MelOn's Blog

Moving from 2011 to 2012

2012-01-01T18:25:00.008+08:00

A lot has happened in 2011. Many things have I lost and gained at the same time.

In view of the past year, God has taught me through 2 Timothy 4:1-5, particularly the last verse which states,

keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

This year, I am determined begin again, to live a better and richer life, not to lose who I originally am and continue seeking & pleasing God, aimed to do the right thing and do things right.

Have a blessed new year, everyone!

2011-11-04T23:53:00.002+08:00

Lord, You are wonderful! I'm amazed by Your beauty!

Thank You, Father, for always being there for me when I least realize.

Thank You for always being there and the promise that You'll always be with me..

Thank You for supporting me and keep me going on in the pit of life, thank You for the warmth welcoming arms of love.

Thank You for Your sure promises.

I will always trust in You!!

The "best" excuse

2011-10-16T14:36:00.003+08:00

"No one is perfect"

Is the lousiest, most ignorant excuse that one can give.

At the end, bad behaviors HAVE TO be accepted just because "no one is perfect".

No one cares to change for the better.

When all it takes is a simple choice to begin with.

Pathetic. Pride. Selfishness.

Not trusting in ANYONE.

Just trusting in God alone.

Wake up please..

2011-09-03T17:02:00.004+08:00

When will we start loving people for who they are?

When will we stop judging people without judging our own?

This world is full of gray areas because it is and has always been imperfect, there is no black and white.

The perfect love of Christ has to be in us to love the gray area of this world.

It is only by God's grace that we are saved. We are just like them.

Time to grow up, childish immature Christians before somebody backslide or hates Christ because of your immature, stubborn, non-Christlike behavior and thinking.

Stop polluting my God's holy name.

God's work vs God's will

2011-09-03T16:39:00.003+08:00

At times we may be too busy doing God's work that we ignore what actually is God's will for us in life. We say 'yes' to every responsibility given to us without knowing the limits. What God desires is commitment & focus to do what He wants us to do in specific area, without forgetting about margin. We do need rest. Take time to pray and ask what does God wants us to do in our lives rather than trying to manage too much responsibilities (church, studies, family, etc) till the point you lose focus of who you are and why are you doing these things for.

Often times we may also be thinking that doing God's work is a 'responsibility' of a christian that we ignore who are we doing it for. Many would answer that it's for God without even seeking Him, His plans, His will.. unconsciously taking control of everything according to one's selfish ambition & ultimately taking all the glory to themselves. How many times are we actually doing good deeds out of love & humility, not wanting the whole world to know about our 'good' deeds? It's a reminder to change our thoughts and actions, not merely reading this through and nodding our heads. It's time to be a true servant - humble & doing the Master's will. Stop saying 'my efforts' and 'my ideas'.. its time to recognize that it's all God's work, that without God your effort is meaningless and powerless. We are just empty vessels used by God to demonstrate His power & love.

Not my will but Yours be done.

God does His work through us to achieve His ultimate will - that is salvation for all. We need to know the specific work that God wants to do through us.. for His will to be achieved.

Above our problems

2011-08-13T12:46:00.003+08:00

One of the pitfalls of living in our troublesome world is that we can become problem-centered rather than God-centered. When this happens, we lose the proper perspective. Gradually, all our problems begin to look huge and the strength of almighty God seems small. Instead of moving mountains by faith, we become constant worriers, creating mountains of needless pressure for ourselves and others.

Isaiah 40 is an effective prescription for those of us whose God seems small. God reminds us that He is much bigger than the world He created. He points out that compared to Him, "the nations are as a drop in a bucket" (v.15) and the inhabitants of earth "are like grasshoppers" (v.22). His words aren't meant to belittle us, but rather to encourage us to look to Him and gain His perspective of life.

Yet, God offers us more than a new perspective. He offers us something that will enable us to live by that view. If we will depend on Him instead of brooding over our problems, He will renew our strength, and wings of faith will lift up our hearts above our difficulties. Some of them may be huge but we can see them as smaller than our great God. And that makes all the differences.

Gentle reminder

2011-08-08T23:31:00.002+08:00

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6

2011-07-31T14:34:00.002+08:00

One verse that sums up my view of life -

Isaiah 64:8 - But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.

Life itself is a gift from God. But it is marred by imperfections in this world.. it may be caused by people, by one's own choice, by uncontrollable circumstances, or etc.. but all these are part of God's plan to make us better, wiser people.. like clays, we are in the process of being molded by the Potter..

This world is empty & depressed.. full of problems that keeps accumulating. It is in need of a Savior.. no words can describe the disappointments I'm feeling right now.. but I'm in utter sadness for the lost.. this world needs God's miracle.. but how can the world see God without God's people?

Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field."

What's important in life? to chase after wealth and fame, which one couldn't possibly have enough? or to remain in one's own comfort, and watch the world die day by day? Or to be someone of greatness defined & honored by God, someone used by God to be an agent of change and impact?

Let's all begin to realise the needs around us.. and attend to those needs quickly, ceasing every opportunity. Every soul is precious.. let us who have been saved & healed by God's grace be a blessing to those who needs them..

Amazing grace~

2011-07-23T12:33:00.000+08:00

Though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor yet what I hope to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was.. by the grace of God I am what I am.

John Newton

An answer for everything

2011-07-19T20:31:00.002+08:00

When we think we are too tired to go on, Jesus says, "I will give you rest".

Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

When we think no one cares, Jesus says He loves us.

John 15:12-13 - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

When we can't figure things out, God says He will guide us.

Psalms 48:14 - For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.

When we need forgiveness, God says He will forgive us if we confess our sins.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Faith & Deed

2011-07-13T20:34:00.003+08:00

Taken from James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Good works always follow true faith. If you stand strong in what you believe, if you believe that Christ is your Saviour, if you've tasted and seen His goodness, if you have that true faith.. I believe good works will naturally flow from within you because you have the God of love in you.

One thing that caught my attention was the illustration of Rahab. It's common for people to use Abraham as an example of faith but for Rahab? why would James use Rahab.. a prostitute?

Well, my view is that even a person who may be or may 'seem' unrighteous, or someone whom we consider not a true believer (christian by name), deserves a chance to experience God. Because everyone have their own personal struggle in their faith, those who have known the Lord should not look down and judge but to help those who are struggling in faith... for those who have known the Lord once struggled in the past too..

Because every individual is imperfect, the best approach is always for change to begin in ourselves first. Being a good testimony is a must to reflect the faith that we have. Be a good living testimony and love others because God deserve the best from us. He deserves the best & the most glorious name and we as His child have a great responsibility in fulfilling that!

Bitter reality can be better

2011-06-30T17:09:00.002+08:00

These past 2 months of reality had unfold way too many ugly truths about life, that this world is made up of all sorts of people, wolves in sheep's clothing. Regardless of how good one may appear to be, it's always best to take that friendship slower & get to know that someone better, lest you get disappointed.

But this is what life is made up of.. you go through it, you experience it, you get bitten, and you learn.

I thank God for bringing me through this phase of life. Although it's not a pleasing experience, yet it taught me not to lay in my innocence to trust someone so easily. It made me careful in choosing the friends that I should mix with & knowing who my true friends are. Also, it taught me to be a stronger person, braver to voice out my own opinion and not follow unrighteous judgments.

Thank God for good friends that encouraged me during this time and of course His word that had never failed me. I learnt that it's difficult to change people, even though your intentions may be pure. Rather than harboring anger, the best way is to try to change yourself. We can not control what people do, but we can control what we do.

There was a quote that caught my attention recently - Life is God's gift to us. What we do is our gift to God.

Made me question my actions. Is my anger my gift to God? I wouldn't want to give my anger & unforgiveness to God.

It really requires a lot of God's strength to go through this. Because I know His strength is perfect & that it is possible to get rid of all bitterness and anger as the Bible says so.. I trust that I can break free from it.

People won't get better.. we'll meet the same kind of people or worse kind of people. This kind of circumstances won't change over time, only we can choose to change ourselves.

I am reminded that God loves them just as much as He loves me. If He's got plans in our lives to change us to be more like Him, then surely He has plans in their lives to change them too... that the measure of our relationship with God is by our relationship with people He put in our lives.

We can not say that we are close to God but we don't love the people around us.

So I'll force myself to do the right thing regardless of how much I hate to do it.. at the end it's for good.

The truth of Romans 8:28

2011-06-28T12:38:00.006+08:00

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We all have a key called 'Promise' that can unlock doors by faith in our hands. It describes God's guidance & care as a doctrine of divine providence that brings believers hope.

based on the Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Truth #1: It is consistent & in harmony to God's nature to love, who cares for & watch over His own.

Truth #2: It is consistent & in harmony with the rest of the Bible that tells us that He is a God who cares & is at work in our lives. (Illustrated in the example of Joseph in Genesis 50:20)

Truth #3: This verse is a comfort & help to all believers.

Thought #1: It did not mean "all things are good". It includes both good and bad.

Thought #2: It did not mean "all things we do well" work together for good. It includes our mistakes and shortcomings.

Thought #3: It did not mean "all major important things" work together for good. It includes the little, insignificant things too.

Most of us would agree that every believer's life is not smooth-sailing. It is full of temptations, struggles and trials that may make us question all the why's in life. But Romans 8:28 is a promise that God made to us.. that despite what we go through, how big & uncertain the present suffering is.. always give praise, count our blessings & be thankful.. and have hope in our God that everything works according to His will, that He has a greater purpose for everything that happened.. and we will see at the end the reason why He put us through this...

Stay strong and persevere! I've been through it & I know you can.. have child-like faith! :)

For existing Christians, commit all our brothers & sisters in prayer & encourage one another, for you do not know the personal struggles that they are going through. Do not pass unwise judgment.. for God's desire is that His Body would teach, rebuke, correct and train one another up in righteousness..

Trade your shame for joy

2011-06-17T16:05:00.006+08:00

Don't know if anyone ever felt this way before..

I always suffer deep deep guilt & shame when I am aware of my wrongdoings. And each time I stand before God's presence in worship I can't worship Him in true spirit because I feel so undeserving of His love..

But God always assure me that that is the lie of the enemy.. God is a loving God who forgives.. He keeps no records of our sin, and don't remember all our shame. We don't need to run away from God in shame and fear; ever more, we don't have to feel ashame to face God. He welcomes us with wide open arms.. Yes, we are flawed in every way.. but the grace of His love covers us, therefore we stand righteous before Him (Anna Sim 2011). =p

This song is related to what I wrote about above.. hope you'll be encouraged :)

Remember, in good times and bad times.. God still deserves our praise.

I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth

Oh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

I can't explain
This kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face

Here I am at Your feet
In my brokeness complete

=(

2011-06-13T23:00:00.003+08:00

I don't know how to draw strength to stand up anymore.. the essential people in my life that should trust and know me do not trust and know me.. it crushes me deep inside...

