Hey, there.

It's so difficult

2011-01-07T17:09:00.000-08:00

Why God? Why is it that the people around me are suffering and I am not? Rather, I am the one who is enjoying life without having to go through any struggle, misery or handicap. Sucks, the feeling does. The worst part is, I don't have the ability to change any of this.

Why Lord? Why?

Médecins Sans Frontières

2010-10-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm called by you Lord. Walk with me down that journey. It's not going to be easy, I know. But your grace is more than enough for me.

2010-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Mum, you're just so unreasonable, paranoid, and always acting self-righteous.

God, why are you making it so hard on me?

2010-07-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Sighhhhhhhhh. So much things to do. So little time. My mum's right, I'm sacrificing too much.

ODAC

2010-07-15T06:58:00.001-07:00

Life's getting more complicated and busyyy! MYE's over and so is OT. OT was freaking awesome and I'm really looking forward to OCIP this november! God, I really need help. Failed bio. And so is gp and econs. Screweddd wheeee.

So much things happened and so many things learned.

VJC ODAC, the best decision I've ever made. (-:

2010-06-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

"Return to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

Be back in Singapore on 5th June! Hope OT's funn! (:

2010-05-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:28-31

Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "We have given up everything to follow you."

Help me to follow you not only when the Sun is shining brightly, when the crowds are cheering, but also when I am persecuted and weak.

"Many who now are first will be last, and the last, first."

Help me to be the last, Lord, help me to lead by serving, by caring for my neighbours, because you said that the greatest are those who are humble and servile.

Mark 10:17-27

"Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor and you will have riches in heaven, then come and follow me."

Help me not to be attached to the material things, status, wealth and recognition in this world, Lord, but to always seek your kingdom and the riches stored in heaven. Grant me a heart of sacrifice to offer my energy, material things and service to the people around me. For our riches belong to the poor. We have status, riches and talent to help our neighbours. I pray that the gifts that you haven given me may be given to those around me through me.

Keep using me as your instrument, o Lord, that your work may be fulfilled in this world.

2010-05-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I can turn back the clock and avoid the stupid mistakes that I made.
To the person who made me lose so much confidence in myself, screw off yea? I would really appreciate it if you don't poke your stupid nose into stuffs that you're not involved in or in charge or have no business with. That would really make my life easier for the rest of my school term. And the best part is you can just pretend nothing happened. Asshole. I'm so sick of seeing your face in school everyday.

17th BIRFFFDAYYYE. :D

2010-05-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

AHH bless me, birthday's on a weekend. A wonderful one indeed!
Went out with my old pals on sat, ate dinner and talked like the old dayys!! Southpark, and muds who go to wavehouse party and just walk about smoking. LOL. Hahahha. Miss my secondary days :( It was really more relaxed and enjoyable (maybe).
Had lunch on sunday with mummy and jiejie! Angus House ftw! Awesome, really. Followed by desserts and cake! Then went out again at night to Bon's house like the old times! Wanted to play ball but it rained. Watched iron man2 instead! That's like the first time stepping into a cinema after what, 5 months? Wth right! Yup, that's my jc life.Yours?
Can't believe the year passed so quickly! Holidays coming up, OT trip (YES ah, can't wait :D), and then mid years.. Screwed.

But thank God for everything! Knowing you has been a blessing and always will be.

Psalms 105: 1-4
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."

Words can't describe how grateful I am to you Lord. Thank you for making my life complete and purposeful. (:

2010-05-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Wonderful people, wonderful friends, wonderful family (:
Thank you Lord :D

2010-05-11T04:16:00.000-07:00

Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

Help me, Lord.

2010-05-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

It sucks.

2010-05-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

They can take tomorrow and the plans we made
They can take the music that we never play
All the broken dreams take everything
Just take it away, but they can never have yesterday

They can take the future that we'll never know
They can take the places that we said we will go
All the broken dreams take everything
Just take it away, but they can never have yesterday

2010-05-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

"I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love."

"I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."

Help me, Lord, for you are the only person who brings us real fullness of life.

2010-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

TIREDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.
LAGGGGGGGGGGING BEHINDDDDDDD.

Kay, need to start studying! MUST.

House comm results tmr!! Cant wait. Get it over with man.

2010-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Just watched "Facing the Giants" for the second time! It's a really beautiful and touching movie about how a rugby coach's life (family, career, faith) is transformed as he believes in God in his most toughest times. You should watch it, seriously!!

I'm just amazed at how God uses the weak, the disadvantaged, to magnify and show his might and strength. Personally, this is something that is very touching because it's something I've experienced for myself. Ahhh, I can never explain it in detail how beautiful the movie is unless you watch it for yourself!

Things are getting better, thankfully. Everything. (:

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven."

Lord, thank you for all your blessings, for all that you've provided for me. You've once again shown me how privileged I am, and how wonderful you are through the perfect plan you've set for me. Help me not to rely on physical food but on that which is spiritual and comes from every word of the living God. Help me to hunger and thirst for your word as I seek meaning and consolation from it. Help me always to rely on your strength and put in my best in all that I do, as I face the giants in my life. Help me not fear also, but to put my every confidence in your will. Help me to trust in You and believe that whatever the outcome is, it is the best that You hope for us. Lastly, thank You Lord, for the pillars of strength and role models that You've placed in my life, from which I can seek comfort, solace and support, and learn from respectively. You simply amaze me O Lord, through the way you show your greatness, your might, your glory by using the seemingly weak, small and insignificant, albeit strong and faithful in heart, soul and spirit, around me. Help me to learn from these.

Amen.

2010-04-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yea when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I...I look at you

When the waves
Are flooding the shore and I can't
Find my way home anymore
That's when I, I...I look at you

"They had rowed about three or four miles, when they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and he was drawing near to the boat. They were frightened, and he said to them, 'It is me; don't be afraid.'

Lord, you're just so wonderful to show me comfort through your Word when I needed it most. Help me O Lord, not to be afraid. Give me the courage to go through it with You.

Confused, distraught.

2010-04-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

There is no end to the gifts
God gives us in life.
The great act of faith lies
in coming to understand that -
even when we cannot see it.

"They filled large baskets with the scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves."

Lord, help me to always recognise and appreciate your goodness in blessing us with the many gifts we don't deserve. At times, I may look towards what I do not have rather than what I have. When this happens, help me realize and offer you my thanksgiving. Amen.

2010-04-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

Hello!! It's been ages, yeah. In short, JC is getting even more tiring but is still awesome, with PIs, projects, videos, speeches coming up.

Well, I'm now a provisional instructor of the 27th ODAC batch! Woots, my hard work paid off. But with every victory there's a loss. That's life, isn't it? Sometimes, things just don't go your way and you get disappointed. What is admirable is that you get to your feet, take a new breath of life, and move on. And that, my friends did, and earned my respect (: I'm behind you people all the way!!

Of course, there's a sad note too. I've been assigned as photog IC. And i just feel I'm more capable than that. I wanted land chief, but I just feel my workload has been really heavy, such that I didnt even tell my batch mates what I wanted. Sigh, I'm just afraid I may become distanced from the rest, and that shouldn't be the way.. I really felt I needed an explanation. I feel I'm worth more than that, given what I felt was a very good post-OLC evaluation given by my seniors, but given my position, how am I going to prove myself? I'm not involved in any organization or planning of events.. How am I even going to run for exco, if I don't even know what's the impression I give to my batch mates, or how much I need to prove myself which I dont even know whether I can given my role.

I don't want to portray myself as a complaisant type. Just suck it up then. And I'm trying not to think about it, maybe God's trying to give me a break. Yeah. I really need it. After all, we're a batch. Sigh.

The word of God, the presence of Jesus comes to us through every dimension of life. When we block any of those by pride or prejudice, we miss the opportunity to see the works of God in fresh new ways.

Romans 12

2010-03-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

"Therefore,I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

In seeking God's righteousness and His kingdom, we have to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, that is, to give our lives completely to Him. This is not an easy thing to do, I can guarantee. Becoming a Christian is an ongoing relationship that has to be maintained. In so doing, we have to make many sacrifices such as abandoning our sinful activities, forsaking our self-centeredness and obsession in worldly issue, etc. I'm sure that each and every one of us has in our personal life testified to this difficulty in carrying out a Christian life. But rest assured that God has promised not to give us crosses that are to heavy to carry and that his peace flows through us as we suffer. It's a worthy cause, an experience that can transform your very life. In becoming what God has created us to be, we can find fulfillment and satisfaction, regadless of the costs.

Remember that we are taught, in the book of Matthew, to "seek the kindgom of God and his righteousness first, before all other things may be added unto us." At times, we can lose focus in life, and forget that we have as Christians a higher purpose in being God's followers. Pray, that we may be able to concentrate on that purpose and always remember to put God as first in our hearts.

Romans 12 also teaches us not to follow the ways of the world, but be "transformed by the renewing of our mind", as we strive to do God's will.

Lord, school has been busy and very tiring at times. In these moments, I admit I have neglected you and forgotten my place in this world. I ask for pardon and I pray that you bless me with the gifts you have equipped me with and help me to use them well in carrying out your will. Help me not to shift my gaze on you, and strengthen me, O Lord, that I may have the energy and spirit to obey your commands and be a living example of your love for us. We all have our own problems, Lord, I ask that you may help us to solve them accordingly. Help us to always remember that You are the Lord our God who never fails. Amen.

Hey guys! Yup that is my QT done after a longgg break. March hols went by quickly with house camp and ODAC camp. Both camps were great and fulfilling. New friends were made and it's just amazing how God place different people into our lives. I really hope that I'm able to make a small difference for the people around me.

Anywaysss, I'm really lagging behind for my studies and I've been sleeping alot during lectures and even tutorials. It's really bad. And tomorrow is ODAC JTS ( Junior Treat Senior) at New York2 !! YAY LOL. No, it's not exciting at all with the prospect of having a huge hole in our wallets at the end of the day! On top of that, there's still ODAC chalet + bbq on Friday and phoenix cheer JTS on Sunday. Hallelujah. LOL. But it's alright, it's gonna be a great time. Okay, I really need rest. Pray for me yea? Nights!

Hey people (:

2010-03-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

It's been ages yea?
Hmm, school's been really hectic and tiring, seriously. Currently, I'm trying to juggle badminton, odac, house comm (and cheers) and my studies altogether. And now, I'm rushing through my stupid bio project. Haha, oh well. VOG is next friday! So that means I'll reach home at 10pm+ everyday from tomorrow onwards! Yay!

Right. On a lighter note, new friends are made everyday, and I've got the chance to grow closer with my classmates and other people.

Been sleeping in lectures all the time man. And I havent taken communion for 2 consecutive weeks! Omg. Coz I've been going for rites for confirmation and I didnt go for the second mass to take communion. Alright, I've to go for confession.

Sigh, my march hols are burned also. ODAC camp, house camp, and my badminton teacher is planning to get me to go for training in between the two camps (coz there's a badminton camp in between also). Great. Thank you, Miss Lee! Or whatever your name is, I forgot, sorry! Haha.

Chow!

Give me strength, Lord.

ODAC

2010-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Super tiring. 1st night, we went to pulau ubin and had a solo walk through the jungle. 2nd day was ubin expedition with checkpoints to reach, but the main part was that we had to carry our heavy bagpacks! Veryyyyy exhausting. And the girls in my team were strong (Y). We had field cooking session too, and the purple instant noodles we bought were really tasteless. Remember, dont but that brand of noodles : Koka ;) So, second night was concluded with a solo night. At first, the mini-tent was really reallllyyy horrible. Put anyone in there and he'll sweat like a dog. Luckily, the night became colder as time passed by and I managed to sleep. Yay. LOL. Hmm, Next day, we headed back to Singapore to kayak. Again, ultra draining. My partner was too tired on the return journey, so I was like, kayaking 2 worth of body weight. Buttt, camp was really awesome in the sense that we learnt alot of life skills and values like time management, responsibility. And we all learnt to cheer and motivate and care for others in times of need. Yup. All in all, this camp is the most physically demanding but also more importantly, the most fulfilling one. Alright, gonna sleep nowww, tmr's gotta wake up at 5.30am. Omg lah. So yea, night.

The start

2010-02-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

Lessons started today. PE went first and i was told to leave school after the run to cut my hair by the PE teacher. LOL. Hate that guy. Haha. Maths were easy. Chemistry and biology were just introductory. Then came GP, woah, it was soporific. I slept in class and I bet the teacher noticed but was too kind in excusing me. Anyway, CCA havent started and I'm already feeling so tired. I'm running for house committee, ODAC, and interact club. God. Help me. So much things to do =/

VJC yea!

2010-02-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Pump it up!

Pump pump pump it up, VJ's gonna pump it up!
Shake shake shake it up, VJ's gonna shake it up!
Hype hype hype it up, VJ's gonna hype it up!
Pump it up shake it up hype it up!
Ohh yea!

Awesome man. Mass dance, tribal dance, and couple dance. Woots. LOL. Had fun, yup. I'm so gonna be an OGL myself next year manz. Hmmm, wet games tomorrow at ecp, looking forward to it!

Night!

VJC

2010-01-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

VJCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC. Orientation (day 2 only thus far) rocked my ass off. Awesome. Incredible. Stunning. Enthusiastic. Hyper. Maniac. Ultimate.

Today..

2010-01-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

I walked into a mall lavatory and saw a rugged-looking, tired old man mopping the floor. A lowly but honest job, all for the sake of earning a livelihood for survival. As more people strode into the toilet almost ruthelessly and without giving the slightest care that their footprints will add onto the old man's workload, the latter had no choice but to keep constantly cleaning away the marks left behind, using more effort with every swipe he made. Seeing the strain of resignation to fate on his face, I pitied him, for I could already conceive the kind of life he's going through - having to work and scrimp to feed himself, without any financial support from his family (if there's one in the first place). I wished I could help him in some way or another, perhaps just to help him mop the floor for that instance.

This is too common a scene. In fact, there's so much worse happenings around the world which we are oblivious to (or can't be bothered with), from the civil war in Chad (and many other countries in the past) to the massive, horribel earthquake that occured in Haiti. Of course, these are the large issues of the world. But such small commonly seen misfortunes that we see on the streets such as above can touch us real deep, teach us and make us realise many things in our own lives.

Perhaps he wanted to work for leisure but which son/daughter, if filial, would want his/her 70-year old parent to work outside, and in so doing put him on the risk of being hurt in case of a fall, over-exhaustion, etc?

