Man of the Moment

the splendor of the king, clothed in majesty

2005-10-30T02:19:00.000+08:00

On 29th Oct 2005
My birthday fall on this day, this special day that the Lord has created me for his purpose 25 years ago. As I looked back and reflect on my life, I can only say that I am amazed by the Lord, humbled by his grace, so privilege to be love by his unconditional and unfailing love, his plan has never contradict himself, his forgiveness on the cross that I can come before the Lord, to know him more each day. I realized that how bless I am, seeing the Lord being the one who sustain me all this while, when tough time come and hit me hard, his love never fail, indeed his love endures forever!

What a fruitful birthday I ever had! In the morning, I met up with Edward, a new believer from church and a keen learner, wanting to learn more about God’s word. Seeing him reading the book of John and asking me questions really warm my heart, seeing him so ever willing to learn the word of God make me feel that I have started the day at the right track.
After which, went with my mum to eat bak ku teh. Really feel happy to see that my mum bought me a card with the kind, when you open up, the birthday card will sing to you, “Happy birthday to you.” I was like happy and amazed by my mum being cute, hehe… even at her age. Creative man!!!

At 2pm, met up with my year 2 SP students and study the bible together, I expect them to celebrate my birthday with me, but I was shocked after singing the birthday song, each one of them gives me a present. I was like speechless and honor, felt very blessed and love by them. I was almost going to tears!

I love the following gifts a lot.
A card with simple words, a poster with a baby which say, you make me feel special in this world, a box of chocolate, a music CD, a card with word with a pen, I think I love the last one the most, a simple Soya egg tart and a cup of Milo with the agenda of which sacrificing from his own. You guys know who you are. I really appreciate of you guys and your gifts, it meant differently for me!!! My secret desire which you guys really want to know. Let me tell you all here!

My secret desire is to see you guys to be man after God’s heart, to stand firm in the Lord, that your faith will be known everywhere like the people of Thessalonians, that your love for God and his people ever increasing¸ remember that you can never out love God and you can share the hope in Jesus Christ to the people around you.

At night, spend most of my time having dinner with one of my best friend. As we share with each other, updating each other what is happening in our life, really encourage and really enjoy the time we can share our heart out, seeing where the Lord is working in our own lives. And guess what, both of us agree by kneeing down, it really humble oneself, totally in awe of God.

I remember one Friday night, when I have bible study, doing the book of Ephesians in church, I remember clearly that my pastor lead the people who attend the bible study on their knees to bow down before the Lord, before the CROSS! When I looked at the scene, I was like … in awe, looking at people, young and old, coming together as one body to fix our eyes on Jesus, what a powerful testimony and scene! Seeing the Lord himself being exalted, seeing the glory of the Lord in the presence of many man. It just keeps me humble and quiet before the Lord, only to thank God for who he is! Only HE has the power to make people of different ages, tongues and tribes to worship him and exalted him!

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

2005-10-27T01:02:00.000+08:00

If I tell you that within a few months, what can the Lord do to you, just to make you listen to him? Will you believe?

In short, I was accepted on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ! My heart for my family has been challenged, not once, but twice! Willing to trust God when there is no HOPE!!! Many things to clear, many things need to do, many assignments need to work on, each day my level of commitment is growing, higher and deeper, to-do list seems to grow no matter how much work I have done.

But each new day, as your glory reveals, your mercies are fresh each new day, a new hope that I can have, there is always to look for when my eyes are open and knowing that I am still breathing. Thru these few months, I have to learn to trust the Lord for the most impossible things in life, the toughest days that I ever have thus far, to see my emotions being up and down so fast that I do not have time to react. My heart is very weak, so weak that I almost give up on hope that I wept like I never could imagine that I have wept so much and the only thing was to pray and trust in His sovereignty.

As you read, pls pause and pray for me and my family, love is being shown in the family. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and total reverence and awe in the Lord.

O Lord, where are you leading me to? Where is the promised land that you have set before me? When will I go? And when will I be ready? My heart is waiting for you, O Lord, if you will, speak to your servant.

Very soon, I will pass the 25 years of my life, but what have I done that have last? Or should I say what have the Lord has done in my life that has impact my life?

is it hard to sing praise to the Lord?

2005-07-19T11:27:00.000+08:00

in the morning, got the chance to hear from John Piper. he talk on five points:
Gospel, Lossness, Conversion, People and Teaching. the way he expound from the word of God, allow me to be People of the mission, Captivated by God! Called to the world. i was more than convinced by the word of God to know the Lord's heartbeat in my life!

