Hmm...feeling really quite sleepy, cos I slept about 1 plus yest. I went to visit Willie's cg yest night again, my second time. It was near Bukit Panjang area. Was quite alright, had worship and discussion and broke down into pairs to share & pray. Shared with an American Chinese- his name is Ab (Abraham), and it was really good in the way he was patient in listening to me, and it made it easy for me to share. :) After cg I shared a cab with Ab and 2 other guys from the cg to go home, cos it was already about 11pm. By the time I got home it was abt 1145pm!!
Dad wasn't too happy that I was back so late on a Monday night, and he told mum that he had to "wake me up" from my idea. :S Was telling my sis, the way he sounded was as if I came back at 1am drunk, or he had caught me taking drugs. But truth was, I reached home at 1145pm from cell group meeting. I didn't go stealing, clubbing or peddling drugs. SIGH. Really repressive around here.
Gonna be taking some time off on Friday to stay at home to pray and at night helping Pastor Don with his fund raising dinner. :) Really looking forward to friday!!!
Work has been fine. haha. As u can see, I've time to update my blog during office hrs. Its relatively not that bz, and it is happy being able to take time to plan the Habitat trip to Philippines! Team mates have been fantastic, esp the PR side, coming up with logo and poster designs within one week. Thankful for that. :)
I'm thinking thru many stuffs. Mainly on The Cross- what it means. Also about suffering, and what it means to be a partaker of Christ's sufferings. Am very blessed and encouraged by this other book I'm reading "The Inward Journey"- Gene Edwards. Maybe cos it is witten as a series of letters, but contains many spiritual truths. I guess not many authors like to talk abt suffering, and the emphasis on the victorious christian life makes ple shun this topic. Yet Paul makes so many references to being partaker of His sufferings, persecutions, trials etc, and I wonder how I missed them out! With the death and suffering then leads to victory! Shall type out parts of this book in my other blog. Do look out for it!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
The need to connect and be loved..
Just went for dinner with some sec sch frens. :) Thank God for the frens He has blessed me with.
Tho, I think I miss the fellowship of peers, believers, christians...belonging to a group where I can share freely and happily. Or being able to share freely and happily with one person who understands is enuff. But what I am going thru is so hard to share with anyone, and I feel really tired at times. U know this need to connect? It's not just with anyone, but someone with the same kind of passion, who understands and who can listen freely without judging.
Its been a tiring week....
so glad the weekend is here. Tmr lunch with another fren....dinner with relatives. Ha...but have the morning to laze about, pray and be by myself. I dun really like to be by myself, but then again I do.
Tho, I think I miss the fellowship of peers, believers, christians...belonging to a group where I can share freely and happily. Or being able to share freely and happily with one person who understands is enuff. But what I am going thru is so hard to share with anyone, and I feel really tired at times. U know this need to connect? It's not just with anyone, but someone with the same kind of passion, who understands and who can listen freely without judging.
Its been a tiring week....
so glad the weekend is here. Tmr lunch with another fren....dinner with relatives. Ha...but have the morning to laze about, pray and be by myself. I dun really like to be by myself, but then again I do.
Bday update & thoughts
I had quite a good birthday yesterday. Thank you for all yr well wishes & smses. :) Really thankful for the friends that God has blessed me with. I went to Bakerzinn at Fullerton with my colleagues for lunch, and then they got me a bunch of purple roses, a Levis top,earrings, insect repellent & sunscreen (for the overseas trip in dec-cos I said I wanted practical stuffs). I thought it was really thoughtful for them to buy me a range of things, from the impractical to the really practical. =) Thankful also that we have moved beyond just being colleagues to being friends, encouraging one another on a typical dreary work week, and being able to share. heh. On my own I would never have gotten a Levis top ofcos. hehehe..
Had a good dinner with HY too at night!
Yes, I think that on hindsight, God has been really gracious to bless me with a nice boss and really good colleagues to work with in my first job.
I tell myself each day though, that I must never end up feeling so so so comfortable, but consistently challenge myself in my lifestyle and in walking right with God.
My computer broke down last night. Sheesh...: ( No comp over the weekend, tho I've got so many things to share. One of it is I've been studying the story of the rich young ruler. Some ple say that it is not literal when the Lord said to give up yr possessions and follow Him, but it is merely to put God first in our finances. But whether it is literal or not, what does putting God first in our finances mean? I think putting God first in our possesions can only lead us to live a less comfortable and materialistic life. And the disciples not understanding what Jesus was saying- said proudly they had given their all to follow Jesus! But that was not the issue, it was not about how "good" we are, or what good lives we live to examplify being a good christian. I mean, the rich young ruler kept all the laws since young, yet it was not about his righteous acts. At the end of the day we are not justified by how good we are.
Another preacher says giving up our possesions as everything that we were proud of- our degrees, our so called spiritual knowledge etc. I think that's so impt! We can be so self righteous in our pursuit, yet at the end of the day, it is simply giving up our all to God...coming to a place of surrender.
The disciples were shocked that Jesus said it was hard for the rich to enter into heaven. Why? Cos typically, in jewish culture, the rich are seen as blessed by God. If they couldn't enter the kingdom of God, what say them? So yes, once again, we are not justified by our outwardly position, status etc. We are justified in Christ. In obedience to Him.
