Next In Thought...

BRIAN & AMREET'S WEDDING

2009-06-09T15:56:00.005+08:00

Finally, i managed to updates my blog after long time disappearing. Below are some photos of my current Care Group Leader, which she is also my long long ministry's friend where we used to serve together in the student ministry. It has been ages :))

HILLSONG UNITED

2009-03-25T17:49:00.000+08:00

Till I see You by Hillsong United

The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

With all I am I'll live to see Your kingdom come
And in my heart I pray You'd let Your will be done
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You

You are the voice that calls the universe to be
You are the whisper in my heart that speaks to me
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless Your name

MY GOODNESS

2009-01-13T13:26:00.000+08:00

Amos 5: 14-15 "Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph"

Have you ever noticed that Biblegateway's daily verses usually come in some form of a theme? Like for a season the verses related to Christ's work on the cross. At another point the verses were specifically on God's love for us. Anyway, I've noticed that since the start of this year, the message is on getting ourselves right before God, putting away the former things, our old self, and choosing to let God's truth be the plumb line of our lives. Hence the title of this post. It's both an exclamation to the realisation that these verses are straight to the point, and a reminder to work on this area of my life. The verses are precise, concise and direct. The "no-nonsense, don't play a fool" kind. Not that the rest of God's Word can be trivialised because other parts may seem more gentle and lovey dovey. Every word needs to be considered carefully as it proceeds from the mouth of God. We don't want to get it wrong. To make it what it isn't. To take it out of context or interpret it to suit our own agenda and feelings.

I believe God wants us to make a good start with this new year. Work on the foundation now, set our hearts and minds and spirits right and we're more likely to go along the right path for the rest of the year, stopping only to rest, to reflect, to enjoy the scenery and celebrate the distance we have travelled with Him. I wonder what kind of a man Oswald Chambers was exactly, what he went through in life. His writings reflect depth of wisdom and character. It is obvious he took God very seriously. I'm sure they enjoyed each other's sense of humour and had fun together. But Oswald had great respect and awe of God and challenged others (and still does today though he did not live beyond 1917) to live right before God and not be afraid to draw close to Him. One line in Oswald's daily devotional book - My Utmost for His Highest - jumped off the page and grabbed me the other night. He was talking about the significance of intimacy with God and stated plainly, at the end, that it gives us a "strong calm sanity". Sometimes I think I am losing my mind, what with my wild imagination, negative self talk and all. And has it not been for God, I wouldn't be standing here today. No doubt I struggle greatly still and it even appears that I am fast losing the battle on some days, with my opposition growing fiercer, more relentless and more cunning. But that must mean I am on the right track if my enemy is more bent than ever on flinging me off course and destroying the promises God has given to me.

I've been reading Oswald Chamber's daily devotional every night this year. Though each entry is short, each packs a punch. It takes me a good 20 minutes to read and re read it and slowly consider the meaning of the verse included and the importance of the message shared, particularly with regards to how it applies to my own life. Already I have forgotten much of the past 8 entries so will need to look over them again and collect my thoughts and pen down the new lessons gained. Oswald's life is one to follow. He definitely gave himself to mirroring the attributes of Jesus. By that I do not imply he simply copied what Jesus did, but put to test every principle given in the Word and found each true. In that he too grew in stature. His character was built, his thinking enlightened through truth and revelation of that truth, his heart condition matured, and his spirit made more like that of Christ's.

We are formed in God's image but sin marred that image. We need to actively decide to not let ourselves be corrupted by sin and to stand firm on principles that go against many worldviews yet are ones that lead to life. I've started this year on the wrong footing. I've been angry and said terrible things in my head and heart. I've let myself spend precious hours in front of the television, soaking up pure rubbish. I've grumbled and complained and been lazy. Time really does escape us when we're not intentional and wise with the use of it. I sit on the couch for what seems minutes and hours have passed. I carry on with my standard daily routine of work, and goodness knows what else, with little thought and 4 Christmases have come and gone. It's scary yet sobering. I really have to do what I think of doing each year - put it to good use. It's not about filling my days with to-do lists and being able to say I accomplished every single one of them but prioritising and focusing on tasks that really matter. Making time for people as they matter. Working on my character and growing in God. God won't praise me for clean floorboards but a clean and soft heart full of compassion for others, and acts that reflect my faith and demonstrate love.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT

2009-01-01T23:49:00.004+08:00

GREETINGS!