Heavenly Father, you have taught me a lot, you have surface a lot of issues about my life. Lord, i am just so amazes that Your love and grace is sufficient for me, it is more than enough! Lord, why are you revealing so much about me? so many pains and hurts that i used to face in the past, why have you rake up the past? have you totally forgotten about me? why have my Lord whom i love forsaken me? why O Lord, answer me?!

Lord O Lord, are you not over my life? what do you want me to learn from all this issue in life? what do you want me to walk away? what are the lessons that you want me to learn? teach me O Lord, if i do not want to learn, make and disciple me to learn no matter how hard it may seem. will you Lord take this life that belong to you, to use it as you please, i surrender all to you, Jesus. this is my commitment to you, where you want me to go, i will follow, Lord there's no turning back!

Lord, today i have realised that i am not ready to left my home to the place you have in mind for me, prepare my heart, prepare my mind, prepare my soul O Lord, i know it is your call in my life. i know the decision in the coming future that i may make is a painful but i am willing to take the risk and believe that you have all planned out for me. i need to trust in You all the way for your way are higher than my ways so are your thoughts.

Lord, i desperate for you!!! i want to go where you are going, not where i want to go, for without you, then it is meaningless!

i wonder am i able to sing praise to the Lord? look at the following song, then you will know:

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Oh, There's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

mindset being challenge!

2005-07-18T11:41:00.000+08:00

here i am in Colorado State of University, writing this part of the blog. can you believe? in just a short few days, my mind is being challenged again and again. to think of how my life have been, revealed by the Lord Almighty, to desire more of him each day.

in just a short few days in CSU, learning more about what is movement building from Steve Douglass personally. after hearing from him, i am excited about it!!! cant wait to go back to Singapore and do things differently, hehe... but no, i cant, still need to learn more from US ministry.

each new day, able to know more about the Lord thru reading Daniel, looking at my own life, and seeing that the Lord have been speaking to me thru his word, so clearly, so strong, that it changes my thoughts, my mindsets about my life and my ministry.

O Lord, how this trip changes my life thus far? when i look at the Rocky mountain, i felt that i am so small, so little, so insignificant, but i realised that it is not all about me, it is all about God! it is all about his awesomeness, his majesty and his wonders! how can one look at the Rocky mountain, and not believe that there is a God! how can it be O Lord?

Lord, teach me all of your ways, let me learn more about you each day, to go where you want me to go, without you O Lord, i do not want to do anything on my own. for my life does not belong to me, but it's all about you.

pray for me dear friends who are reading this, that i will be clear about my future direction, where he is leading me, my heart will fix on the Lord no matter what happen. somehow, i want to know and be sure about the Lord's leading and guiding. it is all about the Lord's ministry and not my own.

to conclude that is reminding my mind constantly.
"but whatever was to my profit i now consider loss for the sake of Christ. what is more, i consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Hesus my Lord, for whose sake i have lost all things. i consider them rubbish, that i may gain Christ and be found in him, bnot having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Philippians 3:7-9

Busy but fruitful week.

2005-06-27T00:47:00.000+08:00

For the whole week, I went to youth camp, doing ministry and attending Go Forth conference. For ministry, I was grateful, out of ten guys who agree for bible study in two sessions, seven came! Thank God. On Wednesday, NYP have a welcome tea which allow students to come and vision being cast, the vision is to use their lives to impact other lives and how will they be more effective in campus as both a student and a Christian. =). Pray for effective follow up and strength, wisdom and relying on the Holy Spirit.

For the youth camp, Service in Unity is the theme, realized that the youth are all fire up for the Lord, hope that their fire will not just last a moment, but rather a lifetime. Pray for them as you read this session. Thank you.

As for the Go Forth conference, this is what I have learnt.
Each day, as I have realized that my heart and my life, does it belong to me? What have I learnt? What is my stand? Where is my passion? What is my life for? What the Lord has burden me? What are my struggles? Is mission really my heartbeat?

As a matter of fact, I have learnt a lot from the speakers. So much that I do not know where to start. Do I use God to fulfill my own agenda? Or God is using me to fulfill his agenda in my life?
Talk about mission is cheap but the action behind it is hard and tough; a price to pay. Can I have the absolute surrender to God? Can I really give the Lord all my life for the sake of the gospel? What is holding me back?

In time to come, will I go to Doulos ship? Got for study? Or stay on with campus crusade? A challenging time and to seek the Lord!!! =).

Which choice does the Lord wants me to do? Which one will honor the Lord and give Him all the glory to Him? Crossroad! I have a plan, but what does the Lord has for me? I just wonder. O Lord be thou my vision! Without you, I will not go anywhere, anyhow, anytime. I want You to be in the center of the picture and my life!

