i will rise, When He calls my name

2011-11-16T18:01:00.001-08:00

Prayer is not an extra option nor is it a last resort when all other methods have failed. When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works!

2011-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

In the annals of US advertising history, one of the most efficient slogans ever is the California milk producers’ two-word question, “Got milk?” With that phrase, the group captured almost everyone’s attention. In surveys, the slogan was recognized by more than 90 percent of the people polled.

If “Got milk?” is so good at reminding people to drink “cow juice,” perhaps we can create some two-word slogans to remind ourselves to live more godly lives. Let’s turn to James 4 and try it. This passage gives four specific guidelines.

1. Give in! Verse 7 tells us to submit to God. Our sovereign God loves us, so why not let Him run the show? Submission helps us resist the devil. 2. Get close! Verse 8 reminds us of the value of drawing near to God. It’s up to us to close the gap between us and God. 3. Clean up! Verse 8 also reminds us to make sure our hearts are clean. That happens through confessing our sins to God. 4. Get down! James says we need to be humble before God (v.10). That includes viewing our sin as something to weep over.

Give in! Get close! Clean up! Get down! These pairs of words may not look as good on a T-shirt as “Got milk?” But they sure will look good on us.

Lord, help me live a godly life
Of faith and love and purity
So those who watch my life will see
Reflections of Your work in me. —Sper

The most powerful testimony is a godly life.

g

2011-04-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

The prophet Isaiah draws a picture for us in Isaiah 46 of the siege of Babylon and the evacuation of its idols. The carts and carriages that carry them creak, and the weary animals groan under the load (v.1).

In contrast, Isaiah says that God carries His children from birth (v.3). “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!” God declares (v.4). The contrast is precise and vivid in the Hebrew text: The carts and carriages are “loaded” with the weight of the idols (v.1), but we are loaded upon God (v.3). Idols are a “burden,” a thing carried (v.1), but God has gladly “carried” us from the womb (v.3).

The Lord has made us (v.4). Nothing could be more comforting, for our Father loves and cares for His children. He promises, “I will carry you!” and that includes every care and worry that comes our way throughout our lifetime.

So we may let Him carry us and our every burden. This song by Annie Johnson Flint challenges us to experience God’s care: “Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, / Our God ever yearns His resources to share; / Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; / Thy Father both thee and thy load will upbear.”

Heavenly Father, I want to unload my
burdens on You today. Help me to leave them with You.
I trust You with my past, present, and future.
Thank You for Your goodness to me. Amen.

2011-03-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Many people like both the sweetness and the energy they get from chocolate. Yet British auto technicians have found a surprising use for this sweet food. Scientists at the University of Warwick have built a racecar that runs on vegetable oils and chocolate. The fuel provides energy so that the car can reach top speeds of 135 mph.

The Bible also records a surprising source of energy from a food. When Elijah had been used by God on Mt. Carmel to call fire down from heaven, this spiritual high was followed by persecution and melancholy. In response to Elijah’s depression, God sent an angel to provide food, drink, and rest for the weary prophet. The sustaining power of that food from heaven was remarkable: “So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God” (1 Kings 19:8).

Just as we need food to sustain our physical lives, we also need nourishing food for our spiritual lives. God’s Word is “sweeter . . . than honey and the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:10) and feeds our souls. It makes “wise the simple” (v.7) and provides both nourishment and energy for life’s long journey. Take time to feed on it.

God’s Word provides the nourishment
That every Christian needs to grow,
Supplying strength from day to day
By teaching what we need to know. —Sper

God feeds us through His Word.

2011-03-09T06:10:00.001-08:00

If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.

Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).

In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, “Are we there yet? How much longer?” At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts.

All God’s testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

It’s the journey, not just the destination, that’s important.

2011-03-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

I was fishing a local trout stream last summer, when my attention was fixed on a fish that was feeding nearby. I looked up and there on the bank I spied an acquaintance—nationally known fly-fishing guide and outfitter Dave Tucker. Immediately I became aware of my own performance, bungled the next cast, and lost the fish. So it is when we turn our attention away from the activity at hand and think about ourselves.

W. H. Auden has an engaging little poem about those who forget themselves in an activity—a cook mixing a sauce, a surgeon making an incision, a clerk completing a bill of lading. He says that all “wear the same rapt expression, forgetting themselves in a function.” That phrase “forgetting themselves in a function” brings Philippians 2:3-4 to mind: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out . . . for the interests of others.”

When I’m listening to a friend, I need to remind myself to focus on him, not to begin wondering how I look, what he thinks of me, what I should say next. Let’s put others first by listening in rapt attention, concentrating on the one in front of us, forgetting ourselves.

When we hold our tongues and listen,
We communicate our care;
For an open ear speaks volumes
To a heart that’s in despair. —Sper

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.

2011-03-03T19:42:00.001-08:00

Whenever I read the Gospels, I identify with the disciples. Like me, they seemed slow to catch on. Jesus kept saying things like “Don’t you understand it yet?” and “Are you still so dull?” (see Mark 7:18). Finally, however, Peter “got it,” at least one part of it. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ” (8:29).

Peter was right about the “who”—Jesus—but he was still wrong about the “how.” When Jesus predicted His death, Peter rebuked Him for it. Jesus, in turn, rebuked Peter: “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (v.33).

Peter was still thinking in human ways of establishing kingdoms. One ruler would overthrow another and set up a new government. He was expecting Jesus to do the same. But Christ’s kingdom was going to come in a new way—through service and the sacrifice of His life.

The method God uses today hasn’t changed. Whereas Satan’s voice tempts us to gain power, the voice of Jesus tells us that the meek will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). To gain citizens for God’s kingdom, we must follow the example of Jesus, who set aside selfish ambitions, served others, and called people to repent of their sin.

We say we love humanity,
But can we really claim
A readiness to sacrifice
For them in Jesus’ name? —Sper

A Christian is an ambassador who speaks for the King of kings.

2011-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

I read about a 5-minute rule that a mother had for her children. They had to be ready for school and gather together 5 minutes before it was time to leave each day.

They would gather around Mom, and she would pray for each one by name, asking for the Lord’s blessing on their day. Then she’d give them a kiss and off they’d run. Even neighborhood kids would be included in the prayer circle if they happened to stop by. One of the children said many years later that she learned from this experience how crucial prayer is to her day.

The writer of Psalm 102 knew the importance of prayer. This psalm is labeled, “A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.” He cried out, “Hear my prayer, O Lord . . . ; in the day that I call, answer me speedily” (vv.1-2). God looks down “from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven [He views] the earth” (v.19).