An outpour of love

2011-06-13T15:09:00.020+08:00

I admire his agility

I admire his sportsmanship

I admire his analyzing abilities

I admire his intelligence

I like his simpleness in appearance

I like his playfulness; although it always gets on my nerves

I like the moments when we fight; although at the end the one who ended up with bruises all over is me

I like the feeling of being around him; as though I'm back to my childhood times

I like the fact that he is a happy-go-lucky, cheerful person

I like the fact that he is quiet, socially an introvert; that's because he spends those times observing people and things around him

I like the fact that he is childish, but is matured in serious matters

I like the way he expresses himself in writing

I like his honesty

I like the fact that he is straight forward tactfully

I like the fact that he listens to me

I like the fact that he care to know my past and to analyze me; just not to repeat doing things that hurt me

I like the fact that he accepts me as who I really am; my weird and childish side

I like his positiveness in every situation

I like the fact that he is not calculative

I like the fact that he doesn't want to eat the food I buy because it is not his money

I like the fact that he is not good in expressing himself through actions

I like the fact that even he is not good in actions, he is still helpful

I like the fact that he care to analyse and understand those who misunderstood and spread slanders about him

I like the fact that even though he knows those who have misunderstood him, he listens and forgets, and never condemned or criticized them in return

I like the fact that when I was angered by those people, he reminded me that I am a sinner and that I should forgive them

I like the fact that he discovered and pointed out one of my weaknesses that no one had noticed in me and encouraged me to change, for the sake of my family relationships

I like the fact that he is honest with his own weaknesses and he admits it

I like his desire and his initiative to ask how to grow in our Lord after his own personal struggle in faith

I like his singing and the fact that he likes singing hymns

I like the way he prays; because it is sincere and it is not wanting to put a show in front of people

He may not be Mr. Perfect, but I love everything about him.... :)

"Love isn't finding a perfect person. It's seeing an imperfect person perfectly."

Sam Keen

Best of the best

2011-06-09T21:25:00.004+08:00

Sometimes, we may not be given the best things in life. But we can always turn things the other way round - to do the best for God in every situation we are placed in - that's the best thing in life that one can do in gratitude for God that guarantee lasting joy and blessing.. :)

In victory, praise Him. In failure, praise Him still.

Be fully engaged in our city

2011-06-05T16:05:00.006+08:00

Taking Jesus' example from Luke 13:34..

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing."

Jesus has always loved Jerusalem, the Holy City where Jesus was borned.

How can we be like Jesus and fully engage in our city?

#1, see that God has a purpose for me

God have a purpose for each person in each person's generation, for the sake of identification. Young people often fail to identify with the Builders' generation (before 1945), neither can one generation identify BEST with a different generation.. and each one of us can best influence others that is within our own generation.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

John the Baptist was known as the voice in the wilderness. Likewise, we must be the voice in our generation too.

#2, see the city as the people

Jesus did not see the crowd but always the individual. Jesus also saw the people with compassion.

Mark 6:34 - When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

People need the Lord, He is the open door. It was approximated that there are only 9.1% Christians in Malaysia. Despite how much we may fear or dislike crowds, we must overcome it & learn to love people for God's sake. Identify needs around us. Often times it is easier to identify people who have the same cars as us, etc. but it is always hard to identify with needs. Learn to see crowds as individuals and have compassion on them.

#3, see God given opportunities to act

Every time a need touches your heart, it is God's opportunity for us to put our faith into action.

God instructed us to "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" - Colossians 4:5. We should not ignore needs. Instead, respond to them using it as opportunities to touch lives.

From BBC news,

A group of more than 200 Japanese pensioners are volunteering to tackle the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima power station.

The Skilled Veterans Corps, as they call themselves, is made up of retired engineers and other professionals, all over the age of 60.

They say they should be facing the dangers of radiation, not the young.

Volunteering to take the place of younger workers at the power station is not brave, Mr Yamada says, but logical.

“I am 72 and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live,” he says.

“Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore us older ones have less chance of getting cancer.”

The elderly in Japan is taking this brave & sacrificial step for their future generation, their city & their nation. We should be doing the same for God, whom we have tasted that He is good. Share your testimony and your story. Spread the love of Christ to the broken-hearted, bring the hope in God to the hopeless and share the peace of God to the restless.. Let's be the light in this dark world.

Be fully engaged in God

2011-06-05T15:28:00.002+08:00

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart that only God can fill.

God is looking out for hearts who are committed to Him. He strengthens those who are fully engaged to Him. God wants to fully engage with us through Jesus Christ. That is the reason Jesus was sent to die on the cross for our sin so that we can have life in Jesus, life with God. John 3:16 - illustrated the greatest commitment of engagement.

Revelation 3:20 - to those who open their hearts to Jesus, God will come in and fellowship with them.

How to fully engage with God?

Taking the example of Abraham..

James 2:23 - And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”and he was called God’s friend.

Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, relied on) God. He was fully engaged and committed.

#1 Accept God's call (Acts :2-4)

God calls us to follow after Him.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

#2 Keep moving on with God (Genesis 12:4-5)

What is your barrier and stumbling block in your walk with God? Overcome it so that you can move on to God's 'promise land' for you.

#3 Maintain relationship with God by building altars (Genesis 12:7-8)

The altar is a place of communion and worship. A place where Abraham calls on the name of God. It is also a place of burnt offerings, a sign of full surrender.

#4 Embrace a pilgrim's lifestyle (Genesis 13:17-18)

A surrendered heart lead to surrendered possession. It proves the genuineness of the altar.. builds spiritual depths .

#5 Serve God's purpose & leave a godly legacy (Genesis 12:6-9)

Build altars eveywhere you go.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

Sometimes we doubt ourselves, our inability, etc. But remember, we are small fries who can pray, who have the promises of a big God!

Your choice to be fully engaged can bless your future generations and change the world. Life is more than just earning a living, it is to fulfill our prophetic mission.

Josh Wilson - I Refuse

2011-06-04T21:27:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I just want to close my eyes
and act like everyone's alright
when I know they're not

This world needs God
but it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
to do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move but I refuse

I can hear the least of these
crying out so desperately
and I know we are the hands and feet
of You, oh God

So, if You say move
it's time for me to follow through
and do what I was made to do
show them who You are

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
to do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
and try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
to wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

The way that it should be

2011-06-04T16:24:00.018+08:00

Being a Christian, is widely regarded as being a follower of Christ. To follow Christ, is to accept the teachings of Christ. A follower is a servant, pursuer, disciple; a person who experienced the truth and goodness of Christ that creates deep inside the passion to devote, follow and serve Christ in every way.

Many might shun away looking at this definition of a Christian. Perhaps it is due to fear, the reluctance and discomfort to let go of one's sinful lifestyle or the doubt that one is not eligible to be a good follower. But honestly,

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. "

Psalm 103:8-12.

The Lord seeks to have a relationship with us just like a father with his children. No relationships come easy, it requires chastening and trials to strengthen a relationship and that is exactly how our relationship with God is. However bad we may be, God punishes us for our good. He will still love us no matter how many times we fall and is ready with open arms to accept us. The Lord is always there to forgive if we repent (To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it, to make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins) and do our best to be better.

But the sad thing about Christians nowadays is that they are behaving like the Pharisees in the Bible. So full of themselves, thinking that if only they fulfill the requirements of a Christian - read the Bible daily, pray and go to church, it's enough to be regarded as 'spiritual' or 'matured'. How petty! You are grateful that you are saved by God's grace, you know how Christ suffered for you and you love Him. But all those are utter nonsense if your salvation in your understanding is only between you and God but not others!

How disappointing and discouraging it is to know that your Christian brothers and sisters that you respect and look up to so much are the people mentioned above. How can it be that someone who experienced the salvation of Christ remain behaving as though they have not been saved and transformed? It's so easy to claim that one love God, quote Bible scriptures and share nice quotes about Christianity but if one does not practice them in one's life, what's the use of it? People will only disrespect you more because the words uttered by you is not even uttered by your actions.

1 John 3:18 - Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Is everything you do, done out of love for people or out of obligation? Check your intentions, check your heart. Are you doing it expecting something in return?

In worship, God checks the heart of every believer, whether or not the music turns out bad, as long as the heart of worship is there, God accepts it as a sweet incense of offering. And as you worship in the midst of bad music, just worship Him!! Do not sing a song saying how great God is, how much you love Him, etc etc and not meditate on the lyrics and without reflecting it on your own actions and lifestyle!!

Why judge others without knowing them first? It's okay to know some bad habits of a person after knowing him/her a long time but please keep it to yourself, not spreading it among other brothers and sisters who do not know that person well, corrupting the image of that person. The worst is to judge someone without even knowing them when all those judgments are not true. How disappointing, to hear these from the mouths of Christian leaders.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:12

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:1-5

It's funny when fellow Christians whom you once respected, so much of being matured, do the things that they themselves judge others of doing. It's even funnier when they do not know the complete truth of what others are doing and yet they judge and do it themselves.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

John 7:24

I love this one

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?

Romans 2:1-3

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

What's the right way then?

All of us should control our tongue, know our sins and repent. Do not repeat our sins without feeling guilty because it is eating up your inner soul. We are called to be light of the world and salt of the earth. So practice the word of God, be transformed and love others, influencing them to be Christ-like.

Also, we should ask God for wisdom to discern between right and wrong. Even simple things that a 5 year old child can tell between right and wrong, a 25 year old person may not be able to tell!

What's the use of a Christian community or a Christian group? It is not established for Christians but for people who have yet to accept God as Savior, for new believers to grow and learn from one another in that place. Do not go around condemning people, condemning the non-believers and the baby in faith. Be gracious to them and love them as God love them. Show God's love to them and win their hearts for Christ. Do not judge their imperfectness, rather, change them instead of judging and abandoning them.

Listen to one another, be slow to speak. That's the reason why God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Stop being stubborn and try listening to the opinions of others. Stop being stubborn and change yourself. Do you not know it's better to be humble than to stand on your own stubborn, ignorant ground.

An important slap-on-the-face verse:

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

James 1:26

Just remember that whatever you do and say, people is watching and observing. People get hurt by the words you say, by the way you behave that you should not be if you consider that you love God.

Despite the fact that no one is perfect, we must always strive for perfection. Ask for forgiveness, repent and never repeat it again. We are children of God, image of God, so please ask for the Holy Spirit's help to change, change for the sake of yourself, the people around you and for God.

Where is the love?

2011-03-05T19:33:00.009+08:00

What's wrong with the world mama?
People living like aint got no mamas
I think the whole world's addicted to the drama
Only attracted to the things that bring you trauma
Overseas yeah we tryin to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin

In the USA the big CIA the Bloodz and the Crips and the KKK

But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And if you hatin you're bound to get irate
Yeah, madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
You gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love y'all

Chorus:
People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?

It just ain't the same all ways have changed
New days are strange is the world insane?
If love and peace so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations dropping bombs
Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones
With ongoing suffering
As the youth die young
So ask yourself is the loving really strong?
So I can ask myself really what is going wrong
With this world that we living in
People keep on giving in
Makin wrong decisions
Only visions of them livin and
Not respecting each other
Deny thy brother
The wars' going on but the reasons' undercover
The truth is kept secret
Swept under the rug
If you never know truth
Then you never know love
Where's the love y'all?
Where's the truth y'all?
Where's the love y'all?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm getting older y'all people get colder
Most of us only care about money makin
Selfishness got us followin the wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting their young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love, we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling down
It's no wonder why sometimes I'm feeling under
I gotta keep my faith alive, until love is found

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

This is my heart's desire

2011-02-18T00:16:00.002+08:00

Carry me here

In Your arms of love

Draw me close to You

I want to be where You are

I really want more and more of You, my Father.. :(

2011-01-28T16:37:00.006+08:00

We will seek Your face Almighty God,

turn and pray for You to heal our land.