And that is such a dilemma isn't it? it's so tough to do. First we must give up our all- possessions and all. But second, this act of giving up is not the act that makes us righteous, but rather a r/s with God.
Had a good dinner with HY too at night!
Yes, I think that on hindsight, God has been really gracious to bless me with a nice boss and really good colleagues to work with in my first job.
I tell myself each day though, that I must never end up feeling so so so comfortable, but consistently challenge myself in my lifestyle and in walking right with God.
My computer broke down last night. Sheesh...: ( No comp over the weekend, tho I've got so many things to share. One of it is I've been studying the story of the rich young ruler. Some ple say that it is not literal when the Lord said to give up yr possessions and follow Him, but it is merely to put God first in our finances. But whether it is literal or not, what does putting God first in our finances mean? I think putting God first in our possesions can only lead us to live a less comfortable and materialistic life. And the disciples not understanding what Jesus was saying- said proudly they had given their all to follow Jesus! But that was not the issue, it was not about how "good" we are, or what good lives we live to examplify being a good christian. I mean, the rich young ruler kept all the laws since young, yet it was not about his righteous acts. At the end of the day we are not justified by how good we are.
Another preacher says giving up our possesions as everything that we were proud of- our degrees, our so called spiritual knowledge etc. I think that's so impt! We can be so self righteous in our pursuit, yet at the end of the day, it is simply giving up our all to God...coming to a place of surrender.
The disciples were shocked that Jesus said it was hard for the rich to enter into heaven. Why? Cos typically, in jewish culture, the rich are seen as blessed by God. If they couldn't enter the kingdom of God, what say them? So yes, once again, we are not justified by our outwardly position, status etc. We are justified in Christ. In obedience to Him.
And that is such a dilemma isn't it? it's so tough to do. First we must give up our all- possessions and all. But second, this act of giving up is not the act that makes us righteous, but rather a r/s with God.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I really must blog this!
This morning I went to visit the teak place again with Pastor Don, and had a meeting with 2 others. Got to work out the biz plan, budgetting and all that to see if it can work. Andrew was supposed to come, but he was sick, and can't be found. But anyway it ended all well, and I was so thankful to be able to spend so much time with Pastor Don talking to him in the car, and asking him his stand on christian issues. =) Pastor Don says his shirts never cost above 25 dollars, and his pants about 29 dollars or even less if he buys them from China. God is a God who blesses, but the intention for blessing us is so that we can bless others, not wear a 600 dollars jeans. Yes, but we both conclude that in the end, it is the Lord who will judge, cos we never know from the exterior. We also talked about tongues and how Billy Graham didn't speak in tongues, but God used him mightily too. Hence, whether speaking in tongues is the only outward expression of being filled with the Spirit? Or can it be manifested in other forms?
Yup, and we visited the new halfway house and met his children again too, who are taking piano lessons. Heh. Well, anyway I thot piano lessons are for upper income family, turns out it is about 70-80 per mth per kid, which is alright I guess. And it seems like their family has quite a bit of a balance wrt serving God and yet having a really loving family. Lotsa sharings from him too on churches in India, Nigeria, China where there is a mighty move of God, and ple get healed and miracles abound and all that.
Mentioned that we will be embarking on a house building project, and seems like the halfway hse has open doors in China too, where they have a drug ministry dealing with rehabilitation and prevention from drugs. So there is a possibility that our company team can tie up with his halfway house and build a rehab centre there. Truly sounds good, the part on sustainability, being able to go there again and again on subsequent trips.
Well, yah, anyway everything looks so uncertain, but everyday is an adventure which the Lord will lead us in. =) Its not a series of dos and don'ts or a map toward spirituality. But it is simply just a daily yielding of our lives, cruxifying ourselves, and allowing God to move. Really in the most difficult circumstances, God moves and moulds our hearts. And I am thankful for His wonderful grace to lead me on. On nights sometimes the loneliness and pain will creep up. And I recall how Paul said then how God's grace is sufficient for him. No matter how anointed, how powerful our ministry is, all that is not cos of any human wisdom, but truly how He uses every individual who is imperfect for His glory. Thank You Lord.
Well, u never really know how God chooses to work things out. ;)
Yup, and we visited the new halfway house and met his children again too, who are taking piano lessons. Heh. Well, anyway I thot piano lessons are for upper income family, turns out it is about 70-80 per mth per kid, which is alright I guess. And it seems like their family has quite a bit of a balance wrt serving God and yet having a really loving family. Lotsa sharings from him too on churches in India, Nigeria, China where there is a mighty move of God, and ple get healed and miracles abound and all that.
Mentioned that we will be embarking on a house building project, and seems like the halfway hse has open doors in China too, where they have a drug ministry dealing with rehabilitation and prevention from drugs. So there is a possibility that our company team can tie up with his halfway house and build a rehab centre there. Truly sounds good, the part on sustainability, being able to go there again and again on subsequent trips.
Well, yah, anyway everything looks so uncertain, but everyday is an adventure which the Lord will lead us in. =) Its not a series of dos and don'ts or a map toward spirituality. But it is simply just a daily yielding of our lives, cruxifying ourselves, and allowing God to move. Really in the most difficult circumstances, God moves and moulds our hearts. And I am thankful for His wonderful grace to lead me on. On nights sometimes the loneliness and pain will creep up. And I recall how Paul said then how God's grace is sufficient for him. No matter how anointed, how powerful our ministry is, all that is not cos of any human wisdom, but truly how He uses every individual who is imperfect for His glory. Thank You Lord.