God cares for you and wants to hear from you. Whether you follow the 5-minute rule asking for blessings on the day, or need to spend more time crying out to Him in deep distress, talk to the Lord each day. Your example may have a big impact on your family or someone close to you.

The issue isn’t how much time
We spend with God in prayer,
But seeking Him throughout each day
And knowing that He’s there. —Sper

Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for God.

2011-02-21T22:06:00.001-08:00

That’s what makes Isaiah 49:15 so remarkable. It’s here that God told His people, who were feeling forsaken and forgotten (v.14), that His compassion is even greater than a mother’s: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

Sometimes we face struggles in life, and we are tempted to think that God has forgotten us. We may even believe that God no longer loves us. But God’s love for us is as expansive as the open arms of Christ on the cross. And the tender compassion of our heavenly Father is more dependable and more enduring than the love of a nursing mother for her infant. Be comforted—His love never fails.

God will not forget His children
Nor will He forsake our care;
His compassion is enduring—
Even when we’re unaware. —Sper

God’s love for us is as expansive
as the open arms of Christ on the cross.

2011-02-15T00:39:00.001-08:00

Why is it taking my hair so long to get dry? I wondered. As usual, I was in a hurry, and I didn’t want to go outside into the wintry weather with wet hair. Then I realized the problem. I had changed the setting on the hairdryer to “warm” instead of “hot” to accommodate my niece’s preferences.

I often wish I could control the conditions of life as easily as I can change the setting on my hairdryer. I would choose a comfortable setting—not too hot, not too cold. I certainly wouldn’t choose the heat of adversity or the fire of affliction. But in the spiritual realm, warm doesn’t get the job done. We are called to holiness, and holiness often involves “heat.” To be holy means to be set apart for God—separated from anything unclean or impure. To refine and purify us, God sometimes uses the furnace of affliction. The prophet Isaiah said, “When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned” (Isa. 43:2); he didn’t say if. And the apostle Peter said that we should not be surprised by trials (1 Peter 4:12).

None of us knows when we’ll be called to walk through the fire or how hot the furnace will be. But we do know this: God’s purpose for the flames is to purify us, not to destroy us.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. —Keen

The only way God hurries holiness is by turning up the heat.

2011-02-13T20:12:00.001-08:00

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations” (Ps. 46:10). These words from a song sung long ago at the temple in Jerusalem remind us of one of our main tasks—worshiping our awesome God.

One way to do that is to meditate on His many attributes. Exalt God, for He is faithful, eternal, all-knowing, just, unchangeable, gracious, holy, merciful, longsuffering, impartial, and infinite. Our God is perfect.

Exalt God also by realizing that He is all-powerful, almighty, personal, righteous, unsearchable, wise, triune, accessible, self-existent, glorious, and compassionate.

Another way to worship God is to contemplate His names. Exalt God, for He is Creator. He is Love. He is Redeemer. He is Shepherd. He is Savior, Lord, and Father. He is Judge. He is Comforter. He is Teacher. He is I AM. Our God is the Mighty One.

Dwell on His identity. God is our shield. Our stronghold. Our light. Our strength. Our sustainer. Our rescuer. Our fortress.

Meditate on God’s attributes. Contemplate His names. Dwell on His identity. Adore Him. Respect Him. Honor Him. Love Him. Exalt Him. Use the rest of your life getting ready to worship our awesome God forever.

O worship the King,
All glorious above,
And gratefully sing
His power and His love. —Grant

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. —Psalm 150:6

2011-02-03T01:14:00.001-08:00

In Singapore, the Chinese New Year season’s social and business dinners often begin with a dish consisting of salads, dressings, pickles, and raw fish. The name of the dish, Yu Sheng, is a pun that sounds like “year of prosperity.” It is traditional for those present to toss the salad together. As they do, certain phrases are repeated to bring about good fortune.

Our words may express our hopes for others for the year ahead, but they can’t bring about good fortune. The important issue is—what does God want to see in us in the coming year?

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expressed his desire and prayer that their love “may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment” (1:9). The church had been a great tower of support for him (v.7), yet he urged them to continue to grow to love others. Paul wasn’t talking about intellectual knowledge but knowledge of God. Love for others starts with a closer relationship with Him. With a fuller knowledge of God, we can then discern between right and wrong.

Giving our best wishes to others for the coming year is fine. But our heartfelt prayer should be that we abound in love, so that we may be “filled with the fruits of righteousness . . . , to the glory and praise of God” (v.11).

Teach me Thy patience! still with Thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong. —Gladden

People with a heart for God have a heart for people.

2011-02-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Every so often, my computer becomes sluggish. Frequent use of certain programs and documents causes pieces of information to become scattered, requiring my computer to search for the pieces before I can use them. To fix it, I need to run a program that retrieves the pieces and groups them together where they are easily accessible. This process is called “defragmentation.”

Like my computer, my life gets fragmented. One situation tugs on my emotions while I’m trying to concentrate on something else. Demands from every direction bombard me. I want to accomplish everything that needs to be done, but my mind won’t stop and my body won’t start. Soon I begin to feel weary and useless.

Recently I attended a retreat where one of the handouts included a prayer with words that expressed how I felt: “Lord, I am scattered, restless, and only half here.”

King David also went through such times (Ps. 55:2). In prayer, David presented his needs to God morning, noon, and evening, confident that he would be heard (v.17).

Prayer can help to defragment our lives. When we cast our cares on the Lord, He will show us what we need to do and what only He can do.

O Lord, we bring our restless hearts
To You in fervent prayer;
Now help us wait expectantly
While resting in Your care. —Sper

We need prayer the most when we have the least time to pray.

2011-01-12T07:27:00.001-08:00

Recently I attended a memorial service for a gifted musician whose life had touched many people. The tribute to this Christian woman included video and audio clips, photos, instrumentalists, and speakers. After everyone had left the church, I stopped to thank the technicians whose flawless work at the control board had contributed so much to this moving tribute. “No one noticed what you did,” I told them. “That’s the way we like it,” they replied.

In Matthew 6, Jesus told His disciples to give (vv.1-4), pray (vv.5-6), and fast (vv.16-18) in order to please God, not to gain praise from people. “When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place” (v.6). Whether giving, praying, or fasting, Jesus said, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (vv.4,6,18).

Something within us makes us want to be seen and recognized for our good deeds. While there’s nothing wrong with encouragement and appreciation, a desire for praise can undermine our service because it shifts the focus from others to ourselves. When there is no public “thank you,” we may feel slighted. But even when we serve God in secret, He sees it all.

The service that we do for God
May go unpraised by men;
But when we stand before the Lord,
He will reward us then. —Sper

It is better to earn recognition without getting it than to get recognition without earning it.