Father let revival start in us,

then every heart will know Your Kingdom come.

Familiar song, isn't? This may be one of your favourite, lively happy song that you love singing in church. You may like it becoz it is your desire to wanna change lives around you. But often we get too familiar with this song that we sing it without pondering the message the song is bringing.

It is simply saying.. to make a change..

#1 : Seek God first; set your foundation strong in God, your relationship close to God.

#2 : Revival have to happen inside of us first; bcoz it is easier to change others by changing ourselves first.

#3 : Then, people will notice God in our hearts; they will begin to notice a difference in you too.

Journey of 2010

2011-01-22T14:58:00.008+08:00

2010 has been a year full of ups and downs for me. Started 2010 by praying and dedicating the new year to God during Watch Night Service. It was an awesome night.. it ignited the passion in my heart even more. Watch Night Service is always better than watching fireworks.. hehe =p

The most blue period of 2010 was the death of my good friend, Joash. We met at Youth Enrichment School (Y.E.S.) in Bible College Malaysia during 2008 and we were in the same group as well.. the tuki warriors *hehe*. All of us in YES 2008 are very closely knitted spiritually. We always make an effort to meet every year, at least twice a year to pray and fellowship together. It was funny once we thought we could have a gathering without worship and all, just a simple gathering to enjoy. But something happened that made us pray during that night. I strongly believe that it was God that caused it to happen and He really wanted us to gather to pray every time, not to enjoy fellowship without Him. Well, I really admire Joash's passion for God and especially his love and sincerity towards everyone, you can even see it through his smile. His death has caused many to mourn because it is really really a great loss - a person who is after God's heart, talented, can sing, can play the guitar, can play the piano, smart, friendly, good-looking, etc, you name it. But I guess God has a higher purpose for this. The stories told during his memorial service in Taylor's Lakeside Campus was indeed very moving. So many people have so much good things to say about him that it exceeded time. Joash really did impacted many lives around him. To me, his death is a victory, because it has caused us to love God more and realise the importance of valuing relationships with people.

The happy moment in 2010 is.. I get to know 4 good friends in Uni.

First is Anna Sim. I met her in September 2009 and our friendship grew close during the end of 2009 and closer in 2010. It's just weird~ coz at David Kong's surprise birthday party I suddenly felt that God was speaking to me saying that He wants me to be close to her, like find out what's bothering deep down inside her heart. Then, out of the sudden, we went down to the playground together and she began talking about emo things, LOL. Then we went up to the balcony to talk too. Plus, that time we weren't close at all. It's like so surprising, how can someone talk about their personal matter to someone whom she doesn't know that well yet. But through 2009 and 2010, our friendship began to grow very healthily~ like we always help and encourage one another during down times. Now, finally, Anna and I can conclude that our friendship was meant to be by God.. XD

Secondly, it is Christine Leong. I actually knew her in foundation but we weren't that close coz she prefers to hang out with another 'fun' gang than me and Anna, the 'weird-spiritual' gang. But in 2010, she experienced an emotional breakdown by the 'fun' gang in USA. Haha, then she's only left with Anna and I. Anna and I actually spoke to her about her personality problem. We never gave up on her because we know everyone deserve a second chance and God wouldn't want us to abandon her right, coz God loves her too. She is very open to change, that's very helpful.. and now she has changed into a better person. One thing I learn from Christine is to love others unconditionally. Thanks Joash for teaching me this too. ;)

Thirdly, it is Liem Xin Yi, the crazy pro-driver girl~ Actually I never noticed her presence in CF before. The time where I started to notice her more is when she is in charge of Easter's backstage and she asked me to help uh~ hahaha.. Then, because we need to rehearse with the drama team so it is actually quite boring.. we need to wait each time each scene finishes and then put all the props into place. So we began to play with each other, like bored until crazy already. Then throughout summer break we kept MSN-ing and Facebook chat each other. Until the new semester started in September 2010, we can finally be close to each other face to face.. yay! I love XinYi alot coz she's really a helpful person, very cincai.. she's not calculative with anyone and most importantly, she is really cute~ haha.

Fourth is Amanda Lok. LOL. I don't know how we became close as well, but we became close just recently. All I know is, the CF have a study group in library during study break and she was there.. I was there too. Then we began to talk more and then suddenly we just became close.. lol. She's really a funny and also a sincere person. I like the way she prays. I can see the potential in her to be a pastor's wife too.. hahaha..

Of the main issue in my life, something happened today and it really hurt me again.. I don't know why small issues like this can be so big to them? But Amanda spoke to me.. make me wonder, did I really forgive? Or is it that through these years I have ignored and chose to be happy but unconciously I have not forgiven? I am really confused.. but I pray and hope that God will reveal to me what I should know and do.

This first semester of Year 2 have been really fun to me :D coz I've been attending CF, Care Group and ConneXion. It's tiring but fun to be in the presence of God with brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ in Uni.. :D I have met so many kind people.. too many to name but you know who you are ;)

But the disadvantage is I have not been keeping step of my studies. I thought I was going to fail this semester's exam but I thank God that He sent my friends to help teach me.. that's the true blessing of sharing and teaching friends.. they were asking me what happened to me, coz usually I'm the one who will teach them but now it's them who is teaching me, lol. And I was still doing notes 2 hours before every paper and was really stressed up before each paper. But really it's by the grace of God that I can still write in exam.. :)

Of the minor issues last year: I was thinking to join a model search program during summer break just for experience. But I thank God it didn't work out.. coz of many reasons behind it, and I know God says that I'm not ready for it right now. Maybe I'll try after I graduated. Hehe.. And I went out to work part-time during summer break! It's a brand new experience and I thank God for it!

Last year, the greatest improvement I have made is not to be so shy anymore. But I think I'm still a bit shy ha.. I generally can unveil myself to people who are willing to be close to me. If not I really can't open up coz of certain fears. I'm trying to improve this area of me.

All in all, I wanna thank God for watching me through 2010. I hope 2011 will be a year of improvement in every aspect of my life.

2011-01-12T15:09:00.004+08:00

Beholding Your beauty
Is all that I long for
To worship You Jesus
Is my sole desire
For this very heart
You have shaped for be your pleasure
Purposed to lift Your Name high

Here in surrender
In pure adoration
I enter Your courts
With an offering of praise
I am Your servant
Come to bring You glory
As is fit for the work of Your hands

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
All of creation resounds with the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords

Spirit now living
And dwelling within me
Keep my eyes fixed
Ever on Jesus' face
Let not the things of this world
Ever sway me
I'll run 'til I finish the race

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
All of eternity echoes the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords

Holy Lord
You are holy
Jesus Christ
Is the Lord

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honour and praise
Call all the sinners to join in the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords

When you are facing a giant..

2011-01-10T16:47:00.009+08:00

I lift up my eyes to the mountains
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip
he who watches over you will not slumber;
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night

The LORD will keep you from all harm
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

God is marvelous

2010-12-19T23:28:00.010+08:00

And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

With all my heart, I wanna proclaim that Christ is the one true and living God because He really is!

When I said living, I meant living, like how I'm alive now, moving, feeling, present. Christ is everywhere, Christ is real. He is approachable and He is a caring and loving God, ready to be there for anyone regardless of one's sinful past.

Couldn't express how joyful I am right now, it's indescribable. I just got to know yesterday that my MapleStory "didi" (little bro) experienced an encounter with God in HUGE camp. This is what he wrote on his facebook status:

"I couldn't believe my ears when I heard one of the pastors prophesy "let go the star in your heart" while she was blessing me.. When I heard that, I immediately broke down to tears, fell on the floor and cry non-stop. There's just too much pain, which I have experienced for years. How the hell did the pastor know? Perhaps, this is the power of the Holy Spirit"

I believe that this is God's plan, whatever happened in MapleStory, how I met him, God have a purpose in his life.

I used to advise him on MSN when he's down. Coincidently, soon we found out that he is a tuition friend of my ex-homegroup member and a MapleStory friend of one of my youth which I do not know that he plays MapleStory as well. My ex-homegroup member and I have been praying and trying to bring him to church. The first time we successfully invited him to my church (the first time I met him in real person) was few months ago. Last week, he told me that he is going to HUGE camp with my ex-homegroup member and I was praying that God could untie the knot in his heart because I know only God alone can heal his heart. And last night I was overjoyed when he said to me... "I used to be a buddhist, but it ends on Wednesday".

Simple amazing.. how God can touch one's life, heal one's heart, set one free from every painful bondages in life and ignite joy in one's life.

This Christmas, according to the book of Isaiah, God wants to give us joy. Sin has separated us from the joy of fellowship with God. And over the centuries, God has been working to restore this broken fellowship between Him and us - He sent Jesus, a perfect sacrifice, Him who knows no sin who became sin to die for ALL our sins, that we may be reconciled with God if we believe in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

This joy is a gift of God to all man, a gift through Christ's birth.. the gift of Christmas. If only you would let go of pride, submit & trust completely in God, I believe you can experience the joy that I experienced, the joy that many other brothers and sisters have experienced by the touch of God's wondrous grace.

Everyone needs a Savior, no matter how strong you think you are and how well you think you are able to cope in life by your strength, you are still a lost sheep that needs a Shepherd's love.

God wants to bring meaning to your life! =)

2010-12-13T00:03:00.002+08:00

I saw so many unfortunate handicapped people today..

singing the song during altar call "Jesus, we worship You. Jesus, we worship You. Like the ancient wisemen, we come and worship You. Songs of praise, we give to You. Gifts of love we bring to You.."

not sure of what was God saying to me.. but at that moment, couldn't hold on but to break down.. closed my eyes and worship God with songs of praise and gifts of love bcoz I have realised how blessed I am as compared to them.. makes me wonder how they live their life in this condition.. I really pray that they would receive Jesus and walk with Him because I know that Jesus is their only source of hope and joy.. only Jesus can set them free from this yoke of misery.. and it is only Jesus who can raise them up to live a purposeful and meaningful life despite their dire circumstances.

Lord, help us remember to always count the blessings we have and stop feeling sad over our circumstances.. use us to help the more unfortunate people out there.. thank You for everything..

My Baby~

2010-11-24T10:40:00.004+08:00

Rosy passed away on 21st November @ 2.25pm due to breast cancer..

She have been with me and my family for ten and a half years & have been a very very good and faithful dog.. memories with her just appear in my mind each day till now.. ='(

Still remember the first time she came into my life, I was 10 back then.. she was small and super adorable.. I actually can't believe that she is now gone.. maybe I still can't accept the fact that she is gone even though I witnessed her being put to sleep.. ='(

I love her very much.. and I miss her so much.. ='(

Can't believe that I won't be seeing her for my entire life anymore.. can't see her super cute and gentle face... can't play with her anymore.. can't walk and bath her.. can't do what I used to do with her anymore .. :'( ..

