myself "I think I better go home right after service and not join cell lunch'. I seldom skip cell lunch on sundays coz i LOVE it! but today I just felt TIRED, so I thought I better go home and rest lar...=) I did went home after service, but I brought back 7ppl. haha=) we decided to cook at home which turned out to be really fun=) ok, now to my main point. I was still tired after lunch. I didn't eat lunch but I was still tired. So when everyone went back, I took out my guitar and started playing songs and singing=) Some may know I'm a beginner in guitar so sometimes I play out of tune. God knows I play the guitar out of tune, SO WHAT?! He was enjoying just as much as I was enjoying myself, singing worship songs from my song book and just jamming on the guitar. Then I went over to the guyz' house to get the keyboard and started playing the worship songs on the keyboard, enjoying my time JAMMING with God! THAT was what I needed! I forgotten the enjoyment of just sitting down playing an instrument that I have so little knowledge of, out of tune somemore! just singing simple worship songs to the Almighty God. It didn't matter if I had the most out of tune guitar playing skills or the not so nice voice, all it matters was that I was able to spend time with Him, quality time, time I wouldn't trade anything for. He knew I was tired, so He gave me strength. He knew I was thirsty, so He gave me a drink. He knew I was hungry, so He fed me good food. I was entertained by God this afternoon in my room and my living room. I hope He was entertained by my out of tune guitar playing skills=)

Matt 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

God He reigns

2010-01-23T14:36:00.000+08:00

God He reigns
Holy is the Lord of heaven
God He reigns forevermore

While i'm WAIT-ing...

2010-01-13T10:31:00.003+08:00

This song is from the soundtrack of Fireproof.

Yet again God spoke to me through a song. He ask me to WAIT...
Those who have read my post on WAIT, will know that i want a job very badly... i'm very impatient...

BUT God say WAIT...

He reminds me again to WAIT..

and while i WAIT,

let me continue to SERVE Him,

to WORSHIP Him,

to RUN this race for Him...

Isaiah 40:31
"But those who wait on the LORD, shall renew their strength;

They shall mount on wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint,"

Thank you Father, for reminding me again and again, Thank you for being patient with me even though i am not patiently waiting for you. I LOVE you DADDY!!! :)

Love,
G1

faith like potatoes

2010-01-12T21:41:00.007+08:00

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Don't look at the weather, phenomenon, weather conditions,
just trust Him.

The seed for a great miracle lies not in difficulty, but impossibility.

God has provided for us in the past, He'll do it again.

Feel this potato, smell it. Your faith in God must be like that, must be real. You can feel it, can smell it! Your faith it has to be like potatoes!

Wow! i just finished watching FAITH LIKE POTATOES the movie. And it really spoke to me so vividly. Yesterday I was asking two of my friends how to have faith like a mustard seed? I gave them an example. I said if an apple turn rotten, what kind of faith will we need to pray for that rotten apple to turn back into a fresh apple. Only yesterday I asked this question. Today God answered me tru this movie. The bible says that faith like a mustard seed can move mountains! That's right! Faith! THat's the only answer! only by faith as small as a mustard seed, can we see the impossible turn possible! wahhh!!!=) i want to have faith like a mustard seed and a potato! i want to see the impossible turn possible!!! i want to see miracles!!! i want to believe in things that are hard to believe!!! i want to have faith!=)

The God I Know

2010-01-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

Psalm 73

2010-01-11T16:37:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, it was my turn to fast and pray for orientation 2010. And my elephant shared with me a few verses...

Psalm 73:16-17 When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I thank God I can call upon His name whenever I want to and I thank God for giving me the strength I need. How wonderful is our God!=)

Love :)

2010-01-10T16:01:00.002+08:00

For those who cant read Chinese...

A man went into KFC because KFC staff refused to deliver a icecream cone. Icecream cone is not an item for delivery. The man went to KFC and demands for the icecream to be delivered immediately. The manager refused. The man was furious and started to throw things. The manager asked staff to call the police. On hearing that, the man went inside the counter and beat up the manager. She was 2 months pregnant.

What are you thinking?

Why is this man doing this? This is crude? This is wrong? He shouldnt do this?

Who are we to point finger at him? Are we any better than him just because we dont hit a pregnant woman?
How many times have we lost our temper? How many times have we hurl abuse (verbal) at people when we are angry?

1 Peter 2:23
"When they hurl their insults at Him, He did not retaliate;
when He suffered, He made no threats.
Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."

Then take a look at the people around. Did they help? Did they stop the man? Did they protect the manager?

We may not be in this type of situation all the time. But there are needs of people that we can meet.

Have you ever walk pass a poor person without stopping to help?
Have you been to busy to help the people around you?
Have you been too afraid to go comfort a crying girl?
Have you ever seen a person in need and just brush it off and say that somebody else will help the person?

I have. So who am i to point my finger at the man or the people who didnt help?

However, let us make this summer really WARM. Let Jesus be our example.

Galatians 5:13
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use youe freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather, Serve one another in LOVE."

Let us show love to the people around us and help anyone who crosses our paths. ok?

Hebrews 10:24
"And let us consider how we may spur one another towards and good deeds."

Love,
G1

O Lord, You have search me and know me :)

2010-01-10T14:39:00.002+08:00

Last night, I received an email from Jayson. (I think some of you received it too)

It says the 10 things that God will ask you on THAT day :)

1) God wont ask what kind of car you drove, BUT how many people you drove who didnt have transportation. (Thank you all drivers:))

2) He wont ask how big is your house, BUT how many people you welcomes into your home.

3) He wont ask how much clothes you have in your closet, BUT how many people you helped clothed.

4) He wont ask what is your highest salary was, BUT if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5) He wont ask what is your job title, BUT if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6) He wont ask how many friends you have, BUT how many people to whom youe were a friend.

7) He wont ask what neighbourhood you lived in, BUT how you treated your neighbours.

8) He wont ask the colour of your skin, BUT the content of your character.

9) He wont ask why it took you so long to seek salvation BUT He will take you to your mansion in heaven and not to the gates of hell.

How great is our God!

He look at our hearts and the our outside appearance.
Just as in Psalms 139:1-4, it says...

"You have search me, Lord and you know me.
You know when i sit and when i rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue; you, Lord know it completely."

God look at our attitudes and not the actions only. He know our hearts even before we do something. He knows our motives. He knows! No one knows better than Him.

Sin and ignorance have dull our minds. So today my dear friends, let the Holy Spirit search our hearts and let God bring to our realisation the why we are doing things and the areas of our lives that needs work and surrender.:)

Love,
G1

1 Samuel 3:1-10 The Lord calls Samuel

2010-01-07T14:28:00.002+08:00

Yesterday during prayer meeting, we learned about 1 Samuel 3:1-10 The Lord calls Samuel . God calls us, each and every one of us. He will keep on calling, keep on knocking at the door until we answer His call. One way to help us hear God's call in our own lives is tru prayer. By speaking to God, we can hear God speaking to us. By listening to our own requests carefully, we can often hear or be inspired to solutions. God can use almost any means to make us more aware of him, but we need to be listening, aware, tuned to what He is trying to tell us. Listen for the repeated and repeating calls of God in your life.

story from lil blur elephant=)

2010-01-07T13:32:00.005+08:00

smile=) i'm goin to post a letter our lil blur elephant wrote to me when she was in sitiawan. Before she went back home, i reminded her to write a letter and she did write eventually. I believe this letter will make an impact and so i asked for her permission to post this letter. It may seem like a very normal letter, but you can feel God's joy in this girl so much that you'll want to experience that same joy and be at the same places she was. Here goes...

Dearest pokok-pokok,

Hehehe, this is my highschool writing pad that we normally use for exams, LOL. How are you??? Busy working and having fun in the new house Lor I'm sure.

Hmmm, what should I write? How's my life in sitiawan? What have I been doing lately?

I came home and joined my mum's cellgroup the night itself. Cough cough, I feel very weird cuz normally cellgroup on friday in Perth but it's on Monday here. And then there are 7 or 8 aunties, some having hearing problems and some are illiterate. Nevertheless, our pastor was fantastic. He mobilised the cellgroup well, every aunty was involved in ice-breakers and all of them laughed happily!! hehehehe.

Then two days later, I went to church to visit the youth camp there=) This is the first time the youth from our church is combining with youth from singapore! Oh my, the youth from singapore squeeked and screamed trying to light up a match>.<''' Anyways, joining them was still fun, becoming helper and help teachers and watch the youth "suffer" during game times. Lol...Hahaha.

