The computer, internet sure can be a boom or a bane. To me, I still thank God for its usefulness. Missing church for the past two weeks, I decided to check on the church's website to see how far ahead the sermons are.(with the thought of pastor still doing the book of colossians) Last week sermon caught my attention and through a series of little events, I listened to the sermon.
Titled "How we should live" and spoken by bro chung howe. I am to an extend moved inside by what is spoken. Maybe its through God's word, the internet and bro chung howe that God has spoken to me.
James 4:13-17
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
I have been praying everyday inside of army, asking God for all the care, comfort and rest, even to the extend of asking Him to reveal His will to me. Yet, I must say I am not abiding by His will all the time.
One very good example will be on a cold I caught inside. I was given a chance to read God's word and happen to chance upon something Paul wrote about "For when I am weak, then I am strong." I fell sick the next day I woke up, for some reason or another, only went to see the medical officer the next day.
I was given two days of rest which ended on the day before a 6km route march (a must-do in order to progress to the next march). Knowing that missing such a march bears consequences like extra trainings, I do not want to miss it and I really thought I could go for it.
But God has other plans for me. For some safety and health reason, one of the commanders in charge of my platoon did not allow me to participate, despite me asking him repeated times. (To the extend where I have gotten everything ready in the morning just before the march -field pack, helmet and everything). The 'No' really just wipe the smile off my face.
Looking back now, I think me not going is God's will. I was given a chance to stay and chit-chat with some other that are also physically not well. My point is, my planning of how things should work out is never right.
To be in God's will means to act accordingly, not for God to show you and then ignore it and walk my own way. This is something I had learn.
Thats all for now, my confidence to be in His will, to submit and act accordingly, all for His glory and His alone. My prayer for the days ahead.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Short Rest
Back from Tekong island. Thank God for guiding me through, sending all the people to encourage me, and most importantly, for His mercies and grace.
Two full long weeks in rocky hill camp. I must confess I kinda miss home and the freedom outside. Have not touched the computer since then. Even now typing on the keyboard has become a clumsy and uneasy task for me.
This two weeks inside seems like a real long time. I've seen myself being 'forced' into a very monotonous life of discipline.
Knowing how army is like and experiencing it is two different story. I learned of what it means to have that discipline, discipline that translates to orderliness in the whole group and organization of the army. Army to me is also a time where I really see myself being restricted to such little freedom of time.
Praying to God in all the little pockets of time I get has been a comfort. Waking up everyday at 5plus always makes me want to praise and thank God. (something I had taken for granted everyday last time)
Army to me is like a more clear exposure of the vulnerability of life. Death being more real to soldiers in the battlefront allows for soldiers to be more conscious of their faith/religion. I penned down some of my thoughts along this area on a notebook inside, an opportunity I believed God has given me.
God has indeed shown Himself to me through this two weeks. As God leads, I will post on the many events that happened, how God has worked, and how I have responded. The last been something I am still working on.
Sidenote: A picture of the day I went in, Tze gang was there to send me off.
Two full long weeks in rocky hill camp. I must confess I kinda miss home and the freedom outside. Have not touched the computer since then. Even now typing on the keyboard has become a clumsy and uneasy task for me.
This two weeks inside seems like a real long time. I've seen myself being 'forced' into a very monotonous life of discipline.
Knowing how army is like and experiencing it is two different story. I learned of what it means to have that discipline, discipline that translates to orderliness in the whole group and organization of the army. Army to me is also a time where I really see myself being restricted to such little freedom of time.
Praying to God in all the little pockets of time I get has been a comfort. Waking up everyday at 5plus always makes me want to praise and thank God. (something I had taken for granted everyday last time)
Army to me is like a more clear exposure of the vulnerability of life. Death being more real to soldiers in the battlefront allows for soldiers to be more conscious of their faith/religion. I penned down some of my thoughts along this area on a notebook inside, an opportunity I believed God has given me.
God has indeed shown Himself to me through this two weeks. As God leads, I will post on the many events that happened, how God has worked, and how I have responded. The last been something I am still working on.
Sidenote: A picture of the day I went in, Tze gang was there to send me off.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thankful and praying
Thank God for the somewhat sent-off event during Sunday school time for me. Really comforted and blessed by this whole event. Just wanted to blog my last post before I go into army to show forth my thoughts and thankfulness.
Its interesting how things work out. Sister Dency was asking me what food I will like to eat on Sunday (thinking she treating me lunch before I enlist), my answer was anything. However, I was thinking of what is it I really need. My thoughts came to having a pocket bible to read in army (Spiritual food). I remembered Li kai telling me a few months back to get one of those Gideon bible. On Sunday I was really given a pocket bible packed nicely to be used in army. Really thankful, for God surely knows my needs and supply it accordingly.