2011-01-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

Does it surprise you that trouble is a part of life? Probably not. We all know trouble close-up and personal—bad health, empty bank account, blighted love, grief, loss of job, and the list goes on.

It shouldn’t surprise us, therefore, that God permits the added trials of being ridiculed and hated because we follow Christ (1 Peter 4:12). But trouble, whether it is common to man or unique to Christians, can reveal to us the moral fiber of our soul.

I have never seen a golf course without hazards. They are part of the game. Golfers speak of the courses with the most hazards as the most challenging, and they will travel a long way to test their skill against the most demanding 18 holes.

Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “If I had a formula for bypassing trouble, I wouldn’t pass it around. I wouldn’t be doing anyone a favor. Trouble creates a capacity to handle it . . . . Meet it as a friend, for you’ll see a lot of it and you had better be on speaking terms with it.”

Let’s not think it strange when trouble comes, for God is using it to test the stamina of our souls. The best way to handle trouble is to commit our “souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (v.19).

The troubles that we face each day
Reveal how much we need the Lord;
They test our faith and strength of will
And help us then to trust God’s Word. —D. De Haan

Great triumphs are born out of great troubles.

2010-12-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

I’ve always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it’s easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers.

In my own life, I get a lot of clarity (though not perfect clarity—that’s heaven’s joy!) about the wise and loving ways of God as I reflect on the ways He has managed my journey by “the works of [His] hands” (Ps. 92:4). With the psalmist, it makes me glad and strikes a note of joy in my heart to see how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully (Ps. 111).

Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy, and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).

With the promise of God’s presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.

Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way? —Adams

God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.

2010-12-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

A medical school program in New York gives students who are training for geriatric medicine a unique opportunity. They experience life as nursing home residents for 10 days. They learn some of the struggles of maneuvering a wheelchair and being raised out of bed with a lift, as well as reaching the shower bar from a seated position. One student learned how little things counted for a lot—like lowering nameplates on doors so that patients can find their rooms more easily, or putting the TV remote in a reachable location.

Although the students still can’t fully relate, they will be better able to serve the elderly in their future work.

Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we’ve learned and the comfort He’s given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. Paul indicated this when he wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Are you using the lessons you’ve learned in your trials to touch the lives of others? Remember—even little things can mean a lot.

The comfort God has given us
He wants us now to share
With others who are suffering
So they will sense His care. —Sper

God doesn’t comfort us to make us comfortable;
He comforts us to make us comforters.

2010-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the problem Science has with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his new Christian students to stand

Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you, son?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you believe in GOD?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD good?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My Brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?
(Student was silent)
Professor : You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from?
Student : From…GOD…
Professor : That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil?
(Student did not answer)
Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the World, don’t they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who created them?
(Student had no answer)
Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe The World around you. Tell me, son…have you ever feen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor : Yet you still believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes, Faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn’t…
(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)
Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat,
Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don’t have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero
Which is No Heat, but we can’t go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.
(There was pin-drop dilence in the Lecture Theatre)
Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as
Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn’t Darkness?
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the Absence of
Something.
You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light…
But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and its
Called Darkness, isn’t it? In reality, Darkness isn’t. If it is,
You would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student : Sir, my point is, your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue
There is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD. You are
Viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can’t even explain a Thought. It uses Electricity and
Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life, just the Absence of it
Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from
a Monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process,
yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the
argument was going)
Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at
work and Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavor,
Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir?
Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?
(The Class was in uproar)
Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the
Professor’s brain?
(The Class broke out into laughter)
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s
brain, felt it, touched or smelt it?…
No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable
Protocol, Science says that you have No Brain, sir. With all due respect,
sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The Room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face
unfathomable)
Professor : I guess you’ll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir…Exactly!
The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.

That student was ALBERT EINSTEIN.

2010-12-01T19:23:00.001-08:00

Have you ever heard skeptics say that the Christian faith is nothing more than a crutch—that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are weaklings who have to make up “religion” to get by?

Apparently those skeptics haven’t heard about the doctor in one Far Eastern country who spent 2 ½ years in jail being “reeducated” because he professed faith in Christ. Then, after his release, he was arrested again—this time for his efforts at his church.

And perhaps those skeptics haven’t heard about Paul. After trusting Christ, he was arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Cor. 11:16-29).

These believers were not looking for a crutch. No, they had something deep and essential in their hearts. They had a personal relationship with God—a relationship born of faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As a result, they became children of the King—eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him. They were not limping along looking for something to hold them up.

A crutch? Hardly. Faith in Christ is not about safety and caution. It’s about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It’s about taking up a daily cross (Luke 9:23) and living for the Savior.

“Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
“If you would My disciple be;
Take up your cross with willing heart
And humbly follow after Me.” —Everest

Because Jesus bore the cross for us,
we willingly take it up for Him.

2010-11-29T20:30:00.001-08:00

If you have a tendency to despair over lost opportunities or if you worry about the future, ask yourself this question: “What is right in front of me?” In other words, what circumstances and relationships are currently available to you? This question can get your focus off a past regret or a scary future and back to what God can do in your life.

It’s similar to the question God asked Moses at the burning bush. Moses was troubled. Aware of his own weaknesses, he expressed fear about the Lord’s call for him to lead Israel out of bondage. So God simply asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Ex. 4:2). The Lord shifted Moses’ attention away from his anxiety about the future and suggested he notice what was right in front of him—a shepherd’s rod. God showed Moses that He could use this ordinary staff to perform miracles as a sign for unbelieving people. As Moses’ trust in God grew, so did the magnitude of miracles God worked through His servant.

Do you think about past failures too much? Do you have fearful thoughts about the future? Recall God’s question: “What is that in your hand?” What current circumstances and relationships can God use for your benefit and His glory? Entrust them—and your life—to Him.

Onward and upward your course plan today,
Seeking new heights as you walk Jesus’ way;
Heed not past failures, but strive for the prize,
Aiming for goals fit for His holy eyes. —Brandt

You can’t change the past,
but you’ll ruin the present by worrying about the future.

2010-11-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

VERSE:
You are deserving of all the praises Lord.
My heart is yearning,
To be in Your presence once more.
Deep inside my heart is burning,
I want to give You more.
And You're the only one that I adore.

CHORUS:
How great You are,
How great You are.
You are the Mighty King,
And You've come to reign in me.
How great You are,
How great You are.
I give You all the praises of my heart.

This song is stuck in my head.
Just sing from my heart
How Great is He
In my Life
In my Thinking
In my Deeds
In my Family
In my darkest moment
In my Happiest time
In Church
In Exam

No matter in what stage your life may be in
Just look to Him because He is Great
He will see you thru :)

2010-11-21T19:44:00.001-08:00

I was feeling down about some circumstances the other day and wondering how I might lift my spirits. I pulled from my shelf the book Life Is Like Licking Honey Off a Thorn by Susan Lenzkes, and I read this: “We take the laughter and the tears however they come, and let our God of reality make sense of it all.”

