A Beautiful Exchange

Today we continued Part 3 of a 4-part sermon series in church: Song of Songs. Learning about Jesus as the Servant is a humbling experience. And I sometimes wonder if we truly appreciate the significance of this teaching in this season. As some in the days of Jesus were, we come with our own expectations and interpretation of who God should rightfully be.

A triumphant One. A mighty One. Unmatched powers and supernatural abilities. At the first sight of him, his opponents flee beyond the ends of the earth.

Yet in the past three Sundays, a different Jesus was portrayed.
A Jesus more concerned about His Father than His circumstances.
A Jesus desired to testify of His Father's Faithfulness over his own image and reputation.
A Jesus who knew what impact would follow the decisions and actions he made.

A common saying nowadays is Jesus is the Reason for the season. 
And that can't be anymore true. This world may have rode on commercializing the significance of Christmas. Truly a season of giving. Yet, it stems from the very first Divine giving, the birth of Christ. Hence this Christmas, means more than just giving of presents; of writing letters and such. These are just forms and ways of expressing our appreciation for each other which is fine, except that one must never forget the Divine Giver. The Greatest Gift.

And so God, I thank You in this season. Of all the storms and gales I'm experiencing, I can still give You thanks and praise. There are certainly much that I do not deserve and yet You have freely given, so Lord may my heart remain in a posture of thanksgiving and waiting upon You.

The coming few days will be of one major transition, masked by the busyness of exams, of FYP, and of preparation for YAY! Camp. Thinking back how I came to the decision to extend my studies did not exactly find favor with people, yet God so graciously has opened doors and opportunities for me.
The wasted years (months in this case), was never wasted. The Lord is good and His faithfulness truly beyond our comprehension. How He closed the door and opened it only after a season of waiting and looking around. How He put me in a spot of choosing between a job or a commitment to the ministry. How He brought about the various Godly counsel who gave me bits of wisdom and their share of experience. How He ushered in different peoples to come forward and introduced me to various potential positions.

It seemed to be a repeat of how I went through each 'major' transition in the past years. The O's. The Diploma. The NS. The Uni. How in each season God has a vastly unique plan setup for me. And this coming season of transition definitely feels a whole lot more fearful than the previous ones. Perhaps because there are certain junctures of decision that I will have to make and steps of faith that will require me to be placed in a vulnerable position. Maybe it's the fear. Maybe it's the memories that hurt. Maybe it's the uncertainty that lies within.

But if God who has proven to never fail in His promises, perhaps it is also a season of change. A season of trusting wholly. A season of pure waiting and patience. A season of pressing God in prayer for a revelation. And I am excited as I put these thoughts down in writing. In the YESs and NOs, I can still give thanks to God for a gift in every experience. A learning curve and a knowing curve. A knowledge that what I know and how I feel is far from what God has already considered and planned out for me.

A Father's Love that is beyond measure. A Servant who cast aside His rightful position to do the Will of His father. How faithfulness triumphed unwillingness. Yet Christ gave Himself knowing that God would raise him up to glory as the price is paid in full.

Knowing He led a meaningful and purposeful life to impact others, how then shall I live?
Knowing He chose to bear a testimony of the Father's heart, how then shall I live?
Knowing He remained faithful in spite of all the odds against him, how then shall I live?

The end of the journey, the knowing of Christ, is just another step taken towards Him.

Faithfulness is a long obedience in the same direction.
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Certain occurrences in recent weeks have really redefined Church for me.
The coming to service on Sundays. The attending of YAY! on Saturdays. The daily devotions with God. The constant mindfulness of God's presence in our lives.
Church has gone way beyond that, and I thank God for inviting along this journey. The different areas of help. The different situations I am exposed to. The unseen cries and hurts that never reaches the ears and eyes of the Church. As I consider my blessings, I am also prepared of greater things to come. Through ministries, is ultimately the goal of furthering the Kingdom of God, bringing the only true Hope to this World.

GNK Trekking 2011

Early Saturday Morning

Alternative to walking on water

Nice and breezy

Left or right?

Would never discovered this view in SG if not for the event

Awe-Wait for it......Some

Yeap, Zeph totally got disgusted =D

B & W

Crossing Over

The narrow road

Pretty flowers

The time I got bored...a little

Empty

Photo...in a photo

Where's my date?

Row row row your boat

Thought this looked really nice

Gathering point

Breathless...cause the view was just breath-taking

Change is Coming

Somehow tonight has opened my eyes.