I feel really blessed, as I look at my own life and at his. If more people can appreciate the little things in life they receive from God (or whoever in respect with their religion), then there'd be more contentment and less complaisance in this world.

I respect the old man, for his courage to embrace life rather than to lament, and his honesty in living with a simple job. If more people could have this kind of intrepidity, there'd be more acceptance in this world.

If more people could live their lives honestly, greedlessly and simply without any covetous desires, there'd be less unfortunate, distressing cases of drug-trafficking, prostitution, dealing of arms, thieving, power-seeking politics, fraud, war, etc.

Appreciate your life, for it's bestowed upon you with the highest honour by God himself.

Don't grieve or complain over the misfortunes in front of you in your lives, but appreciate that there's an old man who's undergoing more sufferings than you, and you may see life in a better light. Amen to that.

Matthew 6:33

2010-01-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

Help me to remember, for it's not easy, not easy at all. You're our focus and axis in life, that should never change.

Save You

2010-01-19T05:06:00.000-08:00

Take a breath

I pull myself together

Just another step until

I reach the door

You'll never know the way it

tears me up inside to see you

I wish that I could tell you something

and take it all away

(Chorus)

Sometimes I wish I could save you

And theres so many things

that I want you to know

I wont give up till its over

If it takes you forever I want you to know

When I hear your voice

It's drowning into whispers

You're just skin and bones

Theres nothing left to take

No matter what I do I

cant make you feel better

If only I could find the answer

To help me understand

(Chorus)

That if you fall, stumble down

Ill pick you up off the ground

If you lose faith in you

Ill give you strength to pull through

Tell me you won't give up cause

Ill be waiting if you fall

Oh you know Ill be there for you

(Ahahaha)

If only I could find the answer

To take it all away

Sometimes I wish I could save you

And theres so many things

that I want you to know

I wont give up till it's over

If it takes you forever I want you to know (Oooh)

I wish I could save youI want you to know (Ohohh)

I wish I could save you (ohh)

I wish I could save you

I want you to know

I wish I could save you

I wish I could tell you something and take it all away..

2010-01-15T07:56:00.001-08:00

"Oh" levels...

2010-01-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

English - A2
Mathematics - A1
Additional Mathematics - A1
Physics - A1
Chemistry - A1
Biology - A1
Combined Humanities - A1
Chinese - A1
.
.
.
.
.
Higher Chinese - C6 LOLOLOLOLOL. I passed! Oh my God, you're amazing.

Anyway, I received my results today at 2pm... So here they are. My net score is 3 points.

I just feel God is so great. I mean, I've to admit that I feel a tinge of regret for my English, because I really and earnestly expected an A1 for it. But what's done is done, and that's my message for my friends out there! It's all by God's grace, period. I know some are feeling disappointed, some are on cloud nine, whilst others are feeling they could have done better. Well, the main thing is really bearing the right attitude towards your results. And I'm saying this from not from a 6-pointer's perspective but from that of a normal, average person. I've seen friends who complain about getting 7 points instead of a perfect score, while others who got 14+ points but embrace their results in stride and in thanksgiving for God. That is the kind of friend whom I have deep respect for. It's not easy, I understand, but sometimes, that just happens in life. It's never an easy journey. However, the one thing we can do to keep ourselves motivated to continue in our journey of life is to have a positive attitude towards the uncontrolled happenings in life and those which are, to some extent, in our grasp.

I'm very sure that there's no success in life which is attained, out of laziness or without substantial effort. There is no such thing as short-cuts or last minute effort formulas to success. If you feel really depressed or unsatisfied with your results, please try to look back and reflect on your studying efforts. Were they sufficient or consistent enough? If they're not, then there's really nobody to blame but yourself. If you keep playing for the 2 years of your time without giving a care about Os then you're asking for it, really. But if you truly slogged your head off, sacrificed countless of sleepless nights - and meals - but still achieved results which are undeserved then I've got nothing to say, although I daresay that such a case is extremely rare, or happens once in a blue moon, I should say. If it really is the case, then I guess it's just God's plans for you. Only he has the answers...

Then again, should we not keep moving forwards in life? Life's about making choices, the right ones. You can either give up now and think that life sucks or keep pressing on and take a second chance. And I'm certain that God will bless those who choose the latter. And you have my deepest respect and support as well.

To my dear friends, I love you and I pray that whatever you may be feeling right now, God may be able to overwhelm you with a sense of contentment and a spirit of moving ahead in life. Give yourself a second chance.

To Secondary 3s, all the best for this year. And one lesson to be concluded is : Be consistent. Full stop.

Dear Mother,

2010-01-07T06:48:00.001-08:00

Please forgive me, for the many times...
I've made you cry;
I've failed you;
I've disobeyed you;
I've gone against your will;
I've been disrespectful;
I've made you tired;
I've made you lose hope;
I've not been a comfort when you needed me most;
I've not been filial;
I've not met your expectations;
I've not loved you enough.

Please understand, that...
I'm not a robot;
I'm not a perfect person;
I'm not the impeccable, wonderful, extraordinary child that you always wish me to be;
I'm not able to reach all your expectations;
I'm not an ingrate.

But, please realize, that...
I'm a human being;
I'm just another average person who makes mistakes naturally and unconsciously;
I understand your concerns as a mother;
I respect your status, authority and will;
I am your son;
And I will always to the best of my ability honour and obey you.

I implore you to be forgiving, accepting, tolerant, and most of all, understanding. I need you to to lower the vessel of pride that you bear out of your authority and accept me for who I am - that I am not perfect and I can never meet up to all of your ambitious, inconceivable expectations.

I may not seem loving and tender in your eyes nor very expressive of my love for you in my actions and speech. But I love you and sis very much, and I really pray that God will one day open your eyes and illuminate my feelings and thoughts to you. I pray one day, we may understand each other better. You may not see this, but I pray God may somehow relay this message to you.

P.S. I love you.

The Kill.

2010-01-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

I tried to be someone else
But nothing seemed to change
I know now, this is who I really am inside!
Finally found myself!
Fighting for a chance I know now,
This is who I really am!

Christmas

2009-12-25T00:08:00.001-08:00

Dear Father,

Today is no ordinary day. Today marks the anniversary of your Son's birth. Today, we remember You. Today, we remember our purpose. Today, we shall not mourn. Today, we celebrate in a new hope. Today, we undergo a process of self-reflection. Today, we resolve. Today, we promise. Today, we renew and re-establish our faith. Today, we believe. Today, we wait.

Christmas is no grand festival. Today, the world views Christmas as a royal celebration and for businessman, a grand opportunity to make money, as though it's a huge party commemorating the birthday of mankind. However, the unfortunate note is that Christians do not recognize or deeply contemplate on the significance of Christmas - a Christian celebration. Christmas, being celebrated at the end of the year, should be a time for self-reflection, a period of renewal of our faith and spirit. But a significant proportion, if not most, of Christians - especially youths - around the world take the former perspective, regrettably. These people deem this celebration as an obligatory event. Is it not saddening to hear that certain people are going for mass on Christmas not in the spirit of a new hope and renewal of faith, but that of a "must-go" mentality?

Lord, I come before You humbled and in total reverence.

Lord, wash me clean so that I may come before You purified and stainless.

Lord, today I want to thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon my family and I this year. There's just too much that you've given me. I see the sufferings of the unfortunate, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the sick, the hopeless, the godless, and those in destitute. I've witnessed to these encounters. And it hurts me to see them. It hurts so much. And I look back at my own life, at the many gifts you've showered upon me. I feel so sorry for these people. I want to make a difference for them, even in the simplest way I can. Help me, Lord. Your blessings overshadow all the negativity in my life. Thank you for these blessings. Thank you for helping me see life in this positive perspective. I pray these people - and everybody else - may do so as well, only then will we feel blessed.

Lord, today I want to re-affirm my faith in you in a new hope of salvation and your coming. Help me to focus on You. Re-establish our relationship, Lord. Help me mend the broken pieces, fix the dents and salvage the decayed portions. Help my faith to grow complete. Help me to obey You, for faith should not be a stagnant belief; it requires an action, a response. And that response lies in our obedience towards you. Help me to re-believe in your covenant, in your most glorifying deed, in your coming.

Lord, today I look back and I see the many footprints left behind in my life journey and my walk with You. There were many ups and downs. It has not been an easy adventure. It's tiring, but you were there to water, feed and piggyback me when I needed you. Thank you for that, Lord. And I admit I've walked many wrong paths. I confess I've disobeyed you and remained stubbornly in my relentless and self-sufficient ways. I acknowledge I've committed countless wrongdoings against you and my neighbours which in turn are directed to you, for what we do unto others, we do unto you. Father, please forgive me. I'm so sorry. I know you know it. Help me not to repeat the same mistakes I've done. It's difficult, but I won't give up. Help me to understand and remember You upon seeing only one set of footprints - that You've been carrying me on Your back, and shouldering all my burdens for me.

Lord, today I want to be renewed. I want to become more like You. Mold me, Lord, into Your Christ-likeness as time drifts by. Help me to care and love my neighbour indifferently, regardless of race, religion, appearance, class, status or background, for You died for ALL of us. You loved us impartially and unconditionally. Help me to grow closer to You in the new year. Help me to develop a more powerful, effective and spiritual prayer life, for what's life without prayer? What's life without being able to hear Your comforting, soft, fatherly and tender voice? And Lord, help me not to leave my Bible in the shelf to be buried in the dust. Help me, despite the inconvenience and laziness that I may feel, to read your word daily. Help me not to see it as a mandatory program, but as an act of love, and of a desire to know You more, for reading Your word is the only way we can know You better and more intimately. Help me to have that kind of desire, to hunger and thirst for Your word, for we live not by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Lord, I do not wish to be perfect. I do not wish to be saint-like and perfectly holy. I do not wish that one day I could be as holy as the Pope. I strive to be like You, but I have no such desire.

Lord, I just want to love You more. And you know that from the depths of my heart. I just want to make a difference for my family, my friend, and even for a stranger, however small that difference may be. Use me, Lord, in any way you want as you deem fit, to change, to influence, to help. That small difference I make makes my day. And this shall remain true forever, hopefully.

Thank You, Lord, for everything.

And Lord, happy birthday.

Amen.

Reflection

2009-12-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

I was brought to Singapore at a tender age of seven for one purpose in my parents’ minds: to have an education and to escape the riots occurring in Jakarta then. Never did they realize that I would be granted Singapore citizenship as seen today. This, I believe, can only be made possible by the grace of God and the love from my parents. At such a young age, I did not understand why I was brought from one country to another and finally settled down in Singapore. Perhaps, I was partially conscious of what was happening, though not completely of the cause. Throughout my education in Singapore, God was, is and will always be my driving force and source of comfort and strength. The two other people whom I want to thank are none other than my mother and sister. They have been role models set in place by God in my life to be exemplified. They have been pillars of strength as well for me to rely on during my ups and downs in my life in Singapore.

I would like to share about my education in Singapore which started in Primary 2. I remember when I was enrolled into St. Gabriel’s Primary School at an age of eight. Back then, I was neither fluent in my English nor my Mother Tongue – which is Chinese. Therefore, as it turned out, I only managed to score 60-75% for my languages and sciences – the latter because the syllabus was learnt in English. For certain examinations, I even barely passed. Such scores in the Primary level were deemed poor and below average. Only my mathematics was better at around 70-80%. As time flew quickly, I reached Primary 6, and at the end of the year then, it was the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) which was a very important examination. The results that you achieve from this examination will determine the Secondary school that you enter the year after. For the Preliminary Examination, I achieved 6^th position in the level in my school, and that boosted my confidence – and perhaps beyond the normal levels such that it turned out to be over-confidence. I was so self-assured that I would do well for PSLE that I admit I even played at a cybercafe the day before the actual examination. As a result, obviously, I got an aggregate of 236 marks for a combined 4 subjects, which was the average mark for PSLE. I think that at that age, I did not take the PSLE as seriously as I was supposed to and neither was I conscious of the importance of the examination. This is not an excuse though. However, let bygones be bygones. My mother was quite disappointed about my results, but thankfully, I managed to enter a relatively good Secondary School – Maris Stella High.

It was also during that period when my sister and I started going to a Methodist Church located just beside my house. I believe that nothing happens by mere coincidence but that all the happenings in our lives are specifically designed by God Himself for an intended purpose. Why, out of all the places in Singapore, did we choose to live in Serangoon Avenue 3? It was also no coincidence at all that my sister and I were brought under the care of a family who are regular members of that church as well. At that church, my sister and I joined the youth group and from thereon, personally, my walk with God officially began. There, I was taught about Christ, salvation, worship, faith, obedience, hope, love, and many other wonderful things about God. There, I was taught to worship in spirit and in truth. There, I found a place where I could seek refuge, solace and most of all, God. I made many friends who shared the same faith, friends who were helpful and caring. They, along with the leaders, helped to nourish the roots of my faith in God, and to spur me on in my walk with Him. In short, that church was the first place where I first met God in a personal, intimate way I will never forget for the rest of my life.