Well, u never really know how God chooses to work things out. ;)
Friday, August 18, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Treasure every breathe
Just came back from counseling psych class. Yup, have been bz. And today had our first YEP team meeting! 6 of us met and I shared with them the backgrd for the proj, building hses and all. And it was really good, all ple with good hearts, and the chemistry was there even in our first meeting. So I'm really glad and happy. We are thinking of organizing a charity concert, getting some directors to sing.
In a way, I am grateful for this stint in the corporate world, just being here, and God opening up opportunities for me to bring some sort of change in the company. Hopefully. Yes..and prayerfully. And also seeing the christian fellowship in the company being filled to the brim with ple-some seekers who want to know God. And we are currently doing a series on intro to christianity!
Though inside me there is a dilemma. Yup, I am being paid in the company to do performance analyst, I'm not employed as a full time recreation club member. Yet I spend so much of my time in the office emailing the team, doing proposals, emailing director and all. And I've to be honest that these are the things that fuel me and keep me going. Boss has not given me a lot of responsibilities cos I think I am afterall the most inexperienced one there. Perhaps I could hunger for more, volunteer to do more stuffs wrt my job. But this tension within me...that knows I won't be happy being burdened with this kinda work. I mean, I could just work whole day and whole night if we are talking abt counseling someone, or doing up a volunteer program. And yeah, it is clear enough from all these that my inclination is definitely not in the corporate sector. Though, as I've said above, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in this environment, and for God to open doors.
A fren chided me, when I said that I wish I could do more things, be helping ple, impacting lives, instead of sitting in the office. He said I am just wasting my time then! When God placed me in this environment to be salt and light, and for a purpose, I shdn't be wanting to be elsewhere. I half agree with him, and half I don't. I do believe that I've a purpose here, and that I pray everyday that I may be a good testimony for Him in the work place. And also, to work for my boss as unto God, and not unto men. To give the best that I know how. Yet I know that it is not wrong, and even good, to have a disatisfaction with this kind of life. It is a deep disatisfaction to want to do something more, to one day have the courage to live out a life that God truly wants us to live, and hungering..and thirsting..to see more souls getting saved, to be used mightily by Him. This deep disatisfaction, I pray, in a way, that it will always be in me. That I will never think I have arrived somewhere, and I will never lose this heart of compassion for people.
Heard recently that a fren has a sickness that the doc is unsure of what it really is. And yes, it can cost his life. He says, every breathe, is a gift from God. And yup, I was so encouraged by his faith. And so reminded, everyday we live, it is God's precious gift to us, and we treasure our lives, and we desire to pour out our lives for Him even. And also these days the story of the rich man who wanted to hoard up his wealth and plan this and that for his life keeps coming up in my mind. Cos Jesus said to him, you foolish man, that this day your yr soul will be required of you! Meaning- man- u don't have forever to live. Yup..that means also living each day, committing my worries/cares/burdens to God. Just trusting Him.
I hope what I say here makes sense...life is so fragile, it may end any time. So how are u spending your time?
In a way, I am grateful for this stint in the corporate world, just being here, and God opening up opportunities for me to bring some sort of change in the company. Hopefully. Yes..and prayerfully. And also seeing the christian fellowship in the company being filled to the brim with ple-some seekers who want to know God. And we are currently doing a series on intro to christianity!
Though inside me there is a dilemma. Yup, I am being paid in the company to do performance analyst, I'm not employed as a full time recreation club member. Yet I spend so much of my time in the office emailing the team, doing proposals, emailing director and all. And I've to be honest that these are the things that fuel me and keep me going. Boss has not given me a lot of responsibilities cos I think I am afterall the most inexperienced one there. Perhaps I could hunger for more, volunteer to do more stuffs wrt my job. But this tension within me...that knows I won't be happy being burdened with this kinda work. I mean, I could just work whole day and whole night if we are talking abt counseling someone, or doing up a volunteer program. And yeah, it is clear enough from all these that my inclination is definitely not in the corporate sector. Though, as I've said above, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in this environment, and for God to open doors.
A fren chided me, when I said that I wish I could do more things, be helping ple, impacting lives, instead of sitting in the office. He said I am just wasting my time then! When God placed me in this environment to be salt and light, and for a purpose, I shdn't be wanting to be elsewhere. I half agree with him, and half I don't. I do believe that I've a purpose here, and that I pray everyday that I may be a good testimony for Him in the work place. And also, to work for my boss as unto God, and not unto men. To give the best that I know how. Yet I know that it is not wrong, and even good, to have a disatisfaction with this kind of life. It is a deep disatisfaction to want to do something more, to one day have the courage to live out a life that God truly wants us to live, and hungering..and thirsting..to see more souls getting saved, to be used mightily by Him. This deep disatisfaction, I pray, in a way, that it will always be in me. That I will never think I have arrived somewhere, and I will never lose this heart of compassion for people.