It was definitely a regret not to be around last week.
But still, thank God i managed to come by tonight.

Power of God is still evident today and the God in the Bible is the same God we worship.
He is always around and He never slumbers.

and tonight I have seen enough with my own eyes.
God is amazing.

Know who you are

It was only 24 hours and much time was spent on the road travelling. But I'm glad that even the time spent together on the roads were enjoyable moments and I definitely miss the times now that I'm back home. It was a time of sharing and also, being reminded of who we are as children of the Lord God most high.

Not being able to hear any updates from the rest is just frustrating! =( How I hope someone would just update about the ongoings in church camp! Just something like maybe even the quality of breakfast!!! =S

Well I'm gonna post a thousand words with a photo =) haha get it?

P.S. I Love You

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

~ John 13:35

Day 2 of Power Encounter

As I reflected upon Sunday's encounter, I prayed that I would continue to be sensitive to the Lord and that the busyness in my daily life will not distract me.

On Monday, I took up Our Daily Bread and the devotion was on loving others. The passage for the day was from 1 John 4 and the passage was on verse 7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

This verse has all along been on my heart but it never really stood out to me and nothing was special about it until the evening. When I was reading another devotion from Word for Today. The devotion also spoke on 1 John 4:7 although the devotion differed slightly.

I know in me that God is saying something to me since what are the odds that 2 devotions pointed out the same verse. Am still seeking Him about this though.

1 very interesting point on this verse repeated to me! This is the exact verse of the Year for me! That's why! God is reminding me again...

Certain issues in the cell was brought to my attention and it breaks my heart. I'm sure it breaks God's heart too. Why can't Man put aside our own agenda for God's agenda? If we can't, then why claim to be followers of Christ?

Stark reminder for myself: To never be a hypocrite and to live out my faith. If I say I love God but have not loved, then I have not loved God at all. May I ever be the fool for God, especially in the most trying times of my life. Lord may I never choose the easy way out and dishonour You. Help me to live that life of obedience and faith despite the temptations all around me. Only in Jesus' Name I have this assurance.

Thank God It's Friday

A production ~ Who Killed J? is a semi-mime put together by the talents of World Revival Prayer Fellowship.

This play is intended to bring across the message/idea of Good Friday and why we have a declared public holiday on this particular Friday.

Happening on 22 Apr 2011 @ Geylang Lorong 27A. Interested now? You know how to contact me =)

Nothing is for sure

Being a Christian for 5 years now,

I must say it isn't as expected.

The qualities that God tells us and the ones that we exhibit,

no wonder we will never be perfect.

And the count is ongoing,

as days go by,

I count the number of friends and people I know,

Slowly but surely, they drift away.

I can't put into words my anguish,

my sorrow and pain.

As I think of them, each one of them.

How we laughed, how we debated.

How we shared our heartfelt thoughts.

If you have ever been a friend or known me,

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I did not cherish the chance to know you better.

I'm sorry I did not take the opportunity to be a mentor in Christ to you.

I'm sorry I did not share your ups and downs when you needed someone.

I'm sorry I failed to see the importance of keeping in touch with you.

I'm sorry I failed to consider your feelings in my speech and actions.

I failed; again and again.

Can You, God do something?Will You?

I cry out to You because each one of them matters to You.

Because if they don't, then there's no point in me believing.

Show Yourself true Lord, I cry out to You.

Below is for you, every one of you who are my friend.

Though you may never read this.

Nic - You have been a tremendous role model to me since I got to know you better. The days of goofing around on our guits. The moments we shared our hearts out. The times we spent chilling out or playing pool. The super sinful suppers we used to have in the past. If I can just allow you to read my mind, to tell you how much you have benefited to my life and taught me much through your living. Wherever you may be heading in the near future, thanks Nic. And I hope our friendship can emerge from this season stronger than before, not broken nor strained by whatever has happened. May God work in you and through you always.

Alvin - Since the first time I knew you, I always held you in high regards. Initially cause of your wings and knowing that we share so much in common, except that you're a liverpool fan, I thank God for the friendship we have. Now having known you better, I learnt to appreciate your heart for God the Father and how you have been trusting Him, especially with the seasons you had to go through. No doubt you may be worshiping elsewhere, I pray that Jesus will remain in your life as you live each day victorious for Him. Thank you for the many advices, encouragements and times we spent together, especially the insane night outs hunting each other (in a virtual world).