In my opinion, Christianity along with the different denominations, should not be deemed as just a religion, rather, it is a faith in which a relationship with God is involved. It matters not the differences in our beliefs, but the one thing we have in common is our belief in God, in Christ, and in salvation. What matters is our relationship with God in our lives once we have been assured of our salvation – as seen in the Bible, we are saved by faith and grace alone. For example, a recent survey done in 2005 showed that 85% of priests are looking for a more effective and powerful prayer life. Therefore, in this sense, I feel that as Christians or Catholics, we should not isolate ourselves and be confined to that small little box such that we do not mix around with other Christians. We should find a church where we are comfortable with, where we can grow in faith and in love for God and the people around us. Why should our personal relationship with God be hindered by the differences in the beliefs of the different denominations? What I am saying is related to the fact that some Catholics are just too narrow-minded. My mother, for example, forbids me to attend special events organized by other Churches from another denomination. In my current Catholic church at Immaculate Heart of Mary, I feel as though I am coming to church because it is an obligation, a duty. I feel I am going to church being dragged by my mother, having to stand and kneel in church intermittently without any praise or worship for God. There, I cannot feel the spirit of worship that I used to in my previous church. I cannot feel God. Thus, if we are not able to grow in our faith in a particular church or the members of the church are not reaching out to help each other grow in faith, then what is the point of coming to that church? Our own relationship with God becomes stale and tasteless. The members of the church are what make up the church, the body of Christ. And it is written in the Bible that we ought to find a church we can grow in faith. And why should be so narrow-minded that we abhor churches from other denominations? After all, these denominations branched out of the traditional Catholic denomination because of the flaws in the practices that the church once upheld. For example, in the past, a woman with a certain disease was not allowed to offer sacrifices before the altar in the church. Is this not discrimination which is against that which we are taught by Christ? We are all flawed in certain ways. Why can’t we accept and embrace the flaws, the differences between the Catholic Church and the other denominations? Even today, the kind of worship that the Catholic Church practices is still considered “dull” and “boring” in the view of especially youths. In the Catholic Church, the members come in families which are segregated from one another such that there is a lack of interaction between them. There is no motivation given by the different families to help each other grow in faith. Unlike other denominations, the members of the Catholic Church are compartmentalized and separated from one another physically and spiritually. This, I feel, is a shame and a pity. And so, in this sense, I have to disagree with my mother that at times, I feel that she is so paranoid for prohibiting me from attending events such as camps organized by other churches from another denomination. I understand her concerns that these churches may, in her opinion, “drag me away from my own church”, but I feel I am old enough to take care of myself in terms of my faith and beliefs. After all, it is my faith and own relationship with God, and not hers. However, I will continue to pray for that all Christians in this world will, by the grace of God, accept the differences in beliefs between the different denominations and be united in one faith and love as Christ has encouraged us to do so.

Now back to my life in Secondary School, we learn about another major examination at the end of Secondary 4 called the “O” Levels Examinations which in turn will determine the Junior College or Polytechnic we shall enter the year after. Through Secondary 1 and 2, I have been blessed with so much by God that I managed to score an average of 72.8% for my end-of-year examination in Secondary 2. This result granted me the credential to take up a triple science subject combination for “O” levels which was deemed the best combination and of highest honour. In Secondary 3, I found myself unable to cope with the sciences whilst my Mathematics was improving day by day. Thankfully, by the grace of God, I met a very smart and capable student called Yuan Bo. As we sat side by side, we learned many things from each other – perhaps more for me. He imparted his knowledge of the sciences to me and I began to love each of the three science subjects one by one, starting from Chemistry to Physics and finally Biology. Through his diligence and perseverance, I was motivated to work hard in my studies and do well in my examinations. As a result of which, my results improved day after day. Praise God for that! At the same time, I made many friends in school as well – they’re fun-loving, energetic, caring, honest and true. They may not be the most studious, the smartest, the richest, the godliest, or the perfect friend, but each one of them truly and simply showed me how human I was, that life is not perfect but should be relished every single moment of our lives as though we’re about to die. Through their flaws, they magnified my own weaknesses and that allowed me to change myself accordingly.

As the ‘O’ Levels drew near, my friends and I started to burn midnight oil, sacrifice sleeping time and that which is used to play computer games, sports, etc. We made many sacrifices but when we receive our result slips next January, it will be worthwhile. For myself, I had not been able to complete my English compositions in time for examinations. But for the ‘O’ Levels, I somehow managed to develop my thoughts clearly and pen them down in a structured manner almost automatically and within the time frame. How amazing was that? The science and mathematics papers went well and I managed to complete my humanities paper in time, though not perfectly done. There is just too much for me to thank God for, and I believe this is so for my classmates, some of whom only studied one chapter which was eventually tested. Evidently, His grace can be seen from this event and other inexplicable incidents which we’ve experienced throughout the ‘O’ Levels Examinations. Looking back, I think I could have done better for my papers. However, I know for one fact that I did my best and most of all, I relied only on His grace and wisdom in completing the examinations. And this is what makes me contented and want to only move forward with the “results” I have already achieved. This is my biggest accomplishment. When I get back my results, I will not claim they’re produced by my own human effort but by that of God. I place my results in the divine hands of God. I place my future and life under his will.

What next? Move on with life.

Currently, my mother and I are not on good terms. There are really many areas where our opinions clash with each other. She’s a perfectionist. She demands total, flawless perfection. Yes, it’s true. Every night, I pray that I may be able to understand her, and vice versa. How can a relationship be maintained in good condition if the parties involved do not understand each other? Is that not why we read the Bible, and pray that we may be able to grow closer to and understand God better? I guess all of us are flawed and have our own troubles, hurdles or challenges – whatever you may want to call them – in life. I need to make that first step to know my mother better and I pray for the strength to do so. If we keep running away, when will our troubles end? And most of all, I need your prayers too! I’m just a human, a very flawed one indeed. There is just too much for me to change, for me to upgrade.

And lastly, I REALLY need to find a voluntary work for the holidays! It’s a calling for me, but I got rejected four times in a row! If you have any information, please tell me! And I’m not giving up!

Amen.

I'm blessed...

2009-11-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

Because...

1. I know you Lord and that's my greatest blessing. Help me to remember that always.
2. I am saved by faith and grace, by Your blood. Amen!
3. I am healthy and able. Praise God!
4. I have the means to afford basic necessities in life, and even the very Internet access which is needed to post this blog.
5. I have crazy but great friends around me. I love you guys!

Count your blessings, and praise God for them!
Have a blessed week!

By faith..

2009-11-18T05:41:00.001-08:00

What's faith?
Faith, to me is not just trusting, but rather believing and surrendering our all to God. Faith is accepting God as the center of our lives and placing everything that we have into his hands. Faith can be expressed as that toward future things (what we hope for) or that toward invisible things ( what we cannot see). When we are certain and completely believe without a shred of doubt that God is in control of these areas, that's faith.

When we believe that this universe is created at God's command, is it not faith? By the same faith, what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
When we carry out what God orders us to do despite the difficulty or impossibility (Noah's ark), is it not faith? By the same faith, what seemed impossible is made possible.
When we believe, in our ignorance, every word of the Bible and accept it as the truth and word of God, is it not faith? By the same faith, ideas are made truths.

Faith requires belief in that which we cannot see - God's provisions and promises for us. An inner attitude does sufficiently demonstrate faith though, for faith comes with obedience. And obedience, in turn, requires an action. Thus, faith is proved through our obedience to God. "Actions speak louder than words"
And faith comes with a price as well, though the cost may vary in significance.

A person that I've always been in awe of is Abraham. His life experience is witnessed in the Bible and truly, we can very much relate to our own lives...

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even thought he did not know where he was going. He was like a stranger in a foreign country. A covenant was made between God and Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, as countless as the sand on the seashore. He believed. He had faith.
And by faith Abraham, even though we was past age and Sarah herself was barren, was enabled to become a father.

Where lies the act, then?

When Abraham was asked to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice to God, he believed that God was in control and that He had a greater purpose for him in fulfilling the covenant made. He obeyed. Is it not touching? Abraham is the only man, to my knowledge, who was put to the test of having to sacrifice his one and only son. He is the only man who could relate to what God went through in sacrificing Christ for mankind. And Abraham with his amazing, unshakable faith, obeyed without a moment of hesitance. The price of his faith? His son Isaac, of course. Yes, he did not die in the end, but at times, the cost of a cause need not be in actual, physical, or material form - Abraham was fully conscious that his son's life was at stake and yet, he obeyed willingly. And that is all that MATTERS. That is what makes a difference to the world, to our relationship with God. Our faith.

Of course, not all of us go through what Abraham or Paul or any saint had undergone. Some of us are just the man in the street, the average person living a simple life. However, faith is what makes up our lives. Faith is what drives the wheels of the life-train we are riding. Without faith, we live without purpose, without hope.

And we can demonstrate faith through the simple things we do... Praying and believing that God can stop the rain for us, and if to no avail, believing that He has other plans for us. In the face of setbacks, by faith, we take a positive attitude toward God's providence for us and move on. When we pray, we must also have faith in God, in His timing. If we pray for strength, He may not give us physical or mental strength directly, but place us in situations where we can develop that which we have asked for. If we ask to have the courage to share the Gospel, He may place certain friends around us and give us a chance to do so. If we ask to become a better, kinder person, He may somehow allow us to meet, perhaps, an old lady who needs help crossing the road or carrying heavy, cumbersome shopping bags...

Faith requires an action. And this action can be that simple and made possible by God in our everyday lives. God gives us the chance, the road for us to walk. What matters ultimately is our decision and whether we manage to see and grasp that chance. So grab every opportunity that you see and don't let it slip through your hands like grain!!!

In the end, faith comes with acceptance. Even for non-Christians, acceptance is a vital aspect of the way we should live our lives. Accept that certain things are beyond our control, and for us Christians, accept that everything is under God's control. If we keep trying to hold onto our lives and run our lives as we deem fit, then all the more we will lose it. Accept, in times of difficulty and trials, that God has a greater purpose for us, perhaps He wants us to become a better person. Accept, and have faith.

Live and let live.

Live and let God run our lives.

Paul the Apostle

2009-11-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

"To live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Whoa.

I'm awe-stricken.

Not by the idea that you literally have to die in order to gain, but I'm amazed by the faith and love for God that Paul has as he made this statement. For to him, he would rather live to spread the word of God and fulfill the mission that God has assigned him than to take easy way out and give up. And "giving up" for him at that moment in time was to, honestly, die.

What?! Yes, it's paradoxical, is it not? Who on earth would choose death over life if given the option? The answer is nonsensically obvious. However, if we look into the life of Paul as God's worker then we may look at things from a different perspective.

As you can see his journey as he travels from Cyprus to Greece to Crete to Rome to Galatia to Thessaloniki, etc, he carried with him not a heavy obligation to God but his faith and love for Him. Throughout his mission, he was heavily persecuted but he was not ashamed of being persecuted nor imprisoned.

At Lystra, Paul was stoned. (Acts 14:19-20)

At Philippi, Paul was imprisoned. (Acts 16:25-34)

At Jerusalem and Rome, Paul was seized by a mob and trialed.

His life clearly demonstrates how powerful God is in our lives. Time and time again, he was rescued by the grace of God; he was obedient to the point of death. In face of all these persecutions, he was suffering so much and yet, when death seemed the easier option over life, he chose God, still. His love for God and his brothers and sisters made that commitment possible.

Can you make the same choice if you were in his shoes? Perhaps. However, we can never experience the sufferings Paul underwent. A fraction, maybe.

But what we can learn from the way he faced his trials and persecutions in his life is a great deal.

In the face of persecutions and sufferings in our lives, we can :

1. Become a man of prayer.

Prayer, other than the Bible, is the most direct form of communication with God. It's our source of strength, solace and peace. His admonition to the church at Ephesus was, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18). It is clear that Paul's instructing and advising others to never stop praying. In Acts 16:25, we also learn that in time of trying circumstances we can always direct our troubles to God just as Paul and Silas did when they were imprisoned. And without fail, we will eventually overcome.

2. Become a stronger and more spiritual person.

1 Corinthians 3:
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?

From this we see that Paul was rebuking the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity. In his eyes, they were still, spiritually speaking, babies, unable to receive the meat of God's word, and had to feed on the milk of God's word, rather than the meat.

We can - and should - grow in spirit and in faith, through the trials and tests that God has set in our lives. Is this not the ultimate, or rather a life-long - goal of being a Christian? Thanks be to God!

3. Become a man of self-sacrifice and self-control.

This idea can be seen 1 Corinthians 9. In verse 26-27 : Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Here Paul is speaking the importance of giving not a part of us or a small portion of our time but our whole body and spirit to God, for we wholly belong to Him.

In the face of suffering we must learn to rely on His strength, be still and self-controlled and know that He is God.

Even amidst our sufferings, we can show Christ-likeness by continuing to love and help our fellow brothers and sisters. This is the true spirit of Christ.

4. Become a man unashamed of the Gospel but one who demonstrates our love for God through preaching it.

Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Ephesians 6:19-20 : Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

I'm certain that today, many of us tend to have difficulty or are, to a certain extent, embarrassed to share the Gospel to our friends. We must pray for the courage that Paul had in his preaching of the Gospel. For what we are preaching - the Gospel - is the truth.

Is the truth so hard to tell?

4. Become a man who believe in and preach the reality of the kingdom of God.

Paul described the church as the body of Christ to illustrate the important relationship that exists between Christ and the church, as well as, each member of the church to one another (Ephesians 1:22-23). We are members of the body and of one another (1 Corinthians 12:27; Rom. 12:5). Paul described the church or the kingdom as "the household of God" (1 Tim. 3:15). Such a metaphor emphasizes the family relationship each one enjoys being in Christ. Paul also described the church or the kingdom as the temple of God (Eph. 2:19-22).

5. Become a man of wisdom.

Wisdom is acquired by means of a knowledge of God's word, coupled with a faithful living of it day by day. This helped to produce a man like Paul, who was wise in the work of preaching the gospel through out the ancient Near East. The experiences of being stoned at Lystra, of being put in prison in Philippi, of facing the mob in Jerusalem, and countless other occasions, where the gospel was met with opposition, were rich experiences. As terrible as these experiences were, they produced wisdom upon the part of all, who faithfully endured them for Christ and the gospel's sake.

With wisdom - knowledge of God - can we grow in spirit and faith.

6. Become a man of Christ.

Through our sufferings we are able to identify with Jesus Christ. John 15:20 : If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.

Through our trials, be it physical pain or emotional battles, etc, we are able to share a bond that connects man and Christ. For Jesus suffered and endured the frailties and limitations of being human while living in a sinful world despite being the Son of God. But because Jesus lived in our world and now lives within believers - us - he shares the pains, sorrows and frustrations we feel. (Hebrews 4:15) He joins with us in suffering and - even more encouragingly - he also offers us comfort

2 Corinthians 1:5 beautifully demonstrates this, "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
WOW?!! Amen to that?! Christ's comfort can come in various and even tangible, practical ways... His comfort may come in physical presence of our friends, families, etc, or spiritual strength that overpowers us, etc. One thing that we can be assured of is that we need not walk it alone. Liverpool's slogan : You are not alone. Yes!!! Christ is with us, always, no doubt.

7. Become a man of obedience.

Hebrews 5:8 puts this clearly : Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

Through suffering, Jesus explained obedience in human terms. Suffering is a necessary price of obedience, fulfilling the will of God. Paul, as Jesus was, was obedient to the point of death. And obedience to God comes with the price of persecution, trial and sufferings. But in so doing, we are able to become a spiritually stronger person! Is the reward for obedience not worth the cost?