Heard recently that a fren has a sickness that the doc is unsure of what it really is. And yes, it can cost his life. He says, every breathe, is a gift from God. And yup, I was so encouraged by his faith. And so reminded, everyday we live, it is God's precious gift to us, and we treasure our lives, and we desire to pour out our lives for Him even. And also these days the story of the rich man who wanted to hoard up his wealth and plan this and that for his life keeps coming up in my mind. Cos Jesus said to him, you foolish man, that this day your yr soul will be required of you! Meaning- man- u don't have forever to live. Yup..that means also living each day, committing my worries/cares/burdens to God. Just trusting Him.
I hope what I say here makes sense...life is so fragile, it may end any time. So how are u spending your time?
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Hot afternoon..
Just back from church, bathed.
I sat down at my chair, positioned my computer, all ready to start preparing the recruitment materials for the overseas trip...
And this wave of sleepiness comes sweeping all over. So tired!! And sleepy...
Ha..
I must encourage myself. :)
I sat down at my chair, positioned my computer, all ready to start preparing the recruitment materials for the overseas trip...
And this wave of sleepiness comes sweeping all over. So tired!! And sleepy...
Ha..
I must encourage myself. :)
Just a short one...
Caught the France Fireworks tonight with Shirley and Baoxian!! It was a last minute arrangement. The place was so super duper crowded. But the fireworks were so beautiful! Really worth it. The last one was like a multiplier...it started with a small outburst of gold, which branched out into other outbursts..and the fireworks kept bursting until it filled the whole sky!! Ah...my description is really so unclassy...
Anyway...it was really hilarious...we went for japanese ice-cream, I saw that it was $3.50 outside...but when we went inside, they said those scoops weren't available for those who sat inside. The ice-cream inside costs like $6-8 and my face fell......and then the waiter put tea and wet tissues on our tables when we din ask for them...and I almost wanted to bang tables...actually not really. Shirley says my husband will be very rich cos I spend little. And I said I rather give the money to the poor! We ended up sharing one $8 mango icecream. YEah, it was really yummy.
Hmm. Anyway jokes aside, its really difficult to live out what u believe is the ideal...esp when yr frens will eat good food, visit restaurants etc.
Went for cornerstone cg today. It was quite similar to chc in terms of the sequence and style of worship/preaching. Except for one part on offering/prosperity etc. -which was quite core to me. :P The song leader was asked to lead a simple closing song. We all din know what she will sing. But then the moment "You are the peace" started, it brought tears to my eyes. So encouraged, its my fave song, and God remembers me. He loves me so much.
Anyway...it was really hilarious...we went for japanese ice-cream, I saw that it was $3.50 outside...but when we went inside, they said those scoops weren't available for those who sat inside. The ice-cream inside costs like $6-8 and my face fell......and then the waiter put tea and wet tissues on our tables when we din ask for them...and I almost wanted to bang tables...actually not really. Shirley says my husband will be very rich cos I spend little. And I said I rather give the money to the poor! We ended up sharing one $8 mango icecream. YEah, it was really yummy.
Hmm. Anyway jokes aside, its really difficult to live out what u believe is the ideal...esp when yr frens will eat good food, visit restaurants etc.
Went for cornerstone cg today. It was quite similar to chc in terms of the sequence and style of worship/preaching. Except for one part on offering/prosperity etc. -which was quite core to me. :P The song leader was asked to lead a simple closing song. We all din know what she will sing. But then the moment "You are the peace" started, it brought tears to my eyes. So encouraged, its my fave song, and God remembers me. He loves me so much.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A good night...
Went to meet Pastor Don today and his wife and 2 kids also came! 2 very energetic and outspoken kids. :) I'm glad for good parenting.. kids turn out confident and happy with lots of love, encouragement, and discipline (Which was what I observed from the 2 hrs we spent together).
He brought me to this 2 storey halfway house. They wanted to convert their teak business into a social enterprise! And so I am offered a job. :) Tho...there's no concrete business plan yet etc, but am seriously praying about it, and seeking God for this. I want to be fair to my boss too, who has been so kind & encouraging. And I want to give my best in the company- serving unto God, not unto men. Which is sometimes kind of difficult when my focus is so social.
When I came home, I met Z's mum at the bus stop! And I was so so glad to see her. She has always been such an encouragement to me. Her husband passed away abt 4 years ago, and it was a sudden death that affected Z so much, and today he came to the conclusion that if there was God, God had forsaken us all, or that God just didn't care. If not, how come there is so much suffering under the world? Or maybe, men are too sinful beings, and God has forsaken us all. And so it was really tough for his mum, having to cope with both the sudden death of her husband, as well as her son's departure from the christian faith.
Yet she was always so caring, and genuinely loved others. And we sat down under Z's block and started chatting. We talked abt CHC and I was glad for her objectivity. Then we talked abt relationships, and before I knew it, I started tearing again. And then we talked abt how she smtimes felt she had failed as a mother, but I told her that I would be so glad to have a mum like her. And she also started tearing. It was really good, like sitting under the block and just talking. And most of the time she was counseling/encouraging me, more than I was doing anything for her. And I was so thankful, that someone listened, and cared. :) Ofcos also the christian advice that she had for me, after her years of experience.
Well, she said that smtimes she's not so strong in her faith herself, as she questions why her husband died suddenly. And I could only say that sometimes we don't know why it happens, but to trust God. Which was really cliche. I mean if months of being together with a person I loved, and now he was gone meant so much to me, how much more would it mean when the man you loved died suddenly, after years of companionship. Then also having to cope with her 2 children who were in the teenage years. Not easy at all. But she put aside her own cares and ministered to me. Thank you. Thank you God. :) May You bless her and her family, and bring Z and G back to know You. Father...though we may not understand the things we go through, we know that God, when we go thru trials, You will give us the grace to go thru them. Thank You Lord.
