I was just searching on Google some terms on idleness (which I am doing nowadays). I happened to come across this site with quite sound doctrine and good music. Link it here. Thank God for that. In this site there are quite a handful of questions and answers that can aid in the study of God's word.
If the Devil finds a Man idle, he'll set him at work (J. Kelly, "Scottish Proverbs," 1721)
Well that's what I found about idleness and slacking. The following site shows me that the bible do imply that through some verses.
Time to use my brains in reading some books again. GCSS material, books like waiting on God, spiritual leadership all lay around my house. Reading with a purposeful and be spirit-led is thus important, at the same time reading in context from the bible.
Well, praying praying praying for all things to work together for good (Romans 8:28)
Psalm 37:34a (New King James Version)
Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Check-up
I went to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Wednesday for a check-up regarding the toe I injured. Just a very simple check-up where the doctor just told me the toe will heal by itself. No cracks in the bone, no fracture, the doctor merely pressed once to see if there is discomfort or pain of any level. Well to be honest, it is somewhat a slight pain and the toe now seems rather stiff and inflexible. Nevertheless, 27 dollars for one such visit.
Since I got nothing to do, I went around novena area alone checking up on the activities and things up for offer. I was more attracted to the different kinds of nice-smelling food, though. Novena square do have a good mix of food, sports shops, fashion shops and others. United square just across the road offers lots of stuffs for toddlers though.
Its interesting as I walk the underpass that links these two square, there's this busker singing songs like " How great thou art" and "The Old Rugged Cross". It was lunch-time and people were all streaming pass him with only a few stopping to maybe drop a penny for this guy.
These few days have me pondering on things that just continue to confuse and grieve me. Is Christian fellowship all that it is as seen?
Philippians 3:7-8
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Since I got nothing to do, I went around novena area alone checking up on the activities and things up for offer. I was more attracted to the different kinds of nice-smelling food, though. Novena square do have a good mix of food, sports shops, fashion shops and others. United square just across the road offers lots of stuffs for toddlers though.
Its interesting as I walk the underpass that links these two square, there's this busker singing songs like " How great thou art" and "The Old Rugged Cross". It was lunch-time and people were all streaming pass him with only a few stopping to maybe drop a penny for this guy.
These few days have me pondering on things that just continue to confuse and grieve me. Is Christian fellowship all that it is as seen?
Philippians 3:7-8
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Friday, February 13, 2009
Gathering- 2T16 class
Last two days I met up with some of my Jc classmates and friends. The meet-up usually ended up with only a few people. Managed to catch up with xue jin as he comes over again from china just for one interview. He was real nice and though he is not that good with words, I could see that he is just touched as a few of us once again went airport to send him off yesterday morning.
Thank God for restraining my conversation with them so that my words are somewhat edifying, never hurting a third party or bringing anyone down.
It was during this meet-up that a black mark appeared on the screen of my phone, slowing it extended with black lines horizontally till now almost covering to the bottom half of my screen. Time for me to change to my army phone, time for army really soon. God sure have a plan.
It has been a while since I saw my Jc classmates. They still look the same, somewhat. Its interesting to find out what have they been doing nowadays, yet at the same time being careful with the things that they are to talk about.
I believe valentine's day is coming, with "love going around", maybe as a class of the same Jc, there ought to be something done so that there will be a time of love and concern for those in army already, those working temporary, and for those like me slacking. Those already in "love" can still be loved. Haha.
There always has to be a planner for things, and somewhat this time is going to be me again. Class gathering is hard to be successful, with many reasons.
May this time of gathering be always honouring and glorying to God, and I just want to thank God for such friends I have.
Thank God for restraining my conversation with them so that my words are somewhat edifying, never hurting a third party or bringing anyone down.
It was during this meet-up that a black mark appeared on the screen of my phone, slowing it extended with black lines horizontally till now almost covering to the bottom half of my screen. Time for me to change to my army phone, time for army really soon. God sure have a plan.
It has been a while since I saw my Jc classmates. They still look the same, somewhat. Its interesting to find out what have they been doing nowadays, yet at the same time being careful with the things that they are to talk about.