And rest assured that Christ will ALWAYS be with us to give us comfort and His spirit to guide us.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" Oh Lord, what more can we ask of you? For in our weaknesses, his glory and power are manifested.

His grace is more than enough for us.

More than sufficient.

His grace...

Amen.

Pencil Maker

2009-11-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Pencil Parable

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil,
"..before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

1. You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand.

2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.

3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.(erasor)

4. The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

5. On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the situation.
The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went into the box fully understanding its Maker's purpose.

-End-

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

1.You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. Let him be the sole purpose in your life, let him be in total control of your life. Let others learn from the many gifts you possess.

2.You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going various troubles, problems and difficulties in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger, better person. Always remember that God will always be with you, through any form of difficulty, regardless the pain and suffering you're going through, bear in mind that God has promised never to leave you. Always look at your difficulties from a higher perspective, from His perspective, and you will find gladness and comfort.

3.You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them. To err is human. Mistakes are inevitable in life. Nobody is made perfect. But in our weaknesses, God's glory is manifested. He is most real and present and powerful when we are weakest. Remember that God has promised us His spirit. He is always with us.

4.The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside. Beauty is skin deep. We are judged by our faith, and not by our deeds nor our exteriors.(Yes Han, don't be a narcissist.) And we are all made in His image, in His godliness. We have both light and darkness inside, but what matters is the path which we take in life.

5.On every surface that you walk, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything. We are all made special and unique, each blessed with a gift from God. Use these gifts and overcome your weaknesses, and you'll become a better person. Don't follow in the footsteps of the man who dug his talents in the ground (parable of the talents) and did not make use of the gifts God gave us.

We are all pencils of God. We are uniquely made by Him for a purpose. Don't belittle the significance of your existence! If you think you are not good in your studies, or you do not play well in any kind of sports, or you are not sociable, you do not have any friend, or you do not have any kind of influence in anyone's life, or you just simply think that you are a good-for-nothing or think that life is meaningless and purposeless.. Realise that God is real. And we are all instruments of God to be testimonies in each other's lives. We are made for a purpose. And this purpose is kept alive by our faith. And so in Him can our purpose of living can be found.

We are made to make a difference.

A difference in the lives of those around us. A little comfort or few words of encouragement to a friend makes that difference.

Believe.

I'm BACK!

2009-11-07T06:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my. It's been ages since I've last blogged. I admit I have not been regularly doing my QT regularly as I ought to amidst the O levels. Exam is not an excuse. The little of our time that we give to God when we are most busiest is the most pleasing and worthy gift to Him.

O levels are done in a week's time!!! RARRRRRRRRRRRR!! I honestly can't WAIT any longer!! There's just so much on my agenda and a timetable has already been set for things I plan to do during the holidays.

Thus far, the exams have been beyond my expectation. Yes. Neither too hard nor too easy, for some of you who's already confused. Rather, I have become much closer, thankfully, to God through my preparations and the real test itself. Prayer. Reliance. Spirituality. Faith. Letting go. These have grown stronger and become much real through this hurdle. Amen to that! Most importantly, I've learned to place my grades, my time, my family, my life, my all in His hands.

Grace. Undeserving love, that is. Speechless. God has struck me speechless by His grace and providence for me. I have seen so much of His grace for my friends as well. For some who only studied a chapter for humanities, that chapter was eventually tested for the real exam. Yes G-man, that's none other than you. -.-

I have become closer to my friends by helping them in various ways - giving comfort, help in studies, advice, mental support and most importantly prayer.

I have witnessed many things through Os as well. Desperateness. Weakness. For some, confidence and self-sufficiency. For those who showed the former, I am glad because that's what humans are - and ought to be. For those who showed the latter, it's time to consider a greater force that is exists since the beginning of time and still is real. God should be our sole source of strength and energy in life. Nothing more. Nothing less. Before Him we are empty. With his spirit should we be filled.

Through this journey, I've been encouraged and comforted in many ways also. A friend of mine showed me how powerful God is in her life. She taught me the true godliness and piousness that a Christian should demonstrate in life, through her ups and downs during Os. She taught me never to question God's plan but to trust and wait for Him; for He is never late nor early, but He is always on time. Most importantly, she taught me not to preach but to carry out that which I urge others to.

Another friend of mine taught me not to leave my Bible covered in dust, not to leave it in the shelf like any other ordinary book. He's also grown to show more responsibility and I'm gladful for that as well. More importantly he has become less cocky. HA! Hint, hint. Yes,all that we achieve is not by our own human effort but by His grace alone, no matter how big or small that achievement is.

Another friend of mine... I am really grateful to God for my all friends. They have each impacted my life in a unique way. How is 2010 going to be when we part in time to come? I hope that we continue to be forces in each other lives to learn from and that by which we may grow in spirit and in truth.

For those who are feeling discomforted or discouraged by your progress for Os, do not be! There's always "that guy up there" who cares for you and always wants the best for you. He is real. He is there. He will always be. He is not just an angel. He is not just a friend. He is our heavenly father who was, is, and always be.

Work hard, fellow students. And rely. And contentment is yours. Nothing more will you wish for, trust me.

To Os, to the future, to the one hope we all live for...

To 6 points...

To life everlasting.

Praise God!

2009-03-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

5 great things that i want to praise God for!
1. I know God.
2. While there are many people who don't know God, I can have a relationship with him and love him as he loves me.
3. I have a loving family and loyal,sincere friends who, I am privileged to say, are part of my life.
4. I am healthy and physically well, which indeed is a blessing that many of us overlook.
5. With so many blessings from God on one hand, there are also troubles and trials that I experience on the other. And this is also a blessing as only through this that I can grow stronger in faith and obedience.

Thank you, Lord.

Mirror

2008-12-13T04:18:00.001-08:00

Imagine you are in the sea, and there is a mirror in front of you. What do you see?

1. I see myself only.
2. I see my own image. Wait, I see some other things too. The fishes, the sea plants, the coral reefs..
3. I see the fishes, the sea plants, the coral reefs, the beautiful seabed covered with fine sand, sea crabs, seashells..

If your answer is (1), you are a person who only thinks of your own interest.
For (2), you are a person who thinks of others' interests but put your own ahead of others' when facing a an uncomfortable situation.
Lastly, for (3), you are truly a selfless person(but in this case it's impossible for you to not notice your own image in the mirror of course)

Honestly, I'm more of a person with (2) quality. But, it is in our human nature to think of ourselves first before considering other people's interests. Isn't this true in all matters of life, regardless of the decision you make at the end of the day? Just a single spur of moment when you had a selfish thought in your mind proves this fact.

For example, when an old lady enters the bus, you(some) may somehow feel reluctant to stand up and offer your seat. Some excuses may be : I feel tired. My legs feel heavy. A bit pai-seh.
One may argue : Hey, but I do offer my seat unselfishly!
Another plausible example, I've got a piece of information that a (not very close)collegue of mine needs for his project. In your mind, many thoughts are running : Should I give it to him? He's not very friendly, you know. If his project turns out well, then he'll get into Boss' good books. Hmm, I can't let that happen!!

Yup, this may sound familiar. Just recalled one of the Chinese dramas I saw on TV. Sometimes, these dramas show true events that normally happen in life. So back to my point, we're selfish in nature.

We are sinful in nature.

But thankfully, we have been granted salvation and are taught by the Bible to learn from Christ's character and apply His virtues in our lives to grow more Christ-like. But, in the process, we need constant prayer, dedication, guidance and support from those around us.

All of us have an invisible glass in front of us. May we not only see ourselves only but also those aound us. Reach out to your family and friends, share their burden and troubles through their ups and downs, advice and comfort them, and spread the warmth embrace of Christ's love to them as the Bible taught us to. However, may this piece of glass be reflective at times, so that we may see our own weaknesses and faults, and that we may constantly pray to improve ourselves through God's grace. Only then will we be true followers of Christ.

Take comfort that God not glories in our weaknesses but has also promised not tempt us more than what we can handle. 加油！(Means 'add oil')

Looking forwad to Christmas!!

God, you are everything..

2008-12-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, as we live through our lives, we often forget how God is so good to us, that we have everything to acknowledge, thank, honour, appreciate, and worship him for.

Let me start by saying, God you are so GOOD because of what you were, what you are and what you will always be.

God, you are wonderful.
God, you are magnificent.
God, you are glorious.
God, you are holy.
God, you are righteous.
God, you are omnipotent.
God, you are forgiving.
God, you are everlasting.
God, you are gracious.
God, you are perfect.
God, you are caring.
God, you are kind.
God, you are patient.
God, you are wise.
God, you are powerful.
God, you are eternal.
God, you are at work.
God, you are forever in our midst.

God, you are the One and Only God.
God, you are the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
God, you are our heavenly Father.
God, you are our Rock.
God, you gave us free will.
God, you wish the best for our lives.
God, you are my All in All.
God, you make my life meaningful.
God, you are my source of strength, comfort and courage.
God, you were ALWAYS and WILL ALWAYS BE there for us when we needed you most.

Lord, I would never dare what life would be like without you: so empty and meaningless.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love"-1 Corinthians 13.

Indeed, Lord, you are love and you loved us first so we can now love, honour and worship you. And I pray that I may grow like you and spread your grace and love to those around me. Amen.

"Once again, I look upon the cross where you died. I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside. Once again, I thank you. Once again, I offer my life."

I'm not dead..

2008-10-21T06:29:00.001-07:00

It's been ages since my last blog but.. yes, im not dead yet.

I guess i've learnt lots of things from past china trip and the past months. And I can proudly say that I've grown more mature and disciplined and closer to God. A year has gone passed so quick, and looking back, I've learnt so much about my weaknesses and faults against those around me and God, and wrong ideas that I only realise now. All these can only be realised through my journey with God in my life which has been so fruitful and filled with experience. I've unconsciously gained a deeper insight into His will and purpose for me, and His continous comforting voice that keeps ringing in my heart that asks me to rely on Him for strength and trust Him in all His ways. Through the problems that I face in life (all the "never-ending" exams are such examples), I've begun to advance forwards in my relationship with God as I draw strength from Him and I soon saw the grace and loving kindness that He has shown me and I'm indeed touched by that.

Past few exams werent so good(SA1 and CA2), but final year exams is not bad, i guess..
1. English-62.6
2. HCL-75.0(For those who are gawping right now, well I didnt believe it at first but yes this isnt fake)
3. Physics-52.8(no wonders, a definite fail for this)
4. Chemistry-62.0
5. Biology-65.5
6. E Maths - 73.5
7. A Maths - 86.5
8. Combined Humans-83.5
(-Social Studies : 80.0 & E. Geog : 87.0)
Average is about 70%.
must chiong sciences during hols i guess.. ( more likely next year..)

Growth as Christians..

2008-05-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

-Hebrews 10:25-

Indeed, when a log burns on its own, the flame will soon extinguish, and so it's the same for our relationship with other Christians. This is essential to grow in our relationship with God as Christians can help one another by, keeping each other accountable for the things that they hope to achieve, eg. Read the Bible more regularly or studying hard for examinations, spur one another and encouraging each other.

We are a witness for Christ by the way we live as Christians. For example, an adult is judged by his or her maturity in the way he or she deals with things in life, while a righteous person is judged by his or her actions. And it is the same for Christians, not in hope of getting favour of those around you by doing good deeds, but to show your love for God. Our hearts are what God sees, and not our physical actions and words. Therefore, to grow in our relationship with God, we have to pray for a sincere heart to express love to those around you, through your every action, thought and word. Even so, do not reach such a state where you start judging those around you, because there is not a single soul on Earth that is holy and perfect. Eveyone has his own weaknesses and flaws to improve on.Matthew 7:3-6 describes how we tend to worry about and judge other people's flaws when we ourselves have ours to worry about. Remove the plank in your eye before you are able to see clearly the speck in your friend's eye.

Is the Bible true?

2008-05-11T20:42:00.001-07:00

5 to 6 billion copies of the Bible, a compliation of 66 books, have been sold worldwide ever since it was published between 1st century BC to 1st century AD. A remarkable book indeed. It pictures the history of Christianity, the present, and the future-Revelations, from the very mouth of God. Most of the proverbs used today come from the Bible. People are transformed spiritually and mentally when they read the Bible. Yet, many people still have doubts about the reliability of the Bible.For those who do so, I feel it is an obligatory to share my views.

Is the Bible true? If the Bible is indeed what it claims to be, the implications for us are considerable. The Bible candidly claims to be "given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Though the Bible is not the only book to claim divine inspiration, it offers substantial evidence to support its claims. It even goes to an extent that it challenges us to put it to the test, exhorting us to "Test all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Secondly,the greatest evidence that leads us to the veracity or reliability of the Bible's claims of divine inspiration is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Now, let us consider this : Have you ever met any man who can clearly and consistently forsee the future? If there is such a person on Earth, would billion-dollar gambling industry (eg. Casinos) be built in the first place? Or would natural disasters (eg. Indian Ocean Tsunami) hit the Earth without any trace of warning or prediction? If so, then we can conclude that as a man by himself is unable to forsee future events, prophecy is a reasonable indicator of supernatural divine inspiration. For example, Ezekiel's prophecies concerning God's judgment against the ancient Phoenician capital of Tyre (Ezekiel:26). The prophecy states that Tyre would first be razed by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Later, it would be utterly destroyed by a coalition of nations, flattened like the top of a rock, its ruins (and even its dust) scraped and thrown into the sea, becoming a place for fishermen to spread their nets. The surrounding nations would witness Tyre's fate and surrender without a fight. It's a rather odd prophecy. Amazingly, the conditions of Ezekiel's prophecy were fulfilled, even to the tiniest detail. Nebuchadnezzar sacked Tyre. Later, Alexander the Great led a coalition of nations against Tyre, demolished it, scraped it to bedrock and threw its ruins into the sea. The ancient site became (and remains to this day) a place for local fishermen to spread their nets to dry. -Reference from Wikipedia-

Even today, we can see Bible propechies being fulfilled before our eyes (just that certain people refuse to acknowledge). For example, consider the nation of Israel. The Jews were "the least of all peoples" (Deuteronomy 7:7), without a homeland and without freedom, serving as slaves in Egypt. At the time, Egypt was the dominant world power. However, because of a promise God made to a man named Abraham, his son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob centuries earlier, God rescued the Israelites from their bondage "with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders" (Deuteronomy 26:8). God gave the Israelites a homeland of their own, made a covenant with them, and entrusted them with the Bible. Israel was a nation set apart for God -- God's testimony to a world that turned its back on the One who created them. Sadly, Israel's history, like that of the world's, was one of constant rebellion against God. Over and over, the Jewish people would rebel, suffer God's wrath, humble themselves, regret their rebellion and turn back to God, and receive God's blessing again - then start the process all over again… Finally, God sent nations upon them (like He did with ancient Tyre) and drove the Jews from their homeland. In 70 AD, Roman legions decimated Israel, dispersed the Jews throughout the world, and banned them from ever reentering their homeland. The Jews were without a homeland for 1,900 years! Nevertheless, God promised the Jews that though He would remove them from the land, they would remain an identifiable people and would return to their land again. (Leviticus 26:13-16; Nehemiah 1:8-9; Deuteronomy 30:1-5). It is a miracle in itself that the Jews have survived and remained an identifiable people without a homeland for 1,900 years. All other nations who have ever lost their homeland became assimilated into the surrounding nations and lost their identity within a few hundred years. Yet the Jews have remained and miraculously returned to Israel as their official homeland in 1948.