He brought me to this 2 storey halfway house. They wanted to convert their teak business into a social enterprise! And so I am offered a job. :) Tho...there's no concrete business plan yet etc, but am seriously praying about it, and seeking God for this. I want to be fair to my boss too, who has been so kind & encouraging. And I want to give my best in the company- serving unto God, not unto men. Which is sometimes kind of difficult when my focus is so social.
When I came home, I met Z's mum at the bus stop! And I was so so glad to see her. She has always been such an encouragement to me. Her husband passed away abt 4 years ago, and it was a sudden death that affected Z so much, and today he came to the conclusion that if there was God, God had forsaken us all, or that God just didn't care. If not, how come there is so much suffering under the world? Or maybe, men are too sinful beings, and God has forsaken us all. And so it was really tough for his mum, having to cope with both the sudden death of her husband, as well as her son's departure from the christian faith.
Yet she was always so caring, and genuinely loved others. And we sat down under Z's block and started chatting. We talked abt CHC and I was glad for her objectivity. Then we talked abt relationships, and before I knew it, I started tearing again. And then we talked abt how she smtimes felt she had failed as a mother, but I told her that I would be so glad to have a mum like her. And she also started tearing. It was really good, like sitting under the block and just talking. And most of the time she was counseling/encouraging me, more than I was doing anything for her. And I was so thankful, that someone listened, and cared. :) Ofcos also the christian advice that she had for me, after her years of experience.
Well, she said that smtimes she's not so strong in her faith herself, as she questions why her husband died suddenly. And I could only say that sometimes we don't know why it happens, but to trust God. Which was really cliche. I mean if months of being together with a person I loved, and now he was gone meant so much to me, how much more would it mean when the man you loved died suddenly, after years of companionship. Then also having to cope with her 2 children who were in the teenage years. Not easy at all. But she put aside her own cares and ministered to me. Thank you. Thank you God. :) May You bless her and her family, and bring Z and G back to know You. Father...though we may not understand the things we go through, we know that God, when we go thru trials, You will give us the grace to go thru them. Thank You Lord.
Blessed to be a blessing?
A paraphrased story- Story courtesy of David Ravenhill's sermon, "The Cross"
A business man who was a multi-millionnaire liked to share his testimony with the church. It all began when he was a little boy, during the Great Depression, he only had 4 or 5 dollars. He went to a church where the missionary challenged the people to give. He put in 25 cents, but the missionary challenged the people to give more, telling them of the tremendous needs of the mission field. He dug into his pocket and took out another 25 cents, but the missionary kept pleading and didn't let up. Finally, the boy put in everything he had.
In conclusion, the business man said, this was why God had blessed his business today. God took that seed, and today I am a multi millionnaire.
After he shared his testimony, the church errupted into applause. After the cheers had died down, an old woman in the front row whispered softly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I dare you to do it again".
A business man who was a multi-millionnaire liked to share his testimony with the church. It all began when he was a little boy, during the Great Depression, he only had 4 or 5 dollars. He went to a church where the missionary challenged the people to give. He put in 25 cents, but the missionary challenged the people to give more, telling them of the tremendous needs of the mission field. He dug into his pocket and took out another 25 cents, but the missionary kept pleading and didn't let up. Finally, the boy put in everything he had.
In conclusion, the business man said, this was why God had blessed his business today. God took that seed, and today I am a multi millionnaire.
After he shared his testimony, the church errupted into applause. After the cheers had died down, an old woman in the front row whispered softly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I dare you to do it again".
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Peace
"I feel strongly that there are some of you here in this place who need to make very important decisions. But the people who are close to you and whom you look up to, are giving you advice that range from one end to the other. But I am going to pray that the Lord will give you peace in whatever decision that you make, and that decision you make will be from God."
The sermon at Cornerstone today was on Peace. It was just a word in season for me, and I went down at the end of the service for prayer.
Oh yah, btw, if u went to FOP, do read the article by Pastor Edmund Chan. Its really good, it was the message from the service I attended a few mths back that really cut thru my heart. So good to see him sharing the stage with Pastor Kong at FOP. Revival must come to Singapore!
I found the lyrics of the Don Moen song!
He never sleeps
When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray
Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer is on its way
Our God is able, He is mighty, He is faithful
And He never sleeps, He never slumbers
He never tires of hearing our prayer
When we are weak, He becomes stronger
So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him
Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need
Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see
Our God is able, He is mighty, He is faithful
The sermon at Cornerstone today was on Peace. It was just a word in season for me, and I went down at the end of the service for prayer.
Oh yah, btw, if u went to FOP, do read the article by Pastor Edmund Chan. Its really good, it was the message from the service I attended a few mths back that really cut thru my heart. So good to see him sharing the stage with Pastor Kong at FOP. Revival must come to Singapore!
I found the lyrics of the Don Moen song!
