God is Love

As we begin to see God working in our midst, the Devil is secretly scheming his plans. And he is trying all ways and means to bring trouble.

And I acknowledge to You God, that all these is not about in the flesh but in the spiritual.
That there is a spiritual warfare going on and confusion is rampant.
Even among Christians, strife and dissensions have begun to rise up, causing many others to stumble.

1 thing I've learnt to anchor myself on is to point myself back to God.
That whenever I feel that I have to choose a side or worry that I will offend anyone,
I will choose to please God and honour Him.

This way, not only will I be able to find myself firmly rooted in my stand and faith, I am able to see things through the eyes of God. Many times I find that troubles and dissensions come about because we refuse to surrender our rights. We choose to play God. We think we are right, or least others are wrong.

Lord, may I always choose to please You and see things through Your eyes. As the song goes, Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Father, lead me and guide me. I praise You and thank You, for the love so deep You have given. Let what You have dictated, no Man shall change. You are God alone.

Matters of the Heart

And I'm not referring to matters that are bugging me but my physical heart.
The one that goes beep-bob without resting for a single beat.
The one that reminds me of God's faithfulness even when we are in our sleep.
The one that keeps the rest of me functioning even when I'm unaware.

And tonight my heart is acting up for an unusually long time.
Was playing badminton earlier when the tight sensation just overwhelmed me =(
And now it still lingers =S

Hit me really hard, to give thanks with every single breath I take.
Because I never know, when my next breath will be my last.
Jesus, I surrender to You my life.
I shall not fear nor worry, because my life is in Your hands. Amen.

Dr. Matsutani

Larry Crowne was surprisingly good. First impression was that this is going to be another B grade!
But who knows as the story unfolded, it turned out to be one written really well with twists incorporated.
The funniest part was having George Takei cast as Dr M... Hilarious!

A man who was on the verge of losing all that he had, took a nose dive and came out stronger, better.
I particularly admired his courage to head back to the bank and sell away his house, with the fact that he was retrenched and divorced. He chose the hard way out, because it knew it would do him good in the long run. He had a SUV which he sold and got himself a scooter.

When the testing time comes, will I be able to lay down my pride and my everything before Jesus?

Is that Your voice I'm hearing?

Today's sermon was on Missing Piece.and Dr Huan preached on 3 points:
1. Personal response towards God's purpose by acknowledging Him when He speaks.
To surrender oneself to Him wholly and to undergo spiritual training.
2. Choose to work towards God's plans. In response, making a renewed choice.
To turn back and to reform from my wicked ways.
3. Fitted for God's plans and in response, give 100% devotion to God in Faith.

As we went through worship today, I prayed for God to convict me.
To convict me of the things I ain't letting go in my life.
To convict me to see what God is doing in our midst now.
The downpour(of the Holy Spirit) is coming!

And as I processed the sermon, I'm really amazed that the things I pondered during Worship,
God spoke of them through Dr Huan during the sermon!

Greater things are yet to come, Lord Jesus I'm believing You for it! Amen!

Durian Delight

A great day and a great trip!

Awesome food, fellowship and fun!

It definitely was a good buy of Scrabble Dash!
Had so much fun playing with Rachel and Sarah all the way from Jusco till on the PIE back to church.
And durians were just oooohhhhhhhh...counted more than 30 that I ate!
Dinner was not too bad, the fellowship just made up for the quality of the food!

And there was little or no jam, something really to thank God for.
Plus it threatened to rain when we reached the plantation, but eventually the sky cleared!

For those who missed the trip, I can only say please come for the next trip!!!
Especially with all the YAY! people on a bus!!! It's just so much more fun!!!

On a side note, developments have taken a strange turn and I'm watching what God is doing.
I would use to pray for a relationship with a particular person.
Now I find myself praying that God brings a partner whom He wants me to serve alongside with,
to give our lives together to His glory.
And God, I pray that I do just that. Amen.

Looking back

Was just reminded today about one of my long forgotten blog post.

I guess it must be really long ago cause I can't seem to find it now =(

Anyway reading a few of my old posts at random,I began to appreciate the journey I've had for the past few years as a child of God. I even laughed occasionally at some of the entries I've actually blogged about.