Tenth day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:14:00.001+08:00

If a house with love is not being build, then it is in vain! Teach a man to build his foundation on God's word and he will build a house of love!

Father in heaven, my heart just felt great, but at the same time, I feel it hard to pack my feelings before returning to Singapore tomorrow. Did the usual operation. Build of the house. Without foundation, a house that is build can’t last! Unless the Lord builds the house, its laborers labor in vain, teach a man to build his foundations on God’s word and be accurate in God’s word. Lord I know that I work hard is not because of man, to let them see how good I am but for Jesus who is high above all other names. Thank you Lord for the opportunity and time spend with the local. Really enjoy ourselves through the whole trip. As we build the house, doing the touching up of the house, I realized that I can’t bear to leave Philippines. I believe that we have so much fun together towards the appreciation of the house. But what really warms my heart, it is genuine friendship that we have share with them. To me O lord, it is a time of enjoying you, the people there and most of all, knowing you more each day as I learn from your people, the culture the humble background of their, the food, the love that Is being shown by the people. Thank you Lord!

Ninth day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:14:00.000+08:00

Thank you O Lord for the safety that you have seen us through the day. Lord, my heart just felt encourages and warms to know so much more about you. This morning went to work site, feeling that should be giving our best to the Lord in building the house with love. Lord, today even though we did some shoving and build on the beam, the so-called pillar of the ground for level 2. first you must add water to surrounding of the beams than pour in the cement, so that the cement is not dry and therefore hold onto the cement well enough. Lord, thank for allowing us to be a part of this blessing to Philippines and part of your plan! Teach me more of you and less of me. Amen.

Eighth day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:13:00.001+08:00

This morning, we went to the Mayor office to have a talk with her. For me, I guess I was surprised that she is willing to see us and to talk to us. Today went back to worksite, wishing Angelica, one of the local we knew, Happy Birthday, gave her a card as well. Really encourage and appreciate by the locals, giving us so much food, like one after the other. To me, it was great to be in a city like this, or should I say community. O Lord thank you for being so gracious to me that I am able to learn from you each day. my heart just warms by you OI Lord. Today when I asked Lyn, one of the girls and her mum this question, do you want a simple life ort a wealthy life, it shook me when they both agree to be in a simple people living in this environment., Lord thank you O Lord for humbling me in the process of knowing the locals. Lord, I was challenged by you, God Almighty to see that your servant, Lyn’s mum is living in the slump area. She has modeled for me a good example of sacrifice, giving the best to other villagers instead of her own family first. She has a giving heart to her people even though Lyn want a house badly. At last O Lord, the house is halfway there knowing that you are always in control of all things. Lord, take my life and let it be. Unity is strength. Praise the Lord Almighty.

Seventh day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:13:00.000+08:00

We had a great time together as a team, building the wall upwards. It just warms my heart to see it coming all well. Lord thank you for your grace then we can come before you O Lord. We are able to lay the cement on the ground as well. It just taught me the importance of unity. I have the chance to lay a brick on the wall. I realized that each brick must be laid correctly and as accurate, if not the wall will fall down. I guess this is something that I have learnt for the day. Lord, let me be accurate when handling your word O Lord. I surrender all to you O Lord. Allow me to be wise and in awe of you for there is no one else beside you Lord. Teach me to be humble and teachable. Thank you Father for showing yourself to me through this trip! Praise you O Lord, that your ways are higher than mine. Lord, I thank for the local to be friendly to us, so kind hearted of them to provide food and drinks for us. And even let us to know them better. I really appreciate the simple life in You O Lord. Lord thank you for giving me this opportunity to do something for the local. Amen.

Sixth day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:11:00.000+08:00

Thank you O Lord, for even a non-believer asking hard question about you. Lord, I am just amazes that a non-believer so earnestly seeking after you. It just put me to shame O Lord. But I thank you for allowing me to see my weakness. That I am worth nothing in the presence of the Lord. Lord, build my faith in the foundation in your word. Let me build strongly in your word O Lord. Let me not compromise you.

Did not really did much today as it is raining in the afternoon but got the opportunity to know the girls from the place that we are building the house. O Lord, let it be a house of prayer! Let it be build on love!