He never sleeps
When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray
Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer is on its way
Our God is able, He is mighty, He is faithful
And He never sleeps, He never slumbers
He never tires of hearing our prayer
When we are weak, He becomes stronger
So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him
Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need
Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see
Our God is able, He is mighty, He is faithful
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Objectivity & Opinions
Contemplated whether to post my religious posts on my other blog, but I think this post is also mingled with personal life, so shall post it here anyway. :)
Just went for FOP, and was really blessed by a song that Don Moen led us in. But I can't find the lyrics. :( The lyrics was something like God never sleeps or slumbers, and is never tired of our prayers. And was really touched, cos I imagine myself praying the same prayers, for the same people everyday. But yet God is never tired of listening to me. :)
In a way preferred Don Moen's songs to CCC's songs, cos I find CCC's songs too loud, and smtimes distracting. And also feel the lyrics are not as meaningful. And then some of the beats are really strange and hard to follow.
Speaking of music, I was surprised that day when I was talking to a brother. He remarked that he was so encouraged to see people "really" worshipping God at the Global Day of Prayer, and he said that it was "true" worship. And then he mentioned how he came for FOP last year, and felt that although there were many people, the worship Delirious led was like a human performance. Hmm..I quite enjoyed the worships sessions with Delirious and the jumping was also very nice. Felt so freed up to worship God.
I guess in a sense then, I can imagine a youth who likes the loud rock christian music say that Don Moen's songs aren't very worshipful, are too slow or smthing.
For me, I never liked rock music, as in secular ones. And I like slow songs..or even soft rock, and melodious ones. I can name for e.g. Corrine May.
Okay. Yup, so our personal tastes will affect our judgement of things. Which is what I am trying to get at, btw...if u haven't got it. :)
Its smething related also to what my lecturer said, on how our perspectives will affect how we feel abt a thing. So the same 2 ple can be at FOP and thinking abt diff things abt the worship/sermons etc, cos we have diff perspectives ya?
And to add on to that...some stuffs I say can be pretty neutral:
CCC's songs are loud [objectively, can put to decibel test]
But here are some stuffs that can branch out from there:
CCC's songs are loud--> they are noisy--> they are distracting--> youths who are jumping up and down and just being emotional, and not truly worshipping God.
See, now, I've chain linked the first objective observation into an opinion. Which can be pretty biased.
CCC's songs are loud--> they are really happening-->it is praising God in an exuberant manner--> I feel that I can worship God freely.
So ofcos, no two persons can have the same opinion.
I've been struggling pretty a lot on some opinions I have on sermons, and what some pastors are sharing on the pulpit. But once I acknowledge some sort of objectivity, I can see the light for the other side of the story. Hmm. At the end of the day, after seeing the other side of the story, I may still disagee with the sermon. But, at least it helps me to be less judgemental and harsh in my opinion. I think God knows our humans perceptions can be biased and warped, hence He wrote in the bible:
Matthew 7:1-6
1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Rom 14:4
4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
1 Cor 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Again and again, the bible reminds us not to judge others, but to take care of our own walk with God.
Why we shd not judge others?
1. We don't have the full picture of what others are doing. We only see part of the story- and this part is tainted by our own perspectives.
2. We are to be angry but NOT sin. If we are not careful, bitterness and unforgiveness can creep in. We can be right, but our reaction toward a matter makes us wrong.
Ofcos in the end we are entitled to our own opinions and beliefs. For one, I still don't understand why christians must wear branded goods.
And smetimes I find it is a thin line being judgemental and standing up for the truth. Cos truth is truth. Although there is an absolute in God's kingdom, to us, we only have partial revelation of truth. Hence our interpretation of truth may be wrong/incomplete. But the best I can think of is, when we stand up for the truth, we don't make personal attacks on people, but we speak abt the truth perse.
E.g.
XX is so materialistic to wear branded goods.
VS
I think that money used for branded goods can be more wisely spent, as there is poverty in this world. We should consider whether we really need something before we buy it, live simple lives, and give our best to the Lord/poor. [which, after stating this, I think I myself am also not living THAT simply, and simply have not attained to that. So I am not in a position to judge anyone, other then to challenge others' viewpoint, and continuously improve in my lifestyle}
Hope this makes lotsa sense...thanks for reading this long post. :)
It is simply frustrating to meet judgemental people, who are self righteous about their opinions, and make sweeping statements about other people without first finding out more. So lets learn to love each other, as Christ loved us. And there may be unity in the Body of Christ.
Just went for FOP, and was really blessed by a song that Don Moen led us in. But I can't find the lyrics. :( The lyrics was something like God never sleeps or slumbers, and is never tired of our prayers. And was really touched, cos I imagine myself praying the same prayers, for the same people everyday. But yet God is never tired of listening to me. :)
In a way preferred Don Moen's songs to CCC's songs, cos I find CCC's songs too loud, and smtimes distracting. And also feel the lyrics are not as meaningful. And then some of the beats are really strange and hard to follow.
Speaking of music, I was surprised that day when I was talking to a brother. He remarked that he was so encouraged to see people "really" worshipping God at the Global Day of Prayer, and he said that it was "true" worship. And then he mentioned how he came for FOP last year, and felt that although there were many people, the worship Delirious led was like a human performance. Hmm..I quite enjoyed the worships sessions with Delirious and the jumping was also very nice. Felt so freed up to worship God.
I guess in a sense then, I can imagine a youth who likes the loud rock christian music say that Don Moen's songs aren't very worshipful, are too slow or smthing.