Thirdly, not only does the Bible miraculously foretell the future, it also recounts the distant past with great accuracy. As such, archaeology has been a source of great vindication for the Bible. For example, the biblical account of Israel's exodus from Egypt. Pharaoh, Egypt's monarch, chased the Israelites with an army of chariots, cornering Israel at the Gulf of Aqaba (the Red Sea). God miraculously parted the Red Sea allowing Israel to pass through over a land bridge. The Egyptians followed in close pursuit, but after the last Israelite made it across, God released the parted water and drowned the Egyptian army.

In Josh McDowell's classic treatise on the historical evidences supporting the Bible's veracity, renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck is quoted as saying, "It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference." (McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Here's Life Publishers Inc., 1979, p. 65.) Archaeologists have discovered a number of evidences vindicating the Bible's exodus account, including chariot wheels embedded in coral along the land bridge at the bottom of the Red Sea. -Wikipedia-

Moving on, when we have doubts about the reliabilty of the Bible, let us now consider the integrity of the authors of the Bible. These are men who claimed to be inspired by God. Let us take Luke, the person who authored one-quarter of the New Testament, for example. Luke is regarded as an authoritative historian.

Dr. John McRay, Professor of New Testament and Archaeology at Wheaton University in Illinois, explains, "The general consensus of both liberal and conservative scholars is that Luke is very accurate as a historian. He's erudite, he's eloquent, his Greek approaches classical quality, he writes as an educated man, and archaeological discoveries are showing over and over again that Luke is accurate in what he has to say." And Sir William Ramsey, one of the greatest archaeologists of modern times, declared, "Luke is a historian of the first rank." -Adapted from Wikipedia-

Now, it is unquestionable that many of the Bible's writers died brutal and horrible deaths in defense of their written testimony. In fact, all but one of the New Testament's authors were executed for proclaiming and defending their testimonies. (John was spared, but forced into exile by Roman Emperor Titus.) Many people throughout history have died willingly for their beliefs but what makes the New Testament authors' martyrdom special is that these men were in a position to know the truth of their written accounts. No one knowingly dies for a lie! (Unless you're a mad guy) For example, the September 11th suicide hijackers may have sincerely believed in what they died for, but they weren't in a position to know whether their beliefs were absolutely true. The hijackers put their faith in religious traditions passed down over many generations. In contrast, the Bible's martyrs were in a position to know the truth. They were eyewitnesses to the historical events they recorded. Either they saw what they claimed to see or they didn't -- plain and simple. Nevertheless, these men clung to their testimonies, even to their brutal deaths at the hands of their persecutors, and despite being given every chance to recant their stories. Why would so many men knowingly die for a lie? They had nothing to gain for lying, but everything to lose.

For those of us who don't believe that God inspired the Bible, how do we explain it? What compelling reason do we have to reject the Bible as God's divine revelation to man? We should lay aside our philosophical disposition (because many non-believers tend to believe that moral values outweigh all aspects of life and that we should live as upright, righteous and virtuous people, nothing more), examine the evidence objectively, and try to weigh the facts for ourselves And then ask yourself : Is the Bible true? Yes, though it is right that we should live a virtuous and righteous life, but the true reason that we live is to have a unique and intimate relationshipe with God, admitting that we are sinners and believing that Jesus died for our sins and rose again to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus has filled the gaps of our broken relationship with God, but that does not mean that we will not perish for sinning unscrupulously, rather, since Jesus had done the job for us, all we have to do is to keep the relationship going -showing our love to God by living a Christ-like life, with the aid of the Holy Spirit. That, is the true meaning of life.

End of examinations(Still have more to go)

2008-05-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Exams may be over today but we have to be prepared for what's ahead of us. Examinationns are just a period of trials to test our ability and potential in a specific subject or skill. Through examinations, we are able to realise our weaknesses and strengths. Henceforth, we will change according to our weaknesses and improve further on our strengths. Only then we are able to move further in life.

However, there is no end to the study of science or other theoritical subjects. There is no limit to the extent of which a person can gain knowledge of such subjects. You may be the smartest person on earth, but what matters most is your character and spiritual development. How then are we able to develop and shape our character and spiritual faith? Well, to do so is to simply open up a book, read it and anchor the words at the bottom of your hearts, then are we able to apply and practice the teachings behind the words. And this book is, as we all know, the Bible, which is God's word for mankind.

The Bible may consists of books, letters written by prophets, kings, or apostles, compiled together, but these words are from God himself. Hence, all the more must we treasure them and read them daily. Only through thorough meditation and throught processes are we able to really absorb and understand the message that God is trying to convey to us. And naturally, your inner self will grow slowly into Christ-likeness and this can be proved by your actions towards those around you. This does not mean that you become sinless or unable to sin any longer, but that you will tend to sin "less" because your every thought and action are carried out upon firm deliberation, in a way that you often ask yourself "What would Jesus do if he were in my situation?" or "How would God feel if I were to do such a thing". Therefore, we are then able to mature and grow in faith, moulded by God into Christ-likeness.

So, a simple message, or rather a reminder, to my friends is to READ the Bible, and not only read regularly but read as much as you can in your free time because the Bible is the fundamental "tool" or "formula" to your spiritual development as long as you constantly meditate on the Word and apply them in life.

Friendship

2008-05-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF SHIPS. THERE ARE WOODEN SHIPS ,PLASTIC SHIPS, AND METAL SHIPS. BUT THE BEST AND MOST IMPORTAINT TYPES OF SHIPS ARE FRIENDSHIPS

exams..

2008-04-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

Sa1 is surfacing in 2 weeks time.. 1st paper, english, on next friday.. wont be able to blog till end of exams, and thats when i can finally look forward to church camp and china mission trip.. So, in the meanwhile, do pray for me..

china trip..

2008-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since i last posted.. anyway, i've decided to go for china mission trip, which will take place a day after the end of church camp.. I've prayed, and i'll still continue praying about it.. On one hand, i think i do have the desire to go, to experience a whole new journey spreading God's word, his existence and the joy of being able to see salvation in others' lives..On the other hand, my parents are quite objective about it for several reasons..As usual, in cases where students like myself are concerned, studies will always be top priority in parents' eyes..For example, questions normally raised are ''If you dont do well in the mid year exams, you can forget about going'', ''How about your holiday homework then?'', "What?Another trip just one day after your church camp?", "China? Out of all places to spread the Word, it just had to be a communist country" and so on...Sigh..Parents..I shant go deeper about that..But i know that it is God's call thats pushing me, and not any other factors and that's all that matter..I just hope that God will, in due course, provide a clear path for me, with of course the aid of prayer..

Another main reason is that I'm planning to take a step further into service..In all aspects, service can come to the simplest form like helping your parents to do housework.. But i wish to really get into my purpose of being a Christian, to spread God's word to those around me because not everyone in this world is born a Christian.. And i do feel lost, sorry for those who die without coming to know God.. Putting that aside, I also do have my own fears..After all, China is practices communism and the government is stringent about that practice..But i guess that will be the lamest excuse for me not going for the trip..

Well, exams are coming soon in about 2 weeks time.. wish me luck then.. P.S. i'm determined to thrash the china scholars this time..

Easter..

2008-03-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Eggs, goodies, chocolates and many other goodies are being sold everywhere in supermarkets, shops and churches.. But how many people has ever dwelled in the true meaning of Easter? Easter is celebrated, commemorated worldwide as it symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago..I wish to share what Easter truly means to me..

Firstly, what was Jesus' mission on Earth? Now i know I'm going back to the basic of Christianity, but sometimes human get too involved or obsessed with earthly matters like school and work that they forget and do not take Easter seriously..And this, unfortunately is true for some..To summarise his mission on Earth, Jesus came down to Earth as God in flesh to live a perfect, wholly life that no human being has ever done, or capable of doing..That is because of sin that exists on Earth, that made humans corrupted, entangled and disanced from God..Hence, God asked Jesus to replace his 'clean' record with our record, that has been stained by our sinful nature, so that we may be able to enter heaven to live an eternal life with God..

From Jesus' sacrifice for us, I would like to highlight a few(though there's many) characteristics of him that we may be able to apply in our lives.. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life.This, we cannot achieve, but we can live a Christ-like life, to stick close to his commandments in faith..I deeply admire and am grateful for the perseverance of Jesus as he suffered the brutal torment of the soldiers under the conspiracy of the high priests and carried the cross until he reached his destination. His determination and courage overwhelmed me and Easter sets an image in my mind, a flash of scenes as Jesus was mocked, tortured, and crucified.. Even at the cross, he asked God to forgive those who plotted to crucify him and this was what truly struck me.. There's no greater sacrifice than a man willing to give his life for a friend, much more his enemies or those who were against him.. Jesus being able to ask God to forgive those who crucified him is indeed remarkable.. What had kept Jesus going then? Another characteristic of Jesus I would like point out is his obedience to God.. As he journeyed the crucifixion, he remembered his mission, clinging onto the undeterred perseverance to carry out his Father's will, and struggled through the excruciating journey..

What then, does the resurrection mean to me? By dying for us on the cross, Jesus has placed all our sins, our deserved punishments and burdens on the cross and replaced our record with his, therefore granting us salvation and access to eternal life..And by resurrecting in 3 days, Jesus is alive again and will reign forever at the right hand of the Father, thus proving that the sacrifice that he has made will continue to exist forever..His legacy that continues to give hope and salvation to many..Bearing this in mind, Easter should be a joyous, wonderful celebration that we ought to have great remembrance and gratitude for what Jesus has done for us..If so, then how much more joy and delight will there be up there? Looking from a divine perspective, the angels are celebrating in such triumphance that is nothing comparable to the celebrations on Earth.. Sin and death are defeated..Humans will be able to have new life with God after death.. This is what Easter truly means to me..The great significance that lies in this sacrifice..

How did the resurrection change the world?The resurrection vindicated and validated Jesus' claims about himself, that he was the Son of God in the flesh, the fulfillment of God's dealings with humankind. It proved that the old covanent, characterised by Israel's substitutionery sacrificial system, had been perfectly fulfilled and superceded by Jesus, the true Messiah and sacrifice as the Lamb of God..If there had been no resurrection, Christians would be following the teachings of just another popular rabbi. His words would have merely joined the countless words of other religious writings.Our faith would be in vain and we would be forced to trust in our works to merit God's grace -something our works can never do.If Christ was not raised from the dead, our eternal future would be hopeless..But the resurrection assures that those who believe in Jesus Christ can and will have an everlasting relationship with God himself. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we can be too. We can live both now and through all eternity.

The Pencil Parable..

2008-03-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Has any of you heard of the Pencil Parable? Well.. It's truly an inspirational story that we can apply in our daily lives..It symbolises how human beings are like pencils under a creator -The Pencil Maker.. So the story goes..

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil,
"..before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

1. You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand.
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.
3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.(erasor)
4. The most important part of you will always be what's inside.
5. On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the situation.
The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went into the box fully understanding its Maker's purpose.
-End-

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

1.You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. Let him be the sole purpose in your life, let him be in total control of your life. Also, allow others to access you for the many gifts you possess.
2.You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going various troubles, problems and difficulties in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person. Always remember that God will always be with you, through any form of difficulty, regardless the pain and suffering you're going through, bear in mind that God has promised never to leave you. Through these tests, you are driven and moulded to become a much stronger person.
3.You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them. To err is human. Human makes mistakes in life and this is our human nature and tendecy. But we have the Holy Spirit to be able to differenciate right from wrong and then, correct our faults and remember never to let the smae mistake occur.
4.The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside. Beauty is skin deep. Character, our inner being and moral values are far more important than what's on the outside -physical appearance. God sees and judge us from our hearts, our thoughts and faith, and not from what we do -the kind deeds or actions that we do, of which some may be done with ulterior motives or done without sincerity.
5.On every surface that you walk, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything. Everyone is made to be special, to possess our own talents and gifts, which are blessed by God.. Use these gifts that God has given you, and honour God in anything that you do, and your life will be fruitful and blessed by God.

Final words..
Everyone is like a pencil.. created by a Maker for a unique and special purpose. If you think you are not good in your studies, or you do not play well in any kind of sports, or you are not sociable, you do not have any friend, or you do not have any kind of influence in anyone's life, or you just simply think that you are a good-for-nothing or think that life is meaningless and purposeless.. Meditate on what I've just shared and you'll probably find that one should look at life in different perspective..That only God can give us answers to our problems and questions, that only God can give us purpose in life, that God is SIMPLY the reason why we should live and that He alone can satisfy our hunger and thrist.. And remember to..

-PRAY-

To my dearest mother..

2008-03-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

You were my first word ever spoken,
The one who's always there,
To me your love is the ultimate token,
Next to you, other mother's don't compare.

The way you're always there for me,
No matter what I've done,
That five letter name Marie,
To me is the only one.

You pick me up when I fall,
While wanting nothing in return,
Always answer when I call,
Your love, I never had to earn.

You taught me right from wrong,
Showed me good from bad,
Loved me all along,
You're the best friend I've ever had.

For me, You've always came through,
I mean what more can I say,
Words can't describe how much I love you,
Thanks Mom, You've made me the man I am today.

Love you Mom
Always and Forever

Wordless..