Fifth day in Philippines

2005-05-23T02:10:00.000+08:00

O Lord I believe that you are working in each of us O Lord! I praise you Lord for being so personal to each of us! Your love never stops to cease O Lord. Today, went to a church at Old Capital, I was touched and ministered by a short time of worship. A simple setting and I was sweating like a running tap, but my heart is totally focusing on the Lord. I just wept O Lord, I do not know but I believe that you are in control of everything O Lord. Lord, thank you for giving me the burden for Philippines. I know that only you can change my heart. O Lord, I was touched by the Holy Spirit, thank you for being so personal. Lord, I saw four kids, they are Ricardo, Neno, Cristian and Dindo. Lord, surrender these four kids to you O Lord, continue to let them just grow in the knowledge of You, O Lord. I give you praise you O Lord, for you are my righteousness. I went to another church for a time of skit and songs. O Lord, I guess my perspective of life is different! Especially when to the dumpsite, Lord, I was just humbled by the lifestyle of the people, where they live; I don’t think anyone in Singapore wants to live in the lifestyle, a place where stink and smell so much that I cant hardly take it anymore. But when I think about when they are running around without thinking much. They are too used to it but I believe that they have their self pride and proud. Lord, I just humbled when I see them enjoying the time together, having the time to fly a kite, up into the sky, so carefree and touching scene. Lord, can I take this kind if lifestyle? Can I live in this kind of environment that I do not go after other people expectations but only after what you expect to of me O Lord? Lord, I have realized how glad I am, knowing that I am brought up in Singapore. Lord I was speechless to see that you love both the Jews and the Gentiles, even though I do not know your will for their lives, to see them suffering living in an environment that is not fit for any right mind of human being. I really share the thought that you are the One that I am focusing on, knowing that your ways are higher than my ways. Lord, I saw that how a young girl in the dumpsite so happy just receiving a sweet, she can just hop, run around and can see the pure joy on her smile. Lord, if she came to know you personally, what will her respond be? Lord you continue to draw all man to yourself, send missionary organization or churches to go there and preach the word of God. Lord, I commit Ever to you, a guy who having driving us around from Las Pinas to Care Center and back. Lord we know that he is tired but choose to honor you in the little that he can do for us. Lord allows him to be a man after your own heart, a pastor-to-be, grant him wisdom and strength in doing his learning as well. As he shepherd his church, Lord you guard his heart O Lord. Let his heart be pure and holy to give off your best for him. Give him a vision to allow him to reach our not only to his community but to his country and beyond. O Lord, grant this servant of yours a humble heart and to live the abounding life-ever flowing of joy, hope and love from you O Lord!

For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain!

2005-05-18T02:36:00.000+08:00

Early in the morning after my run, looking at my handphone, waiting for update news about Christopher, hope that things goes better, hope that the Lord will be the One who is in control of the whole situation. But to my despair, received a sms, Chris passed away. I was not in tears. My heart stopped for a second, I breath deeply for a short while. My mind was lost in the jungle, I went to bath. As I bath, I was crying inside my heart so loudly that flashback of memories just flow slowly through my mind. Tears of joy or tears of sadness?

On my journey, as I am reading about David’s last words, I was reminded of Chris’s parting words when I visited him weeks ago. “Since I know that I am leaving to join my Father, why do I leave with a painful while I can choose to leave in joy?”

We always said what can one man do? One man can do great and mighty things! When one man is full committed to God, you will see God’s power in and thru his life!

But as for Christopher, when he asked me, “Ron, should I study or should join full time?” I told him straight in the face, “Chris, imagine with me, how many people’ lives can you touch in the four years while you are study, join full time for you know what God wants you to do, just obey.”

The next thing, before I knew it, I received his calling newsletter reminding me of this question that I have asked him as a personal note.

This morning on 17th May 2005, my mind was not blank; my mind is running through all the data I have for Chris. To me, he is not just a fellow worker in Campus Crusade, he is not just a friend who I can share my burden with, he is not just an encourager to me, he is not just a buddy to me and he is not just an example for me to follow. He is more than all the above; he is someone who I respected a lot; he is a brother to me, just like a flesh and blood brother! He is a God-fearing man. He is someone that I can pour my life out to without looking at me differently. He is someone that I love!

He is someone whom You O Lord, love more than all of us could love him. He is someone that You O Lord treasure more than anyone of us. He is someone that You O Lord love him so much and do not want him to suffer anymore, You God Almighty have call him home! You O Lord have allowed him to touch Your people before You said, “Well done, Good and Faithful servant!” He is all about You, God Almighty and not about him.

Where can you find a servant who seeks to honor God in all his doing and always putting God in first priority? Giving the Lord the best, and not short changing God.

O Lord, thank you for allowing me to have tears of JOY.

Brother, I dedicate this song to you. I hope that this song expresses your love for God and when I sing this song, I will always remind of you.