2008-12-30T09:50:00.001+08:00

I hope everyone had an incredibly warm and wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings more of God's love, grace and blessings as you continue to walk with Him and trust in His sometimes mysterious yet magnificent ways! 2009, here we come! Time for me to dream big and act! How many new year resolutions have you accomplished in the past? Whatever the number, do not be restricted by past successes or not-so successes. It's a new year, a new season. Time for fresh revelation and fresh anointing and an enlargement to our visions!

ANOTHER YEAR

2008-12-30T09:35:00.002+08:00

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for my birthday wishes from all over the world. Time really flies as another year past. I truly thank God for all the wonderful friends from different places. I truly appreciate different ones friendship and each of you have brings so much joy and love into my life. Last night, had a great time of celebrating with old time friends. It has been a long time that we all did not catch up since our student ministry time. Good to have so much laughter last time.

As i have grown another year older, it is a great time reflect back on God's faithfulness in my life over the past years. Well, as most of us do all the time during birthday, i do write down few things which I wanting to see happening next year. It reminds me to really appreciate our life more as we should make full use each year of our lives. Once again, thank you all for your friendship and blessings!

BLESSED CHRISTMAS

2008-12-23T13:07:00.009+08:00

WISHING YOU ALL A BLESSED CHRISTMAS 2008!!

PERCEIVE PROPERLY THIS SEASON

2008-12-23T12:56:00.000+08:00

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
©By Sharon Jaynes - taken from today's devotional on Girlfriends in God

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

FAREWELL PHOTOS

2008-11-25T18:41:00.002+08:00

Farewell & Birthday cake

Me & Susie

Fiona, me & Samantha

Hope Miri EM

GOODBYE

2008-11-22T06:58:00.004+08:00

The time has come. Going to say goodbye to Miri in an hour time...Suddenly feel sad to leave. Well, time to move on and heading back to home sweet home after so long....Lord, i pray that for this next season of life, let your hands be upon me. I commit my life to you and believing you going to do great things! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

FAREWELL CG

2008-11-21T10:06:00.006+08:00

Last night is my last care group in Miri. Time flies really fast..I really thank God for the spiritual family he has placed in my life whereever i go. Indeed it is sad to leave but I thank God that I had the oppurtunity to serve together with all the brothers and sisters in Hope Miri EM congregation. Though it is a short time, yet the bonding and fellowship is so real. Going to miss all of them...I have been in Hope Movement for about 9 years and this is my first time joining Working Adult CG. Hope Miri EM congregation just started 1.5 years ago and mainly are working adults. Guess what? Most of them are engineers working in Shell. Indeed it is really different from student ministry but i do get a bit of taste how will it be like to be with the working adults..hehe

I want to especially thank Samantha ( ex shepherd 9 yrs ago, hehe) glad to meet her again in Hope Miri. She indeed taking care of me so well during this trip and i think she brought me tour the entire Miri already...haha And not forgetting Fiona and Susie, my CG buddies who have faithfully driving me to all the meetings. And of course Joanna, the EM Head who has been faithfully make sure i am well taken care. Glad to meet her again after many years since the time serving together in Kuching. And of course James, who also i got to serve more here in Miri compare to Kuching..Our faithful camera man :) Cedric who is a good actor ..glad to know him and of course Freddie the only drummer in EM congregation. All those are all the fun people in Abraham CG. And of course many more..Now is the time to look forward to head back to Kuching for the next journey and thinking which group will i be in next ;)

CHEESY

2008-11-18T22:21:00.007+08:00

This whole week, me and the kids are at home all by ourselves as their parents went for work travelling. Hehe..It has been an eventful day as this afternoon, we went to play badminton. After dinner, we all were craving for some cheese cakes. Since the other 2 cousins were going out with friends, so me drove the other two younger cousins to Secret Recipe to have some cheeesy cake. hehe. Below are some photos of the cake we ate.