2008-03-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

One word, "dissapointed"...

Physics - A2 : 70%
Chemistry - A2 : 72%
Biology - A2 :73%
Additional Mathematics - A1 : 94%
Elementary Mathematics - A1 : 81.3%
Combined Humanities - Elective Geography : 72%
- Social Studies : 68%
- Combined Marks - A2 : 70%
Higher Chinese - A1 : 86%
English - D7 : 49%

Grades - 3 A1, 4 A2, 1 D7

Yeah.. Thats about it.. My english's horrible, screwed up at comprehension.. My mum's gonna have to attend the parent-teacher conference stuff.. And when it's over, i'm so dead.. But.. praise God for my marks.. work harder next time.. Just that i cant believe my english got thrashed by china guys.. Thats the main thing..

Love thy neighbour as thyself

2008-02-27T01:08:00.000-08:00

At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. Rather, we will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks - but homeless because of rejection.

Truly, all these can be expressed through our actions, whatever we have done unto our brothers and sisters we have done unto Jesus.. Therefore, let every action, every thought to be sincere and pure, and most of all, be filled with unconditional love.. Mother Teresa says that when she dresses the leper's wounds, she sees Jesus in his face.. How wonderful, how experiencing can that be, to be able to see our neighbours as though they are Jesus alike..

Galatians 5:14

The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself

Go The Extra Mile

2008-02-25T01:24:00.000-08:00

The things you do for others,

Do not for your own fame,

But give the glory to the LORD,

And in our Saviour's name.

An old gent who is lonely,

Someone whose friends are few,

Just be the kind of friend to them

That JESUS is to you,

When finding someone who's depressed,

Or one whose road is curved

Your'll find the joy in curved,

And not in being served,

When GOD sends one your way in need

Ask guidance from above,

Then give what help you have to give,

And do it out of love.

Just walk along and share His load.

And go the extra mile.

Carol McKenney

Stressed..

2008-02-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's CT1.. man screwed many papers.. forget it man.. whenever a paper is done, everyone, as usual, will query one another about the questions and whatsoever.. thats quite lame actually coz nothing you can do will change the marks even if you know the correct answer right? It's all hypothetical.. It's too late man.. and no use crying over spilt milk.. Haiz.. ''stressed-ness'' bottling up in my chest.. After exams, 1st thing gonna do is to let it all out.. Let's see.. Go to a mall to eat lunch together and probably go to play arcade afterwards.. Thats the feeling.. don't look so forward to it.. still got like 4 papers left.. and higher CHINESE being the last paper.. gonna fail that one.. guaranteed..........

God in your life..(Part 1)

2008-02-20T01:28:00.000-08:00

Dear non-believers..

Is there more to life than it seems? Rushing off to school, hustling to workplace in the morning, and going back home to have dinner with family.. That is life.. But have you ever paused, for a single moment, and wonder whether there is something behind life, or rather someone who is in total control of everything.. Have you ever thought of how the earth came about, the vast, limitless sky and waters, the universe that holds the astronomical, billions of stars and galaxies, that has no boundaries.. Or even to simplest of things, living things.. Animals, plants, and even ourselves, humans, surely, like a river has its source, have a source to these individuals.. Surely, in the beginning, there is a source.. And this source -the creation, is created by God..

You may find this irrational, on the otehr hand, I find that science, its discoveries and knowledge, is all around us, reaching every corner of life.. Hence people tend to believe in the fact science has so called proved that Earth is the result of the ''big bang''.. But have you ever noticed, that science is based on human's own discoveries and research, science is ever-changing, in a constant process of evolution, there is no solid, concrete evidence of discoveries such as these.. Have you ever heard of the news where scientists, or rather astrologists have made new discoveries of the 9th, 10th planet whatsoever? In such a case, it proves that it is human to err, and since science is the study of knowledge based on human perspective and discovery, then is it truly reliable to count on and believe in it? Well, I'm not trying to argue the degree of professionalism that scientists have, or the extent of reliability of science, but the crux, the main idea, the whole point of what I'm trying to say is that there may be behind all these things that can give you a divine answer.. And that is God.. And what proves His existence? The bible, of course.. Why trust in someone that is invisible then? Well, there are some things in life, that is invisible to us, but behind them are hidden some proofs of their existence..

To be continued..

God saved us for a purpose

2008-02-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

As a nonbeliever, you had nothing to motivate you to live righteously. You may have searched for purpose and meaning in life but found nothing satisfying. As a believer, however, you are "God's workmanship,' which means that his spirit is working in your life to make you more like Christ and to give you a purpose for living.

This verse describes part of the purpose God has for your life as his child-to do good works by helping others. The amazing and wonderful truth about God's purpose for your life is that He had plans for you to do good works long before you even existed. He has already scheduled the days and events of your life with opportunities to tangibly share his love with others.

Psalm 139:16 - Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

The next time you see a neighbor in trouble, hear about a friend struggling with a problem, notice a coworker in distress, or see a stranger who genuinely needs a helping hand, take hold of this opportunity God has placed in your path. Mother Teresa once said that the simplest action done with love is considered holy in God's eyes.. Therefore, grasp any chance that sets before your eyes, and not doing so because of having the thought of ''storing up good deeds'' but rather doing so out of love and sincerity, only then will God see as pure and holy..

While we look forward to the glories of heaven, one thing far outweighs them all: the fact that we will be able to spend eternity with Jesus. Dwight L. Moody once wrote, "It is not the jeweled walls and the pearly gates that are going to make heaven attractive. It is being with God." May that truth inspire you as you live out your life on this earth.

Alpha Course

2008-02-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to blog so often now and then coz exams are coming, so i need to study and focus.. But..that doesn't mean than i'm going to stop doing intense bible study..yeah..so, valentine's day is coming and from what i was told of is that the leaders are getting their nerves on due to their unpreparedness and unreadiness..Hence, we have a part to play -pray. I do hope that more of you, regardless of helping out in the prayer group or not, will still pray and ask for God's grace and strength upon the leaders..However, if we can come together as one congregation to pray, all the better..

And a few points to pray for are as follow : -that God will touch the hearts of the guests coming
-that those who cannot bear but to pay for their
friends' tickets will have pockets that 'run deep'
enough
-that the guests will commit fully to the course every
saturdays
-that God will spread his love, the Word to the guests
through us, his tools and instruments
-that the leaders will be able to prepare what needs
to be arranged by schedule, eg.logistics, speaker
-that we will be role models of the congregation of
which we are inviting our guests to -the way we live
our lives as Christians
-that the guests will have the desire and thrist to
recognise that there are more to life than what they
are experiencing -God, Jesus
-that God will grant all members spiritual maturity in
spreading God's word and recognise that every word
from our lips come from the mouth of God

Another day..

2008-02-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Just received my common test timetable, it's 21-29 feb, gosh.. and i got 55% for my first higher chinese test.. knew it would turn out like that.. got thrashed by china ppl sia.. they got like.. 95%?..power ar..nvm.. it's CNY's eve tmr.. so enjoy..

Another Poem..

Ah, God, the way your little finger moved

As you thrust a bare arm backward

And made play with your hair

And a comb a silly gilt comb

Ah, God—that I should suffer

Because of the way a little finger moved

-Stephen Crane-

Temptation

2008-02-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

First of all, let me address a question. Why does God allow temptation?

Life, metaphorically speaking, is like a laboratory of faith. As you know, a lab is place for research, or rather testing of many experiments.. God tests us to confirm the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our commitment to him.. A fine example is when God tested Abraham (Gen. 22), where he was asked to sacrifice his only son, whom he became a father of at such an old age.. And he did so without any hesitation but in compliance with God's will.. And Abraham is the only person that God tested to such a degree where he was told to sacrifice his ONLY son, in context of the ultimate sacrifice that God sent for us - Jesus..

Nonetheless, we have to able to distinguish the great difference between testing and temptation. We know that God tempts no one, but rather Satan is the one who tempts.. However, God can use Satan's temptations to test us.. God redeems what Satan intended for evil and uses it to accomplish something good.. And that truly remarks God's grace for us.. And remember that Jesus himself was tested by God but his unwavering commitment to God's plan and word enabled him to triumph over Satan's temptations..

God may allow our faith to be tested on the path of spiritual success but we still, nevertheless, require God's grace and strength.. But why is it that Jesus, in Matthew 6:13, teaches us to pray, "Lead us not into temptation", and not "Lead us into temptation and give us strength to overcome it"? Not necessarily, Jeses linked "Lead us not into temptation" with "deliver us from the evil one". Thus, avoiding temptation means avoiding the devil's snares and entice us. Jesus wants us to see God as the one who delivers, and not the one who tempts. In our prayers, we should look to God as the source of victory over the evil one. God tests us, not that we might fall into sin, but in hope that we might experience his victory..

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

Sin never quits. Not as long as this fallen world exists and our physical bodies remain. No, not until the final coming of God's kingdom. Sin will keep knocking at the door as long as we live in this broken, rebellious, twisted world. We are said to have "died to sin" (Romans 6:2), that sin's claim upon our lives has been broken. However, we do not have to give in to it as Jesus breathes his Spirit into us (Romans 8:14), giving us the power to resist sin's advances and live a strong, new life..But the whole idea sets on our choice of possessing the courage to ask for God's grace and to resist sin.. Every day, every moment of our lives.. But God's grace is enough, more than enough.. When we fail and do not choose to trust the Spirit to enpower us, we can confess our sins, receive forgiveness and keep moving forward.. And at the end of the days, when we are united with Christ, we will be totally free from sin's influence and grasp..

Back to our passage, God assures us that He is in total control and that temptation can make us stronger.. And God promises us that regardless of the degree of our temptations in life, He will not test us beyond what we are capable of or to the extent of which we cannot bear and resist.. He will not test us beyond our means, and God WILL never abandon us..He will always be with us, through our struggles and problems in life, shouldering our burdens, every moment of our life, and some will able to feel his presence and some will not, but God never fails to do so. Amen.

God's Will

2008-01-30T05:49:00.000-08:00

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

To summarise this verses, we can infer that Paul is trying to tell us that all life would become ''spiritual worship''..And that our lives, or rather we, must be transformed, not just our external behaviours but also our inner thoughts, the way we feel and think..

Worship, is a part and parcel of our chirstian life, it is the most sincere and desirable way to express our love for God and his worth to us..

True worship - worship in spirit and in truth

John 4:23-24 - Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth

What do I mean by worshiping God in spirit and in truth?

''In spirit'' actually means this true worship is carried along with the Holy Spirit and is happening maily as an inward, spiritual event, and not as an outward, bodily event.Worship has to come from our hearts, the most vital part of our body that channels all our feelings and emotions..When the heart is far from God, worship is vain, empty and non-existent. The experience of the heart is the defining, vital, indispensable essence of worship.

Matthew 15:8-9 - These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men

This verse highlights that the true essence of worship lies in our very hearts..

Worship is a form of experience to display our innermost feelings and emotions in direct contact with God and in the right spirit.. It should not be just an outward form of worship practice but a spiritual experience and it does not necessarily hae to take place in church or in some evangelistic events..Worship comes from our hearts, therefore it can take place anywhere and at any time, for as long we pour out all our heart and soul into it..

Romans 1:9 - God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
Romans 12:1 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship
Philippians 3:3 - For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh

In conclusion,

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

Walter Pearson

2008-01-30T05:41:00.000-08:00

great message..

Blessed are the poor in spirit..

2008-01-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

As I recalled one of the bible study lessons last year on the Gospel of Mark, I came across a familiar chapter - The Beatitudes

Jesus begin the Beatitudes with our inability in the mind, highlighting that acknowledging the fact that we humans are unworthy and spiritually poor is of vital importance in our walk with God..The Beatitudes are a set of, what i would say, 'guidelines' to the way we live as Christians..Those who recognise their spiritual poverty are in the best position to experience God's blessing and enjoy his kingdom..

What does it mean by "poor in spirit"?

It refers to a person with spiritual poverty.

One who realize that he is born with a sinful nature and that he cannot save himself, that he is without an ability to glorify himself..

One who has a keen sense of his own sinfulness and need for God's grace..

One who abandons his pride and self-sufficiency and rely totally and with full confidence on God for support..

In the process, this person will be able to acquire the other Beatitudes-the mournful, meek, hungry, merciful, pure and peaceful dispostion..

Some examples that display this personality and attitude in the Bible

1.Luke 18:13 - And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner

2.Judges 6:15, which shows the attitude of Gideon - But Lord , Gideon asked, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family

3.Isaiah 6:5, which demonstrates Isaiah's attitude - Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty

Christ himself also displayed this attitude on earth

4.John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me

5.John 14:10 - Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work

What does the other part of the verse means? "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

1.The reward for the poor in the spirit..They will possess the qualitites that are essential and crucial for 'membership' in Christ's kingdom, the church..

Matthew 18:3-4 - And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

It takes an inner attitude of complete spiritual poverty to accept God's plan of salvation..

Ephesians 2:7-9 - in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast

2.These people will also inherit the eternal kingdom as well..

Revelation 1:5 - and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

Those who are prideful and self-sufficient could never hope to enjoy the blessings of Heaven. They would never accept that they were sinners in need of a savior, never accept the need to obey God in God's way, and never accept the fact that without God they could do nothing.

In conclusion,

It is only through the humility of spiritual poverty that we can draw close to God and truly enjoy life as He wants us to..

Emptyness..

2008-01-28T05:28:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks, I really don't know why, but I feel as if there is something lacking in my life, something in my heart that ought to be filled, a hole that should be covered.. I wonder if any of you have ever felt that way before, or is just me.. Or perhaps it's just, what i deem to call it, life.. This feeling is metaphorically like a jigsaw puzzle that's missing out its last piece and I try so hard to uncover the location of this piece, but somehow to no avail, yet..

Some people see life in a perspective such that it's a continuous, never ending, repeated cycle or process.. For adults, for example, they go to work in the morning, come home for dinner in the evening(some later than that), have a reunion with family, chat and discuss how's each and every of the family member day have been..

And for those who are single, unmarried, will also do the same thing, perhaps, with their parents, or siblings..Then, work again after a good night's sleep(for some, for others..)

Secondly, for students as myself, we go to school early in the morning, stare at the whiteboard or at the teacher's face for a few hours and then we go home, bathe, do homework, play computer, or some will probably get some rest.. Afterwhich comes dinner with family, exhanging conversation, watching tv, then school again, after the night's rest..