Lenzkes says some people are optimists who “camp in pleasures and good memories,” denying the brokenness. Others are pessimists who “focus on life’s losses, losing joy and victory in the process.” But people of faith are realists who “receive it all—all the good and bad of life—and repeatedly choose to know that God really loves us and is constantly at work for our good and His glory.”

As I read, I looked outside and noticed dark clouds and a steady rain. A little later, a friendly wind came up and blew the clouds away. Suddenly the skies were bright blue. The storms of life blow in and out like that.

By faith we cling to God’s promise of Romans 8:28. And we recall that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). God loves us, and He’s getting us ready for the day when skies will be forever blue.

The purposes of God are right,
Although we may not see
Just how He works all things for good
And transforms tragedy. —Sper

God promises a safe landing— but not necessarily a calm passage.

2010-11-17T21:48:00.001-08:00

In many countries, childhood obesity is at an all-time high. A major culprit in such unhealthy weight gain is poor eating habits and junk food.

The term junk food refers to items that taste good but lack nutritional value and are often very high in calories and fat. Chips, soft drinks, candy bars, cookies, and many meals purchased at fast-food restaurants fit these criteria.

To be spiritually healthy, we have to avoid “spiritual junk food” as well. Some religious teachers proclaim “a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6), ranging from health-and-wealth to a counterfeit spirituality. And some Christian music and books also contain false teaching. Taking in this kind of “food” may seem to satisfy spiritual hunger, but it will not lead to spiritual health.

Hebrews warns us: “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace” (Heb. 13:9). False teaching is detrimental to our health and is not profitable, because it cannot cleanse from sin nor give power for spiritual growth. But biblical content that is based upon grace and truth does both.

Avoid “spiritual junk food” and instead feast on God’s Word to promote your spiritual health.

To walk close by Your side, my dear Savior,
To be led by You, doing each task,
To feast richly on grace at Your table,
And to know You is all that I ask. —Somerville

Feeding on God’s truth will help us avoid swallowing lies.

2010-11-09T19:50:00.001-08:00

That’s how we might sometimes feel about prayer: Where do I start? That’s what the disciples wanted to know when they asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). The best place to look for instruction is in the example and teaching of Jesus. Two questions you may have are:

Where should we pray? Jesus prayed in the temple, in the wilderness (Luke 4), in quiet places (Matt. 14:22-23), in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22), and on the cross (Luke 23:34,46). He prayed alone and with others. Look at His life, follow His example, and pray wherever you are.

What should we pray? In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to ask that God’s name be honored and that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Ask Him for your daily provisions, for forgiveness of sin, and for deliverance from temptation and evil (Luke 11:2-4).

So if you’re looking for a good place to start, follow the example of the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord has shown us we can pray
Wherever we may be;
And when we say, “Your will be done,”
His work on earth we’ll see. —Sper

If Jesus needed to pray, how can we do less?

2010-11-09T02:51:00.001-08:00

For the believer, temperance, or moderation, does not derive from sheer human willpower. Instead, it comes from the Holy Spirit who gives us self-control: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Self-control is the Spirit-produced quality that enables us to be “temperate in all things” (1 Cor. 9:25).

Overindulgence in food, rest, work, recreation, ministry, and a variety of “good things” can be corrected only through the balance of self-control. Take a few minutes to ask God to produce that special virtue in you.

If gaining the fruit of self-control
Is something you’re trying to do;
Submit your will in everything
To the Spirit living in you. —Kieda

To gain self-control, give the Spirit control.

2010-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind"

One of the Important commandment!
Its the Hardest commandment!
Its the most powerful commandment!

2010-10-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

The truth is that we live in a web of dependence, at the center of which is God, in whom all things hold together. Norwegian theologian Ole Hallesby settled on the single word helplessness as the best summary of the heart attitude that God accepts as prayer. He said, “Only he who is helpless can truly pray.”

Most parents feel a pang when the child outgrows dependence, even while knowing the growth to be healthy and normal. With God, the rules change. We never outgrow dependence, and to the extent we think we do, we delude ourselves. Prayer is our declaration of dependence upon the Lord.

Give Him each perplexing problem,
All your needs to Him make known;
Bring to Him your daily burdens—
Never carry them alone! —Adams

Pray as if your life depended upon it. It does!

g

2010-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

So happy for myself~!

1st-Brought a Badminton racket for myself~!
2nd-When to carls Jr for a Big burger~
3rd-Was able to attend oikos~!
4th-going for water baptism on the 30th

Wooooo~
God is Good~!

2010-10-06T18:57:00.001-07:00

28 Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

29 He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

31 But those who

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

2010-10-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

King David knew about that ally. In Psalm 18:6, he affirmed, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.” There is no greater help in our time of need than God. He alone can carry us through the trials and crises of life, and we have His word that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

When crisis hits, we don’t have to stand alone. We have the right help. We can depend on God to be the greatest ally we could ever know. Lean on Him.

When a crisis looms before you,
Don’t face it on your own;
Seek advice from godly counsel,
And take it to God’s throne. —Sper

Our greatest hope here below is to get help from God above.

2010-09-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

It’s not that pastors are perfect. If that is what we are looking for, then pastorless churches would be the norm. It’s that God calls on us to honor those who lead us spiritually, particularly “those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17 ESV). In my opinion, pastoring is one of the hardest occupations on the planet. We live in a sophisticated, fast-paced, and complex world, and our expectations for “high-performance” pastors often set the bar at unattainable heights.

So, let’s switch the focus and become high-performance church members who honor our pastors with words of encouragement and prayer. A supportive note or a “thank you” in the foyer will go a long way to stimulate pastors to serve with joy and efficiency.

Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. —Sper

Don’t be rough on your pastor—
pass along some encouragement today.

2010-09-16T23:37:00.001-07:00

The world may find that kind of thinking to be foolish. It doesn’t really understand the heart that looks beyond trying to gain more wealth or fame to real satisfaction and contentment. This is especially true when it comes to our choice to live for Christ. But it is in the world’s perception of our alleged foolishness that we might best represent the Master’s different goals to this world. Paul wrote, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27).

A commitment to living according to kingdom values might brand us as foolish in the eyes of the world, but it can bring honor to our God.

What Christ will say on judgment day
Will finally make life’s values clear;
He’ll show that we were rich or poor
By what on earth we held most dear. —D. De Haan

Core values are of no value unless they reflect God’s values.