I think God should be given the limelight in my life, not the fact that everything is about me. My prayer is that God continue to watch over me and protect me in army. Now that its less than a day away, fear starts to creep in. I pray that the desire to please God in my every way comes from within, the traps of selfishness and a false righteousness stands really true for me.
For those that happen to read, pray for me that I will meet a good company of friends, have time to read the bible, opportunities to witness to non-believers. Most important, to walk the talk.
Its interesting how things work out. Sister Dency was asking me what food I will like to eat on Sunday (thinking she treating me lunch before I enlist), my answer was anything. However, I was thinking of what is it I really need. My thoughts came to having a pocket bible to read in army (Spiritual food). I remembered Li kai telling me a few months back to get one of those Gideon bible. On Sunday I was really given a pocket bible packed nicely to be used in army. Really thankful, for God surely knows my needs and supply it accordingly.
I think God should be given the limelight in my life, not the fact that everything is about me. My prayer is that God continue to watch over me and protect me in army. Now that its less than a day away, fear starts to creep in. I pray that the desire to please God in my every way comes from within, the traps of selfishness and a false righteousness stands really true for me.
For those that happen to read, pray for me that I will meet a good company of friends, have time to read the bible, opportunities to witness to non-believers. Most important, to walk the talk.
To the valley- and back
God surely leads.
Lost and wondering in the spiritual realm, aimless and fearful of what to expect ahead. Time in its essence seems to be seeping away ever so secretly and carelessly. Secretly because there is no one to always watch over, carelessly as there is just waste.
Questions surfaced in my mind, thoughts ran wild in my head. Seeking and looking for that genuine and true believer seems out of this world for me. I am entering right into the devil's den.. being really indignant to the One calling.
Alas, in the very center of darkness. A slight and weak gleam, yet too difficult to go unacknowledged. From this glow stems the realization of what lies ahead. The glow turned stronger as I marched forward, forcing myself to shift my focus onto myself. Only dirtiness and ugly stains cover my body, with scars and wounds aplenty.
Hate, selfishness, anger... slowly loses its grip on my badly stained body. With it comes along Love, and yes Love. Love in its whole expressing selflessness. That very act of sacrifice of Jesus as He says, "It is finished!" , to die on the old rugged cross.
Three is the number that make me move on to my next step towards the light. I see not myself anymore. A risen Christ stood right in me, in an instant I am no longer me. There stood the new me, cleaned as the most pure of snow.
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I am just very thankful Jesus died for me and for everyone and rose again on the third day, so that our sins are set free and we are saved. Wrote the metaphoric narrative of salvation to express the deep deep and joyful moment of salvation.
Be blessed by the whole story of the Gospel, God's great love for everyone when He sent His Son to bear the sin of the whole world on that Cross.
I think joyous should be the word, not only happy as Easter Sunday pass, knowing of the very great Resurrection that has happened 2000 years ago.
Lost and wondering in the spiritual realm, aimless and fearful of what to expect ahead. Time in its essence seems to be seeping away ever so secretly and carelessly. Secretly because there is no one to always watch over, carelessly as there is just waste.
Questions surfaced in my mind, thoughts ran wild in my head. Seeking and looking for that genuine and true believer seems out of this world for me. I am entering right into the devil's den.. being really indignant to the One calling.
Alas, in the very center of darkness. A slight and weak gleam, yet too difficult to go unacknowledged. From this glow stems the realization of what lies ahead. The glow turned stronger as I marched forward, forcing myself to shift my focus onto myself. Only dirtiness and ugly stains cover my body, with scars and wounds aplenty.
Hate, selfishness, anger... slowly loses its grip on my badly stained body. With it comes along Love, and yes Love. Love in its whole expressing selflessness. That very act of sacrifice of Jesus as He says, "It is finished!" , to die on the old rugged cross.
Three is the number that make me move on to my next step towards the light. I see not myself anymore. A risen Christ stood right in me, in an instant I am no longer me. There stood the new me, cleaned as the most pure of snow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am just very thankful Jesus died for me and for everyone and rose again on the third day, so that our sins are set free and we are saved. Wrote the metaphoric narrative of salvation to express the deep deep and joyful moment of salvation.
Be blessed by the whole story of the Gospel, God's great love for everyone when He sent His Son to bear the sin of the whole world on that Cross.
I think joyous should be the word, not only happy as Easter Sunday pass, knowing of the very great Resurrection that has happened 2000 years ago.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Last few days before army
Enough is said, enough is known.