Nevertheless, it is by His Grace that seen me through all these years.
Been a long day and very tired now. So here are a few interesting links of my old posts:
- http://bestillandknowthatheisgod.blogspot.com/2007/09/god.html
- http://bestillandknowthatheisgod.blogspot.com/2007/07/rsaf-pilot-interview.html
- http://bestillandknowthatheisgod.blogspot.com/2007/07/everyday-its-you-i-live-for.html

Face(less)book

As I begin my 40-day fast journey with the many other like-minded Christians in Singapore, this year is especially a meaningful one for me personally as I fast and pray for the YAY (Young Adults and Youth) Ministry and myself.

Several key emphasis would be:
- My career/calling in life since I'm a step away from graduation
- My relationship life since I've been *abstaining* from it as I really want to enter into one that God calls me
- My devotion to Jesus since all along I think I'm still not 100% surrendered
- The YAY Ministry to see the "DOWNPOUR" that God has hinted to us

Fasting from:
-Facebook for the next 40days hence I probably will expect a lot of blasting from people as to why I'm not responding
- 7am-7pm food fast at least once a week

I must be wary that fasting isn't about me trying to keep to it because I have to but that I fast because I want to devote myself to praying and interceding and be sensitive to God's voice. Someone wise told me that I'm very poor in relationship handling and a long time ago, another told me that I should learn to be more diplomatic in handling people.

I thank God for people willing to point out my hindsights to me (they are called blindspots for a reason). At the same time, I attribute my present self as a result of growing up in a home that showed no expressions of love but only anger and dissatisfaction. I can only pray that I will not carry this into my own future family and be mindful of the mistakes that I've gone through previously. I know only God can give me the grace to see me through.

This year is interestingly a time for me to grow in specific areas of my life and I'm praying/watching for it. Lord, please don't pass me by. I want to grow in You and love You more. Help me.

By wisdom a house is built...

During my last exams season, a sister(in Christ) had a verse for me.

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14.

And yes, now I stand to testify that He really delivered me.
I know it's not a big change but surely, I see God's hand in this.

And after tonight, I definitely have much to re-evaluate and not just evaluate.

I know I have my weaknesses and flaws.
I am only but a sinner, saved through grace by faith in Jesus Christ.
That's who I really am, a child of God.

The rest of it all? Doesn't really matter.

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?

As Promised

Well now that the most stressful season is over, I shall continue on my previous post.

Anyway having posted 300 blog posts seemed to remind me that I have come a long way in blogging. Still remember the first time I actually blogged was in Poly Year 1 and it's been almost 7 years now!

I was actually contemplating to blog about 300 people in my life and dedicate a minimum of 300 words to each of them. But writing 90000 words is seriously NO JOKE! So yes, I'll try to write for as many of you as I can =)
Think I'll work backwards, writing to the people I've been working with most recently and see how far I can go!

1. Sarah

This is one person I know you can always rely on. Since the time I first got to work with you, your unwavering faith and confidence in Christ is always inspiring and I am definitely very blessed to have you as a co-leader and a friend despite having to juggle so many ministry commitments and your work and being the oldest sibling. Though we probably only got to know each other better in the last few years, but we sure have had many opportunities to work together.

It still seemed like yesterday when we worked together on the “Game of Life”. It was one of the very first times that amazed me at how efficient you can be and it was definitely a great time since having to partner you in many different ways.

The one thing that always awes me is how much respect you get especially from the younger ones who look up to you, in particular those who are being mentored by you. Your undivided love for them is evident from the common acknowledgement that Sarah is a “big sister” who goes out all the way to look after those under her care.

Your talent in worship is also one to thank God for, especially in blessing the communities around you. Your voice must undoubtedly be a God-given talent so please, do keep singing for God! And not to forget your many other talents such as drama productions, song writing etc. I believe many will agree with me that your chairing of ‘Captivated By Love’ would not have been a great success without the contribution from Grace and yourself!

Recalling the first time I heard the song CBL, I just knew that WRPF is so blessed to have you. And I pray that you’ll keep rolling out those songs as God leads you. Now that you’re in the working phase of your life, I really pray and hope that you’ll labor on with the favor and blessing of God especially in your work life. Thank God for you and I really appreciate you being a part of my life! God bless =)

2. Ethel

You are probably one of the first few people I actually knew when I first came to Serangoon Cell and WRPF. I can still recall so clearly the first time the door opened at your place and I was greeted with great enthusiasm and joy. The overwhelming welcome is always one of the simple reminders for me of the importance to equally love the members and guests around me.

