Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Enjoyed reading a book by James Montgomery Boice which provided real good insights to these two verses. These book breaks the verses to various parts and explains them in depth.
Just one of the things I learnt: To think Christianly or secularly in every aspect of your life. Be it the time spent in front of the computer, time spent doing your daily work or routine, even to time of worship and service in Church.
Learning to live a life for Him. "Learning to think and act biblically"
I shall be bringing this book to camp. :)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
God is showing me-
His mercies and grace,
His love,
His power and sovereignty,
The hope of His glory,
His will.
Many many things day by day, moment by moment.
Yet I seek not, run away and even show that lost in faith.
From selfish plans to God's grand plan is like from the very east to the very west, split apart by that never crossable pit of despair when things do not go well.
Its interesting how God placed people whom He thinks I am not done with back to my life. I guess I have been somewhat "hiding" behind my ever finite human thinking of "why I am who I am now?", when in fact I should be searching for answers in His word.
When such "hiding" behind this smokescreen and empty wall gets me nowhere, I proceed to try to "sleep" my way through, foolishly hoping that things will straighten up by itself.
I am thankful for the all the little verses in the bible that I have "hid" in my heart. I thought it will be much better talking off to God alone and for Him to just grant me that wisdom and discernment in His word, through His spirit working and going by faith.
I guess its all about God, not man. His will, not mine.
Many ideas have been contemplated in my mind, still seeking and looking for His kind and gracious revelation on how life can be lived for God's Glory and His alone.
His love,
His power and sovereignty,
The hope of His glory,
His will.
Many many things day by day, moment by moment.
Yet I seek not, run away and even show that lost in faith.
From selfish plans to God's grand plan is like from the very east to the very west, split apart by that never crossable pit of despair when things do not go well.
Its interesting how God placed people whom He thinks I am not done with back to my life. I guess I have been somewhat "hiding" behind my ever finite human thinking of "why I am who I am now?", when in fact I should be searching for answers in His word.
When such "hiding" behind this smokescreen and empty wall gets me nowhere, I proceed to try to "sleep" my way through, foolishly hoping that things will straighten up by itself.
I am thankful for the all the little verses in the bible that I have "hid" in my heart. I thought it will be much better talking off to God alone and for Him to just grant me that wisdom and discernment in His word, through His spirit working and going by faith.
I guess its all about God, not man. His will, not mine.
Many ideas have been contemplated in my mind, still seeking and looking for His kind and gracious revelation on how life can be lived for God's Glory and His alone.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
When the going gets tough... go on.
Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Had a good time of fellowship and learning in Church today. GCSS lesson for since a long time was on again. GCSS now has moved to become more dynamic and touches on to issues much more closer and how it can be applied to our life. I can say that this change such makes me think more and be more on the ball during and after lessons.
This few days I see myself being intimidated by the many things going on around my life. I am comforted only when I come to realise God is much BIGGER than life itself and I can take refuge in His word.
Many prayer burdens and requests is beginning to burden my heart. Clinging on to God's love through faith in the hope of Him is both a struggle and commitment. Knowing that God has a plan and will for my life that is revealed in the most wondrous of ways and time is what I really look to with that anticipation.
I somewhat must agree man alone succumb to the various pressures in life and very soon live a life that is of their own, not of God. Thats why man need a good friend or someone whom man can share his burdens with. The idea of accountability partner, serving its role as a "double-check" of each other's life, always encouraging and helping one another.
For God is faithful to those that are faithful. Stay good and close to God. Claim on His very promise.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Had a good time of fellowship and learning in Church today. GCSS lesson for since a long time was on again. GCSS now has moved to become more dynamic and touches on to issues much more closer and how it can be applied to our life. I can say that this change such makes me think more and be more on the ball during and after lessons.
This few days I see myself being intimidated by the many things going on around my life. I am comforted only when I come to realise God is much BIGGER than life itself and I can take refuge in His word.