On random days, I went to church for practise. We're practising for 31st December 2009 countdown worship. Seeing the musicians thinking and coming up with new ideas and trying to get the timing and pitches correct really encouraged me. LEarnt a lot of new songs too. 2 years away from the church, they have had many new songs added to the song list. Then normally after practise, we'll go together for supper and laugh and talk and bond=) happy happy!

Oh, I also don't know how I use my phone credit. RM10 top up hardly last for two days when I was in KL. If continue like that, I'll go bankrupt, hahaha. So I ended up limiting my sms and replies. Oh did I tell you the camp there a lot of mosquitoes!!!!! (she draws a mosquitoe) pzzzzzz!

Ah, I thought I couldn't survive without internet in sitiawan. THe first two days was tough, I literally make noise at home saying I want internet, hahahaha!!! Anyways, I'm alright now. Haven't been going online for some time. Life have become much more simple like that. All I do now is stay at home, sometimes stare at the ceiling don't know what to do. Most of the time go church, sometimes help mum with her work.

Oh oh oh, I also read books. I've finished reading Mother Theresa's biography book titled "faith in the darkness". Amazing! All the while I thought she's an American, but rupa-rupanya she's an Albanian. All the while I thought her true name was Theresa, but rupa-rupanya it was something else, complex. I forgot her actual name. Amazing how it was revealed in the end of the book that throughout her life in India, she felt abandoned by God, she felt emptiness. She pressed on and proclaimed that she will still love God and she will refuse God nothing. And all the brave things she did by walking across the war streets to rescue kids trapped in an after-bombed hospital building!!! For her faith when she felt God left her, this book is thus called Faith in the Darkness. She learnt to love the darkness, love God in the darkness.

Yesterday (Sunday) happened to be Sunday School Service, meaning Sunday School kids are going to do the bible reading, play the instruments, lead worship, do drama, dance and sing! Wah, the songs during worship made me tear. Simple songs, faithful songs, a song that shows trust and hope like a kid. It touched me so I teared. Things can be simple for kids but their faith is also just simply believe. Never realise big problems but always know our Big God Daddy and a simple faith through everything, I felt joyful after that. Also also, I see my tambourine kids and dance kids grow up. I feel proud oh, hehehe. MOst of them still dance on stage=) When they see me, still greet me "lao shi!!! (meaning teacher in chinese) " Wah I also smile happy=)!!! Still very good to be in my mother church.

Oh I forgot to say about my KL stay! It was fantastic. This time I met up with Sara a lot, your housemate! We watched 2012 together oh, RM6 only, wakakaka, can die happy with that price, LOL! She is so generous, welcomed me to have lunch and dinner at her house! And her entire family also like her, always laugh happily and easy going=) I also happy there! Then I also spent a day with my highschool classmates in KL. If you see in FB my pic album there, got 5 gals which you dunno who are them (non-zion), then they are my ex-classmates lor! Happy too! This gal called "Tet Ivy" I like her the most=) hahaha. Then michael so enthu wanna bring us go Pavillion, the super high-end shopping mall oh. So me, sara, michelle, thomas and alvin and michael went. Oh my, very nice the building and the decor inside. Feel amazed for like 15minutes then felt bored ady!!! Cuz we just walked outside the shops, din go in the shop, no need see cuz it won't suit us and the price can kill ppl! I trade my purse also won't be able to buy anything there. So bored in the end>.<''' Can't wait to go home. Everybody left early in the end, hahaha!

Then on the way back from KL to sitiawan, almost reaching sitiawan and I saw BANANA TREES at road side. I just started to feel funny + happy, so I laughed out loud. My friend, Kelvin who was driving the car say I'm 3 8 and crazy. hahaha. I told him I can't wait to see the papaya tree outside my house! HAHAHAHAHA!

During the Sunday in KL, we went to this church FGA. They have invited speaker, an Indian pastor from Sentul. He talked about "Community of Compassion". When the powerpoint came out, only I realised Malaysia and area around us still have many poor communities. Many needs and many ppl suffering. He did also addressed the complexity of the politics in M'sia and the long on-going racial issues. Sigh. Things are kinda complicated but if I'm to come back M'sia, then God will prepare me and lead me. The Sunday School kids sing in chinese "Everything that is done in God's will, will be good thing". Also, as I traveled in the car along the KL streets, I do see horrible driving attitudes and rubbish everywhere along the streets, shops and houses. I wonder am I ready for all these, I guess I will, soon. I enjoyed spending time in mall with friends, but I also believe "There must be more than this" than just walking aimlessly in malls and eating in nice shops. I don't know what will my direction be after I grad, but that is where faith and prayer will sustain my uncertainties! I believe for good season in my life!

Eh eh, see see I write until 5th page ady, hahaha. Think my English has also become Manglish, broken! LOL. Okie la, guess that's all for now!
What's happening in the world out there??

All in all, life become simple here with no internet, less events and less people. Kinda resting mode now and re-learn the simple lessons that I used to learn as I grew up in church. Learn from kids and youth. Okie la. I miss you all!!!

Merry Christmas and have a good time in summer cell & caroling! God Bless You!

lots of love,
cheahyen

WAIT

2010-01-05T08:22:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!!
It's 2010. Father, i thank you for everything in 2009 and thank you for all that is to come in 2010. i pray for blessings to overflow the girls to whom this blog belongs to. i pray for blessings in their studies, in their health, in their ministry, in their relationship with people and with YOU. Father, continue to guide us through this journey that you have planned for us! in Jesus's name, AMEN!

let me share something that was "shock and awe!"
i have just graduated from physiotherapy recently and has been hunting for jobs. i really want to start working. so yesterday, as i was going about the things of life, i prayed and grumbled to God continuously,"Father, please give me a job, i need a job." The whole day, literally i was asking for a job.

At night, i sat down and yet prayed again for a job! As i was spending time with God, He told me to WAIT. This i'm quoting from a book...
"There are times when you cant understand why you cannot do what you want to do.... When God brings a time of waiting,... dont fill it with busyness, just WAIT!"

"Peter said to Him," Lord, why can I not follow you?" John 13: 37
*Read John 13:31-38

Peter did not wait for God, in his mind, he predicted what he was going to do in the time of test. But when the test came, he reacted just as Jesus predicted. As honest as we can and as passionate as we can be, we have to remember our own abilities, our natural tendency, our imperfections.

So instead of acting on things on impulse. WAIT on God, WAIT for Him to move. :)

i still want a job but i want a job that God has prepared for me. i'll WAIT for Him:)

God bless,
G1

everything is spiritual

2009-12-31T13:10:00.003+08:00

May you slow down so that you don't miss a thing
May the eyes of your heart be enlightened
May you be fully present right here, right now
May you come to see that the reality of God is at hand among us, upon us, near, here
And may you come to see that EVERYTHING IS SPIRITUAL

Those were the last few sentences of Rob Bell's sermon EVERYTHING IS SPIRITUAL and I truly believe that everyone in the room that night at bible study listening to the sermon were impacted and some eyes twitched open slightly.

May you slow down so that you don't miss a thing
Indeed, our lives have been sometimes so fast paced and hectic, we missed out somethings! Things that are important, things that are meaningful, things God wants us to stop and look at and take care of.

May the eyes of your heart be enlightened
So many times our heart have been blocked. Some may be due to circumstances, others just want to protect their hearts from hurting.

May you be fully present right here, right now
Humans get distracted so easily. A small little housefly can distract our whole entire day. The same goes with us when we spend time with people, when we talk to people. Sometimes our phone rings non-stop and we're pressing the keypads all the time. Our body is here but somehow our spirit and mind wanders along the way. Thus, we cannot fully concentrate and focus. How then can we absorb the full blessings God wants to bless us with? So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, BE PRESENT spirit, mind and heart. We don't want to miss out on stuff do we?=)

May you come to see that the reality of God is at hand among us, upon us, near, here And may you come to see that EVERYTHING IS SPIRITUAL
God is everywhere! My gosh! If only we know and remember this fact all the time. God is every everywhere! My heart is bursting now as I write this. My gosh! I just remembered He's everywhere. He was and is in my life even before I was born. The One called I AM is my God, my Father, my Bestfriend. Am not I a blessed kid?=)

let Your will be done

2009-12-28T03:22:00.004+08:00

today pastor harold talked about crossing over and i reflected on his word. If we look back 2009, will we be proud of ourselves and how we lived our lives? will we be able to leave behind good memories and great accomplishments or leave behind a year full or sadness and depression? Good question! I cried thinking about how i lived this year. God has been teaching me and moulding me so much, yet my heart for Him wanders here and there. He has been showing me hIS love so much, yet my love for Him is so insignificant compared to His great love. This is not enough! There is still so much more! I know all these but yet I don't know if im hungry or not. I sure hope i am.