Sadness~

She suffered so much inside but yet she still smile everyday..

and now I'm feeling so mixed up inside..

because my dad just bought a new rottweiler male puppy yesterday!! Feel like wanna faint now.. don't know what my heart is feeling now.. Super sad yet excited to see Beethoven at the same time.. but I think I'm still sad.. It's just too sudden and I'm still not ready to have a new dog but because my dad wants a guard dog to guard the house.. so he bought a new puppy.. x_x

I saw the photos of Beethoven posted in facebook by my sis and it's super super adorable ! ARGH.. can't wait to see him this friday... it's a very special puppy I guess.. coz its birthday falls on 10.10.10.. and it's now only 7 weeks old.. my sister said that it is naughty but very cute.. I'll see how naughty he is this friday!...

This is him..

But I still miss Rosy.. I can't let go of her.. :'( .. might sound stupid to some of you but.. seriously no other dogs can replace Rosy in my heart.. :'( .. She's just so unique and different..

Enjoy your eternal life with Jesus, baby.. see you when I see you.. :'(

Thank you for being part of my life... :'( ... Thank you for being such a good doggy to me.. Thank you for every happy moment you gave to us.. Thank you for accompanying me when I'm sad baby... Love you always..

Creation Science

2010-11-12T23:58:00.009+08:00

I had the privilege of gaining some knowledge which was shared by my youth leader during YA Combine today.. it's about Creation Science. He followed the style of 'Mythbuster' when delivering the message which was interesting and at the same time amusing, haha.

Anyway... one question to consider before I begin..

Do you believe in the Bible...? or in science?

Myth #1 : Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

According to the theory, all life were descended from a common ancestor and every animal on earth are all related to one another. Basically, his theory presumes that creatures evolve from simplistic (small) ancestors to complex creatures over time.

"In a nutshell, as random genetic mutations occur within an organism's genetic code, the beneficial mutations are preserved because they aid survival - a process known as "natural selection." These beneficial mutations are passed on to the next generation. Over time, beneficial mutations accumulate and the result is an entirely different organism (not just a variation of the original, but an entirely different creature)."

However, in spite of all the efforts of trained observers, not one change of species into another is on records. There were no progression of species found.

For example, in 1861, a bird-reptile cross known as Archaeopteryx was discovered. Initially, scientists supported the idea that Archaeopteryx was the "transition" between a bird and a reptile. To make things short, after many researches conducted, a consensus was made that Archaeopteryx was a bird and not a reptile. There were no prove to show that it is a transition of a reptile evolving into a bird.

Genesis 1:21 "So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:25 " God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. "

And so, Myth #1 is.......... BUSTED!

Myth #2: Theory 2 - The evolution of man.

Ever heard of Java man, Neandrathal man, Piltdown man and Nebraska man?

Many claimed that these 4 fossils found from 150 years ago are the "missing link" between apes evolving into man. But still after many researches conducted, scientists have claimed that those were apes and not the missing links even though they do look quite similar to human. And till today, no one have found fossils that resemble the missing links between apes and man.

So.. Myth #2 is also busted~

Nowadays, science is beginning to prove the Bible true..

How can our body who have been made so perfectly be made by accident? How can every muscles in our body coordinate so perfectly, the nerves operate so accurately, if it were to be formed over time by small particles?

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.."

Genesis 2:7 "the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living thing."

It's amazing how God can create all of us each individually unique, each having one's own finger print, and all different in each other's way. Even every snowflake that falls from the sky during winter have their own unique shape.. Truly I can proclaim how Great is our God !

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139

Forgiveness

2010-07-18T22:25:00.008+08:00

When deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it enlarge the future.

- Mary Kate Read

Talking based on my personal story, it's very true that forgiveness is the best medicine to heal our broken heart.. I'm not saying that it's an easy thing to do. Indeed, it is tough to forgive.. it took me almost 10 years to forgive.. it is a process.. but what helped me was God himself.

It's only through the example of Jesus together with the help of the Holy Spirit that we can have the strength to let go of our past and forgive the ones who had condemn us and hurt us so much.. letting go and forgiving others is the best choice & solution.. for revenge and hatred will only bring destruction to our soul. Try it and you'll see that God has more blessings in return for you!!

The only way we can find strength to forgive is to embrace the fact that Christ has forgiven us.
- Tom Holladay in The Relationship Principles of Jesus

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 5:8

2010-07-15T14:38:00.003+08:00

Being faithful in Christ means bringing all the brokenness within us to a God who is able and willing to help, to a God who loves us.

Being a christian means trusting God to mend the brokenness in us.

Being a christian means being like Christ in all circumstances.

It doesn't mean that we are naive beings who live in a 'perfect' world. It doesn't mean that we don't recognise the reality that is happening in this world today.

It's wonderful being a child of God.

Make your walk with God a meaningful adventure!

=)

Another lesson I gained from Him

2010-04-25T16:45:00.006+08:00

The 2nd quarter of the year began with a new series in church - "Take it to the Limit", a 6-week video sermon coordinated by Pastor Andy Stanley. It is concerned with Margin, which is the difference between what we have and what we need, an amount available beyond what is actually needed, the extra, the reserves.

The basic proposition of this series is that we need margin in our everyday lives. We need to have money leftover at the end of the month, we need to be 10 minutes early before an appointment starts, we need to have space in our schedule so that we may have margin. When there's no margin in life or when margin shrinks, we are pushed to our limits and then stress level will began to go up, our focus narrows and relationships with people and loved ones suffers and problems will easily set in. Also, when we began to squeeze margin out, we squeeze God out of our lives too. And we all live in a culture that pushes us to the limits.

We as human beings were designed to live with margin, we need to realise that we are limited beings, and God had set boundaries for us to live in. The culture that pressures us to live at the edge of our lives is in fact a style of living that will not sustain for long. As Pastor Andy said, reducing our margin is not a success but a recipe for disaster.

"Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed." Job 14:5

"But you don't understand, I have so much to do, assignments piling up, datelines, blablabla..". The point is we are putting things that are urgent first and not the important ones. This serves as a wake up call for us - Put your priorities right!

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may have a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 50:12

When u prioritise things aright, you will soon realise that you have so much capacity to do things. I really mean it !

I was a few weeks ago very stress and worn out due to many problems that came to me at one time. I had problems sleeping which weakened my body and also my soul. I felt so restless and tired inside. I was very weak emotionally. I get headache easily and also irritated easily by even a minor issue that I almost blew up one day. I thank God for friends that were there for me during those time supporting me and helping me get out from that pit. As this series started, I began to realised that I was pushed to the limits during that time and I lack the margin to live a life that God wants me to live in. Even last week as the study break started, I was initially stressed out because there was so much to read, worried that I wouldn't have enough time. But God spoke to me and said, hey, trust in Me like how you used to, and I will help you through. I went to bed and the next morning I woke up, and I began studying. My friends were amazed at the speed I studied even I myself was amazed. I was able to complete doing notes for 3 Chapters of Company Law in just 2 days. And I was also surprised at the fact that I was SO relaxed even until now.

I am so glad that I experienced this now, as a reminder and an assurance in the future - the 2nd and 3rd year of studies which is gonna be way tougher than this year, that I have to set my priorities right.

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you." - Matthew 6:33

How powerful and how real God's promises are in my life as well as in many's lives. We just need to do one simple act - Surrender and Commit ALL your time to God.. the God who created time, the God who created you, the God who set your days on earth, the God of our lives, the God who knows you, the God who cares for you, the God that promises to prosper us and give us a hope and a future.. and you will find peace, capacity, wisdom. Your relationship with people and God will flourish and you will be able to live life the best.

Isn't it strange..

2009-07-22T17:46:00.008+08:00

Isn't it strange
How a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church,
But such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange
How 2 hours seem so long when you're at church,
And how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange
That you can't find a word to say when you're praying but..
You have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn't it strange
how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible but
how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?

Isn't it strange
how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games but
they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Isn't it strange
how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks
before the day so we can include it in our agenda,
but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

Isn't it strange
how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others;
but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange
how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say but......
we question the words in the Bible?

Do you agree with the statements above? I think most of us will agree..
It takes no hardship to do things we wish and like to do yet it takes so much effort to spend a quiet and intimate time with God.

Now that you've realised, would you make a change for God?

We certainly need the Holy Spirit to help us in this area!

Not gifts, but willingness that counts

2009-07-05T16:28:00.005+08:00

Sometimes, we wonder how God can use us to fulfill His purposes in our lives. With our limitations, we often doubt that God will even use us to do mighty acts for Him. People may have spoken things that hurt us in the past.. words that brought down our passion to serve Him. Sometimes the problem lies within ourselves. We wonder how.. how will God use me? I'm disabled. I'm not smart enough. I'm not given the opportunity. I'm not talented.. he/she is more.. etc.

Today, those thoughts came across my mind. My talents are not utilized and developed good enough to serve Him and people around me. I doubted, I began to feel bitter bcoz of the things that obstructed me to work my talents for Him.

I began thinking about one of my greatest achievements.. that is I've done well in SPM. I wasn't a top student. Neither was I borned a smart girl.

During the start of 2007, I wondered how could people glorify the name of God through studies. Often the sunday school teachers pray for us, that we'll study hard to glorify His name. I prayed and I determined myself to glorify God in anyway I could through SPM. I told Puan Tan, my physics teacher who was also a christian, that I wanted to score all A's to glorify God. I worked hard, I trusted in Him and I succeeded.. even far more than what I expected - straight A1's in SPM.

This testimony is an encouragement.. to everyone and also to me.. that not only people with good talents are able to serve God.. but also you and I who have nothing in our hands. God only need our willingness.. if we are willing to be used by Him, He can work wonders through us. He will make the weak strong.. then people will know that it is not us, but it is Him that is in us, is real.

Offer up our lives as a willing sacrifice.

Who loves you?

2008-10-04T22:00:00.001+08:00

Many people experience lack of love in their lives. The rejected, the oppressed, the poor, the disabled..

Are you facing that situation in life? You need not sorrow anymore coz have you heard that Jesus loves you? A simple statement yet so profound.

Think about it. What does it mean to have the Creator of ALL things to love you, to know everything about you and wants to be with you in every situation? What does it mean to have Someone who will always be there for you, who will never fail you? Ponder the fact and what it means that the Savior cared enough to die for you.

Contemplate on Romans 8:35 when Paul asked, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" The answer is "Nothing in all creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (v.39)

Having someone like Jesus means everything. Invite Him into your hearts today =)

Faith

2008-07-06T17:49:00.022+08:00

Romans 4:13-25

13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Her eyes saw the leafless trees in winter, but because her mind was clouded by Alzheimer's disease she thought the trees were dead. "Someone should cut down those trees," she would repeat day after day. "They aren't coming back."

How often we see our "leafless" circumstances with a mind clouded by past experience and disappointment. We may look at a friendship, a marriage, a family feud, and say to ourselves, "Cut it down. Sever the tie. Make the break. It's hopeless!: But God wants us to see with hope because of His presence and power. We can't bring life to these seemingly impossible situations, but He can.

God's promise to Abraham that he would have a son seemed to have expired with age. Sarah, his wife was barren, and his own body was "dead" at the age of a hundred (Romance 4:19; Hebrew 11:11-12). Yet Abraham believed God, "who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations" (Romans 4:17-18).