Marble cheese cake

Oreo Cheese Cake

Baked Cheese Cake

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

2008-11-17T20:57:00.002+08:00

For those who are looking for a good book to read about leadership, this is a book which is highly recommended. Oswald Sanders left us with a true spiritual classic on what it means to embody the Biblical qualities of true godliness.

Anyone who involved in roles of leadership should read this book :)

THE CURE FOR THE HEAVY HEART

2008-11-15T13:18:00.006+08:00

When things are going our own way, praise comes naturally. But when the dishwasher breaks or the children are sick or the mechanic gives bad news, it's much more difficult to give thanks. God understands how your emotions are built; He made them. He also knows the cure of a heart weighed down by concerns and irritations-praise.

1 Chron. 16:4 David set apart a time for praise. That’s what God wants you to do, even when life is difficult.

~ ~Inside Hope~

LA CORDA D'ORO

2008-11-14T13:32:00.004+08:00

Recently i watched this anime '"La Corda D'oro". I loved it so much. Actually all this while i heard many people watched anime but i never have interest in it. Until recently when i saw my cousin watched, then i also watched it. Wow, so nice..This anime particular for those who loves music..After i watched this anime, i falling in love with the violin..haha

A FLOWER IN THE WIND

2008-11-14T10:07:00.001+08:00

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (I Kings 19)

I'm like flower swaying in the wind, thinking that the direction of the wind dictates my direction, my situation...thinking there is no other choice yet questioning why this is so. Do not question the reason for every situation, do not think you are simply having to go with the flow with no real purpose. But, be still and listen for the soft still voice of God, do not focus on the situations but look to what God is saying and doing. He is going to use every situation to shape you into the person of purpose He has made you to be. He does not always appear in the drammatic but often in the everyday as a soft still voice. He is gentle, He is waiting, He is love. When will you learn to trust, to know that He is in control? He knows what He is doing and never is too early or late.

ARE YOU EXHAUSTED SPIRITUALLY?

2008-11-14T09:53:00.001+08:00

The everlasting God . . . neither faints nor is weary —Isaiah 40:28

Exhaustion means that our vital energies are completely worn out and spent. Spiritual exhaustion is never the result of sin, but of service. Whether or not you experience exhaustion will depend on where you get your supplies. Jesus said to Peter, "Feed My sheep," but He gave him nothing with which to feed them ( John 21:17 ). The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other people's souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completely— to the very last drop. But be careful to replenish your supply, or you will quickly be utterly exhausted. Until others learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they will have to draw on His life through you. You must literally be their source of supply, until they learn to take their nourishment from God. We owe it to God to be our best for His lambs and sheep, as well as for Him.

Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God? If so, then renew and rekindle your desires and affections. Examine your reasons for service. Is your source based on your own understanding or is it grounded on the redemption of Jesus Christ? Continually look back to the foundation of your love and affection and remember where your Source of power lies. You have no right to complain, "O Lord, I am so exhausted." He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that He is your supply. "All my springs are in you" ( Psalm 87:7 ).

My Utmost For His Highest

Oswald Chambers

A.S.K.

2008-11-12T11:45:00.016+08:00

~ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened ~ Matthew 7:7-8

This morning i really experiencing God's signs and wonders in my life. Is really amazing! Yesterday, i was reminded that if I want to see something happen, i need to ask the Lord. So, as usual, i love to talk to Him and tell Him what is in my heart.

When i woke up this morning, the thing that i asked from the Lord is really happening. Praise the Lord! Indeed, it really reminded me more and more that we need to ASK if we really want to see things happening.

WHO AM I?

2008-11-11T00:33:00.006+08:00

" Our Deepest fear is not that

We are inadequate.