Pour my love to You
I don’t know how to say exactly how I feel
And I can’t begin to tell You what Your love has meant
I’m lost for words, is there a way
To show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think You are
My dearest Friend, Lord, this is my desire
To pour my love to You

Chorus
Like oil upon Your feet Like wine for You to drink
Like water from my heart I pour my love on You
If praise is like perfume I’ll lavish mine on You
Till every drop is gone I’ll pour my love on You

Fourth day in Philippines

2005-05-16T00:37:00.000+08:00

I can only thank you O Lord for the team that we have. Thank you for answering our prayers to allow a sister to ask hard and direct questions. I guess it is good that we can share openly to her, a pre-believer that she got questions that only you can answer. Lord, I know that you are definitely working in our lives! I praise you I lord for the session and by only divine appointment which you allowed. Not by our power, not by our might but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s devotion as I shared about following Christ (the cost). Lord, I praise you that you are the One who gives life to me and wisdom as I speak, I know that I am limited, but you are not, O Lord. Lord I thank you for her, a non-believer to earnestly seek after you. Lord, teach her all of your ways, Lord, be the one that convinced her and not by words, or wisdom or even knowledge of You! I know that you are the One that is talking thru me. Love you O Lord, all the days of my life!

Third day in Philippines

2005-05-16T00:35:00.000+08:00

We continue to dig the ground, transporting the cement mixer to the worksite. Can you believe that we need 8 persons just to carry it? It was tough but when all is doing it together as a team, each doing and playing a role. Unity is strength!

When I am looking at a small cute dog, have we been busying over work? The dog is so innocent and carefree to do his sleeping and enjoying himself, not concern about day to day activities. Can we learn from the dog that we can still find rest even in time of busyness? What do I mean by rest? Can we rest in the presence of the Lord? Can we just find time to rest in Him? Can we still focus on God? O Lord, grant us a humble heart that seeks to you! Foundation, O Lord, let my foundation be built on your heart!

“Word of God, Diligent and Entrepreneurship” is the success, quoted by a successful businessman.

Second day in Philippines

2005-05-16T00:33:00.000+08:00

O Lord, I am an unworthy sinner! A worthless man that is not worthy of your love, your blood! Lord, grant me to learn from you O Lord! Be my mentor, my coach, be part of me, so much so that I can’t live without you. To see everything meaningless! Forgive me O Lord; I want to be where you are O Lord! Lord, you are my God over all my life, every aspect of it! God Almighty, just let me rest in your presence, let me just focus on you O Lord!

After lunch, went to the worksite and starting digging the ground, a bit like field camp. Yesterday evening heard from the president of Habitat, Jun, talking about their concept, a beautiful one like network marketing, start building one house by us, in return the family will work on their part to earn back and pay back, so call invest and build for the next family who is next on the waiting list. One plus one concept. I have realized that a lot of Christian organizations are using the model of network marketing. Thank God for everything include network marketing.

I praise you Lord for today, done a lot of hard work. Did a metal cutter for cutting iron rod, it is hard at first, but realized that as the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I realized that foundation work is hard work. For this, it also means that our spiritual walk with the Lord is also very important part, I mean foundation work. What about my spiritual disciplines, it is important too! It is a great deal of work, no jokes man. Thank you O lord for our safety and protect us from any injury. Praise you O Lord; grant us strength to work for you O Lord. Be thou my vision.

The people there live in a community, a beautiful scenery when everyone come together and play, taking life simple as it is! Do I take life so simple that I can praise God for it? I felt that unity is strong in our team, each playing a different role in order for us to build the house, and of course with the help of the Lord.

Do I still love the people even if they do not feed or appreciate us with water and buns?

First day in Philippines...

2005-05-16T00:22:00.000+08:00

I went to Philippines, Las Pinas, a place to build house with nine great buddies, they are Sharon Wu, Cindy Chan, Tan Kai Li, Clarice Lee, Aaron Loh, Daniel Yeo, Daniel Low, James Ong, Rayson Sim, and of course with God!

Lord, be thou my vision! Lord, teach me to be obedience to you! Let my heart just beats and focus on you throughout the trip. Grant me a submissive heart towards you and to serve your people, not to take things for granted!