LET YOUR WILL BE DONE! this sentence must be taken seriously. Once we say this sentence, we're really trusting our lives into God's hands. We are letting Him take full control of our lives. So when pastor was preaching and saying let God's will be done, my heart pounded abit faster than usual. God asked me a question today, well, He didn't really ask me, HE told me to do something. And when He told me that, i was stunned for awhile, was contemplating if i heard the wrong voice, but i know i can't use that excuse to deny it. God is calling! Will we be able to be like Jesus and say LET YOUR WILL BE DONE? i'm merely a sinner yet He sees me as His precious child. I have no reason to not say and proclaim that sentence. And so DEAR LORD, LET YOUR WILL BE DONE!!! i really hope i won't disappoint You ohlord! use me!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T16:21:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas everybody!!!!

I am so happy today!! My best friend, beloved Saviour came down upon earth as a human to save me today!! I am super loved by Him. His name is Jesus. Do you know him?

Celebrate Christmas for the true reason. Experience the true peace and joy!

"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

People need the Lord

2009-12-24T00:22:00.003+08:00

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realise people need the Lord.

Singing this song in July, it brought tears to my eyes...
All i could think of is God is the only way ane people need the Lord and we need to bring them home..

Today i heard this song... God said to me gently.. "when will you realise I'm the ONLY open door. You need me and nothing else."
With graduation, application of pr, holidays, weddings... my mind wonder off to things of the world, my focus shifted.... away from things or eternal value...
Thank you Father for redirecting me... Thank you for your Grace, Thank you for your Love, Thank you for your gentle Guidance. =)

G1

All I'm living for

2009-12-22T02:18:00.001+08:00

Here i am waiting for you,
Here i am reaching out to you,
I will run into your arms again,
And i’m longing for your touch once again,

Take my life, everything, all i am,
An offering for you,
Cause you’re all i’m living for

Here i am waiting on you,
Here i am reaching out for you,
I will run into your arms again,
And i’m longing for your touch once again,

Take my life, everything, all i am,
An offering for you,
Cause you’re all i’m living for
Take my heart, all of me,
I’m laying it down, to worship you my god
Cause you’re all i’m living for,

I will run into your open arms,
To your love, that washes away my fears
I am found, deep in this mystery,
Cause you’re all i’m living for

Cause you’re all,
You’re all i’m living for,
Jesus you’re all,
All i’m living for.

When we forsake the lives of others, we actually forsake our own.

2009-12-15T19:38:00.005+08:00

From http://andyww88.wordpress.com/

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
-Micah 6:8

g3

Words that speak

2009-12-14T00:30:00.002+08:00

Today, I stumbled upon a blog, and thought I'd just share because of how true I find her words are:
_________________________________________________________

October 29, 2009 by caleabakke

So, yeah, it’s almost November- wow. I go to Chicago next week for my Living World Religions Class. Sweetness.

We recently just came off of social club week here at harding- it was fun and we got alot of really amazing girls.

Since, last year- I have felt like God is going to move powerfully in my social club and bring this awesome group of girls together to serve him and seek Him in a really unique way. That it was going to help change the campus.

Today, and through this last week- God has been humbling me through a book called “The Spiritual Man” by Watchman Nee. As I step back and see God’s plan over my own expectations, it astounds me how He is putting things into actions and bringing people together in a way I never would have imagined.

When I look at it this way, I can see how selfish I have been in expecting the change to start or come through me- and how wrong I was. Through the new pledge class and some of the old members, I am beginning to see a shift- I am seeing girls that I never would have expected to (see how it was all about me?) being completely sold out for Christ.

It is so encouraging to know that God is moving in so many people’s lives. And it is humbling for me. It is not by my own goodness, but by the spirit of Christ that I need to walk, serve, and obey. There has been a great weakening of my soul and flesh- which I totally give praise to God for. When we become weak, He can move in power. Humility. What a beautiful and yet painful thing.

If we want to see God move, we have to submit to His plans and His timing. I cannot shape God to my image, I cannot make change out of my power. I find that when I start to believe that I am “spiritual” that I am “doing good” I need a good smack of Humility. Because, really, this has nothing to do with me.

I see a revival. One of character. I see a group of people becoming broken and humbled so that they can serve God with all they are. I see people rising up that are willing to be refined in the deepest darkest parts of themselves so that they can walk in purity and reach other people who need hope in their lives. They can say- I have been there- I have felt alone, deserted, dirty, and afraid. But, there is hope, and there is truth.

Have you ever prayed a dangerous prayer? It’s when you ask, for example, “God, do what ever it takes to make me depend on you.” And then you wait awhile, might forget about it, until BAM you are hit with situations that make you run to God because the very ground you were standing on has crumbled beneath your feet- and then you remember your dangerous prayers- they are the ones that you ask for even though you know it will be painful so that you can grow closer to God.

As I try to walk in weakness and Humility, I seem to fail more. I snap at my roommate, I say things I shouldn’t- but that is a part of the refining. Seeing my failure in comparison to God’s holiness. It is what makes us humble.

So, here we go. I will continue to walk- and continue to seek God. Without Him, I can’t do anything. I cannot wait to see what continues to happen on campus- especially with these girls. He is so kind to us.

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Or few weeks- as you can see, unless I am going somewhere, I usually don’t update my blog.

http://caleabakke.wordpress.com/
__________________________________________________

The words highlighted in red are personally the thoughts I had, and things I've learnt/am still learning. I couldn't have written that more beautifully.

May God continue to move throughout the world, and may the eyes of our hearts be opened to Him! :)

g3

i soooo notti but yet He still sayang meee=)

2009-12-12T18:13:00.005+08:00

just like the title of this post, He still loves me no matter what happens and even when i was the naughtiest kid on earth, He still sayang me like I'm a precious jewel. I was sharing this with my summer cell. God has been really really good to me this year. It was the toughest study year i even went tru in my life but also one that taught me sooo much, one that really woke me up, one which I cried superrr many times, one that tested my faith so many times, one where i was really blessed and also learned how to bless people, one that when I look back I will smile. God has been really gracious to me. He showed me mercy and love. He saved me sooo many times until now I can't even remember how many times. He blessed me sooo much until I really don't know how to describe. This is my God! the God of LOVE, the God of GRACE, the God of MERCY, the God of WONDERS, the God of BLESSINGS, the God whom I am sooooo proud of!!! my God is BIGGER than anything in the world, He is smarter than anyone else in the world, He is more generous than any single human being on the earth, He is more forgiving than any other soul on this earth. THis is my God! how can I not testify of His great LOVE ler? He is my PROTECTOR, my FRIEND, my HENGDAI!=)

I asked this question before: HOW COME I DON'T LOVE GOD LIKE MOST PEOPLE DO?! I remember asking some people this question and God too. I guess only God can teach me how to LOVE Him more=) Even if I don't sayang Him as much as other people, He will teach me how to sayang HIM. Even if I notti, He will still teach me how to sayang HIM.

And now my lifesong sings

2009-12-10T23:25:00.002+08:00

I once was lost, but now I’m found
I once was lost, but now I’m found
So far away, but I’m home now
I once was lost, but now I’m found
And now my lifesong sings

I once was blind, but now I see
I once was blind, but now I see
I don’t know how, but when He touched me
I once was blind, but now I see

And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings

I once was dead, but now I live
I once was dead, but now I live
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

g3

God is moving

2009-12-03T18:39:00.002+08:00

God is moving, and I pray that we shall see His promise with our spiritual eyes. What God is doing around the world can be done here too. God is not limited, an neither should we, His children, be limited in our vision. What He is doing in Reinhard Bonnke, He can do in anyone who is willing to be faithful, to obey Him, and who will take up the cross daily.

When I watched the video below, I cant help but tear. God is fulfilling His word.

And one day, the gospel shall be preached to all the nations of this world, and then the end shall come. We will see our creator face to face, and give an account of the life we lead here on earth.