2010-09-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

According to the Bible, the variety of the natural world is designed to do far more than inspire childlike wonder. The mysteries of nature can help us come to terms with a God who allows inexpressible, unexplainable pain and suffering.

We see this in the epic story of Job. While he was suffering, Job didn’t know that God had such a high regard for him that he allowed Satan to test his faith with a series of losses.

What emerges is this eventual, unavoidable conclusion: A Creator who has the wisdom and power to design the wonders of nature is great enough to be trusted with pain and suffering that are beyond our ability to understand. In awe, Job proclaimed, “I know that You can do everything” (42:2). We can trust that kind of God—no matter what.

If God’s creation helps us see
What wonders He can do,
Then we can trust His promises
For they are always true. —D. De Haan

It’s good to worship God in nature
if it leads us to worship the God of nature.

2010-09-14T04:52:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we are like that little bird—anxious, frazzled, and afraid of what might happen next. It comforts me to think that “not one [sparrow] falls to the ground” without God knowing about it (Matt. 10:29). He sees and knows everything in our world.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place” (Prov. 15:3), and nothing escapes His attention, including you and me. God understands and values the finest points of our being. Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matt. 10:30).

It’s amazing that God keeps a tally of our personal trivia and is even aware of a bird’s misfortune. Since He knows about these small details, we can trust that He sees and cares about the big issues that ruffle our feathers. When we ask Him for help, God’s response is always informed by His perfect knowledge of us and our circumstances. Let’s trust Him with our anxious concerns.

If God sees the sparrow’s fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not then care for you? —Anon.

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

2010-09-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

In the Bible, however, love is commanded. That is what Moses told the nation of Israel: “I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways” (Deut. 30:16). And Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God” (Mark 12:30).

How can God command love? His supreme display of love at Calvary gave Him that right. Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, wrote: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. . . . This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:16,23).

What opportunities do you have to obey God’s command to love? Honoring parents by caring and providing for them? Ministering to a sick friend? Offering a gracious and kind word to someone who is difficult to love?

Lord, because You laid down Your life for us, help us to show love to others.

Love is an attitude, love is a prayer,
For someone in sorrow, a heart in despair;
Love is good will for the gain of another,
Love suffers long with the fault of a brother. —Anon.

We show our love for God when we love one another.

2010-09-07T07:08:00.001-07:00

It’s easy to think that we have no need for instructions for our lives, only to later realize that we’ve messed things up. Which is exactly why Jesus advised that following His instructions is the way for wise people to build a safe, solid, and significant life (Matt. 7:24-29). He had just told the listening crowd to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, to forgive enemies, and to sell treasures so that they could give to the poor (5:39-44). But just getting the instructions isn’t enough. The key is to follow them. “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (7:24).

Those who don’t follow the instructions are, as Jesus put it, “foolish” (v.26). To the world, forgiving your enemies and giving to the poor may seem like a silly way to build a life, but, take it from Jesus, it’s the wise way.

Lord, help me heed Your every word,
Commands that I have read or heard;
As You reveal Your will each day,
Help me to follow and obey. —Fitzhugh

To build a rock-solid life, follow Jesus’ instructions.

2010-09-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

Ezra the priest experienced the “good hand of his God upon him”when he led a delegation to Jerusalem to provide spiritual leadership for the former captives who were rebuilding the temple and the city (Ezra 7:9-10). Ezra found strength and courage in knowing that the Lord was with them each step of the way. “So I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me” (v.28).

When we see the Lord’s hand in our lives, it brings forth a deep “Thank You” and a growing desire to do what He wants us to do.

If we would view through eyes of faith
The course of each new day,
We’d quickly see God’s gracious hand
In all that comes our way. —D. De Haan

If you know that God’s hand is in everything,
you can leave everything in God’s hands.

2010-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

I suspect that sometimes when we pray, we think something similar has happened to God—that for some reason He isn’t there. But the Bible offers us comfort with the assurance that God hasn’t “fallen from the sky.” He is always available to us. He hears and He cares.

In a time of desperation, David wrote, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Ps. 55:17). No matter when we call on God, He hears the cries of His children. That should encourage our hearts. What was David’s response to having a God who hears prayer? “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (v.22). Although God may not answer as we would like or when we would like, we know that at “evening and morning and at noon” He is always there.

God hears us when we call to Him—
His ears take in each voice;
The knowledge that He’s always there
Should cause us to rejoice.

God is always available to hear the prayer of His child.

Psalm 55:16-23

2010-08-24T20:16:00.001-07:00

For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.

Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).

No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content.

The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But true fulfillment only comes
When Christ we love and treasure. —Sper

We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ.

2010-08-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

The apostle Paul asked, “Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” (1 Cor. 2:16). Clearly, the answer is no one. Praise God that even when we don’t understand Him, we know we can trust Him.

To fully understand God is impossible; to worship Him is imperative.

With our finite minds and our self-centered views, we can’t deduce why God does what He does. Yet some people look at tragedies, for instance, and turn their backs on God—assuming that their finite knowledge about the situation is better than His infinite wisdom.

Indeed, if we could figure God out—if He were no more than a glorified human with no greater knowledge than that of the smartest person—where would be the awe and the majesty of the Almighty? One reason we know God to be so great is that we cannot reduce His thinking to ours.

greatness

2010-08-09T09:26:00.001-07:00

True greatness does not come to those
Who strive for worldly fame,
It lies instead with those who choose
To serve in Jesus’ name. —D. De Haan

Humility is the recipe for success.

kk

2010-08-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I Have 1 of the Most Bad Bad Dream of my Life!
Woke up with fear !

aaa

2010-07-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

My First Prophesy In Church camp 2009

I see alot of creativity. God puts creativity all around you and you have this giftings that are different than other people and the words says that He's going to use that powerfully to affect people in the world,I see you drawing! see you Painting, i see all kind of artistic stuff, there's just an anointing, you like that kind of things?

You need to start trying that coz the Spirit of God is showing me, That He wants yo Give you some gifting in that kind of a manner.

I feel there's an anointing that God wants to place on your life make you a sign and a wonder to people around you and He's going to use you in a way that people aren't usually use. you'll even become one of there people that come before the rich and the famous, people of high class influence.

I see the Lord as you get older there's a prophetic anointing on your life that ill bring you before people of very high important, presidents,king,leaders all kinds of different things

There's an anointing that God has put on you like Daniel to that and that comes to an anoiting of Creativity, anointing of e arts but there's also dreams and visions that kind of e things in Your Life..