What leafless, lifeless situation do you see today? Don't believe everything your mind tells you about it. Instead, ask God for eyes of faith that we see with hope.

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Hope this passage will calm the raging storm within you. Notice that Romans 4 is based on faith?

Faith is important. With faith, we look to Christ as our fortress. We know that He is always there beside us, carrying us through winding roads.

Trust God at all times~

1 Peter 5:5-11

2008-07-05T15:00:00.008+08:00

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

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Pastor Dale Kurtz laughed so hard that his sides ached. He was watching a frustrated squirrel trying to climb the metal pole supporting a bird feeder. The squirrel repeatedly got part way up, then slowly slid down the pole in a heap. In describing this incident, Kurtz wrote, "What the squirrel didn't know was that I had greased the pole!"

Greasing the pole is one of Satan's tactics to hinder Christians in their spiritual climb. The "grease" he often uses is our own pride, complacency, and self-sufficiency. How satan must have laugh!

Peter listed 4 crucial steps to help us continue our spiritual climb without sliding back.

1. Submitting to one another. (v5)
2. Humbling ourselves before Almighty God. (v6)
3. Casting all our care on our caring Lord. (v7)
4. Discipling ourselves and being watchful. (v8)

These four actions and attitudes allows us to resist satan's attacks (v9) and allow God's grace to strengthen us and cause us to be established in our faith. (v10)

Satan wants to keep us from making progress in our spiritual life. Will you allow him to achieve that? Will you allow him to rule over your life? With the Lord's strength, we can keep on climbing.

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!

TO AVOID SIN'S TRAGEDY, LEARN SATAN'S STRATEGY.

Isn't this very relevant and useful for us? It's so amazing.. every truth, every precaution, every correction, every conviction and every thing is all in every verse in the Bible! God's Word is the BEST!

Wonderful poem

2008-06-09T15:54:00.001+08:00

by Matthias Claudius

We thank Thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good;
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food;
No gifts have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts
But that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

Thank you Lord for everything! Make thanksgiving as part of our lifestyle!

2008-06-03T14:10:00.002+08:00

1 Peter 2:1-5

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

The Living Stone and a Chosen People
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Unappreciated?

2008-05-03T09:00:00.005+08:00

Perhaps you’ve had an experience when kindness was repaid with ingratitude, a generous gift was treated as an entitlement, kind actions were interpreted as an attempt to control, or well-intended advice was received with scorn.

David's story reminds us that even when it seems as if we're being repaid with evil for doing good, we don't have to take matters into our own hands; we can trust God with the outcome.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-23T08:13:00.001+08:00

The Earth is filled with awe-inspiring, wonderful creations of God. How marvelous it is to know that everything on Earth is created by our great God. His creativity and His greatness is potrayed in this universe. Knowing how beautiful the sun sets and rises, how dignified and high the mountains are, how wide and deep yet splendid are the oceans and how breath-taking nature is, leave us to ponder how impressive the planet that we live in.

However, let us not get so caught up by the beauty of the creations of God. This is ultimately a reminder for us to worship our majestic Creator for His splendor and His sovereignty, for the Creator is greater than the creation.

Thank you, God for everything! Your ways are perfect! Let us be good steward of His blessings and of this orb!

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever. - Psalm 145:21

Life's Storms

2008-04-18T03:00:00.002+08:00

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. - Psalm 37:5

The greatest sermons ever heard were not preached from pulpits but from sickbeds.
The deepest truths of God's Word are taught by humble souls who have gone through the school of affliction.
The most cheerful people met are those who have had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in their lives.
The most grateful people ever known were not those who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives but those who had learned to depend on God.
From 'Our Daily Bread' - April 21, 2001

Personally, living in this ulcerous world is like gasping for air. We go through many phases in life. We meet different kinds of people. We go through mistakes and harsh circumstances and learnt valuable lessons from each of them. Each of us go through various and different tribulations in life and it hurts. Though some others' lives may be perfect, with perfect family and with everything they need and everything they want, let us not be covetous and let us not fret. Because our lives are wonderful gifts from God and we are to live it up to God and for God in spite of difficulties we face. Do not compare. Instead, count the blessings God has given to us every day of our lives. Because what is most important is to invest into eternity, to love God to the max and to live for Him to the fullest and not to fret over things which are of the world. By doing this, we will learn to be joyful in the Lord in the midst of turmoils.

In 1 Timothy 6:8, it says that having food and clothes, with these I shall be content. If we were to lose everything we have in this world, for instance, family and wealth, we shouldn't be blaming God or be against Him, or to give up our lives. Because all we need is God. With God, He is able to pick us up again. He is able to fill our emptiness till it's overflowing. He is able to provide ALL our needs. And in Him we find the joy, love and peace which is fulfilling, special and different that we can't obtain it from anywhere. Because of His eternal love, His sacrificial love, we can trust in Him for He loves us and because His love for all of us is perfect. Although we have sinned a lot that we feel so undeserving, so shameful to be loved by God. Although we are nothing compared to Him due to our flaws and imperfections. But you know what? There is no sin so great that God can't forgive. There are no sins you've committed which can make God love you less. Even the worst criminal of this world does God loves and is ready to forgive him if he were to repent and turn to God. God wants to draw close to you. God desires to have an intimate relationship with you.

God promises that His plans for us are to prosper us and not to harm us. You may wonder, "why am I facing so much trouble and why is my life so miserable if God loves me? " Spiritual realm exists and every second there are spiritual warfare going on in our lives.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8, 9.

Satan well knows how, in every frame of mind to make our condition minister to his devouring purposes. He will follow you, when your soul is all but despairing and he will whisper in your ears—“God has forsaken you and given you over to the will of your enemies.” Because Satan doesn't want us to be with God, he sends problems like diseases, quarrels, broken family, etc so that we will be kept far away from God. Will you allow this to happen? Will you allow the devil to keep trampling on you, overcoming you and laugh at you? Or will you stand up to be a victor?

God has given us the power to overcome the power of darkness in this world. And we need not fear because the One in us is greater than anything else in the universe. We have God, and God will always be on our side helping us. In life's miserable moments, look to God. Do not be overwhelmed by the problem caused by our enemies but seek God and ask God for His strength to go on life's adversities. I strongly believe that God will carry you through in His everlasting arms. He'll never let you go through alone. He is always there waiting for you, you just have to respond to Him. =) Trust in God, in His divine timing, He will do the impossibles.

When we are striked down, battered and trampled by the storms of life, we may tend to give in to feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, we feel abandoned and unloved. But if we commit our ways to Him and trust in Him, we will find the peace and the joy of the Lord in the midst of ordeal. We can trust in God to bring us through the storm. So, don't be striked down by your past. Move on forward in life. There are great plans ahead of you..

Although this life may bring us pain,
Our faith in Christ can help us see
That if we obey His Word
He'll give us joy and victory. - Sper

Lift up your eyes, discouraged one,
The Lord your help will be;
New strength will come from Him who said,
"For rest, come unto Me." - Anon

Jesus said that we'd have trouble
In this world so filled with sin,
But we need not be discouraged-
He'll give peace and joy within. - Sper

Athough the stress and strain of life
My thread of faith may break,
The cable of His faithfulness
No storm can ever shake. - Anon

God tests our faith through trials and tribulations, so that we may trust His faithfulness!

Though crushed by winds of adversary,
I shall never be in despair.
Though torrents of destruction overwhelms,
I shall keep praising His glorious name.
Because of God's perfect love,
I can trust and count on Him.
He never fails me, He never forsakes me,
Because His faithfulness is everlasting.

First healing touch

2008-04-17T07:23:00.000+08:00

Today, I woke up feeling a slight soar in my throat maybe due to late nights these few days. If I ever continued like this every day I'm sure the pain will intensify.

But thank the Lord ^^ for He is good. I did my devotion today and I prayed over my throat. And I was healed ^^ whee! So happy!! My first time.. whoa..

I was so thrilled that I quickly went downstairs, took my bro's big o' cup and drank two cups full of water. And then I started to feel so sick in my tummy, lol.

Thank you, Lord! You healed me!

Why?

2008-04-08T15:37:00.001+08:00

Proverbs 3

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years

and bring you prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,

with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline

and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

as a father the son he delights in.

Have you ever asked God why do you have to suffer in life? Have you ever asked the Lord why do you have to go through so much pain, one after another? And have you asked God why did He send you trials?

Different people go through different kinds of tribulations in life. God has His ways of dealing with us. However, much of this questioning is a misunderstanding of God's dear children with God. Remember that God is good and He has His own good reasons why He put us in perplexing state. And the reason is so that we will grow spiritually disciplined.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

Jer 18:1-4

Pastor Clement once talked about the potter and the clay. We are the clay and God is the Potter who molds the clay. And Jeremiah knew, as he watched the potter shaping and molding the clay, that he was looking at a picture of himself, of every man, and of every nation. Jeremiah saw the clay being molded into a vessel. Then, some imperfection in the clay spoiled it in the potter's hand, and the potter crumbled it up, and began anew the process of shaping it into a vessel that pleases him.

Jeremiah saw the wheel turning constinuously which brought the clay against the potter's hand. That wheel stands for the turning circumstances of our life, under the control of the Potter, for it is the potter's foot that guides the wheel. The lesson is clear. As our life is being shaped and molded by the Great Potter, it is the circumstances of our life, the wheels of circumstance, which bring us again and again under the potter's hand, under the pressure of the molding fingers of the Potter, so that He shapes the vessel according to His will.

So Jeremiah watched and learned that every one is a clay in the Potter's hands. God has the rights to make us who He wants us to be. If there is any impurities in the clay which mars the design, the potter simply crushes the clay down to a lump and begin again to make it yet a beautiful vessel according to His own mind.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? says the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will repent of the evil that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will repent of the good which I had intended to do to it."

Jer 18:10

This is another lesson Jeremiah learned at the potter's house. And this relates to our lives as well. When we face tribulations in life or when we may just have passed through it, that harsh circumstances are the wheel of God. If we are not obnoxious, if our will does not mar God's work by murmuring, grumbling, complaining, feeling resentful and bitter, or blaming God and turning away from Him, but accepts the work of God, then the pressure is sure to be relieved, and the vessel takes an even more beautiful shape. But if there is resistance and offenses in us, like some imperfection in the clay, chooses something other than what the Potter has in mind, then the Potter can do nothing else but to crush it down to a lump once again and beginning with the same lump, mold it over into a vessel which suits His heart and mind. The great lesson Jeremiah learned at the potter's house was that of the sovereign control of God.

Remember that God is the potter, and we are the clay. It was His love behind the Potter's hands in the process of molding the clay. In Paul's second letter to Timothy he says,

"In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble (wrongful attitudes, contentiousness, ungodliness, doctrinal aberrations, iniquity) then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work."

2 Tim 2:20-21

If we were to watch God carefully at work in our lives, we will find that His hands and His feet bear nail prints, and that it is through the blood of the Potter himself, that the vessel is being molded into what He intends it to be.

When we are in God's hands, feeling His pressures, feeling the molding of His fingers, we can relax and trust Him, for we know that this Potter has suffered much more than us and He certainly understands how we feel. He is determined to make us into a beautiful vessel, "meet for the master's use" (2 Tim 2:21) KJV.