Let us take the baton and run our race. The day of the harvest lies before us, and God is our message. Let us dare to believe it.

'..for all the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the water covers the sea' Isaiah 11:9

g3

God is good

2009-12-03T01:18:00.003+08:00

For the past few weeks, I have been asking Him questions after questions, waiting on Him for answers. Today, I encountered another setback, and feelings of being useless started to surface.

But today, God again showed Himself true. God is amazing.
He answered in His own way, reassuring me and reminding me of the lessons He has taught me.

He did this in the most peculiar way ever, through 5 daily devotional cards my good friend gave me a long time ago, cards which I absentmindedly used as bookmarks for library books I lent.

In the car, I felt a nudging to read them. When I did, I was just blown away. God is faithful. His ways are above our ways.

These are what the cards say:

You were shaped for serving God- 'We are simply God's servants..Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow' 1 Corinthians 3:5-6
Life is a test and a trust- 'Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones' Luke 16:10
I was created to become like Christ- 'As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more' 2 Corinthians 3:18
It is never too late to start growing- 'Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God- what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect' Romans 12:2
God smiles when I trust Him- 'The Lord is pleased only with those who worship Him and trust His love' Psalm 147:11

This may not mean anything much to others, but it meant the world to me. To be reassured by God that He is with me despite the imperfection that is in me renewed my spirit.

I love God, and as I continue to serve Him, I trust He will continue to work in me so I may recognise His will and become more like Him.

g3

The vestibule of Heaven

2009-12-03T00:41:00.002+08:00

As I listen to In the Potters Hand by Hillsongs, tears started running down my cheeks. This is the song that is ministering to me now.

I remember praying to Him, asking Him to set me apart, to lead me, to mould me. And He did just that. He set me apart, and I know that I am reserved for Him.

Things I do now, I do because He has called me to. The life I have now, I lead according to how He tells me to. It is wonderful, but as God sets me apart, sometimes the only person I have is Him.

It is the greatest privilege, but now, I finally understand how lonely it can be. The things I see, not many do. The things I say, not many grasp the essence of it. The things I do, not many understand.

God's words in the bible come alive and are beginning to make sense. I'm learning slowly to die to myself, to the desires of my flesh and to things of the world. I'm learning to give up things I want, things I have, things I like.

Sometimes, I struggle with God. Why can't I have the same things as others do? Why can't I have the same blessings, the same success?

And now, even as I struggle again, I'm being reminded of what Hudson Taylor wrote, the vestibule of Heaven:
__________________________________________________

If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put on you such demands of obedience that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways, He will seem to let other good people do things that He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it. If you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others can brag about themselves, their work, their success, or their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you begin it, He will lead you into such deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money or having a legacy left to them or in having luxuries. But God may supply you daily because He wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him, that He may have the privilege of providing your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honoured and put forward but keep you hidden away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.

God will let others be great, but keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing. Then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your time, over which other Christians never seem distressed.

So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and He may not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you.

He will take you at your word and if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and let other people say and do many things which He will not let you say or do.

Settle if forever that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and He is to have privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing you eyes, in ways that He does not deal with others.

Now when you are so possessed with the Loving God, that you are in your secret heart pleased and delighted over the peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.
___________________________________________________

As I read through this reminder, I am humbled. I know that God knows my hearts desires, and that He will give me more than what I ask for. I know that this is all worth it. God is worth it.

I long for more of Him. I am hungry and thirsty. Like Hudson Taylor, I want to settle it forever that I am to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that God has the privilege over my life.

He is leading and molding me, drawing me to Him. I am waiting for the coming of the day when I finally find the vestibule of Heaven.

g3

The need is not the call

2009-11-29T01:50:00.003+08:00

The need is not the call.

We must go where God sends us, speak what He gives us to speak, hear His voice and obey it- this is our best protection from burnout. It will also guide us to the very best strategy for accomplishing His mission.

For everything a man does to follow the call of God, there are ten things he does not do. We cannot do everything. We must focus on the call and not simply the needs.

-Reinhard Bonnke

g3

Caught up in things of the flesh

2009-11-14T02:20:00.007+08:00

I know by writing this post that I may hit a nerve. But please let me clarify that I have nothing against anyone; rather, it is things about me that God is revealing to me more and more about. I want to share as I can feel the weight of this conviction so heavily on my heart right now.

It is the exam period now; everyone is studying and stressing over exam, so am I. I remember complaining to my coursemates and housemate about how this is so hard, that this is all too stressful, and that there is just too much to do.

This is the problem.

I look around and I see complaints, hopelessness, despair, fear. I see people caught up in themselves. I see people neglecting others because they are too busy to care. I see people leaving behind the weak to join the strong so they can be 'stronger'. I see people receiving and keeping and forgetting to give during this crucial period.

I see Christians putting others aside during stressful moments with a preconceived idea to catch up with them after, offering fear instead of hope, and indirectly/unknowingly pulling others down instead of pushing them up.

I see ME, and tonight, the eyes of my heart have been opened to allow me to see truly how real and ugly this part of me is. Yet, He still accepts and loves unconditionally.

This part of me focuses most of the attention on me and my assignments and my exam and my difficulties. This 'me' passes off many opportunities to be there for others because there is simply too much on my plate, choose to turn my face away from the Holy spirit and closed my ears to its voice, let go of responsibilities as a Christian, and stray away from God. I chose myself and my desires and my sins over God and people.

This 'me' play it safe, I do what it takes just to get me through as a Christian. I take the easy way instead of the right way. I realise I send encouraging smses when I feel I'm okay but not when I'm busy or down. I succumb to complaining and feeling miserable instead of declaring God's victory through His word.

I'm not saying that feeling stressed, helpless and low is a problem. We are humans who are made to feel. What becomes a problem is what we do with the emotions. Do we allow the emotions to fester, or do we hand them over to God, and hold onto His words?

And I think to myself, what image of a Christian do I portray? If I believe in God, and I act/feel the same way as other people who do not have God, what does that say about God? If I can't portray God's love and hope during a normal student's life moments, how can I then expect God to give me the bigger things in life?

And this is what my friends are given an opportunity to say, "Where is this God you believe in? How do you expect me to believe that your God cares, provides, gives peace and saves His people when you don't even show that in your attitude and speech and actions".

A verdict is reached in court after an examination of testimonials and evidences. If I am to be called to stand in court for my Christian faith in the student life arena, I will be found guilty. My case lacks both testimonials (speech, attitude) and evidences (actions, witness).

You see, people naturally assume position as the jury. If they do not see the witness and evidence, they are not convinced and find it hard to believe. Most do not get a chance to see how we behave in church, how we treat cell members etc. They are more likely to look at how we live our lives, not how well we carry out our religious activities.

There is a difference. I can see it in one of my friend who practiced what she preached; She encouraged me through phone calls even though we are miles apart and even when I did not do the same for her. She could have chosen to tell me how miserable her life is. Instead, she told me it's hard but she believes that God will bring her through it. She offered me comfort, and strengthened me when I needed it.

I long to show the same to others. To be a pillar of comfort, and be the light that shines through the darkness. To offer God's words of encouragement and mean every word. To offer my burden, regret, despair, worry, and fear to God. To know the lines between sharing and complaining.

It's time for me to change this aspect of my student life with His help. My prayer is that we be one body that glorifies Christ through our actions, speech, and life. That together, as His people, we can reflect something of what He is like- that the world can look at us and say, 'So this is what God is like!'

That "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" 2 Corinthians 3:18

g3

The chalk

2009-10-30T00:20:00.001+08:00

"You're the best decision I ever made, I just forgot."

2009-10-29T23:24:00.003+08:00

"You're the best decision I ever made, I just forgot."

This was what Mike told Scarlet in 17 AGAIN. And it speaks to me, in fact i believe this speaks to most of us. The day we took the step to follow Jesus and commit our lives into His hands was the best decision we ever made in life! sometimes we just forgot. We just forgot our first love. How passionate we were when we first started our ministries, how enthusiatic we were when we were asked to lead worship for the first time (rammaging tru all the songs in our song list from A-Z, spending practically one whole week finding just 3songs for worship), how excited we were when we were asked to join THE TEAM, how happy we were when we looked forward to friday cell every single day and just yearn for weekends to come because we can go to church on Sunday mornings. THATS PASSIONATE first love! the love that consumes every single atom and molecule and cell of our body, the love that nudges us to love, the love that we love sooooo much we just want to be filled everyday by that love, the love that people around us see and want to be filled by too! THAT is the love that can change lives, the love that can impact, the love that is from GOD!

yet going tru life with worries increasing, etc, we forgot about that first love. We get so consumed with LIFE that we forgot that first passionate love we once had and that ONE decision we made which was the best we ever made! i want to remember that first love, i want to go back to the days i get soooo excited about the tiniest thing in life, i want to love God the way i first loved Him!