On the plane, watch a movie, Coach Carter again as I watch it before the trip. It taught me to be a discipline man after you, whole heartedly I will follow you, O Lord! Grant me a heart for you and with you! This movie also taught me to build on foundations, back to basic! All for one and one for all attitude, Lord, I give my all. Lord, I am just excited to see how you can use us, worthless in your eyes but yet to be used and transformed by you O Lord. I praise you O Lord that you are in control of everything that we are doing! God of wonders, beyond our galaxy, You are Holy, You are Holy! Teach me to be holy, for you are worthy O Lord. Let my eyes just fix on you! I surrender all my hope on the earthly pleasures, my love and desires of my life, I commit them to you O Lord. I commit my life to you as to seek you O Lord.

all this are my thoughts and prayers as well in my journals, thought of sharing with u all...

Taking the Lord at his word!

2005-04-26T00:43:00.000+08:00

Lord, I am tired, dead tired, both physically and spiritually. I am doing ministry day in and day out, serving the church, having too many things up on my mind. I know that I am going to burn out soon. Don’t ask me why, I can sense that I am relying on my own strength, own understanding, own wisdom in doing things. Pray for me!!!

Lord, I confess that I want to do your work, but I am nothing before you, and I know that I can achieve great things without you. But if I have not love you, what is the point even I own a big house, a German car and achieving great things, all these things are worthless, a chase after the wind. Lord, be in the picture of my life!!! Take control O Lord. Will you just take your rightful place in my life?

Lord, just teach me to follow you all the days of my life, to be a faithful servant, a willing spirit in taking your gospel of grace to the ends of the earth. Lord, dwell in me, let me just rest in your presence, knowing that you are more concern about my relationship than my service.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Psalm 86: 11-13

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Acts 23:11

Perfect wedding!

2005-04-23T12:36:00.000+08:00

This morning, went for a wedding of my church mate, Sim Lay. I guess this is one wedding that I hardly forget. First of all, it is an outdoor wedding, nothing new right. But the following is a shocker for me; the place held is at Temasek Junior College. This place is where they knew each other, and Leonard, propose to her. And to make it more significantly, their day of marriage!

The exhortation is found in 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 13 by Rev Chris Chia.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
You can do great things without love. But that is not the point; the focus is “do small deeds and all deeds with great love”.

You may be able to afford a big house, a German car, but you can’t afford a house without love. So work towards it.

When are you willing to give love to someone? Are you able to wait up late night for her, one night? Two night? Four night in a row?

Will you stand up when she arrive home late like what you are doing now, waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle?

Do I withhold love and praise to someone you love?

All these are simple truth, but with great insights for couples to think about, consider when talking about marriage!

Will I just keep quiet and listen to You O Lord?

2005-04-23T01:38:00.000+08:00

On 22nd April, as I left for GCTC for my gen12 mission trip meeting. I was thinking will the Lord speak to me? Why do I feel a bit tired, both physically and spiritually, am I feeling a burnt-out? I receive a phone call. This phone call totally changes my mindset for the whole day! Can you imagine how powerful a phone call could be? I was just amazes, when it talks about prayer. When it comes to prayer, Ivin’s dad, ask me to go to listen to a speaker from Africa. This speaker will touch on prayer. Sometime that he say interest me, without starting to pray before we read the word of God, how can we be connected to God.

Sometime, we are doing so many things on our strength, our own wisdom, our own thinking, that we so often left God out. But by starting with prayer, we are first to align our thoughts according to God’s plan and he reveal to us. I was not speechless, it just make a lot of sense to me, and determined to set my prayer life right. As I was doing my QT, was reading Psalm 86. A prayer of David, who set the perfect example of acknowledge that God is just who he is. He also taught me the confessing that he is worthless before the God Almighty.

To sum up for today, I was simply just afraid that I will burnt-out as there are ministry, church and gen12 commitment. Pray for me. =).

Is Christ worth it?

2005-04-21T00:07:00.000+08:00

Who is Christ? Is Christ a friend to us and yet who is worthy of all glory, all honor and all power?

Acts 20:22-24
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus given to me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

What does Paul means by consider his life worth nothing? He has a mindset, a thinking of seeing his physical aspects of life worth no value in the sense that he does not choose to preserve it at all costs. Rather, he choose to pursue the purpose the Lord Jesus has for him; the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. He also see it as a race and to complete it no matter what it costs, even to his physical death.

Let us take a look at Paul’s life and how he can be a classic example for us to learn from.

Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

This is all about Saul’s conversion; Saul went around and take men or women who belong to the Way as prisoners. As he neared Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He was blinded. The Lord allows this to happen, to allow Saul to see that the Lord personally, in spiritual sense, due to his persecution of Christian, but he was spiritual blinded as well.

In Acts 9:15-16, it allows us to see more about how the Lord uses Saul, someone who is always finding fault and persecuting at the believers who are belong to the Way. Can you believe that the Lord is so gracious that He uses a persecutor of the Way to be use for His glory, for His purpose and being an instrument for His name?