Looking back at our friendship, it has been like 6 years and counting! And what more that you are the first few people I’ve known since I came to WRPF! I am always encouraged by your love for Jesus and your sensitivity towards God, especially when you are leading worships. It is always great to be able to hear the Lord speak and move in the Spirit.

Well I’m definitely glad that I have most, if not all, of our memories a pleasant one than not! And thank you really, THANK YOU for lending a listening ear and just being here to share my heart-felt burdens. I would have never thought it possible that I could share my thoughts with you, but I am definitely glad that I can and I have. You have had been a pillar of support to me especially a few years back coping with my issues.

It has been a journey seeing you move from season to season. From the period you were in Whitley to TP to now you working with kids, it’s nice to know that you are always hearing from God and moving in His plans.

And I pray and hope that in the days ahead, we’ll continue to enjoy this wonderful friendship we share. And there is just so much more lined up ahead for all of us, I’m sure God has it all planned out already! You have been a great friend and I pray that we’ll find opportunities to serve and enjoy God more and more in time to come! You are deeply appreciated =)

3. Elaine

I’ve only gotten to know you better a few years back when we were still in youth ministry’s Knights for Christ. It was always an encouragement to have you along with the rest stepping up to serve God as leaders, especially in leading the youth. I still remember the many of us I see in church when I first came, many whom were really quiet and keeping a low profile. And as I reflect on the individual journeys of faith, I am amazed at how God works and raises up a people for Himself.

And as for you, I continually thank God for you and being placed in the lives of many to be a blessing especially to me. I think it has been like 5 years since we first started working together in the Youth and one thing I’ve learnt from you is always to trust God and sometimes, doing nothing is the best solution to allowing God to do something.

Your ability to balance the different priorities in life has been inspiring and I always thought if I could spend a day sneak-peeking into your daily routine, I’m sure I’ll gain much in learning how to give my time to the different priorities. I thank God and also thank you for your willingness to be a mentor and a sister to so many of the younger ones in church and it is evident in your relationships with them!

Well you have been more than just a co-leader to me and being a friend to me, I can only say that I’m very blessed! Thank you for always encouraging me and giving your advices, it serves as a reminder for me that probably no other would give =)

I would think there’s so much more I can thank you of. Maybe words aren’t the best avenue for me to express my gratitude but trust me that I will always have this gratefulness in me, you have made a difference in my life.

4. Matthew

Hey matt, thank you for being a brother to me all these years! Your constant presence and support is very much appreciated and I will always miss and look forward to our guys’ nights out and stay overs! Who says only the girls can have fun having stay overs!

Interesting fact, do you recall how we got to know each other? Haha… If my memory has not failed me, I believe it was either being in the same worship team or when we started going lan lol… But anyway I’m glad our friendship has grown stronger than ever and I can safely say that you are probably one of my closest guy friends around and with you, I find support and comfort in sharing my heart’s concerns.

But thank you for being there to listen to me especially a few years back. Just to have you coming to meet me at Starbucks when you are in camp is just heartwarming and it just shows how great friend you are. It was definitely one of the most depressing seasons for me but I thank God that He sent you to be there for me. I never understood nor treasured people around me but having known you just changed everything!

Now that you are in Thailand and probably going to be in Sisterhood of Mary,  I pray that you  will find God in that very place and continue to be a blessing to those around you! And I have been reading the book you gave me and thanks for the thought. I really look forward to you returning and resuming our weekly prayer meetings.

And talking about that, thank you for expressing interest in coming for prayer meetings when you are back! I am praying and hoping for the greater works of God in our midst, especially in the young people! Can’t wait for you to get back! See you soon!

300th Blog Post

To commemorate my 300th blog post, I shall attempt to write a minimum of 300word thanksgiving for the close ones in my life. But this will only take place after 16th May and may occur over a period of time and even a few posts as I'm unsure if Blogger would have a word limit for a post!

Nevertheless, I really want to take the time after exams to reflect on the relations in my life and thank God for everyone if possible.

Disclaimer: If I do not mention your name but you are a follower of my blog, I ask for your forgiveness beforehand and you may wish to drop me a note so I can add you in =S

Thank you for being a loyal reader here and see you soon! Till then, it's mug mug mug!

Oh, Happy blessed birthday to Samantha Sin, Justin Lim, Ben Yuen and Uncle Swee Ewe!