Matt 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I chose to rest today and let Him take my heavy loads and go back to Him, my first love remembering the best decision I ever made in life! -----> to LOVE GOD

NEver alone

2009-10-25T19:06:00.000+08:00

Hello people!!!
How are all of you? I'm still in Albany. This place is beautiful! What a wonderful place God has created!
I went to a church here! I going to share something that the pastor preached today, something that we all know but along the way, along the ups and downs, we forget...

The topic was on TRUTH.
Our journey of life after salvation is NEVER alone. Jesus is walking with us through this exciting journey. You may choose to ignore it but He is still right beside you! On this journey, we have a companion - the bible too!!! So cool right? After salvation, God gave us so many presents (He really loves us!!!!)

As we walk through this life on earth, there come many occasions that we need to make decisions. There are 2 persons we can ask; one is dead, one is ALIVE. Who would you ask? This is not a trick question.:P Of course, we ask JESUS! He is ALIVE!!! :)

Get to know this friend, this friend who died on the cross for you so that you may have eternal life! He is with you all through your journey, so why not get to know Him better as you walk through the ups and downs.:)

'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6).

2009-10-18T23:06:00.004+08:00

I ask so many questions now i think im becoming like a child. haha=) ehem...today i helped a friend and felt so much for her i wanted to fly to her side and just hug her in my arms and sayang her. I want to comfort her in person, but i know i can't and i only can use my WORDS to bless her and love her. After talking to her, i realised there are so many people hurting out there, and they just have to know about God! ohmann!!! I talked to my angel and elephant and told them we really can't help everyone huh?! only if we could help everyone...=) and they gave me the exact same answer. We can't! that's why we're supposed to help the people around us and when opportunities come our way, we need to grab it and help! God place us wherever we are for a reason and we must make full use of it! That's right! Bless the people around us and love them. Shower them with the love of God! becoz only the love of God can satisfy the thirsty soul and hunger inside each and everyone. Only His love can penetrate the hardest walls and the biggest mountain. Only His love can renew a relationship and only His love can heal a broken heart. Are we willing to accept this free gift? A gift that everybody yearns for, a life that everybody yearns for. A love that can really really overcome everything. I hurt seeing people don't know this love and I believe God hurts the most. SHARE is the word to this problem. SHARE. i want to SHARE.

The Climb

2009-10-17T15:33:00.003+08:00

This is quite an old song, but it's really inspirational. I can still vividly remember my mom calling me up just to ask me to listen to this song [yeah, my mom is becoming more technologically advanced these days], knowing well that I was going through a rough patch.

There's always gonna be another mountain,
I'm always gonna wanna make it move,
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna hafta lose

Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side,
It's the climb

How true. There will always be obstacles in life which we want to move out of our way right away. It's not easy, and we struggle to overcome them. Being human, we want to win all the time.

But you see, life is not smooth-sailing. We can't win all the time. Sometimes, along the way, we will have to lose. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's neither about how fast we reach the finishing line, nor about the prize. It is our journey there.

Just like our Christian walk. It is neither about how fast we run to finish the race, nor is it about the prize that God is preparing for us.

Instead, it is our life journey to the finishing line...our life journey with God. It is the relationship that we build with Him. It is about how deeply we get to know Him, how closely we strive to walk with Him, how far we are willing to let Him work in us through our mistakes.

And in our walk with God, it's not smooth sailing all the way. Sometimes, we stumble. Sometimes, we fall. There's nothing wrong with that as long as we keep on moving, keep climbing, keep the faith. It's about our climb, our journey there.

The greatest privilege we have as Christians is the opportunity to journey through life on earth with God. To experience Him as we move through life. To grow close to Him, and get to know His heart better. To fall in love with Him, and grow more deeply in love with Him with each passing day. To know with all our heart that even when we stumble and fall, He will always be there to catch us and help us up again.

We have to keep going and keep pushing on. And today, I remind myself that whatever I'm going through now, it's not about how fast I get there, how little I fall, or how successful I am.

It's the climb; my journey home to God.

g3

5 Reasons Why God Uses Problems

2009-10-17T01:00:00.003+08:00

I read this in an email from Lulu so thought I'd post it here cos I find it entertainingly true :P
___________________________________________

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something... health, money, a relationship. .. by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalm 119:71-72

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good... Genesis 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you.
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient.. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

Here's the point:
God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.

"Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way"

g3

Renewed!

2009-10-11T23:49:00.003+08:00

For many weeks now, i chose to run by myself, i chose to run on my own understanding.
Like a defiant child, i refused to go back to my Father. i chose to run alone....

Things of the world continue to pile in my little trolley, but i chose to pull it with my own little strength....

Slowly....
i ignore the help of the people around me.... i remained friendly to them but i was shutting them out.....

Little by little, my vision got blurrer and blurrer..... my ears could hear lesser and lesser..... my heart became colder and colder....

In the midst of the busyness of life, i look like i know what i was doing but really, i was stumbling along, just enough to get through..... i was lost...

i have forgotten the first LOVE. The LOVE i cannot fully describe. The LOVE that i cannot contain. The LOVE that i pushed away. The LOVE that is never failing. The LOVE that is greater than anything.

simple words. but POWERFUL WORDS.
JESUS LOVES YOU. GOD LOVES YOU.

The curtain was lifted off my eyes. i can see.... the wonders of God's LOVE.
The plug was taken off my ears. i can hear.... the voice of my LORD.
The ice in my heart was broken.

How prideful was i to think that i can run by myself?
How foolish was i to think that i can do this by myself?

THANK YOU Father for taking me back again and again. Even though i failed you, You LOVE me not less but all the same. THANK YOU! Lord, i surrender everything at your feet. Forgive me! Take my life, take every part of it. Make me ASSUREDLY yours.
I LOVE YOU, DADDY! because You first LOVE me!!!

G1

Happy things :)

2009-10-09T14:19:00.012+08:00

Toothy smiles. Bright sunny rays of light. Legs to walk. Gobsmacking views. Assignment handed in. Couples hand-in-hand. Running into an old friend. Money to eat. Never-ending dreams. Witty housemates. Eyes to see. Warm hugs. Adorable little kids jumping up and down. The green, green grass. Hands to work. The flight back home. LIFE. Mr. Doggy. Yellow daisy. Clock ticking by. The rhythmic sound of waves. A simple hello. Butterflies. A heart to feel. Soft whispers of the wind. Gentle breeze through the hair. Hopskotch. The smell of fresh roses. Dancing. A flowery summer dress. The ice cream truck. Sounds of firecrackers crackling. Nose to smell. Pigging out. Old photos. Loving friends. Weddings. Riding a wave. Cuddles. Free bubble tea.

Skipping down the well-trodden path. A field of wild flowers. Ears to listen. A love story. Equals. Toes burried in the soft sand. A message received. Mouth to encourage. Pretty little cupcakes. Romance. A cuddly kitten. Fluffy clouds. A car ride. Shy, side-way glances. Precious memories. Family. A mind to think. Shiny tiara. Rushing adrenaline. Gurgling baby. A rocking chair. Rusty books. Well-meaning passerbys. Snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Island-hopping. Hide and seek. Pattering of the feet. Sisterly talks. Sweet perfume. Steamy dim sum. Knees to kneel. LOVE. Holiday entourage. Lollis! Skiing down a slope. Breathtaking view overlooking the mountains. Giggling girls. Climbing rooftops. Graduations. Blowing bubbles. Infectious laughter. Silly grins. Cell groups. Kisses. Softtoys.

Thank you, Daddy.

Today is a beautiful day because I choose to see You :)

g3

An honest outpour of the heart

2009-10-07T02:42:00.008+08:00

Moments ago, a friend's words broke me. My contained emotions over the past few weeks finally flowed out freely. After that, for the first time in quite a while, I was able to release everything at God's feet.