Trust in God

2010-06-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a short real life story when i am in camp

I am 19 this year
This story begin when i am in the ns police force
On 9 June 2010 at night after water parade
Two officer walk into the coy.
one of the officer speak to us about people smoking in the coy.
The next thing he say is if anyone dun want to admit by 15min.
The whole coy will spend our weekend here.
Everyone in the coy was unhappy and angry.
Some of them almost fight.
15min later the officer ask again.
Still no one answer him..
I was upset and tired at that time..
Msging people telling them what will happen
On that very night after i finish my Qt.
God speak to me saying
"Son don't worry, clean your bunk on friday and you will be out"
This words stuck in my head.
Even i have the peace in me.
i still abit worry and scare
Next day when we are having our dinner.
i have a christian friend
Talking about the confinement thingy
Suddenly he say this " we will not be confine this week, believe in my God"
This few words speak to my heart again
It increase my faith in GOD
Then we return to the Coy to slack and chit chat.
The next thing we know. we gotta fall in again
The coy commander is here to speak to us
This time they found cigarettes butt in my squad floor level
and the study room.
This thing make me more sad and more hard to believe what God have spoken
I was thinking.Sian going to get confine.
After everything.
Getting back to our bunk
i was asking God
"God you say i can go home"
why is there more and more problem coming
God show me the same word again.
"YOU WILL BE OUT THIS FRIDAY"
Then i tell God.
Ok I will trust in you With all my heart
Then when i went over to my friend bunk.
we were chatting about the confinement thingy again.
i told him.We will not be Confine
BECAUSE MY GOD SAY SO.
He laugh at me ..
then i went to have a shower and came back.
My squad IC call us to gather in 1 bunk
He have something to tell us
He said. There will not be confinement this week.
Then i turn to my friend and told him
" I TOLD YOU SO!, My GOD SAY SO"

Sometimes trusting God is hard
But if we hang on to the dream and word that God speak
He will DO it
Thank you for this blessing
GOD blesss all of you!

Prophesy

2010-06-06T02:53:00.000-07:00

one of the Prophesy to me

Psalm 1:3

He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf also shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper

If i got time i write out more ....
Thank you Lord!

2010-05-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

day 36 of 37Days

today main service i was almost falling asleep =x
Jss worship was good!
Youth was good too !
Thank for all the wishes !
Then when tam for dinner!
Thank david for the dinner!
Thank Jaime for the Icecream!
Thank Melody for the Drink!
Thank Joel for the Movie !
i have been greatly bless!

Thank you all !
Thank you God!

2010-05-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

THIS POST IS FOR MUMMY and QQQ !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-05-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

day 35 of 37 days

Time is near!
Today when for Jss pract!
Then when mac with small val and david
Slack and play game...
Then have dinner and some games!
My leg pain wor =x
hahaha
Gotta go and pray liao!

Your Anointing is Beautiful
PRICELESS :)

2010-04-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

day 32,33 and 34 days of 37DAYS

Time pass so soon ..
People say i never update for 3 days ler
hahahaha
I here to update what happen this 3 days
Wed had PNP !
After that when to the fave place ! MAC!
hahaha
Thur got Bible study!
After that Follow pastor to have a drink!
Mr teh tarik!
hahaha
Friday its the BEST !
Had a whole afternoon spend with Jon,David,kaiming,joel
hahaha
After that when to Amanda House for my Farewell dinner'
Its very good!
Thank you all for attending
Say a speech! even it may not be very nice !
But i really want to thank all !
Then went movie !
IRON MAN 2!
hahahaha
After that cab home !

2010-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

day31 of 37DaYS

Its my last 6 days ler
Had dinner with the Jss team at Jack place!
Filled ! Had fun too
Gonna miss the jss team !
God bless you all ! :D

2010-04-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

day 30 of 37days~

My last week ler !
Times really so fast !
To went lunch with pastor tay !
FILLED !
then when movie with Jon,david and kaiming !
hahaha
"Monga"
Nice show !
hahaha

2010-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

day29 of 37Days !

Left with 1week and 2days !
Today jss was quite good
Main service speaker was good and funny !haha
Youth pastor tay was speaking
A very good sermon !
"Fear of the Lord"
Learn alot!
God bless you !

2010-04-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

day28 of 37DAYS

Today its sat already !
i haven pack my bag to Police !
hahahahahaha
Today Jss pract very very good !
hahaha
1week and 2 days left !

2010-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

day27 of 37Days

TOday its FRIDAY !
OIKOS!
Oikos was Great !
Gonna miss Oikos when i am in the police !
hahahaha
Had fun fellowship!
hahahaha

I am sorry Holy Spirit
I am sorry i have grieve You
I need You !
You are my Everything !

2010-04-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

day26 of 37Days

Today Went shopping with Joel,Jaime and jiafong
Hahaha ! Walk tilll kaneng !
LOL!
Then go Bible study !
Then go Mr teh tarik !
Hahahahahaha !
More and more lazy to write so much ler
=x
Keke !

GOD BLESS YOU!

2010-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

2010-04-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

day 24,25 of 37days

Days are counting down now !
1 week and 6 days left !
So sad ! Will miss everyone !
Miss Jss
Miss Youth
Miss Oikos
Miss mac
Miss PNP
Miss so many many things !
SOOOOO fast !

2010-04-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

day23 of 37Days

Today Slack at home the whole day !
Hahahaha !
Had maggie mee around evening !
Had Cheese burger around midnight !
FAT ler !
hahahaha

Nothing much to post !

2010-04-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

day 22 of 37days

Today when to church at 8am~~~!
Main service was Goood !
Jss Ok Ok only !
My class becoming more and more Bad !
hahaha
Maybe my teaching skill is not that good !
Then Youth was Great !
Half way of youth ... i Feel SICK :(
Then when cartel for Dinner !
Then Went home ler !

God thank you for every small things !

2010-04-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Day 21 of 37 days

Today David Bless me with New york meal !
Wooooooo
Then when to catch a movie ! * Date night *
Then meet bryan and have dinner and slack at tam mac
Hahahaha!

WOOOOO

2010-04-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

day 20 of 37Days

Today did really nothing !
Slack at home the WHOLLLLEEEEE Day
hahahhahaha
Then went oikos !
Then when Hougang mac and slack !
hahahaha

Holy spirit i love u =D

2010-04-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

day 16.17.18,19 days of 37Days

haha !
Nothing much to post !
I have be away for this few days !
Been to KL ..
Had fun there !
Eat alot !
LOTSS!
Buy some shirts for Friends and Book
hahahahaha

2010-04-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

day15 of 37 days

Today Main service Worship and Sermon was GOOOOD!
JSS Was Very GOOOOOD
YOUTH Was Very Very GOOOOOOD
Hahahhaaha !
This few days eating alot of fry food !
Throat starting to pain ler !
Tomorrow Going KL ler !
Bye singapore !
I gonna miss mummy hoon ! QQ~!
Gonna miss Jon laoda ! joel seah !
MY family !
God please bless them !