Many prayer burdens and requests is beginning to burden my heart. Clinging on to God's love through faith in the hope of Him is both a struggle and commitment. Knowing that God has a plan and will for my life that is revealed in the most wondrous of ways and time is what I really look to with that anticipation.
I somewhat must agree man alone succumb to the various pressures in life and very soon live a life that is of their own, not of God. Thats why man need a good friend or someone whom man can share his burdens with. The idea of accountability partner, serving its role as a "double-check" of each other's life, always encouraging and helping one another.
For God is faithful to those that are faithful. Stay good and close to God. Claim on His very promise.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Money, Power and Influence- I desire not.
Went back for guard duty yesterday afternoon. It was both a rewarding and a memorable experience for me.
Memorable for guard duty through the night with 2-3 hours sleep in between somewhat cranks up your body system. The guards' parade was also an experience for we no need to perform a very different set of drills repeatedly.
Anyway just to share a witty conversation that I had with my guard buddy as we are doing our "patrol" at 3 plus in the morning or something. (Not the exact words, from what I remember as the whole convo was about)
buddy: "would you oblige and give 2 dollars to a boy if he asks from you so that he can have afford a ride home?"
me: "well I dunno, but I do know that giving the 2 dollars will not solve the immediate need of that boy"
buddy: "at least his problem is solved for now, with money, power and influence, I believe I can do so much more for this child"
me: "so exactly how much of such money, power and influence is needed for you to do much more?"
buddy: "I think we must always strive to have as much as possible, when we have enough for ourselves, I will use it for the good of others."
me: "doing good to others means reaching out to their "true" needs"
buddy: "so what is that need?, helping others can always begin small"
me: "by solving one's immediate need, his overall or fundamental need is not met. So I think what many people need is a Saviour, which is Jesus Christ."
buddy: "so how does God provides for their daily needs?"
me: "I believe God will always take care of His children, their daily needs can be met through offerings and gifts by other Christians, through Divine appointment in a way."
buddy: "so ultimately the immediate need of people still has to be met, and money is something that has to be part of this whole equation."
me: "true, I think money is something that is that material and empty"
buddy: "yet so useful and helpful"
And to continue on seems rather pointless and fruitless. I didn't really go on to talk to my guard buddy about Christianity and his religion- Sikhism. The point that is impressed on me is that we are not to seek glory in things we are good at.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Memorable for guard duty through the night with 2-3 hours sleep in between somewhat cranks up your body system. The guards' parade was also an experience for we no need to perform a very different set of drills repeatedly.
Anyway just to share a witty conversation that I had with my guard buddy as we are doing our "patrol" at 3 plus in the morning or something. (Not the exact words, from what I remember as the whole convo was about)
buddy: "would you oblige and give 2 dollars to a boy if he asks from you so that he can have afford a ride home?"
me: "well I dunno, but I do know that giving the 2 dollars will not solve the immediate need of that boy"
buddy: "at least his problem is solved for now, with money, power and influence, I believe I can do so much more for this child"
me: "so exactly how much of such money, power and influence is needed for you to do much more?"
buddy: "I think we must always strive to have as much as possible, when we have enough for ourselves, I will use it for the good of others."
me: "doing good to others means reaching out to their "true" needs"
buddy: "so what is that need?, helping others can always begin small"
me: "by solving one's immediate need, his overall or fundamental need is not met. So I think what many people need is a Saviour, which is Jesus Christ."
buddy: "so how does God provides for their daily needs?"
me: "I believe God will always take care of His children, their daily needs can be met through offerings and gifts by other Christians, through Divine appointment in a way."
buddy: "so ultimately the immediate need of people still has to be met, and money is something that has to be part of this whole equation."