Acts 21:10-14
After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand it over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

You could see that there is a similar between the Acts 20:22 and Acts 21:11. Both are talking about the Holy Spirit which allows Paul to see things differently. In Acts 21:11, a prophet came with words of warning for Paul, and his ministry, but it came more than just a warning, it is prevention, hoping that Paul will not go for it. They want to preserve their beloved apostle from physical harm, possibly death and also want to keep him for themselves and the church’s mission. The other yet allow him to know that the Lord is the one that he should seek and go after, in obedience and determined to follow after God’s plan even not knowing what will happen to him, in Acts 20:22. God mercifully prepares his servant to count the cost of his daily cross-bearing in a fallen world that hates his Christ and those who own his name.

At this moment, Paul knows that even a prophet telling him of the danger and hardship ahead. He knows that he will suffer and torture by both the Jews and the Gentiles and even death.

Can you feel the way Paul had felt when even a prophet told you that there is danger and hardship in going to Jerusalem? Anyone who has a right frame of mind, he will not want to go towards it for he knows that there is suffering and possibility of death. But why did he do that for? Who is He that Paul is willing to sacrifice and go all the way?

So what is Paul’s respond? The way Paul’s respond just simply amazes me. “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?”(v 20:11)

Paul is determined to go and ready to not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus! He realized that the One he is serving is greater, far greater than his life, and so therefore willing to suffer, even to die like other Disciples of Christ and Christ himself. His determination and “Compelled by or drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit (v20:22)” helps to clear off all other people’s doubts and affirm his calling in Christ.

Paul also reminded himself that he has a calling to fulfill and not giving up no matter how hard it is. Paul endure all suffering, enduring all kind of hardships even knowing that he will be going through hardship in prison and persecuted by the Jews and the Gentiles like in Acts 20:11 as being prophesies.

We can see that Paul choose to live a life that to glorify God, knowing that suffering, persecution and even facing death. He has set a good example for us to follow.

Let’s us see what we have learnt from Paul so far, his life, how he consider his life worth nothing.
· He acknowledges that God is in control of his life, a calling and purpose.
· If we look at his missionary journeys, he is always spreading the Word of God wherever he goes, like as if there is no tomorrow.
· A life worth no value, a life that only wants to glorify God.
· He is sensitive to the Lord’s leading and guiding, despite his strong personality, and always did as the Lord directed.
· Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience never creates or earn this relationship he has with God

Challenge:

What are the specific situations we facing as a student, youth and leader in campus? What are the things that are distracted our mind form the Lord? Is there a lifestyle that we want to change? Do we go after recognition in our life, success, BGR that we give up our first love, God? That we always out him in the last place in out plan? Have we set our priorities tight before the Lord?

Let us take some time to think about it?

Can we learn from Paul, to be single-minded in wanting to glorify God in spreading the grace of God? Are we willing to go the extra mile for God like Paul? Is Christ worth all the suffering, persecution or teased and labeled by friends as Christian?

Are we willing to suffer for the name of the Lord? Are we ready like Paul to suffer and even die for the Lord? Is Christ worth it?

Yes, all of us know this answer, but can we really say when we are facing suffering, persecution and most of all, facing death. I hope that we can really take some time to think about it. Claim a verse and set your priority, set your life towards God. Honor him and glorify him. Do not need to rush.

Am I able to consider my life worth nothing, if only that I may finish the race, and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us, the task of testifying of God’s grace? Let us commit this time to the Lord individually, if you need to, write a commitment, from yourself to God. Remember it is between you and God.

End it with a prayer.

“Lord, thank you for your love so freely given to us, thank you for your grace that we should not take for granted, thank you for your hope that we have in Christ Jesus, that through him we are able to testify the grace of God, your love for all men equally and grant us a heart and life to seek to glorify you. In Jesus most precious name Amen.”

Just some quick updates…

2005-04-14T11:38:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, sorry for the missing entries on my blog. I have been quite busy for a while. I went to Thailand from Sunday till Tuesday. It was a good time of bonding, enjoying their company with the rest of my team, knowing that all of them really like to shop, esp. the girls. =). Hehe… no offend sister…=).

As you are reading this, can you pray for us, the NYP team having a time of retreat from Thursday to Sunday, with the student leaders, to plan for the coming year, to have things in mind, to polish up our weakness and strengthen our strengths. Pray for us that it is the Lord who is the one that we are focusing and not our plans and strategies, even though that they are important. We will enjoy ourselves and have a stronger bond with all student leaders, and challenge to commit their lives to the Lord.