2010-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Day14 of 37days

Today did nothing much !
When church for RNR and JSS pract !
hahahaha
Girly SONGS !
hahahahaha
But its all for God!
Then went David house for the Follow-up event !
Had FUN and eat alot !
ahahahahaha

GOD is GOOD !

2010-04-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Day13 of 37 days

Today Did nothing much really ...
Slack at home for the whole day..
Then when Bedok inter for dinner !
Meet up with Jon,david,bryan,samuel
Blessed by Jon a cup of Sugar cane !
ahahaha
Then went Oikos !
Its was Good !
Had fun !

God thank you for everything !

2010-04-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Day12 of 37days

Today din go Underwater world.
But go Minds cafe to play boardgames
Then eat a small lunch there ...
After that we head down to church to help out Move stuff!
Sooooo Hot !
Then go Bible study !
After that Plan to go mac and eat !
But !!!!! They close at 11PM :( so sad !
No mac of another day !
hahaha
Then when Mr Teh tarik
Wanton MEE! Add Mee!
my stomach is growing ! Growing !
Hahahaha! Had Fun at minds cafe !
Taking photo with TOGEMI !
hahahahahaha

2010-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Day11 of 37Days

Did nothing much today!
After Pnp go eat mac ..
But i cannot eat anything :(
SOOOOOO Sad
Then david come my house to stayover !
Then after that We plan to go ChompChomp and eat supper !
But so there !
Its was close liao :(
Then when to a Prata house !
Eat mutton fried rice !
+ some unknown spices in it
hahahahaha
Then bless David N Joel Drinks !
Then when Joel house below Slack and Chit chat !
HTHT Session !
hahahaha
Talk alot of thingsssss!

2010-04-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Day10 of 37 days

Today Went Badminton again !
Playing Badminton is fun !
Then after that when home and rest =x
Fell asleep for 30min
then go for Jss debrief at SUBWAY !
Wooooo!
My Lunch+dinner!
Then went to catch a movie
CLASH OF THE TITANS
Then go Home ler..
Thank you MUMMY Hoon for the "strepsils"
And the Drink she make for me de =D
Really appreciate IT very very very very the much !
God bless you !

Thank you Lord
How Great you are !
GoD is Good !

2010-04-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Day9 of 37Days

Nothing much happen today
Play badminton !
Bad Sore throat ! SIAO LIAO
Breakfast still eat mac!
haha
Then afternoon go Do Loved to love again !
At night Go and watch a movie !
Very nice !
Next monday Going KL ler
haven bless anyone today ..
Its another rest day ..
Now i am have SORE THROAT And Coughing !
When i cough .. throat pain ! T_T
SADDDD!

Thank you Lord for everything !

2010-04-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Day8 of 37 days

Today Main service,JSS,Youth Worship was GREAT!
God is there !
Jss Skit was a success because God is with us !
WOOOOOOOO
Had fun there too !
Today Had lunch with Some youth!
Bless them with a Drink each .
It maybe small to them ..
But its from my heart
Then After youth when 85 Market to eat !
Buy tissues from a uncle ..
Then went mac to Sit and play MONOPOLY AGAIN!
hahahaha

Thank for everything God
Holy spirit Speak to me more often
I wan hear from you
I want to do Your Work

2010-04-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Day7 of 37days

today din really do anything :(
Go church and pract for Jss and the Skit
Then go Mac watch soccer..
Then play Monopoly Card Again !
hahahahaha!
Feeling tired this few day
Head pain for today
Sorry for those who see me unhappy today =D
i am Fine!
I still got 30 more days to go
Treasure IT well !
This thinking suddenly come to my mind
What's True LOVE?
hahaha ..
got many ans..
Maybe someday i will blog it down!

God bless all my Friends

2010-04-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Day6 of 37 days

Its GOOOOOOD Friday today !
Busy day !
Run here and THERE !
Blessing day too !
Go the Block50 and clean up the House of the Needy !
Hahahhaha
I Clean the Half the Toilet .. Gwen clean other half =x
hahahahaha
I had Great team member and teamwork !
We may be doing very slow ..
But we give our BEST!
Clean house can be a happy thing too
But sometimes i wonder ..why am i doing thing things
Then always this inner man speaking
"ITS Doing for JESUS CHRIST!"
This thinking just came to me
"Jesus gave up His spirit for us"
Compare to "Touch abit of DUST AND DIRTY Things"<-- Its nothing
haha ..Then thanks Jaime team for helping us too !
Bless jaime,Andrewlim and arthur with a Bookmark i Buy from tecman
haha
Then at night went elwyn Office to slack and play Monopoly !
hahahahaha
Fun game and day
Must thank Hoon Mama also for everything =D

Thank you JESUS !

2010-04-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Day5 of 37days

Today when giving flyer again !
Today give out faster ,,hahaha
Then head down to church to do stuff for Jss and LOVE to Love !
Hahaha
had lunch at mac with MUMMY hoon ! MAGE MAC ! And a piece of CinnemonMELT
hahahahahaha
Then DINNER at KFC !
Going be a FATTY sooon ler
Din really bless anyone today.
Then supper at mac again !
hahahahaha
Then when Hougang point with Joel !
Eat a Bowl of noodle ! EEEEEEE not nice at all !
YUCKS!
Then finally get a chance to bless JOEL with a can of COKE !
hahahahahahahaha

Thank you for all the BLESSING LORD
Lord if my eyes has Sin ...take them lor
If my Mouth has Sin ...take them lor
I give my everything to you !

2010-03-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Day4 of 37 days

Today When to give flyer again !
This time more easy !
Because got FREE IPOD NANO
Hahahahaha !
Then when church to help pack SHIRT !
Then PNP! GOD IS GOOD !
Holy Spirit i love you !
Hahahahahha!
Then went MR TEH TARIK AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!
Hahaha...
Eat wanton MEE! Add MEE!
hahaha SHIOK ! FILLED !
Then bless people with DRINK !
WOOOOOOOOO!

Thank you LORD for blessing me with everythings !
Holy spirit be my closest Friend
i long for you !

2010-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Day3 of 37 days

Today i have done nothing
Having a rest day
hahahaha
Today had to go down to church and help
To pack things for LOVE TO LOVE
Pack for few hours !
After that ..JSS Skit practices
FUN !
After that go down to Mr teh tarik !
hahaha
Eat laska ... COOOOOOOL and HOOOOOOOT!