I believe valentine's day is coming, with "love going around", maybe as a class of the same Jc, there ought to be something done so that there will be a time of love and concern for those in army already, those working temporary, and for those like me slacking. Those already in "love" can still be loved. Haha.
There always has to be a planner for things, and somewhat this time is going to be me again. Class gathering is hard to be successful, with many reasons.
May this time of gathering be always honouring and glorying to God, and I just want to thank God for such friends I have.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Unity in Christ, Unity as a family
Yesterday was the last day of Chinese New Year and there was a get together for my family with my grandparents and uncles and aunties again. Simple steamboat dinner at grandparent's house. I was just wondering what is binding the whole family together. Answers like family relations, family love and sorts pop out naturally. There is bound to be disagreement and arguments between each other as a family regarding issues. Quarrelling with my sister and brother at times undoubtedly is a good example.
Two days back on Sunday, lots of things are being discussed in our Church's meeting. I was having a really bad stomach ache just after the worship service, was just sitting outside the church waiting for the pain to go away. Thank God for many brethren coming forward to offer help to me. The pain was still there after going toilet thrice but finally disappear after consuming some bitter powdery chinese medicine. What a relief and this resulted in me going in to the meeting late.
As I was sitting outside, halfway in the meeting, a church member suddenly just dash out being highly emotional. Questions that floats in my mind which I will like to share: Is there a permanent spiritual damage done to this brethren because of this meeting? Are we doing what Christians are suppose to do?
This whole ordeal may be a learning process and lesson for many present, yet the experience is painful and harmful to those that simply need more care, concern and ministering to.
Since this incident, many are going forth to other churches or having their own worship services, there has been almost like a standstill to youth activity in our church, which is just an image of what is really happening in Church.
I am in no means judging how things should be handled, yet when applied to "What would Jesus do?" I am for Unity of the people through all trials and testing.
In closing, let us Press on once again in such times and remember always that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)
Two days back on Sunday, lots of things are being discussed in our Church's meeting. I was having a really bad stomach ache just after the worship service, was just sitting outside the church waiting for the pain to go away. Thank God for many brethren coming forward to offer help to me. The pain was still there after going toilet thrice but finally disappear after consuming some bitter powdery chinese medicine. What a relief and this resulted in me going in to the meeting late.
As I was sitting outside, halfway in the meeting, a church member suddenly just dash out being highly emotional. Questions that floats in my mind which I will like to share: Is there a permanent spiritual damage done to this brethren because of this meeting? Are we doing what Christians are suppose to do?
This whole ordeal may be a learning process and lesson for many present, yet the experience is painful and harmful to those that simply need more care, concern and ministering to.
Since this incident, many are going forth to other churches or having their own worship services, there has been almost like a standstill to youth activity in our church, which is just an image of what is really happening in Church.
I am in no means judging how things should be handled, yet when applied to "What would Jesus do?" I am for Unity of the people through all trials and testing.
In closing, let us Press on once again in such times and remember always that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)
Spiritual Leadership Part 2
Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
But God is the Judge:
He puts down one, And exalts another.
Well I continued reading the book, Chapter 2 is titled "the search for leaders". Being a leader in anything is never an easy task. Being a spiritual leader is also not a slack job. The book seems to guide us in showing that true leaders that really possess
strength, faith beyond the average, being gifted in various areas like intellect, forcefulness and are able to take on responsibility without crumbling are few. Yet God welcomes all that are willing to step forward to serve.
Leaders are like a lighthouse in a sense as they point the direction their followers are to go. Without them or with poor spiritual leadership, Christians will be lead to confusion and malaise. Christian leaders in a sense must be able to lead people through various mountain tops and valleys.
Some traits or marks of spiritual leaders: being clean inside out before God and His people, counting things loss as gain for Christ, and seeking and looking at Christ always.
Quote
Samuel Brengle, a gifted leader who served for many years in the Salvation Army, outlined the road to spiritual authority and leadership:
"It is not won by promotion, buy my many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart-searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous sacrifice of every idol, a bold uncomplaining embrace of the cross, and by eternally looking onto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but like Paul, by counting those things gain to us as loss for Christ. This is a great price, but it must be paid by the leaders whose power is recognised and felt in heaven, on earth and in hell"
Unquote
For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
But God is the Judge:
He puts down one, And exalts another.