Our Deepest fear is that we are

Powerful beyond Measure.

We ask Ourselves, Who Am I

To be Brilliant, Gorgeous,

Talented and Fabulous?

Actually, Who are you not to be?

Your playing Small doesn't Serve

The World.

You Are Born to make Manifest

The Glory of God that is Within Us.

As we let Our own Light Shine,

We unconsciously give Other people

Permission to do The Same. "

-Akeelah & Bee-

When i went through my file, i saw this poem which was written by one of my special friend and spiritual mentor. Through the years of ministry, she has been always there supporting and guiding me along. While i was in Perth for few years studying, she was the one who always encouraged me and cheered me on. And never forget too, her good friend is Mr Postman..hehe..she used to send surprised parcel to me and even one time when my grandma was just passed away, behold and then, a door bell rang early morning in Farnham St that time. A postman with a big parcel. And i opened, out of surprised, is a very big bear all the way from Kuching. Till now the bear still with me travelling all the way from Perth :) I named it Honey Bear. Each time it always reminds me of God's love in my life.

GOING THROUGH SPIRITUAL CONFUSION

2008-11-10T13:13:00.007+08:00

Jesus answered and said, ’You do not know what you ask’ —Matthew 20:22

There are times in your spiritual life when there is confusion, and the way out of it is not simply to say that you should not be confused. It is not a matter of right and wrong, but a matter of God taking you through a way that you temporarily do not understand. And it is only by going through the spiritual confusion that you will come to the understanding of what God wants for you.

The Shrouding of His Friendship (see Luke 11:5-8 ). Jesus gave the illustration here of a man who appears not to care for his friend. He was saying, in effect, that is how the heavenly Father will appear to you at times. You will think that He is an unkind friend, but remember?He is not. The time will come when everything will be explained. There seems to be a cloud on the friendship of the heart, and often even love itself has to wait in pain and tears for the blessing of fuller fellowship and oneness. When God appears to be completely shrouded, will you hang on with confidence in Him?

The Shadow on His Fatherhood (see Luke 11:11-13 ). Jesus said that there are times when your Father will appear as if He were an unnatural father?as if He were callous and indifferent— but remember, He is not. "Everyone who asks receives . . ." ( Luke 11:10 ). If all you see is a shadow on the face of the Father right now, hang on to the fact that He will ultimately give you clear understanding and will fully justify Himself in everything that He has allowed into your life.

The Strangeness of His Faithfulness (see Luke 18:1-8 ). "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" ( Luke 18:8 ). Will He find the kind of faith that counts on Him in spite of the confusion? Stand firm in faith, believing that what Jesus said is true, although in the meantime you do not understand what God is doing. He has bigger issues at stake than the particular things you are asking of Him right now.

My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

TABLE LAMP

2008-11-08T10:21:00.006+08:00

Manage to get this table lamp from IKEA but it is still on the way coming..hmmm

IDEAS

2008-11-08T10:00:00.006+08:00

Still looking for ideas on how to decorate my room. Trying to search around from different magazines and website and manage to get some ideas. One of my favourite past time hobby is to beautifying room. Going to redo my room after so many years noone stay in there...Gee, need to do major cleaning after going back. 2 more weeks to go....

DESIGN

2008-11-07T17:13:00.004+08:00

Found these design in the internet and try to match it together...hmm..i love those color combination. The little girls dresses are so pretty.

" MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUD "

2008-11-07T08:24:00.002+08:00

“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth” — (Genesis 9:13)

It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right-standing relationship with Him, and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn’t God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation, but I have not yet entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn’t God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is— will I step into that covenant relationship? All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into a relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.

Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God--a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, "Now I believe." There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . ." (Isaiah 45:22).

When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal achievement— no human ingredient in it at all. Instead, there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.