For me, I never liked rock music, as in secular ones. And I like slow songs..or even soft rock, and melodious ones. I can name for e.g. Corrine May.
Okay. Yup, so our personal tastes will affect our judgement of things. Which is what I am trying to get at, btw...if u haven't got it. :)
Its smething related also to what my lecturer said, on how our perspectives will affect how we feel abt a thing. So the same 2 ple can be at FOP and thinking abt diff things abt the worship/sermons etc, cos we have diff perspectives ya?
And to add on to that...some stuffs I say can be pretty neutral:
CCC's songs are loud [objectively, can put to decibel test]
But here are some stuffs that can branch out from there:
CCC's songs are loud--> they are noisy--> they are distracting--> youths who are jumping up and down and just being emotional, and not truly worshipping God.
See, now, I've chain linked the first objective observation into an opinion. Which can be pretty biased.
CCC's songs are loud--> they are really happening-->it is praising God in an exuberant manner--> I feel that I can worship God freely.
So ofcos, no two persons can have the same opinion.
I've been struggling pretty a lot on some opinions I have on sermons, and what some pastors are sharing on the pulpit. But once I acknowledge some sort of objectivity, I can see the light for the other side of the story. Hmm. At the end of the day, after seeing the other side of the story, I may still disagee with the sermon. But, at least it helps me to be less judgemental and harsh in my opinion. I think God knows our humans perceptions can be biased and warped, hence He wrote in the bible:
Matthew 7:1-6
1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Rom 14:4
4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
1 Cor 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Again and again, the bible reminds us not to judge others, but to take care of our own walk with God.
Why we shd not judge others?
1. We don't have the full picture of what others are doing. We only see part of the story- and this part is tainted by our own perspectives.
2. We are to be angry but NOT sin. If we are not careful, bitterness and unforgiveness can creep in. We can be right, but our reaction toward a matter makes us wrong.
Ofcos in the end we are entitled to our own opinions and beliefs. For one, I still don't understand why christians must wear branded goods.
And smetimes I find it is a thin line being judgemental and standing up for the truth. Cos truth is truth. Although there is an absolute in God's kingdom, to us, we only have partial revelation of truth. Hence our interpretation of truth may be wrong/incomplete. But the best I can think of is, when we stand up for the truth, we don't make personal attacks on people, but we speak abt the truth perse.
E.g.
XX is so materialistic to wear branded goods.
VS
I think that money used for branded goods can be more wisely spent, as there is poverty in this world. We should consider whether we really need something before we buy it, live simple lives, and give our best to the Lord/poor. [which, after stating this, I think I myself am also not living THAT simply, and simply have not attained to that. So I am not in a position to judge anyone, other then to challenge others' viewpoint, and continuously improve in my lifestyle}
Hope this makes lotsa sense...thanks for reading this long post. :)
It is simply frustrating to meet judgemental people, who are self righteous about their opinions, and make sweeping statements about other people without first finding out more. So lets learn to love each other, as Christ loved us. And there may be unity in the Body of Christ.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
The ABC
heh
Nope..ABC is not equal to American Born Chinese.
But it was smthing I learnt from Counseling Psych lecture today.
Activating event --> Belief --> Consequence
So everytime there is an event, because of our beliefs (perceptions), it will affect how we view the event, and hence determine whether that event becomes a problem. ;)
Actually got lotsa things to say, but quite tired now...just wanted to blog a few stuffs.
Well, mainly on the sermon that I heard yesterday by Bishop Samuel Doctorian. Actually I don't really know his background, but from the sermon that he preached, he has really a lot of experiences. :) He's 74 this year.
But one of the things that caught my attention was his analogy on what it means to be a christian- what is mine is yours, even if I don't have. Or smething along that lines.
And he shared on how he had his last pound left, and he gave it to a family who had many kids and hadn't eaten for days. And after that when he came back home, his wife said there was a letter for him, to ask him to go to the bank to collect a cheque, cos there was money for him. And wow I was amazed. This sounds like the concept of the "prosperity" gospel. But nope.. I think that it is part of the gospel, that when we give in faith, God will provide for us back. Tho..smtimes even if He may not, we still give in faith.
I know that a lot of my thoughts on christianity has changed. That is like what I learnt from the lecture today- that once yr beliefs changes, it affects the way u perceive things/think about them...and results in how u feel about them. And I can't get back to my old perspective. No matter what. Tho, I can now see more clearly both points, everyone will have a stand which they believe in.
So anyway, in his sermon, he talked abt his 2 uncles, who were armenians, and they were caught by the turks. And the turks wanted them to deny their faith. So the two brothers decided they will never deny their faith.
And what happened was the turk soldiers started torturing younger bro in front of older bro, by putting a hot iron on the eyes of the younger bro. After that, they took out out the skull of the younger bro. And eventually he died. Before he died, he said, I am coming home to You, Jesus.
They decided not to kill the older bro, cos he was a doctor, and they wanted him to heal the injured turk soldiers. And one day, the soldier who tortured his younger bro was badly ill, and he took special care to heal him. When the soldier recovered, the doctor confronted him, and the soldier said-don't harm me...and the doct said, if I wanted to, I would have done it long ago. And then he said- Go tell people this is what Jesus's love is about.