John Ho - For your laughter that infects everyone in the same room as you. For your kindness in opening up your place for our gatherings. For your willingness to bless others with a lift home always unfailingly. For your heart of service to God when you were in WRPF. I thank you and thank God for you. I pray that wherever you are now, that you will keep walking strongly in Him and always ready and wanting to go and share His love with someone you meet. Thank you John.

Matthew Chee - Bro, it's amazing how we've grown closer just over mere few years. Through the times we spent together and the stayovers where we shared our laments. The times we just sat down and poured out our thoughts and issues to one another. The times we came together every Sat to pray for the church and others. The times we decide to go for supper or a movie or a gathering with the common few others. They're embedded in my mind and they will stay. For your coming into my life and sharing my burdens, especially when I really struggled, thanks.

As you come to make decisions in your life in time to come, I pray that your decisions will be nothing but pleasing to the Lord and God alone.

Justin Lim - I have kept your card and always. It was a big encouragement for me and it still is. I have placed it right in front of me on my desk, as a reminder of being a blessing as God blesses. I thank you also, and your family, for your willingness to open up your place for us to hang around. For the mouth-drooling dishes your family whips up for us every time we come over. For the times we stayed over and your family still warmly welcomed us. I pray that NS is just a phase for you to see what God is doing in your life and teaching you. I have not seen you around frequently and yes, it saddens me. I yearn to see you back again. Not just physically in church but back into the love of Jesus. The man who died for us. The God who loves you. Miss you around Justin, hope to see you real soon.

Sam Goh - I can still remember the night we had watch night at Pasir Ris before I left for Sri Lanka. The night I sat with Justin and you. The night that never left my memories. All your joy and laughter, your randomness of jokes and theories. I thank God for you, for you coming into my life. Though I have not got to see you around for quite some time, know that I still remember you. Not just a friend, but a brother in Christ. For whatever reasons, God still loves you the same. He loved and He loves you.

Cornelius - Warm and friendly guy. Outspoken. Fun. That's you. The night I popped by to wish you happy birthday with a cake and visiting you. I want you to know I did it because you matter to me. How much more you matter to Jesus who died for us. I pray for you brother, for you to fall in love with Jesus day after day. Nothing this world can offer will satisfy our hunger, only Jesus can. God bless brother.

Brian - Your quietness is ever the same. But I am confident that God can use you and empower you as you trust Him and give yourself to Him. Though we don't get to meet much, I want to apologize for not making an effort to know you better. My lack of concern for you. My failure to treasure you. But I know that is always reconciliation. I pray you'll remain in Him always.

Shawn Ng - I have known you for quite some time already. Watching you grow up from a scrawny boy to now a good looking handsome young man, I thank God for you. For the letter of commitment you wrote to me once. How much you yearn to see God pour forth Himself, His love over young people. As you take the stage, as you get involved in competitions and pageants, know that as long as you love Jesus, do anything. And I am always here to give you my support and I want to know you better. I wish I can mentor you more. May you come to Him in full surrender as He reveals to you, the plans He has for you. He loves you.

Lionel - You've been a great brother and fellow musician. Your gift in music and your passion for God as you have grown so much recently. Since your departure from WRPF, does not equate that you're forgotten. You've been an encouragement and still are. May God abide in you always as you live each day. Be the "Bullet for Jesus", remember? =)

Julian - Your wackiness is one of a kind. I have yet to meet someone as fun as you. As bold as you. For your courage and boldness, I believe God will use you mightily. We may not see each other often as before, we may not get to agree on certain points. But we in Christ, bear one another in love. Brother may you grow ever stronger in the Lord and rock on for Jesus.

Matthias - Your charisma is ever-overwhelming. You're always a people-person. Having worked with you in let God let go has been a memorable time. Though you're not here already, I really wish I could have got to know you better and be a better friend. Wherever you are now, that God is watching over you always.

Tim Chan - Thank you for the times of serving together. Your charm and your sporty-ness I'll always remember. Your ability to take a step back and analyze situations. The times we spent together on a Myanmar mission. I pray you're doing well in wherever you are.

Jabez - Your multiple talents has always been a blessing. May you grow faithfully in Christ wherever you may be. Your talents be a blessing to the family God puts you in.

Jason - For your curiosity and questions and queries. May you settle and fit in to whichever family of God that you find. I pray that you'll find and experience the revelation of His Love.

Peng Chen - Has been good knowing you and sharing with you issues. Hope you'll have a yearning to grow in love with Jesus and spur on others around. You're a wonderful friend to know and I'll always cherish that.