Funny how it is that the most intimate time I spend with God comes in the wee hours of the morning. Funny how it is also away from people. Funny how it means I abandon every single thing just to kneel at His feet and cry my heart out. Time and sleep and work become just words.

I serve a God whom I can't see. Whom I can't feel at times. Who is love yet holy. Who is forgiving yet just. A God many can't accept because it is a relationship based on faith. A truth that far exceeds our understanding. A concept many find hard to grasp.

A God I know because I've experienced Him. So it is with you, isn't it? We know because our eyes and hearts have been opened.

I love God. He means more to me than anything in this world. It has come to that stage where I know I just can't live without Him. Or perhaps I knew that long time ago; I was just not willing to stand up for who I've become.

I love Him. Yet this love seems so trivial to the temptation of sinning at a given moment. How can this be if I say He means more to me than anything? How can this love I have be overshadowed by my flesh and the devil and the world?

Why am I not more than who I can be in Christ? There's still so much darkness in me that needs to come into the light. And when I look around me; sometimes all I see is brokenness. Tears unseen, cries of desperation, ugly thoughts, empty hearts, heart wrenching emotions.

Sometimes, I wonder what it is with us and this world that God loves so much. I wonder what it is in me that He noticed. How can He forgive me knowing that I will hurt Him again?

Yet, when I close my eyes now, a deep sense of peace engulfs my soul. Yet, when I sit at the wooden bridge in the breeze taking in the glorious sight of nature, I just know. God's love is real.

Despite all the questions, despite all the knowledge I do not possess, despite the things I don't understand and may never will, despite not being the most talented and successful, I've come to recognise that I matter in His eyes.

I am His work in progress. A canvas half completed. Clay being moulded.

And most importantly, that nothing compares to having Him close to me. For me now, the reason I am a Christian is really as simple as the words below:

You gave me hope You made me whole at the cross
You took my place You showed me grace
at the cross where You died for me

Chorus:

and His glory appears like the light from the sun
age to age He shines
oh look to the skies hear the angels cry
singing holy is the Lord...

It's all about Him.

Always have been and always should be.

g3

LOVE

2009-10-01T15:46:00.003+08:00

"For God so love the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~John 3:16

This is why we live.
This is why we dont give up.
This is why we act in obedience.
This is why we act in love.

This is how much He LOVES us!

<3
G1

We can't do as we feel

2009-10-01T01:17:00.007+08:00

Thanks G1 for sharing your heart. After reading it, I felt convicted to share.

For me, there are times I too, get so tired physically, emotionally and mentally, I feel like giving up. There are moments I just don't bother about people because I feel that I need space to breath. Or instances when I wished I was back in old times when I did not need to care about the consequences of my words and actions. Like G1, there are times I feel like I don't want to do anything, and want to quit.

I say this because what G1 said is true; we can't do as we feel. Jesus demonstrated that graciously by dying on the cross for us even when He didn't feel like going through all the suffering.

It wasn't as if Jesus was excited about it; instead, He was distressed and troubled. He said this, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death'. And then, He fell to the ground and prayed this: 'Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from me.' [Matthew 26:38]

Yet, this is what distinguishes Jesus from me:

Even when He was distressed and saw the huge obstacle in front of Him, He trusted and submitted Himself to God. He said this: 'Yet not what I will, but what You will.' [Mark 14:32-36]
He spent time with God and prayed earnestly even at a critical moment- as a result, He drew strength from God
He went before God with His emotions - He poured out His heart to God and told God exactly how He felt

I'd admit that I don't always do what Jesus did. Sometimes, I choose to give in to my emotions. I do as I feel. As a result, I cave in to my selfish desires, and to the rebellious streak in me. Frankly speaking, giving in to my emotions leads me away from God, and almost always into a multitude of sins.

But this is the one important fact worth knowing: God did not just leave us with nothing to overcome obstacles. God gave us His Holy Spirit when we accepted Him, and the Holy Spirit lives within us. He gave us His word which is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword.

As much as I want to continue dwelling in my emotions each time, deep down I know I can't. Somehow, the Holy Spirit always convicts. I'd know if my ill emotions come because I haven't been spending time with Him, or because I've sinned and refuse to confess or etc.

No matter the pain, no matter the disappointment, no matter the momentarily lapses in time that I stall doing the things I do, no matter the many times I wander away, no matter how lonely or depressed or inferior I feel, I just can't give up because God's love is real and everlasting.

So, I wake up each time to His resounding truth.

What we strive for is eternity. Who we serve is a true, loving, faithful, mighty God whom we will meet face to face one day.

Don't give up! Don't give in! Let us not let emotions rule us; let us not do as we feel.

Let us do what Jesus did.

G3

Never Give Up!

2009-09-30T11:35:00.002+08:00

"Never giving up means you realise that Jesus takes whatever little we give him and he does SO MUCH MORE!" ~40days of LOVE p.93

"Dont give up. Dont give up on people; the minute you do,they'll surprise you. Dont give up on prayer; GOD is doing SO MUCH MORE through your prayers than you can see. Dont give up on God's promises.... When you feel like giving up, choose instead to act." ~40days of LOVE p.94

Reading Pastor Holladay's story, i feel so sad, yet happy....
Like him, i cant say that i pray for my mum and my family everyday.... i also need encouragement to continue hoping and believing that someday the whole family will stand together with hands held up to worship the LORD.

i feel like giving up ministry, i feel like staying in my own little world to finish up my assignments with no interruptions, i feel like giving up so i can just go away without worrying about anything, i dont feel like doing anything....

But Jesus taught us on the cross not to do as we feel... He taught us too to love as He did... Put Love into actions even we dont feel like it, even when we dont see results....

When you choose to act with love again out of an obedient heart, feelings eventually follow.

<3
G1

IM STUCKED with it!=)

2009-09-29T18:36:00.005+08:00

yippee!!! hehehehehehehe=) im back!!! in action!!!=) ehem...letz see...where to start yea?!=) coz long time didn't write, i got sooo many things to share!!! wooohooo!!!=)

ok, i will testify about my results first!!!=) yipppeee!!!=) remember last sem i got two supp papersss! woohooo!!!=) i still thank God for that!!! and i thank God for how He's helping me with my resultss!!! i had 4 midsems for the past few weeks and i scored great in all 4 of them! normally when i check my results, i straight away go to the last page of the results page, coz my results not good normally, always border line. But these few times, i see my student ID on the first page at the first column!!! yey!!!!!!!=) yes, i did put in more time in my studies this semester, BUT ultimately i know who blessed me with good grades, MY GOD!!!=) Since young, i always had good grades and i always prayed for good grades, i was always at the top. But when i started pharmacy, duno why, i just couldn't make it up there. Now im back in action with DAddy's help!!! wooohooo!!!=) He is blessing me like never before!! and i really thank God for that! I HEREBY TESTIFY THAT MY GOD HELP ME IN MY STUDIES!=)

ok...next...I AM HAPPY!!! wooohooo!!!=) hahahahahaha=) i duno how to describe this happiness and joy im having now...but itz just overwhelming...=) and if you ask me why im happy now, i only can say itz GOD!!! whoaaaa!!! for the past few days, i had soo much fun going out with friends, fellowshiping with them, taking time to enjoy sceneries, etc. But my heart was not joyful. Tahhhduh...coz i didn't spend enough time with Him=) i got angry, disappointed in people, sad, hurt sooo easily. Even a small and short sentence would make me think sooo much until i emo myself. I wasn't happy truly eventhough i had sooo much fun=) cc...soo i went back to God and He showed me! yiipppeee!!! He put that joy inside of me deep down and all around, inside out! that is the GIFT He has given me! so however people criticise or what, it's their problem. i shall not hide this GIFT nor conceal it. And He reminded me who made me and who gave me whatsoever i have now in my life. GENG!=) also, my joy cannot be shared among people i find easy to love ONLY, but also people i find hard to love=)

sigh...I LOVE MY GOD! four words that will be stucked with me all the rest of my life...=) and im glad to be STUCKED with it!=) yippee!!!=)

BIG & small

2009-09-26T09:37:00.003+08:00

Something that i read...

"...don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!"

A God that is so GREAT, lives in your, yes your heart! How cool is that! ;D

<3
G1

fOOd foR ThOught

2009-09-23T08:16:00.002+08:00

Something for us to ponder upon

"If we cannot even love the people around us who we can see, How do we love a God who we cant see?"