Well I continued reading the book, Chapter 2 is titled "the search for leaders". Being a leader in anything is never an easy task. Being a spiritual leader is also not a slack job. The book seems to guide us in showing that true leaders that really possess
strength, faith beyond the average, being gifted in various areas like intellect, forcefulness and are able to take on responsibility without crumbling are few. Yet God welcomes all that are willing to step forward to serve.
Leaders are like a lighthouse in a sense as they point the direction their followers are to go. Without them or with poor spiritual leadership, Christians will be lead to confusion and malaise. Christian leaders in a sense must be able to lead people through various mountain tops and valleys.
Some traits or marks of spiritual leaders: being clean inside out before God and His people, counting things loss as gain for Christ, and seeking and looking at Christ always.
Quote
Samuel Brengle, a gifted leader who served for many years in the Salvation Army, outlined the road to spiritual authority and leadership:
"It is not won by promotion, buy my many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart-searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous sacrifice of every idol, a bold uncomplaining embrace of the cross, and by eternally looking onto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but like Paul, by counting those things gain to us as loss for Christ. This is a great price, but it must be paid by the leaders whose power is recognised and felt in heaven, on earth and in hell"
Unquote
Friday, February 6, 2009
We walk by faith
This guy is an inspiration and God uses Him for His Glory. Praise God!
We walk by faith, and not by sight.
No gracious words we hear from Him who spoke as none e'er spoke;
But we believe Him near.
We may not touch His hands and side, nor follow where ----
He trod;
But in His promise we rejoice, and cry, "My Lord and God!"
We Walk by faith and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy Light!
Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know Your pow'r and might,
as we walk by faith and -- not by sight.
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; and may our faith abound to call on You when You are near, and seek where You are found:
That when our life, life of faith is done, in realms of clear, clearer light we may behold You as You are,
with full and endless sight.
We walk by faith, and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy Light! Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know Your pow'r and might,
as we walk by faith and not, not by sight.
We walk by faith, and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy light. Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know your pow'r and might, may we know Your pow'r and might.
as we walk by faith and not by sight.
We walk by faith, and not by sight.
No gracious words we hear from Him who spoke as none e'er spoke;
But we believe Him near.
We may not touch His hands and side, nor follow where ----
He trod;
But in His promise we rejoice, and cry, "My Lord and God!"
We Walk by faith and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy Light!
Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know Your pow'r and might,
as we walk by faith and -- not by sight.
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; and may our faith abound to call on You when You are near, and seek where You are found:
That when our life, life of faith is done, in realms of clear, clearer light we may behold You as You are,
with full and endless sight.
We walk by faith, and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy Light! Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know Your pow'r and might,
as we walk by faith and not, not by sight.
We walk by faith, and not by sight, led by God's pure and holy light. Prepare us for the journey, Lord, and may we know your pow'r and might, may we know Your pow'r and might.
as we walk by faith and not by sight.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Spiritual Leadership Part 1
Jeremiah 45:5a
And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them;
Because we children of Adam want to become great,
He became small.
Because we will not stoop,
He humbled himself.
Because we want to rule,
He came to serve.
I was skimming through the book on Spiritual leadership by J.Oswald Sanders, and the words above are found in the 1st chapter of the book. Its interesting, for being a spiritual leadership is never about showing off or being all the way on top. It is about genuine serving that often comes with "bitter cup of challenges and painful baptism of suffering".
Ambitions for such leadership is to be God-centred and not self-centred. Some verses that relates to the idea. (Mark 10:42-44, Jeremiah 45:5)
I am suddenly reminded that the bible that saves is the bible that humbles. Thus, let us put pride off the picture and let God show us our talents in serving Him, with a true and honorable ambition that God is well pleased.
All these, I write as a mere man and just like any other man, there may be misinterpretation of the bible and ideas which is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict and rebuke, through various revelation.
That's all for now on chapter 1 of Spiritual leadership.
And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them;
Because we children of Adam want to become great,
He became small.
Because we will not stoop,
He humbled himself.
Because we want to rule,
He came to serve.