In mathematics, there are formulas for every type of questions, solutions for any question or analysis that can always be calculated, and obtained.. In life, I believe that our every problem and question can be solved by a single formula, or rather two, but in one, similar kind.. That is, through prayer and the Word..

But even if we know the theory of the formula but have no knowledge of its application and practical usage, what good use would it be then? I've been pouring my soul into the bible to 'extract' answers to my questions.. Though i have not managed to find an answer but i believe that regardless of the time required to do so, God will, unmistakably, provide with one, in due course.. For as long as you believe that you will receive and have faith in His might and sovereignty, He will definitely answer you prayers.. with an open heart and subjective attitude..

I pray that I will find an answer to my last missing jigsaw puzzle..For i know that my purpose, my sole purpose on Earth is you, Jesus..Amen.

1 Peter 1:18-19

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blamish or defect.

Another poem..

2008-01-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

You are so flawless in every way,
We are guiltier everyday.
You are worthy of this world's Praise,
But this world doesn't see it that
way for they are too busy looking for
treasures that will one day bring
them down to their knees in shame
before your Presence.
Yet it amazes how much dedication
and love you have for this world,
With a beautiful moon and sun, gigantic mountains,
and a precious ocean that can
be seen all over the universe
it's so sad that many people cannot see
that you are a real God.
But I this poor soul am thankful for your great Love and Mercy,
Please remember me in your paradise Jesus Christ.

Love and Friendship

2008-01-27T04:40:00.000-08:00

Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship like the holly-tree—
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?

The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?

Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck thee with the holly's sheen,
That, when December blights thy brow,
He may still leave thy garland green.

1 Corinthians 13:3

2008-01-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing

Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Matthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself

Then in the next verse, the Lord says..

Matthew 22:40 - On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets

Therefore, the teachings of the Old Testament summarises to this point where we, as Christians, should fervently love our neighbour and God, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

What then, does love have anything to do with spiritual gifts?

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

Hence, should we have spiritual gifts, but on the other hand, no love, the gifts are, yet sadly, useless.. Love, as in Galations 5:22, is a fruit of the Spirit.. It is love that unifies the church, strenghtens and nourishes our friendship with friends, it is a vital and essential ingredient that bonds us together with our family and most important of all, love seals our ties and relationship with God.. And the gifts of the Spirit are like tools that accomplish the purpose of love - building up teh body. Love controls the use of gifts - they are not to divide the church, nor are they to be used for personal recognition.. With love, the gifts are of genuine service to the church..

In conclusion, Isaiah 49:15 states :

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

Fridayzz..

2008-01-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, at last, has arrived.. morning assembly.. principal announced O lvl results, said that average L1R5 has improved from 14.1 points to 13.1 points.. And he was like.. boasting so much crap abt it.. Didnt rly take much notice of it.. and the best result was from a PRC scholar-china students.. 9 A1s... And i was even more -_-" .. what is happening to sg ppl? getting thrashed by china guys.. haiz.. Then came our story-telling teacher.. He said that marists were ''warriors''.. adding on to our many self-acclaimed titles(by that teacher) like.. "angels in disguise", "champions", "heroes", "extraordinary people", bla bla bla.. Stoned.. Anyways.. Weekends.. enjoy the pleasure of sleeping till noon..-and not the usual 5am... Gd nighty..

What is a believer?

2008-01-23T03:06:00.000-08:00

A believer is one who believes, that is, one who has faith in something or someone. James 2:20-22 states that faith can be legitimate (faith in what is true), illegitimate (faith in what is not true), or feigned (pretended faith). However, there is something we need to understand as a fundamental axiom -"a true principle". Believing is not a choice nor is it something a person can, or does, choose to do. Faith is something a person either has or does not have. It may be received through education or experience.. It may also develop over time as a result of the accumulation of evidence, or be received in a testimony as evidence congeals in the consciousness, or, as we shall see, be given by God.. We experience many things, many beliefs in life. Some knowledge, some belief is universal, some cultural, some religious.. But the most crucial and essential field of faith is the kind that we experience in our walk with God -a spiritual, saving faith..

1 Corinthians 15:1 speaks of how we are saved through our belief and faith in the gospel.. And in Romans 1:16 states "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for Jew, then for Gentile" This good news is the touchstone of saving faith. Like all faith, it is not chosen. But unlike all other species of faith, this faith, faith in the evangel, saving faith, is not arrived at by education, or instruction. It doesn’t develop over time through study of the Scriptures nor is it arrived at by induction or deduction. Saving faith is given by God, gratuitously..Ephisians 2:8 states "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God"

What happens then, to those people who are ignorant to the Gospel?
Well, we cannot confirm what will happen to such nor can we judge their fates.. However, some people suggest that God will not hold people accountable for something they are ignorant or have no knowledge of.. And here's where we Christians play a part -to spread the gospel to non-believers..Nevertheless, one thing to be sure of is that Christ is the only way to salvation and the issue for which everyone will stand before God relates primarily to our sin, which causes us to be in conflict with God's holiness.. God knows each individual's heart and will judge fairly and accordingly and in a manner consistent with both holiness and love..

In conclusion,

Ephesians 4:1-6

I am entreating you, then, I, the prisoner in the Lord, to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit with the tie of peace: one body and one spirit, according as you were called also with one expectation of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all.

Troubles and sufferings in life..

2008-01-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

In life, everbody -every living soul that walks on Earth- will face troubles, sufferings and calamities in life, physically and emotionally, although we wish that we will never face such problems, to live a peaceful and trouble-free life.. Yet sadly, hate to break the news but this is an inconvenient and inevitable truth..

But being Christians, we believe in God, the Comforter, that He will never leave us alone, but walk us through all our problems in life and that belief alone, will indeed and unmistakably see us through any obstacle and setback in life.. And I wish to share with you a few things in life..

1.God certainly DID not cause our sufferings.
We, as humans, have troubles in life beacause of humanity's sinful nature and nothing can be done to turn back time and reverse what's done through the disobedience of Adam and Eve when sin came into the world and stained our relationship with God, and is still, however, in our very blood till the end of the days.. However, troubles need not necessarily come from the rewards of our misdeeds but also possible, from those who sin against us..-not always beacause we have committed a particular sin.

2.Jesus Christ loves us and KNOWS our sufferings.
You are not alone. Christ proved his love for us on the cross and on the cross He proved the depths of earthly, human sufferings, therefore He himself suffered and understands your pain. Hence, whenever we ask for comfort, belief that He who heals us comprehends the full measure of human pain.

3.Christ wants to love and comfort us.
Christ's purpose is to comfort and heal us as He is our friend, the bringer of peace, our spiritual 'doctor'..God NEVER wants us to suffer, please bear that in mind.. He hates it when we hurt but the fact that we hurt is part of our legacy as humans..God could, of course, instantly stop all human suffering, but doing so would involve interfering with our free will, which he loves us too much to do so..

4.Through suffering we can grow in our identification with Christ.
Being Christians, we want nothing more than to as fully as possible identify and commune with Christ and also build an intimate relationship with God.. Christ purposefully died on the cross for us and therefor our sufferings is nothing compared to Christ's, of what He had gone through, and that truly reflects the depth and reality of that sacrifice..

5.Suffering clears a way to God.
Suffering enables us to channel our innermost thoughts and desire towards God during those painful and sorrowful moments of yuor life and hence you will tend to rely more on God's comfort and guidance..

If you're suffering, here are a few tips on how you can get better.

1.Pray.
First and foremost, pray about it..Ask for God's peace and He will, I assure you with full confidence, provide comfort and shelter.. Don't ever pause for a moment or even hesitate to feel shy about asking for it for He knows everything and He can bring you what you cannot deliver yourself as God can do what some people might consider as 'impossible'.. eg. 2+2=5.. P.S This may be lame but.. You know what i mean.. Calming stormy waters is what God does. Ask, and you shall receive. Trust me, or rather, belief in God's grace..

2.Share your troubles.
Suffering disables us, rendering us 'immobilized' and hence we tend to isolate ourselves with our anguish and close our hearts from others. Resist that impulse and, which only serves to coddle and bottle up all our emotions and pain into a 'big ball' that you ALONE cannot bear. Instead, share your troubles with your spouse, your friends, and your family. Be honest and open with them, free yourself to be as vulnerable as you feel. Receive their input, their sympathy, and their care. Let God's power and might reach and overwhelm you through His creation, His people..

To be justified..

2008-01-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Romans 5
To be justified means to be made right. What was the main question that Paul had been highlighting in this chapter? That is ''How can a sinful man be made right with God, a holy and sinless God?'' In our christian walk with God, even we live our lives in a christ-like way -following the law and the commandments and live a perfect life- we would not still be right with God.. Adam's sin involved the rest of humanity in condemnation and death.. In other words, we begin it with a sinful nature (genesis 7:21 says " every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood" and psalms 51:5 says "Surely I was sinful at birth")

This may sound like...oh my gosh! "Then what should i do to repair my relationship with God?" Some people may ask.. Well, this is where Jesus comes into the picture.. God created us for a relationship with him. So he took the INITIATIVE to make the relationship right. In Jesus Christ he does for us what we human could never do for ourselves -That is, Jesus lived a wholly righteous life, a perfect life in line with the law, the commandments, and in total relationship with God.. Furthermore, in Jesus God took upon himself all the punishments our disobedience deserves (Romans 3:24). He took all our sins to the cross and fulfilled God's will and righteousness.. His life was sacrificed in exchange for ours, therefore his blood paid the price for our justification.. In other words, we, our lives, are bought with the precious blood of Jesus.. Because of sin we were standing in conflict with our relationship with God. Jesus paid our sin debt so that we can again have the fellowship with God that sin destroyed (Genesis 3) And that's my answer to my previous question..

And in conclusion, in light of God's finished work for us, all that he ask of us is our faith and belief in Him and his works and that we live a life in total reliance in Him..

Faith

2008-01-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 11

Faith means believing and obeying God, which requires relying on which we cannot see -God's promises, provisions and concern for us. An inner attitude alone does not define faith, though. For faith to be present, action is also required.. Faith proves itself by obedience to the Lord..

The writer of Hebrews expressed faith in two directions : faith towards future things (what we hope for) and faiths toward invisible things (what we do not see). When we are certain God is in control in these areas and we live having the mindset that He is in control, then that's faith.

The two sides of faith -assurance and expectation- can be seen in the lives of those listed in this chapter. They had strong convictions about unseen present realities. They also had a strong assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled -even in the face of evidence that seemed to suggest otherwise (eg. v 11).

*v 11 - Although Abraham was at a very old age and Sarah herself was barren, he was, by his faith in God who made a covenant with him, enabled to become a father

Ultimately, the way we see God will determine the shape of our faith. If we see a big, faithful, all-powerful God, then our faith will rise to those levels. If, on the other hand, we see a smaller God, a distant or 'less active' God, then our faith will waver to those levels.

Therefore in conclusion, I just want to state a realistic fact, regardless of how you deem it ridiculous or just empty words, or rather you may find me simplistic but - the truth is, that's the reality and goodness of God - If we have faith that God sent his Son to die for us, to redeem us and grant us an access to eternal life then we are, I assure you, welcomed to the kingdom of God.

Saturday...

2008-01-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

phew..mum and sis's back to singapore.. wont hav much time to blog but will try to squeeze time out to.. anyways.. im yet again.. without a CCA!! haiz.. hmm lets see my cca journey.. 1st year bdminton journey but then.. mum say will affect my studies coz of high expectations and heavy trainings... then i quit the team.. 2nd year.. join cross country but then.. i slack ar.. then end of year my name striked off the list... now come the 3rd year.. i think im joing chess sia.. its the most slack.. i guess my cca points is screwed up sia.. amen ar..

Love

2008-01-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Matthew 5:43-45
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heavn: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40

John 13:34, 35
34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another. 35By this shall all men (people) know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Romans 5:8
But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:38, 39
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 5:22, 23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1 John 4:8-11
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Who then, can say that God doesnt love him or was never there for him?

When satan comes knocking..

2008-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 6:14
When Satan comes against your mind with wrong thoughts, you don’t have to concede defeat. Use these practical actions to confront loose thoughts by securing them with the belt of truth.

In every story book that you'll find, there will always be -according to the contextual storyline- a 'good' person and a 'bad' person.. In the eyes of the law, there is right and wrong.. And thats why law exists in the first place-to set apart right from wrong..And so it's the same as in life.. and more focusing on our christian walk.. There are two roads in which we can choose to follow.. But why not just one? Because God wants us to choose which path to take in life and thats just proves His sovereignty and grace.. He didnt created us to become puppets who has no choice but to follow his master's bidding but God.. He created mankind with a choice over our faith.. But even so.. There is someone who exists in our lives, and he is the 'bad person'-Satan.. He is the cause behind what's keeping us apart from God..And the only solution to resist his temptations and prevent our relationship with God from being affected is through prayer..

What then is Satan's aims and strategies? -adapted from christianity.com-
1.He is the Father of lies-John 8:44
~He speaks the truth-in a different perspective-in order to deceive us and tempt us into doing sin. (an example is the story of Adam and Eve in the garden)
2.Hence, his greatest enemy is truth-which is God's Word - he opposes God's word. Gen 3:1-5
3.He casts doubt on God's goodness. Genesis 3:1-5
~He destroys the obedience of faith.He opposes the truth reaching and converting people.
4.He hinders missions strategy. 1 Thess. 2:18
5.He distorts and prevents effective Gospel message. Acts 13:8-9
6.He avoids inner need by removing external trouble. 1 John 3:12
7.He uses the fear of death to hold men in bondage. Hebrews 2:15
8.It doesn't lead them to God because it leads them to get as many kicks here as possible.
9.He causes people to stumble over bad Christian attitudes. 2 Tim. 2:24-26
10.He blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Cor. 4:4
11.He exploits a lack of understanding. Mt. 13:19
12.He suggests ways that don't involve suffering. Mt. 16:23; Mt. 4:1-11
13.He imitates religious roles. 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Mt.13:28,30; Rev. 2:9
14.He misuses Scripture. Mt. 4:6
15.He imitates signs and wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Mk. 13:22
16.He offers exotic occult alternatives. Rev. 2:19-24

He attacks faith to destroy believers:
1.attacks faith. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 11:3
2.brings persecution. Rev. 2:9; 1 Pt. 5:8; Lk. 22:31
3.brings sickness. Job 1:11; 2:5; Lk. 13:16.
4.dissension over doctrine and causes rifts. Rom. 16:17-20
5.sexual allurements. 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 5:15
6.unresolved anger. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27
7.pride. 1 Tim. 3:6

School..