If u ask me... right now if there were persecution, and someone were to pierce my eyes or take my skull, how I would react, that will be so hard to answer. With all my heart, I love Christ. But when the crux comes, who will u believe in? And it doesn't take a serious challenge like death to question our faith. Would u sacrifice the comfort of your home, to go to places where there are no missionaries? To go to places like Northern Thailand, inner Mongolia and preach the gospel? I would seriously say that I am scared.
Lets narrow it down a bit, are u even sharing the gospel with someone in yr office? Yr close fren? Yr neighbour? For fear of ridicule!! Somehow think that if we haven't even acheived this part...then wat makes us think we can happily sing that God, I will live my life for You?
But GOd is so gracious. And I think He also grants us the gift of faith. To do things we will never do in our own minds.
If ple are really going to hell, and we truly believe in the gospel...then what are we doing about it! Are we just letting ple perish w/o and lead our lives- toward prosperity and success. How do we view earth? And how do we view eternity? Why we hoard up wealth here, is because we have no confidence in eternity?
My non believer fren had an accident on 2 weeks ago and I just found out about it yest! His car slammed into a tree, and I asked him what he was thinking of few seconds before the knock. He said that he thot he was gonna die, and he asked God, Why me? And I said, hmm..thot most ple before they think they gonna die will say a prayer to God.
Heh. I dunno.
Please read the above post with the right perspective. WHich is not a condemning one. Cos...I have not attained anything myself. Secondly..
I am sure that God calls us to obedience. And it is impt for us to question our lives, and what our time/value/money means to us.
Tho. I am also sure that...anything bore out of carnal nature...even if it is a good work, is disobedience.
Nope..ABC is not equal to American Born Chinese.
But it was smthing I learnt from Counseling Psych lecture today.
Activating event --> Belief --> Consequence
So everytime there is an event, because of our beliefs (perceptions), it will affect how we view the event, and hence determine whether that event becomes a problem. ;)
Actually got lotsa things to say, but quite tired now...just wanted to blog a few stuffs.
Well, mainly on the sermon that I heard yesterday by Bishop Samuel Doctorian. Actually I don't really know his background, but from the sermon that he preached, he has really a lot of experiences. :) He's 74 this year.
But one of the things that caught my attention was his analogy on what it means to be a christian- what is mine is yours, even if I don't have. Or smething along that lines.
And he shared on how he had his last pound left, and he gave it to a family who had many kids and hadn't eaten for days. And after that when he came back home, his wife said there was a letter for him, to ask him to go to the bank to collect a cheque, cos there was money for him. And wow I was amazed. This sounds like the concept of the "prosperity" gospel. But nope.. I think that it is part of the gospel, that when we give in faith, God will provide for us back. Tho..smtimes even if He may not, we still give in faith.
I know that a lot of my thoughts on christianity has changed. That is like what I learnt from the lecture today- that once yr beliefs changes, it affects the way u perceive things/think about them...and results in how u feel about them. And I can't get back to my old perspective. No matter what. Tho, I can now see more clearly both points, everyone will have a stand which they believe in.
So anyway, in his sermon, he talked abt his 2 uncles, who were armenians, and they were caught by the turks. And the turks wanted them to deny their faith. So the two brothers decided they will never deny their faith.
And what happened was the turk soldiers started torturing younger bro in front of older bro, by putting a hot iron on the eyes of the younger bro. After that, they took out out the skull of the younger bro. And eventually he died. Before he died, he said, I am coming home to You, Jesus.
They decided not to kill the older bro, cos he was a doctor, and they wanted him to heal the injured turk soldiers. And one day, the soldier who tortured his younger bro was badly ill, and he took special care to heal him. When the soldier recovered, the doctor confronted him, and the soldier said-don't harm me...and the doct said, if I wanted to, I would have done it long ago. And then he said- Go tell people this is what Jesus's love is about.
If u ask me... right now if there were persecution, and someone were to pierce my eyes or take my skull, how I would react, that will be so hard to answer. With all my heart, I love Christ. But when the crux comes, who will u believe in? And it doesn't take a serious challenge like death to question our faith. Would u sacrifice the comfort of your home, to go to places where there are no missionaries? To go to places like Northern Thailand, inner Mongolia and preach the gospel? I would seriously say that I am scared.
Lets narrow it down a bit, are u even sharing the gospel with someone in yr office? Yr close fren? Yr neighbour? For fear of ridicule!! Somehow think that if we haven't even acheived this part...then wat makes us think we can happily sing that God, I will live my life for You?
But GOd is so gracious. And I think He also grants us the gift of faith. To do things we will never do in our own minds.
If ple are really going to hell, and we truly believe in the gospel...then what are we doing about it! Are we just letting ple perish w/o and lead our lives- toward prosperity and success. How do we view earth? And how do we view eternity? Why we hoard up wealth here, is because we have no confidence in eternity?
My non believer fren had an accident on 2 weeks ago and I just found out about it yest! His car slammed into a tree, and I asked him what he was thinking of few seconds before the knock. He said that he thot he was gonna die, and he asked God, Why me? And I said, hmm..thot most ple before they think they gonna die will say a prayer to God.
Heh. I dunno.
Please read the above post with the right perspective. WHich is not a condemning one. Cos...I have not attained anything myself. Secondly..
I am sure that God calls us to obedience. And it is impt for us to question our lives, and what our time/value/money means to us.
Tho. I am also sure that...anything bore out of carnal nature...even if it is a good work, is disobedience.
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