me: "true, I think money is something that is that material and empty"
buddy: "yet so useful and helpful"
And to continue on seems rather pointless and fruitless. I didn't really go on to talk to my guard buddy about Christianity and his religion- Sikhism. The point that is impressed on me is that we are not to seek glory in things we are good at.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Lord's prayer in Chinese
我 们 在 天 上 的 父 ：
愿 人 都 尊 你 的 名 为 圣 。
愿 你 的 国 降 临 ；
愿 你 的 旨 意 行 在 地 上 ，
如 同 行 在 天 上 。
我 们 日 用 的 饮 食 ，
今 日 赐 给 我 们 。
免 我 们 的 债 ，
如 同 我 们 免 了 人 的 债 。
不 叫 我 们 遇 见 试 探 ；
救 我 们 脱 离 凶 恶 。
因 为 国 度 、
权 柄 、
荣 耀 ，
全 是 你 的 ，
直 到 永 远 。
阿 们 ！
I enjoy the impact of Chinese words and how God has preserved His word in its very essence in different languages. May God continue to work and encourage all those Chinese Christians out there.
愿 人 都 尊 你 的 名 为 圣 。
愿 你 的 国 降 临 ；
愿 你 的 旨 意 行 在 地 上 ，
如 同 行 在 天 上 。
我 们 日 用 的 饮 食 ，
今 日 赐 给 我 们 。
免 我 们 的 债 ，
如 同 我 们 免 了 人 的 债 。
不 叫 我 们 遇 见 试 探 ；
救 我 们 脱 离 凶 恶 。
因 为 国 度 、
权 柄 、
荣 耀 ，
全 是 你 的 ，
直 到 永 远 。
阿 们 ！
I enjoy the impact of Chinese words and how God has preserved His word in its very essence in different languages. May God continue to work and encourage all those Chinese Christians out there.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Walk in Wisdom
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
I believe we all need to be good stewards of our own time and good managers of it. I am one guy that had not been making good use of my time.
These few days have been quite eventful and had me thinking. The thoughts that are inside me on the many issues in life in a way has been somewhat revealing and also somewhat self-crafted. My prayer is that I do have the wisdom and discernment to see and decide what is God's plan and will, and to act upon it.
I thank God for the time spend with brethren over this two days. I believe it is well time spent praying together in church yesterday. I do believe "prayers move the hand of God". Praying in your quiet time and praying together as a church are prayers that that in a way compliment and support each other.
I am thankful in a way for how God has provided and work in His ways. Thank God for the time of fellowship, something I had miss out on for a long time. God has given me a verse- James 1:19. I think the right thing to do even when I have this weird and uneasy feeling about things is just to look upwards to God.
Ending things off, I am learning to listen to that quiet, still voice of God calling....to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
I believe we all need to be good stewards of our own time and good managers of it. I am one guy that had not been making good use of my time.
These few days have been quite eventful and had me thinking. The thoughts that are inside me on the many issues in life in a way has been somewhat revealing and also somewhat self-crafted. My prayer is that I do have the wisdom and discernment to see and decide what is God's plan and will, and to act upon it.
I thank God for the time spend with brethren over this two days. I believe it is well time spent praying together in church yesterday. I do believe "prayers move the hand of God". Praying in your quiet time and praying together as a church are prayers that that in a way compliment and support each other.
I am thankful in a way for how God has provided and work in His ways. Thank God for the time of fellowship, something I had miss out on for a long time. God has given me a verse- James 1:19. I think the right thing to do even when I have this weird and uneasy feeling about things is just to look upwards to God.
Ending things off, I am learning to listen to that quiet, still voice of God calling....to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Jesus, my very best friend- He can be yours too!
As I begin to question on why so many not so pleasant events or difficult situations that I get myself into, I remember that God, while He is that High and Lofty One, the Holy One, the one whom I need to fear and surrender to, is also a very close friend.
All grievances and unhappiness, along with everything else, I am comforted because I can tell it all to Jesus.
Remembered singing this hymn in church, searched for it online and what a blessing those words are.