Tml will be a better day !
God bless all my friends !
Grant them good rest !

a

2010-03-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Day2 of 37 days

Finally gone to tecman and see see look look
Buy some stuff for my sunday school kids
Then when too SOUP SPOON!
Drink soup !
Had a great time there
Treat Hoon Mummy to drink soup !
hahaha
Blessing people is Fun and happy
Then when arcade with david and Chris
Play basketball
WOOOO! me and chris broke the high score !
Hahhaha
Had a great time to day

We must love not only by words But by action too
God i love you !
thank you for everything !
Thank all my Friends too !

2010-03-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Day1 of 37 days

Hello ! Its a sunday
37 days till i go Police Force
Day1 today i did not scold wilcent for anything ..
Even sometime he did something i dun like today
I decide to give him a chance ..
i gotta look at him Thru the Eye of Jesus
I need God's love to love him
I can do it ...because i done it before !

Youth service was Great
Holy spirit is moving !
I LOVE YOU HOLY SPIRIT !
Pray till tear roll down from my eyes
Thank you

God i pray you will forgive all my sins that's in my life .
Change me !
I want to be use by you
FORGIVE ME !
AMEN!

da

2010-03-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Wooooo!
Had a fun day at east coast !!
Prawning~VolleyBall~ SUNTAN!

Prawning is Fun and boring sometimes !
Fun because catch something
Bored because wait for 15min no prawn -.-

Volleyball was not so fun
Play till hand pain !
Awwww!

Heaven Father, Thank you for everythings You done
Every small things i give thank
I belong to You
Use me for Your Glory

Going have many many many fun before going ARMY!

FUN FUN FUN !
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
WOO WOO WOO!
Hope all my friend wil be Happy too !

jh

2010-03-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Acceptance; Lord, I lay everything, including myself at the foot of the Cross. You are sovereign. You are the way. My life and will are yours. Be done will of God. Come, Kingdom of God. In you Lord, I learn the secret of living in every in every situation, whether with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. In myself this is impossible. But not with you Lord. With you, all things are possible. Thank you Jesus! Amen!

2010-03-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

"How Great Is Our God"

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

This song is my fave song since i become a chirstian
This is the 1st song i heard from the main service
Teach me how Great is Our God
How awesome is He
!

2010-03-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Lord's love never fails, His mercies begin afresh each day; His mercy... keep us from complete destruction; Great is His Faithfulness! Wait for Him; Seek Him; Wait quietly! Praise Him!

2010-03-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

Perseverance: Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. Do not look at circumstances; look to the Lord. I read John 10:32 "At My Father's direction I have done many things to help the people." At My Father's direction! Whose voice is giving you direction? Be still and know. Have a blessed day!

jj

2010-03-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

It is only a faithful person who truly believes that God sovereignly controls his circumstances. We take our circumstances for granted, saying God is in control, but not really believing it. We act as if the things that happen were completely controlled by people. To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith— the Lord Jesus Christ. God may cause our circumstances to suddenly fall apart, which may bring the realization of our unfaithfulness to Him for not recognizing that He had ordained the situation. We never saw what He was trying to accomplish, and that exact event will never be repeated in our life. This is where the test of our faithfulness comes. If we will just learn to worship God even during the difficult circumstances, He will change them for the better very quickly if He so chooses.

Being faithful to Jesus Christ is the most difficult thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else; just don’t ask us to be faithful to Jesus Christ. Many Christians become very impatient when we talk about faithfulness to Jesus. Our Lord is dethroned more deliberately by Christian workers than by the world. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers.

The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own Son.

gs

2010-03-05T08:52:00.001-08:00

I finally know my weakness
I gotta kick it out
I being too lazy
Lazy in everything i do
i NEED to work hard For Jesus !
For GOD
For Holy Spirit
For everyone !
JIAYOU~!
CANNOT BE LAZY LER EDMUND!

2010-03-01T08:30:00.001-08:00

Love, Joy, Peace, Blessings, Rest, mercy & Grace be with you. May the beauty of Jesus fill you & the Holy Spirit lead you & the love of the Father rise up in you & flow like a river. Let pride vanish as we serve & share Jesus with love, kindness, power. Let's bless & see needs & meet then. Open our eyes Jesus, our ears... to hear You & our hands to reach out & our feet to go. May we reflect You like a clean mirror.

2010-02-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

2010-02-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

Stop living your life through someone else’s eyes or for someone else’s dreams and expectations. Your life is yours. God gave it to you for a purpose and only you can fulfill God’s purpose for your life. As long as you continue to seek affirmation, approval, and recognition from an empty well, all you will do is spin your wheels and your life will be on hold. Accept the fact that Empty Well, Thirsty Heart

2010-02-21T23:11:00.000-08:00

God has given us a life abundant
As we serve Him in this world below;
Though our time on earth is surely fleeting,
Hope of heaven makes our pathway glow. —Hess

v

2010-02-06T09:53:00.001-08:00

God’s nature is to pick you up, not put you down. There is nothing you can do in order for God to love you any more than He already does! You can never earn it, and you don’t deserve it, but He loves you anyway! He is the Lord Jesus Christ.

k

2010-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Main service was Great,Jss was Great, Youth was great!
SUNDAY is the Best !'
After youth go play basketball
after basketball then go have dinner
Suddenly pastor Tay call ask me over to join them
Go over drink a can of coke and go mac and sit down
When wake up the next morning
Every where is aching!
Think i am getting old ler
1 Day sports only everywhere aching!
Hhaha
Need play more sports liao
!

Blessing

2010-01-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

Nice knowing Pastor Tay
he is a nice,funny,caring Guy
Thank you Lord for putting this man in my life

Thank you Pastor
Thank you God
Amen!

God i am ready to be close to You
And do Mighty things For YOU!

a

2010-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

I am taking Pri2 this year
Cute little young Kids!
Haha

a

2009-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Going to New year ler =)

ARE YOU READY!

c

2009-12-25T06:37:00.001-08:00

Christmas is FUN even i am super tired =)
Thank for all gifts
HO HO HO!

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING TO TOWN !

da

2009-12-22T19:15:00.001-08:00

i DUN FEEL THAT CHRISTMAS IS NEAR!

Its feel so far away

No mood for this christmas

2009-12-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Christmas is coming!

Present haven Buy and No time liao !

AHHHHHHHHHH!

A

2009-12-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mummy for the shirt
You are the best!
2 more days !
Oh man
!

a

2009-12-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

After SO long you appear in my dream again

a

2009-11-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

I am free !! I am Free!!
HOLIDAY LERRRRRRRRRR!
Christmas is coming !!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
can sleep longer ler =)

A

2009-11-30T00:44:00.001-08:00

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