The molding of God goes deep, but it is only in the end that we may forget the tribulations and rejoice in the blessings of bearing much fruits for Him; priceless blessings that we are not able to obtain from anywhere but only from the Lord.

As I look back in life, I rejoice in the Lord and thank Him for putting me in His wheel. Put God in the driver's seat of our lives and we can always trust in Him because God's plans for us are to prosper us and not to harm us. But in the process of shaping us into Christ-likeness, it will never be smooth-sailing, this I can promise, but in the end, we will reap harvest of great joy the world can never give.

And I am ever ready for more of His moldings though there is still much to learn, so that I can be turned into a beautiful vase of great use for Him! =)

"No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" - Hebrews 12:11

Love One Another

2008-04-07T09:47:00.000+08:00

1 John 3:17

If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?

If we are rich, not only in material possessions, but in all that we have, yet closes our hearts against those who are in need, those who lacks certain abilities, those who are poor, handicapped and so on.. How can we say that we love God?

Let us search our hearts.

A lovely theory

2008-03-18T11:12:00.000+08:00

There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese Legend.

Thumb represents your Parents

Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings

Middle finger represents your-self

Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner

And the Last (Little) finger represents your children

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back.

Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip
(As shown in the figure below)

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents), they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later.

Please join your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings), they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your little fingers (representing your children), they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, join your little fingers, and try to separate your ring fingers (representing your spouse).

You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT, because husband & wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!!

ISN'T THIS A LOVELY THEORY?

One of life's principle

2008-03-18T07:41:00.000+08:00

LOVE people, USE things

not

LOVE things, USE people.

2008-03-14T17:02:00.001+08:00

How could I make it without You, my Father? I thank You with gratitude deep down from my heart because it is unbelievable that I made it by myself. Thank You for sending people into my life to help me.. Thank You for giving me strength and faith to succeed. Thank You for guiding me.. Thank You for bringing me through. Thank You for being there for me each time I fall into life's calamities. Thank You for picking me up each time unwanted circumstances came pushing me down. I couldn't have achieved this without You. Because I know how limited my capability is. Because I know how unlimited Your grace is.

Handicrafts #2

2008-03-12T14:55:00.000+08:00

Haha, I did 2 more bookmarks for 2 friends of mine!

And the final product.. *roll drums* =p

tadaa!

closer look

Whoa! Results will be out tomorrow! All da best to all SPM '07 candidates!

Handicrafts

2008-03-11T15:13:00.000+08:00

I made 4 bookmarks as an expression of thanks to teachers and 2 bookmarks for other people who have really helped me, that in some ways have made a difference in my life. I really thank God for them.

I appreciate and admire the sacrifices made by my teachers. How they endeavour for us. Although some times they get discouraged by us students, they are still patient and willing to teach us without giving up.

I admire their diligence in carrying out their responsibilities as teachers.

And I appreciate every words spoken by them to us. Be it words of encouragement, lecture *haha* and so on. Cause every single one of them are very precious to me. It has been useful in life.

Here are the bookmarks:

Yeah, the sticks are tongue depressors. And the flowers are made by beads =).

Another view

whee ^^ !~
Tomorrow I'll write a couple of words of blessing on the wood. And I'll hand it to them during the results day! =)

Love Our Environment - It's a gift from God

2008-03-05T17:42:00.000+08:00

In the beginning, God created the universe. God looked at everything He had made, and He was very pleased.

The world is God's creation. Therefore, it's our responsibility as God's child too to keep our world pleasant in the sight of God!

Fight Global Warming! Let's do it together!

Keep our environment clean! Be environmental-friendly!

Maintain the azure hue of the skies, the grass ever green.
Let the flowers bloom with beauty, may man live in harmony. -Melody On

Save the Earth, people! It's the only planet with chocolates.. =)

Embracing God's love

2008-03-04T16:21:00.000+08:00

Every stripe upon Your battered back

Every thorn that pierced Your brow

Every nail drove deep through guiltless hands

Said that Your love knows no end

Redeemer Savior Friend

Song - Redeemer, Savior, Friend

Why did Jesus fold the napkin?

2008-03-03T16:40:00.000+08:00

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.

Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth with that napkin and toss it on to the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.' But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, 'I'm not finished yet.'

The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

Meet Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy

2008-02-27T07:47:00.000+08:00

Hi folks,

I got this video from my Physics teacher, Debbie Yeong. It's very touching it brings home to me a closer appreciation to what God did by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to us.

In creation we see God's hands,

In redemption we see God's heart.

God bless!
Melody

He turns trials into blessings

2008-02-22T08:42:00.005+08:00

This is the surface of my life. Just wanna share together with a couple of verses as an encouragement of those going through tough times. =)

I committed a sin when I was young. After that, my parents began to lose their trust on me. But after I committed that sin, I was guilty, I repented and overcame that sin. As I grew up going to sunday school, I learnt more about God, The Ten Commandments, so on so forth, and I began to change. I accepted Christ when I was 11 and was baptised in water that same year. I was once a sinful person but thank God because of His grace I changed and never went back to who I was in the past.

Even after I repented, life wasn't smooth sailing anymore. There's when life became a trial for me. Due to many many reasons, I get scoldingss every single day without fail until when I was form 3, the scolding reduced to like once a day or once every two days. However, although I don't get much scolding anymore, bigger problems came in. Basically as I grew up, bigger problems came one after another.

I experience many hurts. It's very difficult to face life. Every day, different and bigger obstacles I have to endure. A lot of misunderstandings, confusion, pain, and so on. Sometimes I feel very unfair. I envy my friends who doesn't have to go through what I go through. Each time I will cry. I will open up the Bible every single time I feel hurt, hoping that God will show me some verses and speak to me. I also hope that God will appear in front of me and comfort me. And along my life, I kept asking Him, "Why do I have to face all these? I have changed but why can't I be forgiven? Why do You put me through all these?" And I even asked, "Am I loved?".

To cut everything short, I really thank God for what He put me through. Although it is hard but I am grateful. Nobody would want to be in this situation. I thank Him bcoz through all these, I learnt a lot of things, really a lot. And most importantly, I grew to be more intimate with God! Though at times I made mistakes and when I stumble and fall, God is always there to encourage me. He picked me up when I am down. He correct and chasten me when I am wrong. God has been very good and faithful and He has blessed me abundantly. He gave me everything I need and I am very satisfied with the little things I have. As in 1 Timothy 6:8, the Bible say that "having food and clothing, with these we shall be content". And through this, I learn to give with the little I have. I learn to be thankful. I learn to forgive. I learn to be very very patient. I learn to love others and never to look down on people because I wasn't that loved. I learnt that the most important thing in life is God. Through the years, I learnt to put God first in everything I do, whatever I am involved in, I always attempt to put God first and I'm glad I'm able to. I committed everything into God's hand and He had made things better now! Praise the Lord! And this make me love Him more because of who He is.

I wrote my life story here to encourage all of you. Those who are reading this, I am telling you the truth that everything happen because of a reason. God puts us through trials to make us more like Christ, to draw us closer to Him and to make us imperfect humans realise how great He is. In Romans 8:29, the Bible says that "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." God is not interested in just saving us but to also conform us "to the image of His Son". But the process of becoming like Him begins here and now. How does that happen? This includes testings and trials, chastenings and purifications, denials and suffering. To become more like Christ, we must follow Him - and that is the path of sacrifice and trial.

A young boy made a toy boat and then went to sail it on a pond. While he was playing with it along the water's edge, the boat floated out beyond his reach. In his distress, he asked an older boy to help him. Without saying a word, the older boy picked up some stones and started to throw them toward the boat. The little boy became upset, for he thought that the one he had turned to for help was being mean. Soon though, he noticed that instead of hitting the boat, each stone was directed beyond it, making a small ripple that moved the vessel a little nearer to the shore. Every throw of the stone was planned and at last the treasured toy was brought back to his waiting hands.

Sometimes in life, it seems as if God allows circumstances to harm us. We may be sure that these waves of trial are intended to draw us closer to our Creator and to encourage us to set our minds "on the things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). Bcoz we're prone to drift away from God, He must discipline us to ensure that we're on the right path (Hebrews 12:9-11- Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our Fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it).

The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we will develop patience and godly maturity. In Romans 5:3-5, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hopedoes not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." and James 1:3-4, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Keep in mind that our present sufferings are for a moment and that they are being used by God for our eternal good. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 -For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.)

So take heart, suffering ones. Someday you too will realize that it was worth it all. 1 Peter 1:7 - "These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

I thank God for this life He has given to me. This life is certainly a blessing in disguise from God. God is so great so good because of who He is! And I love Him so so much.

It was worth it all. Everything I've gone through, all the tears shed, and even though so many times my heart was broken, it was worth it all.

From God, to you

2008-02-21T15:52:00.000+08:00

I found this in Jann's blog. It's wonderful. Very inspiring. People who are especially in problems or in confusion, please take a look at this. You'll never regret knowing what's there. And please don't close it without watching all of it. =)

what we are

2008-02-21T11:54:00.000+08:00

what we are today is result of our own past actions;
whatever we wish to be in the future depends on our present actions;
decide how you have to act now.

we are responsible for what we are, whatever we wish ourselves to be.
we have the power to make ourselves.

The most difficult phase of life is not when no one understands you;
it is when you don't understand yourself.

whatever you give to life, it gives you back;
do not hate anybody.
the hatred which comes out from you will someday come back to you.
love others and love will come back to you.

for everything you have missed, you will gained something else;
and for everything you gained, you lose something else.

it is about your outlook towards life. You can either reject or rejoice.

arrow goes forward only after pulling in to backward.
bullet goes forward only after pressing the trigger backward.

every human will get happy only after facing difficulties in their life path.

so do not be afraid to face your difficulties.
they will push you forward.

remember you are born to live.
don't live because you are born!

don't go the way life takes you..
take life the way you go!

Spiritual Resonance

2008-02-20T12:43:00.002+08:00

Debbie Yeong, also known as Puan Tan Tee Hwa, is my Physics teacher and also my spiritual teacher.

She's an awesome teacher. She's tender-hearted and compassionate. She loves helping people, always there to encourage and to listen as well as to advice anyone that comes to her for help. And most importantly, she loves God. Personally, she has been my spiritual teacher. She teaches me many things in life and many things about God during CF in her house, in mail, in her car while she sends me home and so on. I simply love her and I'm missing her so deeply! I miss the times we had together, sharing about God's goodness and praying for others in her car. She always relate Physics with life and also Physics with God. That's why everbody loves her teaching because it is different, interesting and unique, easy to understand and easy to remember! Bcoz of her, my passion for physics grew tremendously. She had certainly made an impact on each of her students' life.

One lesson that I will never forget is in the first chapter of Form 5 she taught, that is Resonance.

The Definition:
Resonance is the process of energy transfer between two oscillating system with the same frequency. Amplitude increases as energy is achieved.

Some examples of resonance in nature:

The diver jumps up and down on the diving board until the frequency of the diving board is the same as that of the diver.

Resonance ocurs and energy is transfered from the board to the diver and he attains a high amplitude to execute a stylish dive.