AGM

AGM commonly known as Annual General Meeting is a time whereby an organisation gets together each year to review its progress and make decisions that require the body.

To me, Church AGM is more of Accepting God's Mandate.

Why do I say so?

Well the bible tells us in Hebrews 13:17,
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

This serves as a reminder for me to submit to the Church leadership where God has called me to, and to honour the decisions that the leadership makes. To give my support to the leadership and also to be praying for them, seeking God's agenda in the process.

This also reminds me to press on in my role as a cell leader. Not indulging in the title of a cell leader, but to be accountable always and mindful that I am answerable to God for the people under my care. That I have the responsibility to give an account of them.

Under references to leadership of a church:
1 Tim 5 - Eldership
Titus 1 - Eldership Qualitification

Thank You God for bringing through today's meeting. Thank You for revealing Yourself and Your Presence.

On a side note ~ Interestingly not many people of my age seem to be concerned with the happenings of the church at corporate and leadership level =(

Jesus Accepted You; Now You Accept Others

So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Romans 15:7 (MSG)

God wants you to accept others in the same way that Jesus accepted you. 

In faith, we accepted God’s acceptance of us – through Christ – when we were unacceptable, and so we love God by freely offering the same gift – His acceptance – to others.

To love God and to be to others what He is to us …

We must be willing to be for others -- God’s life is a life for others. He always is and does what is best for others. He has a non-selective love for all others. To love God is to have -- in faith -- a non-selective readiness to be for others … all others … any specific other God sends your way.

We must see others as God sees them -- True love, God’s love, is not blind. It sees what those living for themselves do not see. We set aside our judgments in order to “see what eyes have not seen and ears cannot hear” (I Cor. 2:9) so we can help those in need.

Filled with Thanksgiving

Lord I thank You for today, and witnessing how faithful You are.
I thank You for showing Yourself so real, least to me.
Thank you for the assurance and peace even in the face of negative news,
cause I know I worship a God who provides for those who does His will.

Lord I find it really hard to love like You love, especially unconditionally.
Forgive me for all that thoughts I've had and the conclusions I jumped to.
May I learnt to view things through Your eyes,
and maybe just one day, I'll be able to have a breakthrough in my life.

Things were out of control today, things went against the plans that was made.
But one thing for sure, I know God is/was in control.
I surrendered to Him to make things work, if not so be it.
And Lord, I'm still amazed at how You put things together this day.

People may not be as supportive as I thought so.
It hurt me a lot to see how things turned out.
It really made me consider if this is Your will for me.
If it is, then I pray that You cause my burden to be light.

Father, may I learn to be humble and accepting.
May I learn to come to You first in all things.
I live in an imperfect world, but I know I am not restrained by the principles of this world.

I love You Lord, and thank You Lord.
You have been faithful and always will be.
Cause us to turn to You always and never seek to turn away from You.

Let's see how you're going to spam me now

Made my first official ban tonight.

Apparently this joker all the way from Kentucky, USA has been tagging my wall with his/her advertising link and seriously odd comments.

Disregarding my warnings, well I had to put a ban on his/her IP address.
Let's see how long this will last before I impose a lock down on visitors to my blog =S

Heh, this is SO COOL!
And KFC happens to be my favourite fastfood! haha...random!

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

L4D

As of tonight, I am thoroughly done with the way things are being handled.
A personal experience is probably all I need.

The least I expected was a lending of helping hand, not hypocrisy.
My heart goes out to those who are being played out. Least God is for you.

I've always been wondering.
And now it got me to wonder even more.
Surely, it has just made me a more "wonderful" person.

To sum up what I feel it's happening right now:

Reflection

One thing I need to learn ~ reflect

Instead of looking out of the window, to learn to see my own reflection in the glass.

Bugged

It always puzzles me why my blog always attracts weird taggers and comments...

Nevertheless, to all you weird people out there:

~You are not dealing with someone who is a computer-idiot.
For a start: To whoever you are who tagged my board tonight, do not think you can hide.
I know your physical location so please leave my blog alone.

A New Found Love

I was lost, but now am found.
Grace was given, as I looked toward Heaven.
Lord Jesus Christ, God's Greatest Sacrifice.
As I looked to the Cross, tears fill my eyes.

The Lord challenged me as I prayed on Sunday:
God gave His One and only Son for us,
why is it that we give our love to the world instead?
 
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Eph. 4:1-7