I think it's sth Pastor Joyce shared.:)

Love all of you!

<3
G1

Why do we serve?

2009-09-22T22:55:00.002+08:00

Had a few great conversations today....hehe...

Sharing one with you..:)
Talking to a friend about the reason why we do what we do?
The aftermath of the talk was these questions popping out....

Standard answer to the above question is to show God's love to everyone.
What does showing God's love means?
How do we show God's love?

It is easy to do alot of things God have meant for us to do...
"things that even a non-Christian can do perfectly..."
What, then, is the difference when a Christian does it?

I ask you now to ponder on the questions before reading on...

When was the last time we lost our temple? When was the last time we refused to help somebody in need? When was the last time we just cant be bothered to are?

Are we serving? Or are we just doing it for whatever agenda that we have?

We serve not out of neccessity, we serve out of LOVE, out of GOD's overflowing LOVE.

What does that means?
We serve because the LOVE God has for us overflows and it overflows in out actions...

We DONT serve just so that people will praise us, because it is fun, because my leader tells me to, because everyone is doing it, because no one else can do it. No we are not indispensable! If we dont do it, God can send someone else.

We serve even in difficult times, we serve even the person who is unlikeable, we serve even when it hurts, we serve even when we dont see the fruit.

We serve with only one HOPE that one day the people that we have shown love to, will come to know the God who is so GENG, who never fails to provide, who is right behind us, who watch us and walk us through everything.
We serve because we love. We love because we are loved.

Are you serving or just doing? Are we love-ing?

<3
G1

excited!!!

2009-09-17T23:19:00.002+08:00

SOOOO excited!!! can't contain it inside!!! wanna let is SPREAD OUT OUT OUT!!!=) tooo excited to use words to describe!!! it's gonna be good!! it's gonna be awesome!! He delights in US!! He smiles when He sees US!! He's gonna be sooooo happy!!!=) i want to make Him happy!!! yey!!!!!!!=)

G2
big smile

i WiLL pRaiSe YoU

2009-09-17T08:47:00.002+08:00

I will trust You Lord my God,
Even in my loneliness
I will trust You Lord

I will trust You Lord my God,
Even when I cannot hear you
I will trust You Lord

And I will not forget that you hung on a cross
Lord you bled and died for me

And if I have to suffer
I know that you've been there
And I know that you've here now

<3
G1

How can I keep from singing?

2009-09-13T23:25:00.002+08:00

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

g3

Servanthood is NEVER Convenient..

2009-09-06T17:28:00.003+08:00

This is something that i wrote after cell group on friday... Part of it is a sharing by offered..

Paul was the person who was brought to his mind. Paul hunted Christians and put them to death. God convicted him as he was on his way to kill Jesus's disciples.Then he went out to preach the Gospel!

So what's my point? well, i'm getting to it NOW! :D

During that time, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. Christians were imprisoned, beaten,....It wasnt a CONVENIENT time for anyone, including Paul (esp Paul because of his family background and what he has done)
BUT, he chose to SERVE in the INCONVENIENT time; he chose to preach the Gospel to the ones who did not know God yet but needed God in their lives.

Yes, orientation 2010 is going to be during Chinese New Year, on top of being in Summer. Yes, it is going to be an INCONVENIENT time to serve.
But my question to you is are you going to be a SERVANT or are you going to choose to SERVE?

This is Jesus's instruction:
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." ~John 13:17

And this is what He has called us to do:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the end of the age."~Matthew 28:19-20

What are you going to do?:)

<3
G1....(sorry G3, i used your name before :S)

God, rearrange me!

2009-09-05T17:57:00.008+08:00

It started last night on my knees calling out to God, asking Him to break open my hardened heart. You see, I felt something was missing...that sense of closeness with Him that allows me to feel His heart and hear Him speak. I am with Him, but I have wandered away from resting in Him.

This morning, I dreamt about my sister. In my dream, she was a different person; one whose heart has been closed to me. I felt her bitterness, her cold demeanour, and her disappointment. In my dream, I wasn't crying but somehow, I could feel tears running down my cheeks even as I dreamt. I was crying in reality.

And today, the floodgates burst open. I experienced bouts after bouts of tears. I went on my knees, humbled and broken before God. I asked Him to rearrange me. Now, I am able to pour out my heart to God; my heart is soft.

And as I looked out at the glorious sky, a habit that I've loved since young, my heart asked the same question: Is this all I am?

I reflected on myself. I am one present to most people but absent to the people I love most. I am one who has faith for the big obstacles, yet trips over the smallest sin when it matters the most. I am one whose mind is consumed with thoughts about God but whose actions speak not. I am one of the Jews who came out of Egypt, having seen God's great miracles in my life, yet make the choice to sin against Him.

I am ashamed that I call myself a Christian yet neglect demonstrating God's love to my sister, and to my family back home.
I am ashamed that I call myself a Christian yet abandon my hometown friend when he needs me the most to stop my heart from hurting.
I am ashamed that I call myself a Christian yet choose to turn away from the needs I see cos I know that attending to them is a long term process which consumes my time and emotions and energy.
I am ashamed that I call myself a Christian yet shine not in my course even though He has called me too cos I fall at the small hurdles to reach the bigger prize.

Am I created to be mediocre in my life? Is this all I can do for Him? Is this all I can be at this present moment of my life?

And I knew right in my heart the answer that has consumed my thoughts for the past week. No, no, no.

I am not working my way towards His will. The more time I spend postponing doing the things I'm supposed to do, the more I walk away from doing His will. When that happens, the more desperate and lost and confused I become. The less I spend time with Him, the more I choose to be the person I was before- insecure, lonely, bitter, selfish.

Now, I truly understand what Tony Anthony meant by the reason that He is so on fire for God; he neither stops nor slows down on what God has called him to do.

When I stop or slow down, the enemy takes his opportunity to show me worldly things that entices me, to speak words into me that draws me away, to mislead my direction, and to cause me to make ungodly choices.

I want to be on fire for Him, so bright and hot that His love consumes everyone who walks into my life. I want to look at the sky, and answer the same question with conviction that I'm truly where I am meant to be, and doing what I'm meant to do.

I'm sharing this because it is so easy to get caught up in people, and in life. But God never meant for us to do that. That is why He says not to worry, and that His yoke is easy, and burden light.

What He wants is for us to be caught up in Him, that He will be able to work in us, and through us. So that our work is produced by faith, our labour prompted by love, and our endurance inspired by hope in Christ.

There is no later. Today, God is calling you to leave everything aside to come to Him. When you choose to do that, He will heal, renew, restore and set you free.

Are you willing to let Him rearrange you?

g3

Miracle Maker

2009-09-05T17:42:00.001+08:00

I’m waiting here for my life to change,
When the waters stir you can rearrange me.
Just one touch is all I need,
I’ve nothing much but the wounds I feel,
I’m looking for the hand of the miracle man.

Holy, you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Holy, you are holy, Saviour, Healer,
I’m standing at the feet of the miracle maker.

I’m holding on, with your life in mine,
Living water’s come,
And you’ve rearranged me.

Holy you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Holy, you are holy,
Saviour, healer,
I’m staring in the face of the miracle maker.

Holy, you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Jesus, precious Jesus,
Thank you, Saviour,
I’m walking in the shoes of my miracle maker.
I’m standing with the faith of a miracle maker.

g3

what would Jesus do?

2009-09-03T02:01:00.004+08:00

drank two cups of coffee today...suddenly feel like writing!=)

shared this with my geng 'colleagues' just now...was reflecting on our cell core group meeting just now. And it suddenly struck me the amount of things we are doing and the things we are supposed to do in investing in Daddy's kingdom...really sooo much sooo much! somemore, everybody is busy also with other stuff. And there are many decisions to be made. Yes or no. No or yes. Sometimes it's tough to make important decisions. I know i face this kinda situations many times.

...We then need to REMEMBER this very famous question 'WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?'. If He was here, what would he do? Would He say yes? WOuld He say no? and when we think about this question, I believe it's really much easier for us to make tough decisions!=)

Tears of the saints

2009-08-29T00:32:00.002+08:00

'Having seen all this, you can choose to look the other way, but you can never say again 'I did not know''
-William Wilberforce

g3

A precious two-way conversation

2009-08-28T02:08:00.006+08:00

Me:

How long must I pray, must I pray to You?
How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through?
I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me.
I'm on my knees, Father will you turn to me?