A soprano sings with a high pitch until the frequency of the wine glass is the same as that of the soprano singer's voice.

Resonance occurs and energy is transfered from the voice to the wine glass. The wine glass is then broken.

The wind that blew Tacoma bridge blew until the frequency of the bridge is the same as the wind.

Resonance occurs and energy is transfered from the wind to the bridge. The bridge then collapsed.

Radio and TV boardcasting stations generate radio wave with specific frequency. For instance, Lite.Fm has 105.7 Hz.

Radio receivers generate waves where the frequency can be changed by a capasitor.

Resonance occur when the frequency of the radio wave from the boardcasting stations is the same as the frequency of the radio wave from the receiver. Hence, energy is transfered from the boardcasting station to our receiver.

But the amazing thing is this, Pn Tan demonstrates natural resonance with spiritual resonance. That is, when our heart's frequency is in tune with God's heart, resonance occur. God is able to speak to us and we are able to hear His voice.

We can create that spiritual resonance with God, if only we are willing to be obedient to His word, be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and what more is to have a habitual daily walk with Him. Also, tune down the world's volume and spend more time listening to the voice of God. As people has described, christianity is not merely a religion.. it involves having a relationship with God. How can we possibly listen to God? We can. Just like spending time with a friend to know him/her in greater depth, we ought to do the same towards God to be able to hear His voice.

Words

2008-02-20T08:59:00.000+08:00

Don't let someone become a priority in your life,
when you are just an option in their life.
Relationship works best when they are balanced!

Never explain yourself to anyone.
Because the person who likes you doesn't need it,
and the person who dislikes you won't believe it.

We make them cry who care for us.
We cry for those who never care for us,
and we care for those who will never cry for us.

Don't make promises when you are in joy.
Don't reply when you are sad.
Don't take decisions when you are angry.

Think twice.. Act wise.

Time is like a river..
You cannot touch the same water twice,
because the flow that has passed will never pass again.

Enjoy every moment of life..

God's miniature Bible

2008-02-18T10:29:00.000+08:00

I found this excellent outline of John 3:16 in 'Our Daily Bread', a verse that is often referred to as "God's miniature Bible." And I just want to share it with all of you. It's really amazing!

God - the greatest lover
so loved - the greatest degree
the world - the greatest company
that He gave - the greatest act
His only begotten Son - the greatest gift
that whoever believes - the greatest simplicity
in Him - the greatest person
should not perish - the greatest promise
but - the greatest difference
have - the greatest certainty
everlasting life - the greatest possession

Salvation is a gift to be received, not a goal to be achieved!

How vast God's love is for the world
That He gave Jesus, the greatest gift none could offer
For we may have life, life everlasting
Simply through His Son, by believing in Him. - Melody On

Do not judge others

2008-02-16T16:44:00.000+08:00

Paul revealed the hypocrisy of righteous religionists. He said in Romans 2:21, "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?" Paul warned that people who are quick to judge the sins of others are guilty of the very things they condemn.

I think we humans have this tendency. When we see a sin in another person's life, we'll rise up and correct that person. But if we are honest with ourselves, we can see similar faults in our own life as well.

So, stop judging others! I am so sick of people judging others. The worst of all, is to judge one's faith. Come on, we can't know how intimate one's relationship is with God. Who knows, the ones who expressed the most, who cried the most, who jumped the most when praising God, the one who you think is very spiritual, actually doesn't practice what they learnt from God or is far from God? Who knows, the ones who kept quiet, praying to God in silence, who spends time with God privately, is actually very close with God beneath and is wise, full with the wisdom of God?

Matthew 6:1-4 says, [1] Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2] So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Thus said the Lord, do not judge others!

Do not spread slanders, the Lord warns!

2008-02-16T15:40:00.000+08:00

Just this afternoon while cleaning the pond, I began to think of somebody. That person is a good friend of mine. But, I got so discouraged and sad when I thought of his/her character. Sigh. Sometimes your closest friend can hurt you too, when you least expected them to do so. I wanted to tell another friend about how I feel about that person. But then, another thought came in - I don't want to sin against God! I've already promise God not to judge other people or gossip after I came back from YES. I don't want to be talking about somebody behind his/her back.

So after cleaning the pond, I bathed and had my lunch. Then, I did my devotion.

Surprisingly and such an coincidence, though, I came across a few verses of scripture which actually warned me about gosssiping. It's like God is talking to me! Well, the verses are found in Matthew 18:15-20, Proverbs 10:18-19 and Psalm 120:2.

Matthew 18:15-20 - "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. [18] "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. [19] "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Proverbs 10:18-19 - [18] He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. [19] When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Psalm 120:2 - Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

I am thankful that the Lord saved me from spreading slanders. I was so close in committing another sin, but God delivered me. I think we need self-control in this matter, knowing that at the end of time, everyone will be judged by God and because we mere humans ain't perfect, only God can be the judge!

Dedicated Valentine's Day to Abba Father

2008-02-15T09:52:00.000+08:00

At the cross I bow my knee,

Where Your blood was shed for me,

There's no greater love than this.

You have overcome the grave,

Your glory fills the highest place,

What can separate me now?

Father,
Thank you for sending Your only Son
To pay the penalty of our sins
Truly, there's no greater love than this
Who am I that You died for me?
Who am I that You suffered for me?
Lord I just want You to know
How much my heart yearns for You
How much my soul longs for You
How much I love You
I love You, Lord
From the bottom of my heart!

Death

2008-02-14T06:43:00.000+08:00

A sick man turned to his doctor,

as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said,

"Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know?

You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;

on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,

and as he opened the door,

a dog sprang into the room

and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,

"Did you notice my dog?

He's never been in this room before.

He didn't know what was inside.

He knew nothing except that his master was here,

and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death,

but I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough."

How to be... Great?

2008-02-11T17:12:00.000+08:00

How to be great?

Matthew 20:20-28
[20] Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of Him. [21] "What is it you want?" He asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your Kingdom." [22] "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"
"We can," they answered. [23] Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." [24] When the ten disciples heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

God has already helped us answer the question of this post through the passage of scripture above. That is - to be first and great in God's eyes, we must serve! May Jesus be our example. Although He is God and is the Most High, Jesus "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Greatest is the one who serves! True greatness is attained simply by serving.

Lord though You are the Most High God
But sinners as we are, You willingly gave Your life for all
Lord help us to tread and walk on Your steps
Humbling ourselves, serving others just as You served w'all Your best. - Melody On

Meaningful

2008-02-08T16:26:00.000+08:00

I love this song's lyrics very much. I was so touched when I sang this song back at Time's Up Conference that I cried. It just reflect how great God is.

All For Love

Verse 1:
All for love, a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love, the heavens cried for love was crucified

PreChorus:
Oh, how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive if only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me

Chorus:
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You

Verse 2:
Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of glory, King of all

Verse 3:
All for love a Savior prayed
Abba Father, have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the cross draw man to You, to You
To You, to You

Oh, how many times have we broken God's heart. But still He forgives, if only we ask.

And this is what we should ask from God:

heal my heart and make it clean
open up my eyes to the things unseen
show me how to love like You have loved me
break my heart for what breaks Yours
everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
as I walk from earth into eternity - Bridge of the song Hosanna

Sow Generously, Reap Generously

2008-02-07T09:56:00.000+08:00

I came across one passage of scripture today which grasp my attention as I was doing my daily devotion. It's found in 2 Corinthians 9.

2 Corinthians 9
verse 6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

verse 7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

verse 8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.

verse 9
As it is written: "He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."

verse 10
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

verse 11
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

verse 12
This service you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

The custom of man is to "get all you can." But the custom of the spiritual man is to "give all you can." Let us give generously as an act of love for people and also, an act of gratitude towards God. Although sometimes we may be suppressed to give maybe because of several reasons, but I believe that God will bless us in return when we give generously even though we are poor. Just as what the widow did in Mark 12:41-44. She was poor yet she dropped in two copper coins, worth about a penny in the offering box. Then, Jesus said to his disciples that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. "For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had - she gave all she had to live on." (v.44)

Give because we are blessed and give to bless. Remember that Jesus gave His all.

Hope

2008-02-05T10:58:00.000+08:00

Let's ponder what it would be like if the Sun would not rise again tomorrow. Think of the never-ending darkness. Think of the coldness the world will experience. Think of all the consequences. Plants will wither without solar energy, nature will be disturbed, both man and animal will suffer from the lack of food. Life would perish for the lack of sunlight.

Thank the Lord because the sun rises every day. The Sun indeed play a huge role in our lives. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, "But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised." The sunset each day is followed by a sunrise on the next day. In the same way, "death" is followed by the "resurrection". This is an assurance that our hope is renewed. Everyday when we look at the bright sky, let hope fills our hearts as it's a reminder that the long night of darkness and will give way to eternal day in heaven. Jesus' resurrection is the promise of our own resurrection!

Y.E.S. videos

2008-02-03T11:49:00.000+08:00

Y.E.S videos are up! Say thanks to Joash =)

http://youtube.com/joashweeren

Sit back and enjoy!

His Name

2008-01-29T12:58:00.000+08:00

In today's fast-paced world, things are getting done instantly. Communication too became more convenient with IM such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and so on.

I'm pretty sure majority know that in IM language, be right back becomes "brb", laughing out loud becomes "lol", got to go becomes "gtg" and the list goes on. Sadly, many uses "Oh my God!" for "omg".

And I know of people who do utter that last phrase. But as Christians, we need to stop the habit of using God's name in vain. In Exodus 20:7, The Bible tell us that "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" (NKJV). Besides, this verse is part of the Ten Commandments! How could we dare to break God's Law?

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, the first thing He taught was this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9). God's name is holy, His name is above every other name. God's name shouldn't be used in vain and we should be honoring and respecting God's holy name instead.

Lord, we plead for Your forgiveness,
for using Your name in vain;
Lord change us and help us in life,
to lift Your name up high. - Melody On

Y.E.S.

2008-01-27T08:01:00.000+08:00

3 different faces of Jeremy:

Concentrating studying and completing assignments:

sis look so happy studying, haha!

For more pictures, go to http://melodyosy.multiply.com/ and grab whatever pics you want! =D

The Tongue

2008-01-25T12:27:00.000+08:00

Aristotle once said, "Anybody can become angry-that is easy;but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not easy!"

Ephesians 4:25-27,29-32..
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

from v29...

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of you mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

James 3:3-11
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Like wise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makaes a great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

from v7

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but not man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

from v9

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

God created a muscular organ called the "tongue" as part of our human body for several reasons. To taste, to talk, and to aid in the chewing and swallowing of food. But God says that we must be careful of our tongue.. meaning that we must be careful with the words we say. I believe that everyone of you who read this post will understand what God wants us to do with our words as it is clearly stated in the verses above. I know that it is hard to change ourselves, even I find it hard too. But let us pray for self-control, one of the fruits of the spirit, and I'm sure God will be glad to help us stop our bad habits of gossiping, lying, diverting or exaggerating something which causes problems. =) I think it is important to know what God wants us to be like. That is why I chose to listen to Him, willing to change for God. Always think twice before you speak.

The Most..

2008-01-23T14:20:00.000+08:00

:: The Most ::

The most selfish one letter word...

"I"

Avoid it..