I am thankful for God placing so many people in my life to even encourage me on and tell me just that extra bit about army life.
I believe army life is like a prelude to life's even bigger and greater challenges. All the world has to offer are pitholes and traps for anyone to fall in and sink, with little or no room for escape. The bible tells us in Hebrews chapter 12 that we are to lay aside every weight (meaning every burden, not only sin), and the sin which so easily ensnare us. My prayer is that I hold on God's word as I enter into army, being vigilant and watchful in every aspects of myself.
God has shown me many things through the week. There is the interview at SMU, which sort of went by in a blurred. God granted me a chance to have lunch with wee beng after my interview. We had a good talk over lunch. (his treat, haha) Looking back, I realized God is still in control.
This past week was quite a trying week. For one, the stigma of our Church's separation still kinda linger and bothers. Also, I somewhat just feel myself so powerless in doing anything for God. Been trying to get my Jc-friends to come to Church, with only excuses and rejection as the common reply. Talking to fellow brethren sometimes really echoes that lack of true Love.
Have been praying during the week. Still I believe God has His plan and He will work accordingly to His pleasure, at the right and perfect timing.
I am still learning how to trust God to work. Or even use me for His bidding. I am tired of trying to do things myself, in the very flesh. Keeping my time in prayers for many things in my life, for the church, for many brethren. There sure is alot of things to pray for.
Not going to blog for awhile. I really hope to see this blog being used as a tool to edify and build people up, and as a mean to thank and praise God.
I am thankful for God placing so many people in my life to even encourage me on and tell me just that extra bit about army life.
I believe army life is like a prelude to life's even bigger and greater challenges. All the world has to offer are pitholes and traps for anyone to fall in and sink, with little or no room for escape. The bible tells us in Hebrews chapter 12 that we are to lay aside every weight (meaning every burden, not only sin), and the sin which so easily ensnare us. My prayer is that I hold on God's word as I enter into army, being vigilant and watchful in every aspects of myself.
God has shown me many things through the week. There is the interview at SMU, which sort of went by in a blurred. God granted me a chance to have lunch with wee beng after my interview. We had a good talk over lunch. (his treat, haha) Looking back, I realized God is still in control.
This past week was quite a trying week. For one, the stigma of our Church's separation still kinda linger and bothers. Also, I somewhat just feel myself so powerless in doing anything for God. Been trying to get my Jc-friends to come to Church, with only excuses and rejection as the common reply. Talking to fellow brethren sometimes really echoes that lack of true Love.
Have been praying during the week. Still I believe God has His plan and He will work accordingly to His pleasure, at the right and perfect timing.
I am still learning how to trust God to work. Or even use me for His bidding. I am tired of trying to do things myself, in the very flesh. Keeping my time in prayers for many things in my life, for the church, for many brethren. There sure is alot of things to pray for.
Not going to blog for awhile. I really hope to see this blog being used as a tool to edify and build people up, and as a mean to thank and praise God.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tested with Fire
I mentioned before about the article I found online titled " Godliness with Contentment". Just read through the first chapter, the cost of discipleship. (10 pages full of words, quotes). This text sure is pushy and challenges your faith.
With its main text based on Luke 9:57-62, the whole chapter just reminds us there is no compromise on your decision to follow Christ. Some quotes from the article:
"One who does not "give up everything" cannot be a true disciple of Christ."
"One who is not actively working on his personal spirituality and contributing in some way to the advancement of God's kingdom right now is not a disciple of Christ."
"When God calls a man, there is nothing that comes before obedience to that calling.
There should be no "but first," no matter what it may be, since God's command is first."
"Those who dictate the conditions and timing of discipleship cannot be Christ's disciples."
"Religion must be all or nothing. It must permeate and dominate every part of
thought and conduct; otherwise, our faith is not genuine"
"Christ's call to discipleship demands the transformation and dedication of the total person."
All these quotes reminds me once again of God's request in a verse, which my dad was repeating throughout yesterday night as my family watched "Facing the giants" together (got the DVD version from a shop in Bishan).
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
God is surely good to me and is showing me lots of things. Pray for wisdom in the leaders and members in Church in guiding the ministries towards a need to reach out to EVERYONE, even during the weekdays so that there will be more accountability.
No more "touch and go" by Christians in Church, for people that visit our Church will also "touch and go".
With its main text based on Luke 9:57-62, the whole chapter just reminds us there is no compromise on your decision to follow Christ. Some quotes from the article:
"One who does not "give up everything" cannot be a true disciple of Christ."
"One who is not actively working on his personal spirituality and contributing in some way to the advancement of God's kingdom right now is not a disciple of Christ."
"When God calls a man, there is nothing that comes before obedience to that calling.