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart

I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye.
But if there's no other way, I'm done asking why.
Cuz I'm on my knees, begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees, Father will you run to me?

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart.

So many questions without answers, Your promises remain
I can't sleep but I'll take my chances to hear You call my name
To hear You call my name

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart.

Hold my heart, could you hold my heart?
Hold my heart.

__________________________________________

Him:

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

G3

God is not yet done with me

2009-08-27T00:18:00.006+08:00

my monkey praising God

when yongtaufu said "God is not yet done with you two", i only realised how close i was to meeting God that night face to face. Aiks! and only when in the toilet after coming back home, i realised i forgot to thank God for saving my life! i didn't thought it was a serious car accident until the others said it was quite a major one. wooo...=) then i thank God and reflected slowly the whole night...

If that night i were to meet God, i really wasn't ready! i wasn't ready to meet Him, i wasn't prepared! what would He say to me? i couldn't and don't dare to imagine. There are so many things in my life that needs to be changed (for the better) and i know i know that i have to change. My attitude, my lifestyle, the way i treat people, etc. I want to be able to meet Him with confidence and be excited about meeting Him. It's like exams...if we're not well prepared, we fear entering the exam hall because we don't know what will happen; but if we are well prepared, we get excited about the exam and would just want to see how well we studied and how much knowledge we gained. I wasn't ready for God and He knew that i guess. He gave me another chance. wow! a chance to change for the better.

after reflecting much, i started to cherish my life and the lives around me. and i know if i love people, i should let them know. and if i want them to know something, i should let them know. Coz you never know when you're leaving. God has more for me in plan. He asked me a question few weeks back then, and i answered Him YES. I believe He will fulfil His plans and promises. He never fails.

I love Him and His people and everyone around me and i will learn how to cherish each and everyone of them. I see everything differently now. So weird. Different perspective. Life is just LIKE THAT and i don't wanna waste mine. I want to be proud to meet God and not hide my face behind a bush when i see Him=)

3 things i want to share...and more to come=)

2009-08-20T14:42:00.004+08:00

TOday...my twin sent me a message with a sentence that gave me affirmation:

GOD IS WITH YOU TODAY

It was simple sentence that really made me smile!!! hehehehe=) my God is with me today ler!!!=) i happy lar!!!=)

then one of my devotion today also one sentence:

"And I will give you rest." Matt 11:28

I've been really tired and nowadays my atnight before sleep prayer would start with "God ar, I'm really tired ler..." today He affirm me AGAIn that He will give me rest! i know He will coz He said so!!!=)

And hor...one thing i learned. I learn to write letters to God, love letters, requests, prayers, etc. Back to the olden days. Take out a pen and a piece of paper and write to God. Then clip the paper at my bedside to remind me about my prayers and God. I find it real good! coz sometimes i find it hard to pray (yes i do have times like that i admit), then i'll just write coz i know He'll still listen, well maybe read lar!=) and He has answered all my letter prayers very fast in fact!=) hehehe=) so i encourage you beautiful people to try to write letters to God! try! you never know!=) hehehe=)

Beautiful One

2009-08-20T01:36:00.002+08:00

He opened my eyes to His wonders anew,
and captured my heart with His love,
Nothing on earth is as beautiful as Him.

Neither men nor creation can compare to our God;
Our God is mighty and great
Our God is beautiful and majestic
Our God is marvellous and wonderful!

I love Him!
I adore Him!
My soul must sing!!

G3

Footprints

2009-08-16T13:42:00.004+08:00

Our Father will never leave us.

Throughout our lives, He is there with us,
through the happy times, the sad times,
the impossible times.

He knows every detail because He is there ALWAYS!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for
the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" ~Deut 31:6

Walk with Him and you will be stronger after the storm!

<3
G1

We can make a difference

2009-08-15T22:12:00.003+08:00

This is the video we watched in church:

And this is the follow up video:

One can make a difference.
Anyone can make a difference.
WE can make a difference.

G3

LOVE is not a fight.

2009-08-15T09:50:00.003+08:00

This song is from Fireproof...
But as i hear the song, i felt it's more than just for couples...
It's for our love story with God too!:)

Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It’s a house we enter in
And then commit to never leave
So lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
We’ll work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Love will come to save us
If we’ll only call
He will ask nothing from us
But demand we give our all

Love is a shelter
In a raging storm
Love is peace
In the middle of a war
If we try to leave
May God send angels
To guard the door
No, love is not a fight
But it’s something worth fighting for
I will fight for you
Would you fight for me? It’s worth fighting for

<3
G1

Our Father knows the BEST!

2009-08-03T20:44:00.002+08:00

After a long time, I'm back!:)
It's been a busy 3 weeks! Busy yet meaningful 3 weeks! And this is just the beginning!:)

God has given me a certain task. I was trying hard to find out what can i do? In my mind was:-
what can i do?
how can i do it?
what do i need to watch out for?
how does people do it?
Am i missing something?! Yes, indeed i was...

So keen to do the RIGHT thing, i got so lost. Lost in the ways of this world.

But God knows the BEST!
A timely phone call from a sister whom i've never met. She reminded me that all i need to do is to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit! It's that simple but i got carried away and forgot the most basic.

That's not all! God spoke again during my QT. I was reading the story of Deoborah-how she listened to God and guided her people to victory! Judges 4
She hears God and believes in Him and shows great courage in a time when her people has forgotten about God's faithfulness. Her faith led her people to victory against their oppressor!

What really spoke to me was how God knows the BEST! He could tell His people exactly where to go and He could move the nature and turn the enemies' strength against them and bring His people out! How awesome!!

Who else will know better than our Father who is the creator of all things!
I do not need to worry too much on how things are going to be done. I just listen and hear His voice which will guide me in every situation! The same goes to you! Because my Father is Yours too! :)

Who knows the BEST?........OUR FATHER in HEAVEN!

<3
G1

lesson of the day: MY DADDY IS GENG! I KNOW THAT!=)

2009-08-02T18:07:00.003+08:00

we were in the car (lil mustard seed) just now going to enjoy bbt. There were yongtaufu, didi, mosquitoe and kimchi. And on the way, we were looking at the sky and saying how beautiful it was, just admiring the scenery^.^ then i turned to kimchi and said: "eh, my Daddy made the sky ler!=)" then kimchi replied: "my daddy made the sky too! your Daddy is my Daddy lar!=)" then everybody laughed!=)

two kids insisting that their Daddy is the best and their daddy can do everything! boosting about their Dads! hehehe=) it was a simple conversation on a very simple topic! MY DADDY IS GENG! and all of us need to know that! and be proud of our DADDY!

lesson of the day: MY DADDY IS GENG! I KNOW THAT!=)

~G2~

GODssips Gospel

I choose to be Mary

Love Came Down- Brian Johnson

Learning

2 things

Awakened

she bothers

2 Cor 9:8

job 14:19

1 Corinthians 2:9

Hebrews 11:1

John 14:2-3

Colossians 4:5

realising...

You are more

For those who wait

I Saw Jesus by Karen Templin

A confession

The God i know

The Greatness of Our God

The Parable of the Growing Seed

Jesus You Are

Simply beautiful!

We love because God first loved us

In Christ

There Will Be A Day

'One of them'

Be Near

God is REAL!!!

Offering

To live is to live life to the fullest

Good Friday

I shall come forth as gold

Matter of the heart

Not a waste of time!

being the reason behind the smile on God's face!

AWESOME!

God is going to do new things!

Orientation

A little longer

I LOVE You

Journey Back HOME

childlike faith

Jamming session with God

God He reigns

While i'm WAIT-ing...

faith like potatoes

The God I Know

Psalm 73

Love :)

O Lord, You have search me and know me :)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 The Lord calls Samuel

story from lil blur elephant=)

WAIT

everything is spiritual

let Your will be done

Merry Christmas!!!

"For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in Himshould not perish but have everlasting life."John 3:16

People need the Lord

All I'm living for

When we forsake the lives of others, we actually forsake our own.

Words that speak

i soooo notti but yet He still sayang meee=)

And now my lifesong sings

God is moving

God is good

The vestibule of Heaven

The need is not the call

Caught up in things of the flesh

The chalk

"You're the best decision I ever made, I just forgot."

NEver alone

SHARE

The Climb

5 Reasons Why God Uses Problems

Renewed!

Happy things :)

An honest outpour of the heart

LOVE

We can't do as we feel

"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16