----------------------------------------

The most satisfying two-letter word...

"WE"

Use it..

----------------------------------------

The most poisonous three-letter word...

"EGO"

Kill it..

----------------------------------------

The most used four-letter word...

"LOVE"

Value it..

----------------------------------------

The most pleasing five-letter word...

"SMILE"

Keep it..

----------------------------------------

The fastest spreading six-letter word...

"RUMOUR"

Ignore it..

----------------------------------------

The hardest working seven-letter word...

"SUCCESS"

Achieve it..

----------------------------------------

The most enviable eight-letter word...

"JEALOUSY"

Distant it..

----------------------------------------

The most powerful nine-letter word...

"KNOWLEDGE"

Acquire it..

----------------------------------------

The most essential ten-letter word...

"CONFIDENCE"

Trust it..

----------------------------------------

One dream

2008-01-22T17:14:00.000+08:00

One dream that I want to achieve is....

to master sign language.

But, can I?

I'm H A P P Y

2008-01-22T12:58:00.000+08:00

I'm so happy after going to YES and there's no regret. My life seem to be more meaningful than last year now that I'm more intimate with God. Life began to changed and I'm glad that this year started off so amazingly. I'm glad to be refreshed again and thank You Lord for being so good to all of us!

Jesus, be the centre of my life!

I love you, Jesus!

It's all about Jesus
It's all about the way He changed our lives
It's all about Jesus
The power of His love can't be denied..

Youth Enrichment School (Y.E.S.) 2008

2008-01-21T13:30:00.000+08:00

I've been away for YES in BCM for two weeks , 7th of Jan till the 18th. I must say that it was great! YES was so awesome and I'm missing it so greatly. It's so sad that we have to leave each other. All of us are like one happy family. It's amazing how fast we could click with each other and yes, i really miss the time all of us had together. The fun, the love and everything!

Through YES, I drew closer to God. God is always good. At times I feel that I can't get more of God. But God love us and want to draw us closer and closer to Him and true enough, I experienced more of God's love and His greatness in YES. There is no way that we can get enough of God. I feel so fulfilled, so satisfied in His presence and I wanna keep this passion burning in me!

The classes I attended increases my knowledge in God. I learnt many things from the pastors. Also, there are 4 creative classes. Vocals by Liang, Dance by Hazel and Alvin, Photography by Daniel Liew and Flagging by Cindy Koh. Learnt alot through them too. All these creative classes are to prepare us to serve in different ministries. But I still feel that I'm not talented in dancing haha.. I feel so embarassed coz I know I danced like a "kayu".. lol. Well, everyone's not perfect right? Dancing is just not my talent. =)

Hmm not to forget the fun, 32 of us are broken into groups of 4. First group was the doughnuts and they won first for their jingle.. you should see it, it's very nice and creative! I'm in the second group, the tuki warriors, and hey we're the champion for our sketch! Third group was coffee bean and the fourth is lump of clay.. lol. Well, I really miss the last night in BCM. The jingles and the sketches was enjoyable. We laughed alot that night. It's so nice to see everybody performing with different creativity. The games and team building activities on the first two days was very enjoyable and exciting too haha. Basically everyone have to be involve and co-operate as a team. Despite of having so much of fun, I'm sure we're also bonded stronger in our relationship. All YES people and BCM students there is very friendly, good and true. I'm glad to know all of them =) and really enjoyed travelling with them during the weekends to Canaan Church and GT Klang.

We went to visit the Rumah Juara orphanage home too. Played some games, worshipped God there with the kids, prayed for them too and socializing with them =).

In a nutshell, YES was really awesome. Every moment spent there I'll cherish it very much for the rest of my life! For those who missed it or who are thinking whether you should go.. please go coz you won't regret it!

By the way, just a gentle reminder, YES is not Year End Sale ok? ;) It's Youth Enrichment School! =D

*flag/banner*

*vocals with Liang*

*say 'hah!' instead of 'ahem!'*

*Dance & Mime*

*team building - the tuki tuki warriors!*

*coffee bean*

*the doughnuts*

*the lump of clays, Shen-ly blocking Aaron, sorry*

*Visit to Rumah Juara*

*games with the kids*

*Daniel Loo playing with cute lil' Aaron*

*and this is big Aaron (right) lolz with christopher, if not mistaken*

*Group pic*

*in the KTM heading GT Klang*

*at klang, nearby the station*

*"Bollywood" actors, they were very happy when they saw the tree*

*some of the YES people with sara lee from GT Klang*

*Youth Leader attacked by YES guys*

*Danny still smiling, lol*

*another victim - BCM student*

*YES girls!*

*YES boys*

*graduation, sadly William and Mei Mei wasn't in the pic*

Inspiring for a better tomorrow!

2008-01-04T14:57:00.000+08:00

I would prefer to be an honest failure than to be a corrupt success.

Before you speak, listen;
Before you write, think;
Before you spend, earn;
Before you criticise, wait;
Before you pray, forgive;
Before you quit, try.

In the search for me, I discovered truth.
In the search for truth, I discovered love.
In the search of love, I discovered God.
And in God, I have found everything!

[ John 14:6 says that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!....... ]

As we sail through life, don't avoid storms and rough waters.
Just let it pass.
Just sail.
Always remember,
calm seas never make skillful sailors.

The most important thing in any game is not to win but to take part.
Similarly, the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.
Remember,
life is about struggle.

When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long..
Take the reason of the thing into your mind and look forward.
Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed..
The future is yet in your power.

People will forget what you said..
People will forget what you did..
But people will never forget,
how you made them feel.

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight,
extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster,
and do it with no thought of any reward..

Today is a new day!!
Many will seize this day.
Man will live it to the fullest.
Why not you ??

Eight Lies of a mother

2007-12-20T15:18:00.001+08:00

1. The story began when I was a child;
I was born as a son to a poor family.
Even during meals, we often had a lacked of food.
Whenever during meals, mother often gave me her portion of rice.
While she was removing her rice into my bowl,
she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry".
That was Mother's First Lie

2. When I was growing up,
the persevering mother gave her spare time for fishing in a river near our house,
she hoped that from the fishes she had caught,
she could gave me a little bit of nutritious food for my growth.
After fishing, she would cook the fishes to make fresh fish soups,
which raised my appetite.
While I was drinking the soup,
mother would sit beside me and eat the remaining flesh of the fish,
which were still on the bones of the fish which I ate.
My heart was touched when I saw it.
I then gave the other fish to her.
But she immediately refused it and said "Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish."
That was Mother's Second Lie.

3. Then, when I was in Junior High School,
to fund my study,
mother went to a company to bring home some match boxes to stick them for some income.
It gave her some money for to cover our daily needs.
As the winter came,
I woke up from my sleep and saw my mother who was still awoke,
supported by a little candlelight
and within her perseverance she continued the work of sticking some match boxes.
I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late.
Tomorrow morning you still have to go for work.
Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, dear. I'm not tired."
That was Mother's Third Lie.

4. Then came the final term exam.
Mother applied leave from her work in order to accompany me.
As the morning disappeared and the rays of the sun was starting to shine,
the strong and persevering mother waited for me under the heat of the sun for several hours. As the bell rang,
which indicated that the final exam had finished,
mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a glass of tea that she had prepared before. The very thick tea was not as thick as my mother's love,
which was much thicker.
Seeing my mother covering with perspiration,
I at once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too.
Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!".
That was Mother's Fourth Lie.

5. After the death of my father due to an illness,
my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent.
By holding on to her former job,
she had to fund our daily needs alone.
Our family life became more complicated.
No days without sufferings.
Seeing our family's condition getting worse,
there was a nice uncle who lived nearby came to help us,
in some big and a small ways.
Our neighbours saw that our family's life was so unfortunate,
they often advised my mother to marry again.
But mother, who was stubborn,
didn't heed their advice,
she said "I don't need love." That was Mother's Fifth Lie.

6. After I had finished my study and got a job,
it was time for my old mother to retire.
But she didn't want to;
she continued to go to the marketplace every morning,
just to sell some vegetables to fulfill her needs.
I was working in the other city,
often sent her some money to help her in fulfilling her needs,
but she was stubborn and did not accept the money.
She even sent the money back to me.
She said "I have enough money."
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

7. After graduation with a Bachelor's Degree,
I continued my studies to get the Masters.
I got the degree,
which was funded by a company through a scholarship program,
from a famous University in America.
I finally worked in that company.
With quite a high salary,
I intended to take my mother for a holiday in America.
But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son,
she said to me, "I'm not used to travelling."
That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

8. After entering her old age,
mother got a flank cancer and had to be hospitalized.
I, who lived in miles away and across the ocean,
directly came home to visit my dearest mother.
She lied down in weakness on her bed after having an operation.
Mother, who looked so old,
was staring at me in deep yearning.
She tried to spread her smile on her face;
yet it looked so stiff because of the disease she was holding out.
It was clear enough to see how the disease broke my mother's body,
but not her spirit and love..
thus she looked so weak and thin.
I stared at my mother with tears flowing..
My heart was hurt, so hurt, seeing my mother in that condition.
mother, with her strength, said "Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain."
That was Mother's Eight Lie.

After saying her eighth lie, She closed her eyes forever!

Christmas

2007-12-08T16:44:00.000+08:00

Jesus once said that all of us are to remember His death on the cross. Jesus specifically pointed out that we should remember His death in the Bible. Now, communion is the way all of us remember His death on the cross. In fact, Jesus ordered us to do so in the Bible. The cup represents Jesus's blood while the broken bread represents His broken body. What's so special about that? Doesn't it seem absurd celebrating someone's death instead of one's birth?

Christ's birth brought the infinite God to finite Man and Christ's death brings man to God. The son of God became one of us so that we might become one with Him. Jesus is our greatest gift. Both His birth as well as His death is equally important to be remembered. But let us put our attention more on His death on Christmas Day. Through His death, all of us gained forgiveness of sin and in Him, eternal life. Through His death, we are reconciled and we can come to God as His child. Through His death, a bridge is made to connect the imperfect us to the perfect God. We can come pure, justified by faith to God through forgiveness. Let us remember His sacrifice on the cross and praise Him, thank Him for everything He has done.

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

Worship Explosion!

2007-12-04T13:00:00.001+08:00

The 'Worship Explosion' on 19th October had really 'exploded'! The Holy Spirit worked through the worship team, leading us into a wonderful time of worship for God. Worshipping God in spirit and in truth is a joy that I enjoy very much. I was in a depressed mood that day. Alot of problems I was facing in life. That night God assured me that He was with me all the while in my darkest time. I began to realise that God was with me everytime when I am hurt even when I can't see him. God never fail us. He never left me nor forsaken me, even you. Then I began to think about the story of the Footprints. It goes like this..

"LORD, You said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, " My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and sufferings, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

I was very very very very very touched by what God said to me through Pastor Brad. I could not expressed how it feel like but I feel loved and comforted by God. I felt sooo nice crying soooo much that night. That night, I decided to trust in God in whatever I do. After that night, my life was more secured knowing that God is always with me and there to guide me. I slowly learn not to fear the dark and going in the toilet in school alone. hehe. That night, I decided to follow God and never turn back on Him again! God is my life and everything I do, I want to bring Him glory.