2008-01-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

Phew..today was quite xianz at schul lor.. broke a lab apparatus during chem lesson... then coudn do work on time.. but during assembly the schul invited some1 to perform.. she's a 12-year old girl who is blind and she played the piano while singing a song for us.. her performance was rly superb.. and was rly an encouragement for all of us.. despite her physical handicap.. she then shared wif us how God came into her life and the wonders that He had done.. and she said of how God can use different ppl to show His glory... and though she was blind, she possesses an ability that most ppl dun hav-the voice that can touch others' hearts.. therefore, to have a mindset like hers.. we have much to learn from a 12-year old like her.. her courage and way of thinking..

In our journey with God, there will be many obstacles along the way and there's no road that is clear..and we can always, at any moment of our lives, depend on God te see us through our problems.. if a physical handicap cannot make a mere 12-year old girl fall, cause her to lose confidence in herself, then truly we have to be as strong as her, and believe that we're never facing our problems alone for God is always with us just as He has promised never to forsake us, nvr to leave us alone..

Prayer

2008-01-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

What exactly is prayer? Prayer,in my opinion, is a form of communication between ourselves and God, which actually creates a strong bond between us and thus strenghtening our relationship with God.. Why do we need to pray then? Because there is nothing else in this world that matters more than prayer in helping us to grow spiritually in faith and also, at the same time, creates a sense of dependence, assurance and reliance when we pray to God or ask for requests. Therefore, prayer is one important aspect in our spiritual walk with God.

How do we pray then? Well.. When i pray, I see it as talking casually to a very close and intimate friend, who really has direct access to our hearts, for He knows our every thought and feeling, but of course in a humble and respectful status..We, as human beings, sinful and unworthy as we are, ought to present ourselves in a humble and ignorant manner when praying to God for he is someone so holy, so divine, and no words can describe His might and His will.. Because God works in wonderful and mysterious ways in our lives that none of us can predict His will and His plans for us.. And I believe that what He has granted for me and every door, every road and every avenue that He has opened for me in my life is the best that I can ever hope for in the world for He, my Creator, King of Kings, is in total control of my life and I know that I can place my full trust and reliance in Him.

What do we pray for and what are the important factors in praying? There is no determination in what people really pray for as different circumstances affect what we pray for.. Say.. A man living a normal life, without any worries might pray for a healthy life, peace or a stable income.. Whereas a man who has contracted a fatal disease or illness might pray for a miracle to happen and that he would recover fully.. God is all-powerfull and He knows our every trouble, our ever problem that's occuring in our lives but you see.. Just as he has given us the freedom to choose whether or not to believe in Him, He wants to listen personally to our problems from our very mouths.. And that, truly is why He had granted us this liberty to pray, despite of our sinful nature and broken relationship with God, that we may, through prayer, grow spiritually in Him.. As a student, there are two major factors of which I am concerned about in my life.. That is, first and foremost, my walk with God and secondly my education.. Well.. My walk with God, I assure you, has been a smooth and pleasant jouney, an undescribable feeling of a living God present in my life is truly a wonderful thing, something which any man would hope for in his life.. Truly, I have been blessed and I believe that God has shown me His wonders in my life.. Nonetheless, our walk with God never ends, my brothers and sisters, even to the brink of death, there is still, an eternal life with God in which our relationship with God continues.. Hence, our journey never ends and there is still much more to discover, many things, many wonders of God to unravel..And as for my studies.. Well.. You know, it's somewhere around there..

Have you ever wondered then.. Why doesn't God answer your prayer immediately?In my opinion, prayer is a process rather than just a 5 minutes conference with God.. There is a process of growth in prayer.. Sometimes we come before God and ask him, '' God, please do this for me.'' But there is probably something He wants us to first. Then, we come back before God and ask Him, ''God, why haven't you answered my prayer?'' And the Holy Spirit tells you that there is sin in your life. No human can explain on why individuals do not get their prayers answered unless you're God.. But the Bible tells us that in the process of prayer, there are a few reasons of why you do not get your prayers answered.. Firstly, you have sinned against God in the process of prayer. Secondly, the Word of God teaches us in Matt 21:21-22 that if you have faith and do not doubt that you will not receive when you pray, you will receive whatever you have asked for in your prayers. Thirdly, God has other plans for you that He will reveal to you in due time but He hopes that in the process, you will be strenghtened in faith. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
If God were to answer our prayers just automatically, then there would be no growth. But if we never had to pray, there would be no dependence. The wisest thing we can do is to learn how to pray. Prayer is God’s way of bonding us to Him.

Whatever we ask for, whatever we pray for, we ask through God and only He has the the power to make the final judgement. Therefore, regardless of the outcome, we still have to glorify Him, to honour Him. For example, John prays for good results in his O level examinations so that he will do his parents proud and he prays so hard night and day but in the end he still did not get satisfactory results.. And his parents were disappointed and he was sad and lost faith in God.. Many of us tend to fall in such situations, be it in studies, career or even the things that we want so much in life but God does not grant them..

In life, we must see things in different perspectives.. Yes, it hurts if your dreams, your ambitions are dashed when God doesn't grant your prayers and thus you lose faith in Him.. But have you ever thought why things turned out that way?.. In the story of the two farmers, where both farmers prayed for rain but only one went out to prepare the fields.. Which one do you think will God send the rain to? It is evidently the farmer who believed that God will send the rain and he hurriedly went to prepare the fields.. Hence, when we ask for something, not only must we believe that we will receive but also put in the effort..As i have explained earlier, if God answer sour prayers automatically, then there would not be growth or spiritual learning.. But even if God did not send the rain to that farmer, would he lose faith in God and clear up the fields? No, of course! Never let your faith waver, my brothers and sisters.. We must always wait for His answers for he may have a bigger plan for us..

In such situations, I believe that these are periods of test that God have in our lives where God wants to see where our faith lies and He hopes that through these periods of struggles and distress, we may rely on Him and our faith in Him will strengthen and that we will come closer to Him.. God, unlike Satan, test us rather than tempt us, which is what God has allowed Satan to do in our lives.. However, do not be misled.. The fact that i stated that God allows Satan to tempt us did not mean that God wants us to fall into Satan's snares but rather, to test us to see where our faith lies.. Of couse, through these periods of temptations, God will shield us and protect us when we ask Him.. Therefore, I say again, prayer is evidently, essential..

Sunday...

2008-01-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

Haiz.. Sunday's over..Or rather, weekends.. School's back again.. Well, im not gonna be xianz anymore in schul, must try to be more refreshed, dunno if tmr can wake up at 5 sia, always fall asleep in class de..And i still havent do chinese newspaper cut-out.. 10% of CA marks but.. damn tired sia.. its just that chinese is a torture to read..anyways.. enough about school.. and homework.. since im gonna face those tmr..

Alpha Course!!

2008-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

CHURCH

Hi guys.. Today my church organised an Alpha Course, which is an evanelistic event, or rather a tool used to bring non-believers closer to God and share them the Gospel through means of fellowship and entertainments..yeah..And there was a guy who briefed us all about Alpha Course and how it's been a success throughout the world as an evangelistic tool..Today I really learnt a whole lot of things about evangelism and how to um.. bring my non-believer friends closer to God and to relate to them intellectually, emotionally and also spiritually..Hence, i'm pretty confident when the day arrives..I just pray that all of us will be able to, through God's deliverance and will, share the Word of God to all the non-believers who'll come for the course, be it close friends or even those whom we do not know, in hope that these their hearts will be touched by God's grace. But of course, the ultimate decision is made by God and regardless of the outcome, we ought to respect His will.. Nevertheless, we still can pray that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit, that they will experience a living God in their lives that they've never felt before..

Introduction to my life...

2008-01-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

Heys.. Im Edward... This is my first time blogging... Well, the main reason i had the thought of starting a blog is because i want to express my feelings and share about my life through a different way other than communicating.. Besides, a blog is open to public, therefore, unlike communication, which majorly involves 2 people, I need not share from person to person, which evidently is troublesome.. Another way is to make a speech, but a person in the right mind woudnt do that right? I mean.. Who in this world will stand before all his friends, family of even outsiders and share about his life? -Unless you're giving a message or have a moral philosophy to share, then... You're not an exception- So I hope that u'll not mind my ignorance in blogging... Im currently studying in Maris Stella High School and im in sec 3 level.. And i'm a Christian and am proud to be one... My church is at BA, which stands for Bukit Arang and im from the youth cell too..(BAY)

SCHOOL

Yeah.. Hm.. Almost 2 weeks have drifted by since school reopened, but yet at an unpredictable speed.. School's totally boring coz i;ve just entered a new atmosphere and environment in which my old friends who've gone through 2 years of friendship -some may be more- with me have been seperated from me and splitted into different classes... Haiz.. Though we still meet up during recess or.. hang out after school but.. i still feel quite xianz in class that i sleep most often-only at unimportant parts of the lesson,though..Well , why do i feel that way?.. Coz my new class is like.. Most of the students are either strangers to me or china scholars.. And these china scholars are damn zai in their studies, super hardworking and their level of chinese language fluency is like..I dont mean to exaggerate but they're like.. living human dictionary themselves..Hence, as u may have already infered... My class has transformed into a library - pin-drop silence at all times...No life at all.. No enthusiasm, no excitement, not a single factor that suits the kind of school environment we, teenagers of this era, should be studying in coz it's totally... unusual and eemo... And thats why i'd prefer to sleep... damn lonely... I guess i was wrong that i'd be more lively and refreshed when i re-enter school after the 2 months of holiday, which passed by so swiftly as though a breeze of wind sweept past me and never returning..Instead.. I'm experiencing a period of boredom and tiredness... Anyways... I'll pray that i'll not dwell myself deeper into that kind of situation.. P.S for some unknown reason.. all my teachers are fat...

CHURCH

Phew..Blogging really aint that simple.. Well, i can only use one word to describe my church.. but more focusing on the youth cell... and that is '' AWESOME''... Yeah.. The leaders are truly inspiring and possess that kind of willingness to not only lead but also to serve.. That is, in spite of the aspects of life that they're facing - work, studies,etc - they still fork out of their packed, busy schedule...time to plan, organise BAY or other events, or even have the thought and concern of how to help the youths in our walk with God.. And that really is like squeezing blood out of stone... Of course that isnt possible but literally i meant that these leaders really have this kind of mindset to nurture us, bring us closer to God in any way possible, regardless of their own busy life.. That, truly, is something worth raising our two thumbs up for and learning from... BAY, Alpha Course, BAY camps, BBQs... These may sound easy to organise but in reality, it's really time-consuming and requires a lot of effort to be put in to perfect these events so that we'll be able to, through these events, grow more spiritually and in faith..So the bond, the relationship that we, BAYers, have is due to the fact that we've come closer and to know more about to each other and egin to develop care and love for one another through these events, which I believe, was a success through God's grace and deliverance..Henceforth, i just wanna thank all the leaders for demonstarting the true values of being a leader and I pray that God will always be by their side, be it in the planning, organising of BAY events of even in their own personal lives.. And i wish to extend my best wishes to all BAYers too...

MY WALK WITH GOD

Throughout my Christian walk with God, there are many rough patches and periods of uncertainty and doubts which, I confess, occured..I do admit that i've grown spiritually through the BAY camp which certainly acted as a stepping stone and will always be remembered as a milestone in my relationship with God.. God is really great..No words can describe the wonders and might which he possess.. Truly, he is indescribable.. Last year, i prayed that i'd be able to enter a satisfactory class and though i did not study seriously, i did manage, in the end, to score above the required criteria and streamed into a triple science class...Well, that rly explains a lot of why my class is a bunch of nerds.. Anyways...that really changed everything... my thoughts about god... Initially, i've got to admit, i went to church just for the sake of it... just to take care and keep my sister company.. Oh,by the way.. my family's gone bk to jkt till 17th jan.. so that just adds to my boredom... But after awhile.. my mindset slowly changed.. I've come to realise that.. we humans have no right to live a life denying the existence of God or pushing Him aside, not giving a toss (care) about our spiritual life.. simply because this life that we're living is given by God and bought with the blood of His precious Son Jesus Christ... And thats why God truly is the centre of our lives, someone whom we cannot live without because He is love.. And a person without love is no different than a person without a soul in him... No goal, no reason to live..Ignorant of the real reason of our existence, which is really to worship, glorify and honour God and develop an intimate relationship with Him.That, my brothers and sister, truly is the main objective of our lives as Christians.

GOD, OUR CREATOR

God works in mysterious ways in which we humans will never be able to comprehend nor understand because He is an all-powerful and everlasting God. For example, He put different people in different situations to help each other.. Because He knows everything.. He knows our every action, our every thought, He knows us from head to toe, our heart's inner-most feelings or thoughts even before the day we were born. He also knows that Adam and Eve were going to disobey Him and brought Sin into the world, thus resulting in a broken relationship with God, which we, Christians, must fix. On this alone, knowing He's such a wise, powerful, indescribable God, we can rely on Him. Simply put, we truly can pour out our lives onto His mighty hands and surrender to His will and sovereignty and rely on Him. Our every action, every move, every decision in our lives, we can carry out through Him. God comes knocking at the door of our hearts, waiting for our answer, our respond. But the question is, do you have the faith to receive Him as your Lord and let Him come into your life and be in total control? Will you open that door to embrace Him in open arms? That, my brothers and sisters, requires faith. And how can we believe, trust and rely on a God whom we cannot see, whom is unseen? In turn, I'll ask you a question. Did you really opened your eyes wide, or open your hearts to look, to see Him and feel His glory in your lives? We sometimes think that it would be far easier to follow God if we could only just see Him once. But the truth is that He is all around us. We just fail to recognize the evidence. And God is making Himself known, and the proof is all around us. Have we really sought to see the proof, which is swirling all around us?

The shadow that we see proves the existence of sunshine.
The echo that we hear proves the sound.
The watermark proves the flood.
The rustling of leaves proves the wind.
The creation proves the creator.
The heavens prove His glory.
The Son proves the Father.
The cross proves His love.

And lastly, what proves the existence of God? His Word - The Bible