What a friend we have in Jesus by Joseph M. Scriven
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
Humming to the tune of this hymn and taking everything to Jesus in prayer.
All grievances and unhappiness, along with everything else, I am comforted because I can tell it all to Jesus.
Remembered singing this hymn in church, searched for it online and what a blessing those words are.
What a friend we have in Jesus by Joseph M. Scriven
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
Humming to the tune of this hymn and taking everything to Jesus in prayer.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Spiritual Leadership Part 3
Being quite a while since the last time I read up on this book on spiritual leadership. Thank God for the chance to read it up yesterday again during this short break after my BMT course.
Just wanted to share some key points and things worth pondering over in the fourth chapter of this book.
Titled "Natural and Spiritual Leadership", I got quite a good insight as to the qualities of a good Christian leader.
First off, Leadership as a whole can be quite rightly defined as having the character to inspire confidence, to move others, and something that is both natural and/or bestowed to an individual.
To quote on to explain what it means of natural and spiritual leadership: "Spiritual leadership blends natural and spiritual qualities. ... Both natural and spiritual qualities reach their greatest effectiveness when employed in the service of God and for His glory."
I liked the contrast the book gives of natural and spiritual leadership.
Natural: Self-confident, Knows men, Makes own decisions, Ambitious, Creates methods, Enjoys command, Seeks personal reward, Independent.
Spiritual: Confident in God, Also knows God, Seeks God's will, Humble, Follows God's example, Delights in obedience to God, Loves God and others, Depends on God.
One thing I noted is that even without the natural part of leadership, God still choose many to become leaders through crisis or circumstances, together with the conviction of the Spirit.
Last point to talk about, quoting off "Spirituality is not easy to define, but you can tell when it is present. It is the fragrance of the Lord, the power to change the atmosphere around you, the influence that makes Christ real to others. ... The secular mind and heart, however gifted and personally charming, has no place in the leadership of the Church."
"Spiritual goals can be achieved only by spiritual people who use spiritual methods."
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Just wanted to share some key points and things worth pondering over in the fourth chapter of this book.
Titled "Natural and Spiritual Leadership", I got quite a good insight as to the qualities of a good Christian leader.
First off, Leadership as a whole can be quite rightly defined as having the character to inspire confidence, to move others, and something that is both natural and/or bestowed to an individual.
To quote on to explain what it means of natural and spiritual leadership: "Spiritual leadership blends natural and spiritual qualities. ... Both natural and spiritual qualities reach their greatest effectiveness when employed in the service of God and for His glory."
I liked the contrast the book gives of natural and spiritual leadership.
Natural: Self-confident, Knows men, Makes own decisions, Ambitious, Creates methods, Enjoys command, Seeks personal reward, Independent.
Spiritual: Confident in God, Also knows God, Seeks God's will, Humble, Follows God's example, Delights in obedience to God, Loves God and others, Depends on God.
One thing I noted is that even without the natural part of leadership, God still choose many to become leaders through crisis or circumstances, together with the conviction of the Spirit.
Last point to talk about, quoting off "Spirituality is not easy to define, but you can tell when it is present. It is the fragrance of the Lord, the power to change the atmosphere around you, the influence that makes Christ real to others. ... The secular mind and heart, however gifted and personally charming, has no place in the leadership of the Church."
"Spiritual goals can be achieved only by spiritual people who use spiritual methods."
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
God is my song
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘ For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’
Read this encouraging text on the 5min bible workout for men.
Billy Graham stated: "Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion- it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."
Many men want to know God as a fire insurance policy, but they aren't willing to make Him their Lord. When Jesus becomes our salvation, we receive His courage, strength, and song. It all doesn't happen overnight; it is a lifelong process to become more and more like Christ.
There is a plaque on a cathedral which reads: (I like the style it is written and the truths in it)
Go on your way to peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the faint-hearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you and remain with you forever.
The action to be taken: Trust God for your strength, courage and song.