My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

A DAILY WALK

2008-11-07T08:20:00.003+08:00

Today's verse from Ecclesiastes 11: 5 reminds me of the sovereignty & infinite wisdom of God and how He has designed each of us so intricately (as in Psalm 139). It's comforting to know He's got every little detail covered - "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things"

MIRACLE

2008-11-06T21:26:00.004+08:00

Sometime last year around this time, i was involved in a very bad car accident. I still think it is a miracle for 3 of us, Kah Weng, Michelle and myself. God really saved our lives.

Just want to be reminded about God's grace and faithfulness in my life. It was really amazed to see how the whole things happened yet God hand's are protecting us.

Though the car was a complete write-off, God preserved all three of us in the car :) To add on to my testimony, this is the chapter from the Bible that i really love. I always be reminded to pray this Psalm in times of trouble and worry - as we let God's Word really sink in, we can experience His peace...

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

2008-11-06T17:54:00.005+08:00

After these few months of excessive food intake, i had decided to do some exercise to lose some weights. Gosh, never knew it is so hard to lose weight..haha..Today is my second days of rope skipping for 100x..Hopefully i will be motivated to do it everyday.

Hmm, i think i got to stop eating durian too..Maybe it is one of the main contributor of my weight :S scary...No more junk and soft drinks too...Gosh, my diet is really really bad. But anyway, feel so satisfied after some movement today..haha

DEUTERONOMY 6

2008-11-06T09:03:00.002+08:00

Love the LORD Your God

1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.

20 In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

DURIAN NIGHT

2008-11-05T22:18:00.006+08:00

Tonight we have special CG. After dinner we went for a walk in Boulevard Shopping centre..Guess what, the guys suggested to have durian. So we went to the roadside and bought durian. KK, Cedric, Joanna, Susie and myself were enjoying ourselves with the durian. First time in my life eating durian at the roadside.

Is a fruitful night with so much durian :P Anyway, it was also Joanna belated birthday. As she loves durian so much so we celebrated her birthday using durian as her birthday cake.hehe..Even the seller gave us 1 free extra durian inconjunction with her birthday ;)

GET RE-CONNECTED

2008-11-05T09:10:00.005+08:00

Sometimes when we are busy, we tends feeling pretty distant from God ...at times I wish getting really close with God could be as easy as flicking a light switch. Then again, the connection ought to be constant and one that is deepening. It could be as easy as flicking a switch if the relationship is built to a point and then kept steadily growing.

This morning I woke up very early. Somehow deep in me, i wish to spend good and quality time with God. Then, this song came to mind "Give Us Clean Hands" from Chris Tomlin. Anyway, as i looked back, this year past so quick. It is almost end of the year. Sometimes with many things around and happenings, we tend to be distracted from spending good and quality time with God.

There are times we need to get totally reconnected with God because things have come up in our lives to make us somewhat detached even though we are still in relationship with Him. All it takes is a simple act of pulling ourselves away from everything for just a bit and fixing our focus on God again.

I prayed that I will getting back my connection. Indeed it is a blessed time this morning :)

TEACHING OF ADVERSITY

2008-11-05T08:50:00.002+08:00

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world —John 16:33

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . ." ( Psalm 91:1,10 )— the place where you are at one with God.

If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.

God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . ." (Revelation 2:7 ). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can "be of good cheer" even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.

My Utmost for His Highest
Oswald Chambers

1 MONTH TO GO

2008-11-04T22:00:00.004+08:00

Today exactly 1 month to go for the 13th Malaysian National Convention. Looking forward for this annual spiritual feasting. It is really exciting that the annual gathering will be held at the PutraJaya International Convention Centre (PICC) Selangor.

This week prayer & fasting focus for the Convention is Visitation of God and Vision casting.

Let's prepare ourselves and see great thing happenning :D

THE BAMBOO

2008-11-04T18:04:00.007+08:00

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. ..I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"His answer surprised me... "Look around",He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes", I replied." When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds,I took very good care of them.I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

He said."In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. "I would not quit."He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."He said to me.

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots""I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you." "Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked."How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

God will never give up on you. Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness, bad days give you experiences; Both are essential to life.