Serene - Best friend. Though you're no longer coming, know that your cheerfulness and smiles are not forgotten. You've been a bundle of joy and I pray that you keep walking in Him.

Pearlyn - Great to have you in my cell for the times you were here. Seen you grew over the years and I thank God you've made a decision to settle in a family of Christ. May you grow ever stronger in Christ who strengthens you day to day.

Going and gone

As days go by,

I'm saying more goodbyes.

It has been 5 years

I'm glad I'm still here

I miss the many faces I used to see

Perhaps it's just not meant to be

Rants

Want to know why I don't say no??

Passion

Today was AGM after combined service.

Overall, I felt really discouraged by the session.

Since I'm blogging here, I will post my thoughts with utmost frankness.

Point 1 - I agree that times are down and bad and the whole world is going nuts over how to survive another day. But what about us as Christians? Do we need to worry like the world does? Did Jesus not feed the 5000 and even the 4000 on another occasion? If it is not known to anyone, Jesus actually needed more bread and fish to feed the 4000 than the 5000!

So what do I think about the economy and budgetting? 

Yes I agree we need prudence! We need to know how every cent is spent in the church to prevent anyone from falling into temptation by money, BUT let us not be blinded by the constraints of the economy. Let us stop worrying so much about how the economy will affect our church's progress.

You and me serve GOD, not money. So beat it Devil, you shall have no stronghold in our Church in JESUS' NAME!

Point 2 - Want to know how many salvations and attendees for the events, especially for the youth? I would say please look back and if anyone does not remember, it WAS reported that Le Grande had 60 visitors and 6 salvations!

If you are reading my posts and wondering why the over-reacted posts, it's simply because I cannot stand the questions asked during AGM and I was the chairman of Le Grande. 

I feel hurt by the judgemental criticisms/comments/remarks/questions.

Here's my views for whoever is interested:

1 - Tell me any events ever in WRPF history that had 6 salvations during the event itself. I can hardly remember. If you do, please tag me and remind me. I will thank God for that and keep it in my heart.

2 - Tell me is it a rationale to compare dollar for every soul saved? Then can anyone explain why events that costs tens of thousands cannot gain more souls that 1 Le Grande which costed about 3k?

3 - Tell me if I am wrong, that the youths and Young Adults did not put their efforts into the 2 events? I still remembered Le Papillon's organisers in Church the night before, trying to rush out every detail to make sure the event would be presentable. And Le Grande, does anyone know how many people were involved and how much manpower was put into it? 

Seriously I have so much more to blast out here but I refuse to. For the Glory of God and may God have mercy on me, I pray that we are doing our individual best for God and not stand one side criticising what others are doing for God and forgetting what they are really trying to achieve. 

I thought AGM was all about God's House and His business.

Yet today it felt like a circus to me; a joke. 

I hope we did not have any visitors sitting in today, may God forgive us for our ignorance.

Finally to my dear readers, I hope to let you understand that I believe in using every effort to reach out and win souls for God, no matter what the cost! 

And that our lives would show how true our faith is in Christ. No need for evaluation. God sees our hearts and He will know. So why not start living out our lives the way God wants us to!

Praise the Lord

God is good all the time and

all the time God is good!

Church income has increased in 2008 despite the downturns and I choose to believe that it was God who has provided all this time.

May we continue to trust in Him to bring us through every season and let us not be in want for He is our Good Shepherd.

Warriors of God rise up and know that He has never forsaken us in our crusade for Christ =)

The Radical

Luke 9:23-24 says:

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for me will save it."

I've not been going after the things God has wanted me to.

Maybe I've not been going after these with the right heart.

Whatever it is, I want to do what the verse says, deny myself and take up my cross daily and follow Jesus.

Even if it means to make a decision that displeases everyone else.

Dear God, be my source of help.

Psalm 23 again

I believe it was totally God's working.

We had Psalm 23 for our meditation during last night's prayer meeting.

I had the inspiration from a song "The Lord's my Shepherd".

Lo and Behold, at Combined service today the speaker was touching on Psalm 23!!!

And I heard from Matthew that GNK was touching on Psalm 23 as well!!

You may think it's all planned out for,

but I choose to see that God has divinely revealed Himself.

Today's takeaway from service was perception of the World as Christians.

How are you affected by the world today? If you went bankrupt, would you still praise God?

I think I have not gotten over it. 

It seemed to have become worse.

I start to imagine things ahead in the future.

But I shall not, and trust God to make a way for me.

=) Have a blessed week in Christ Jesus!