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘ For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’
Read this encouraging text on the 5min bible workout for men.
Billy Graham stated: "Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion- it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."
Many men want to know God as a fire insurance policy, but they aren't willing to make Him their Lord. When Jesus becomes our salvation, we receive His courage, strength, and song. It all doesn't happen overnight; it is a lifelong process to become more and more like Christ.
There is a plaque on a cathedral which reads: (I like the style it is written and the truths in it)
Go on your way to peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the faint-hearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you and remain with you forever.
The action to be taken: Trust God for your strength, courage and song.
POP- Passing Out Parade on wednesday 10/6
Varied feelings and emotions for this.
To start off with there is just this slight disappointment as my parents will not be able to make it for this parade. (Going China to visit relatives)
Although its kinda fast how these 9 weeks has passed, there is still this sense of accomplishment that I would like to share with my family and friends.
No doubt there is surely a growth in mental and physically strength, I still see myself drawing my strength from God for quite a number of occasions. Army is a time I really spend "quiet time" with God every night.
Looking back, I think I could have suffered very badly inside army with my ill-discipline and lack of perseverance. To me that is somewhat mentally weak, the desire to just fall out and sloth off when the going gets tough comes too easily.
Yet from the very start, with God leading me, I have tried my best as often as possible, failing only on the issue of alertness and vigilance.
Happy in a sense for the short break coming ahead. Sometimes the restriction of freedom and the military lifestyle really makes me disorientated and disjointed from the people and life outside.
The passage from youth to adulthood proves to be a trying time for the Christian walk, that I have come to understand and acknowledged. Even for me I see myself slowly drifting off from people in Church. I personally also know so many Christians stop going to Churches during this transition age. Not that I can understand what may be the cause(s).
Living a Christian life while you are still under the very wings of your parents, compared with living life under God's invisible wings. It takes faith and faith must be built up. Remember Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Practical Christian living or applying God's word in its very essence has to be done, one step at a time. I realized the bible contain such a wealth of information on how to live life on earth that is glorifying and well pleasing to God.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
My prayer goes out to many of the people going through this transition age from dependency to self-reliance. Draw strength from God with the assurance from His word.
Ending this, Thank You God for leading me through this quite trying time in army inside palau tekong.
Psalm62:6-7
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
To start off with there is just this slight disappointment as my parents will not be able to make it for this parade. (Going China to visit relatives)
Although its kinda fast how these 9 weeks has passed, there is still this sense of accomplishment that I would like to share with my family and friends.
No doubt there is surely a growth in mental and physically strength, I still see myself drawing my strength from God for quite a number of occasions. Army is a time I really spend "quiet time" with God every night.
Looking back, I think I could have suffered very badly inside army with my ill-discipline and lack of perseverance. To me that is somewhat mentally weak, the desire to just fall out and sloth off when the going gets tough comes too easily.
Yet from the very start, with God leading me, I have tried my best as often as possible, failing only on the issue of alertness and vigilance.
Happy in a sense for the short break coming ahead. Sometimes the restriction of freedom and the military lifestyle really makes me disorientated and disjointed from the people and life outside.
The passage from youth to adulthood proves to be a trying time for the Christian walk, that I have come to understand and acknowledged. Even for me I see myself slowly drifting off from people in Church. I personally also know so many Christians stop going to Churches during this transition age. Not that I can understand what may be the cause(s).
Living a Christian life while you are still under the very wings of your parents, compared with living life under God's invisible wings. It takes faith and faith must be built up. Remember Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Practical Christian living or applying God's word in its very essence has to be done, one step at a time. I realized the bible contain such a wealth of information on how to live life on earth that is glorifying and well pleasing to God.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
My prayer goes out to many of the people going through this transition age from dependency to self-reliance. Draw strength from God with the assurance from His word.
Ending this, Thank You God for leading me through this quite trying time in army inside palau tekong.
Psalm62:6-7
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
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