~ Unknown ~

THE DISCIPLINE OF SPIRITUAL PERSEVERANCE

2008-11-04T13:33:00.001+08:00

Another thought-provoking Oswald Chambers article

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46: 10

Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen. Perseverance means more than just hanging on, which may be only exposing our fear of letting go and falling. Perseverance is our supreme effort of refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered. Our greatest fear is not that we will be damned, but that somehow Jesus Christ will be defeated. Also, our fear is that the very things our Lord stood for— love, justice, forgiveness, and kindness among men— will not win out in the end and will represent an unattainable goal for us. Then there is the call to spiritual perseverance. A call not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately, knowing with certainty that God will never be defeated.

If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. He brings fulfillment, "because (we) have kept (His) command to persevere . . ." (Revelation 3:10)

THE UNSURPASSED INTIMACY OF TESTED FAITH

2008-11-04T12:49:00.000+08:00

Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?' John 11:40

Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, "It's all a lie"? When you are on the mountaintop, it's easy to say, "Oh yes, I believe God can do it," but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42 ). Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe 'God shall supply all [my] need,' " the testing of my faith begins ( Philippians 4:19 ). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?

Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" Matthew 11:6 ). The ultimate thing is confidence in Jesus. "We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end . . ." ( Hebrews 3:14 ). Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith up to the point of our physical death, which is the last great test. Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6 ).

My Utmost For His Highest
Oswald Chambers

MORE IN THE EVERYDAY

2008-11-04T12:42:00.004+08:00

Spiritual Dejection

We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel . Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened —Luke 24:21

Every fact that the disciples stated was right, but the conclusions they drew from those facts were wrong. Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else. Dejection stems from one of two sources— I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means "I must have it at once." Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself who gives the answer. What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today "the third day" and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God? Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer. It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is wrong, and we are always to blame for it.

We look for visions from heaven and for earth-shaking events to see God’s power. Even the fact that we are dejected is proof that we do this. Yet we never realize that all the time God is at work in our everyday events and in the people around us. If we will only obey, and do the task that He has placed closest to us, we will see Him. One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ.

My Utmost For His Highest

Oswald Chambers

HAPPY ENGAGEMENT

2008-06-07T09:53:00.022+08:00

Congratulations to my wonderful housemates, Kevin & Jia Lin on their recent engagement! The party was great :)

FACING THE GIANTS

2008-05-26T11:49:00.018+08:00

What Giants are you facing in your life? Exams for all the students ;) coz exams is around the corner...On Monday, Jabez unit watched a movie entitle Facing the Giants. It is a very touching movie where it is a life inspirational kind of movie....When i first watched it, my tears dropped..

It is really a recommended movie and an excellent movie to watch. Is great if can watch with your team ;) Great lessons to learn from this story.

"With God all things are possible"

West Australia Ballet~ The Taming of the Shrew

2008-05-22T12:40:00.005+08:00

Last Saturday night one of my sheep gave me a surprise treat to watch the West Australian Ballet. Wow !!The show was fantastic!! For the first time ever in Australia, i went to watch a ballet play – The Taming of the Shrew – Ballet production with the great symphony orchestra.
Both of us were so blessed to be upgraded to the premier seat which cost about AUD$96.00.

Below is the brief preview...

Star of Stuttgart Ballet, Filip Barankiewicz, joins an expanded West Australian Ballet company to perform one of the greatest story ballets of all time. John Cranko’s The Taming of the Shrew brings Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece to life, conveying like no other ballet his wit and sharp understanding of human character.
Kate, the shrew, is an intelligent, outspoken and tempestuous woman, not at all meek and submissive like the women of her day. Rough and boastful Petruchio marries Kate for her money, then realises he is quite taken by her and sets out to trick her into submission. But who is really taming who? This superb production, originally created for Stuttgart Ballet in 1969, is acknowledged as one of Cranko’s best works. Stunning sets and costumes, virtuoso dancing and vivid characterisation will make this a momentous ballet event for Western Australia.