I was skimming through the book on Spiritual leadership by J.Oswald Sanders, and the words above are found in the 1st chapter of the book. Its interesting, for being a spiritual leadership is never about showing off or being all the way on top. It is about genuine serving that often comes with "bitter cup of challenges and painful baptism of suffering".
Ambitions for such leadership is to be God-centred and not self-centred. Some verses that relates to the idea. (Mark 10:42-44, Jeremiah 45:5)
I am suddenly reminded that the bible that saves is the bible that humbles. Thus, let us put pride off the picture and let God show us our talents in serving Him, with a true and honorable ambition that God is well pleased.
All these, I write as a mere man and just like any other man, there may be misinterpretation of the bible and ideas which is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict and rebuke, through various revelation.
That's all for now on chapter 1 of Spiritual leadership.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
There are surely lots of love going around. Is love an expression of your feeling and emotions? Is it an action?
I believe the answer to both is yes. There are many kinds of love, namely,
1. agape (unconditional love)
2. eros (sexual love)
3. phileo (brotherly love or personal affection and it expects a return.)
The love mentioned in the passage is the 1st kind of love, agape or agapao. Another word used can be charity. It represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love. Notice its an active and action Love, not a feeling or emotion.
Just as Christ manifest to us such love, we ought to strive to have this love and put such love in our actions.
May God bless you during this season of Chinese New Year and be loved. :)
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
There are surely lots of love going around. Is love an expression of your feeling and emotions? Is it an action?
I believe the answer to both is yes. There are many kinds of love, namely,
1. agape (unconditional love)
2. eros (sexual love)
3. phileo (brotherly love or personal affection and it expects a return.)
The love mentioned in the passage is the 1st kind of love, agape or agapao. Another word used can be charity. It represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love. Notice its an active and action Love, not a feeling or emotion.
Just as Christ manifest to us such love, we ought to strive to have this love and put such love in our actions.
May God bless you during this season of Chinese New Year and be loved. :)
Please get something to do
That title may be there to remind myself. I have been lazying around too much and really doing nothing. Well here I am blogging about things worth sharing about.
Now is the Chinese new year season and for me there ain't much difference in the way our family go about celebrating it. Theres the reunion dinner where my grandparents, uncles with their families and my family came together for a sumptuous meal. We had another dinner on the 1st day of Chinese New Year, this time with my aunties joining. Its a good time to gather together and busk in a time of festivity.
My grandparents, uncles and aunties are Christians and they all go to the same church, which I also went before as a child. I really thank God for them.
For me, its was special in a way because I sort of injured my toe in a fall just before Chinese New Year. My whole foot rammed against a door as a fell which resulted in my fourth toe in my left foot bended in an awkward position towards the fifth toe.
I tried to stay calm and phoned for my parents. Interesting, as I try to get up, holding on to the feet, the toe seem to twist back and goes back to its original position. For a while everything was well and the pain just subsided. My parents in the end still brought me to a doctor and my have my toe bandaged up.
Now theres a bit of pain when i try to bend that toe and intense pain if i happen to kick against something with my foot. Through this incident, I really see how caring my parents are.
Food for thought: If my parents love me so much already, my heavenly Father's love will be so much more.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son,
..........
Now is the Chinese new year season and for me there ain't much difference in the way our family go about celebrating it. Theres the reunion dinner where my grandparents, uncles with their families and my family came together for a sumptuous meal. We had another dinner on the 1st day of Chinese New Year, this time with my aunties joining. Its a good time to gather together and busk in a time of festivity.
My grandparents, uncles and aunties are Christians and they all go to the same church, which I also went before as a child. I really thank God for them.
For me, its was special in a way because I sort of injured my toe in a fall just before Chinese New Year. My whole foot rammed against a door as a fell which resulted in my fourth toe in my left foot bended in an awkward position towards the fifth toe.
I tried to stay calm and phoned for my parents. Interesting, as I try to get up, holding on to the feet, the toe seem to twist back and goes back to its original position. For a while everything was well and the pain just subsided. My parents in the end still brought me to a doctor and my have my toe bandaged up.
Now theres a bit of pain when i try to bend that toe and intense pain if i happen to kick against something with my foot. Through this incident, I really see how caring my parents are.
Food for thought: If my parents love me so much already, my heavenly Father's love will be so much more.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son,
..........
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