There should be no "but first," no matter what it may be, since God's command is first."
"Those who dictate the conditions and timing of discipleship cannot be Christ's disciples."
"Religion must be all or nothing. It must permeate and dominate every part of
thought and conduct; otherwise, our faith is not genuine"
"Christ's call to discipleship demands the transformation and dedication of the total person."
All these quotes reminds me once again of God's request in a verse, which my dad was repeating throughout yesterday night as my family watched "Facing the giants" together (got the DVD version from a shop in Bishan).
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
God is surely good to me and is showing me lots of things. Pray for wisdom in the leaders and members in Church in guiding the ministries towards a need to reach out to EVERYONE, even during the weekdays so that there will be more accountability.
No more "touch and go" by Christians in Church, for people that visit our Church will also "touch and go".
Friday, April 3, 2009
Facing the Giants
Finally watched "Facing the Giants" online. Quite blessed by it.
I heard of this film from Bro Joseph like a few months back I guess, then I came across "fireproof", a movie by similar producers- which leads me to just view it. I was just wondering at that time how good movies can get. (judging from the many not so healthy shows going around nowadays)
Well, I was really impressed with this film, apart from being a little over emotional, this show really drives home many key points.
1. I am once again reminded of the whole Christian walk- do not quit until you give your best.
2. God is surely very big and powerful, all things can be done through Him.
3. Be always thankful unto God.
I will recommend that those that are running low on faith to watch this to boost their faith, and pray that God's power works in much powerful ways in their lives.
Anyway, yesterday's outing to jurong east swimming complex was quite enjoyable. This time my left thigh scrapped against the sides of the water slide and a small patch of skin came off.(I was suppose to be sitted on the float while sliding down, but I disembark from it wanting to wait for my friend, haha).
I got more chances to talk and managed to share on life and death with one. He's quite nice to listen to me, being receptive. I believe God has His own timing in all things including my friend's salvation. Will continue to pray for him.
Tomorrow is the youth meeting already, heard from my brother he is going, which sounds good, haha.
Need to prepare the fields so that God can show us His blessings for us. Do catch Facing the Giants.(Just realise can watch the whole movie on youtube)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Activities galore.
Getting myself involved in quite alot of things.
Tuesday: Went played Chinese Chess with my Grandpa. (Hear him talk about his life's stories again, really interesting)
We played quite a number of rounds. By the third or forth round, both of us were not really playing properly(lots of careless moves). Wondering how much more time I can spend with him. But dun worry, I will get to see him in Heaven. (Because he has in one point of his life trusted the Lord Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior)
Wednesday: Went Rock-climbing with Jc-classmates.
Quite enjoyable yet painful session. Got a blister on my left hand from belaying my friend. Now there is this stinging pain from the already peeled skin on my palm. Thank God its the left. Just this need to shine for Christ, which I seriously lack.
Thursday: Going swimming or play with water at Jurong East? May it be a fruitful time. Pray that God will intercede and reveal Himself for there are unsaved friends whom need to know and trust God. Its not for me to push but God to give the timing. It may just be the day.
Saturday: Youth meeting in church. 2timothy2:2
Its good to gain and share God's knowledge with fellow believers. Likening to the hymn "But continue thou" which is taken from
2 Timothy 3:14
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
Time for some rest and readjustment of my biological clock. Need to get myself up early from now on. 7am to wake up if possible. Will read Colossians 1:1-10 and let God show His path.
Tuesday: Went played Chinese Chess with my Grandpa. (Hear him talk about his life's stories again, really interesting)
We played quite a number of rounds. By the third or forth round, both of us were not really playing properly(lots of careless moves). Wondering how much more time I can spend with him. But dun worry, I will get to see him in Heaven. (Because he has in one point of his life trusted the Lord Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior)
Wednesday: Went Rock-climbing with Jc-classmates.
Quite enjoyable yet painful session. Got a blister on my left hand from belaying my friend. Now there is this stinging pain from the already peeled skin on my palm. Thank God its the left. Just this need to shine for Christ, which I seriously lack.
Thursday: Going swimming or play with water at Jurong East? May it be a fruitful time. Pray that God will intercede and reveal Himself for there are unsaved friends whom need to know and trust God. Its not for me to push but God to give the timing. It may just be the day.
Saturday: Youth meeting in church. 2timothy2:2
Its good to gain and share God's knowledge with fellow believers. Likening to the hymn "But continue thou" which is taken from
2 Timothy 3:14
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
Time for some rest and readjustment of my biological clock. Need to get myself up early from now on. 7am to wake up if possible. Will read Colossians 1:1-10 and let God show His path.
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