Pray for me, as I am giving devotion on Acts 20:22-24. The topic is “Is Christ worth it?” Pray for me, that the Lord would use me as an instrument to be use for his glory, that when I speak, it is no longer who I am speaking, but the Lord. The student would go the extra mile for God, learning from Paul, a man who is single-minded in consider life worth of no value and pursuing the race and finish the task of testifying of God’s grace!

I will update my blog on Saturday with the attachment of my devotion. Stay tuned. =).

what about me?

2005-04-07T00:18:00.000+08:00

Roland Tan, our national director addresses us – the campus ministry with Hebrews 12:1-14. His emphasis is on Running and Discipline (training). And most important, he also mentioned that we should pursue peace with man and holiness in our life. He caught my attention when he said this in a serious tone, “Can we fall even when we are serving the Lord?”

I was like speechless and was reminded that Lam Kok Hiang, our campus ministry director always said, “It is important for us to start well, but it is important for us to end well.” For me, now I am able to grasps the simple yet significant truth. But as Roland share his heart; I was ministered as I think more about it.

“Good men who have served the Lord for many years have fallen, what about me?” This thought of it does not scare me, but in fact, it helps me to think about my future and be watchful of my every step. O Lord, be thou my vision!

Contract or Commitment?

2005-04-04T01:21:00.000+08:00

What is a contract? What is needed to be included? What is the purpose of it? Why is there a need for it? Why do people need a contract, is verbal agreement not valid enough? Or is it to play safe to have a black and white contract? What do you think?

What am I trying to say here? Do I need to sign a contract or a commitment slip to anyone? Do I need to make a stand for the whole world to see? Or can I just be where I am and just seal my commitment with my Lord, my friend, my Savior, my all in all.

What can I give to the Lord who given me everything? Am I able to give God my talents, my gifts, my heart, my all? What does the Lord requires of me? Why, O Lord? Why is now? Why is it, me? This was what I am hearing from the Lord on Saturday, 2nd April 2005 at GCTC graduation, what can I do, as I surrender my life to Him. What a joy to be in the presence of the Lord as I have made this decision to honor the Lord and no words being said.

I have come to realize, that my greatest love is not any human being, not even you, how I wish it was you, but I love God more than you. Sorry.

Every new day Your glory unfolds
Filling my eyes With Your treasures untold
The beauty of holiness Brings worship anew
My greatest love is You

Call me deeper Into Your grace
The river that flows From the Holy Place
Wash over me Cleansing me through
My greatest love is You

Recently learn this: “Are we too busy praying that we do not have the time to listen to God”?
Learning to listen is important, but to who?

A commitment between you and me, O Lord, a contract seal without words, without paper and ink, without a discussion, for I know that a man can plan his way, but the Lord determines his path. It is a process, it is not easy, but the Lord leads me as He know best.

A time of Evaluation…or something else?

2005-03-31T12:02:00.000+08:00

As NYP is going for a break, as most of the students are in the midst of studying and preparing their last lapse of exams. Let cover them with a word of prayer, as you are reading now. PAUSE AND PRAY!

My team-mates are Zhi hui our team leader and my mentor, Christine, Mylene and Wei Yen and of course, God! We are going into a time of evaluation, a time of looking at our past year, how did we fare? How can the ministry be improving? How well can we do or run our activities? Is our ministry moving at the right direction? Is our focus on course with God’s plan? Is thy will be done on earth? How can we be effective as we goes about doing our ministry in NYP? Hmm… It seems like there is no ends to it. But I kind of enjoy it, because it is God’s ministry!!! =)

As we think and talk about the ministry; we are constantly reminded of God’s grace, His love and His faithfulness. The more we talk, the more we discuss, the more engage in the work of God, I can only say, my heart has not harden of our failures, but my heart can only thank God for His mercy and grace. My heart saddens, my soul finds it hard to take joy in all circumstances, and I find it hard to praise the Lord.

The Lord allow this time of ministry evaluation to make me think more, act more, work more, but most importantly, to intercede for the ministry! Correct me if I am wrong, our late founder, Dr. Bill Bright, said that prayer is the foundation of our ministry, he did not build a ministry of faith, but on prayer. Interesting as I am reading his biology (Amazing Faith) lately, he is a man of faith that trust God in every areas of his life and every aspects of it, living moments by moments in the power of the Holy Spirit. But more importantly, I am humbled by his diligent of prayer; he knees down and bow before the Lord and stands the tallest in the eyes of man!

What an example that he sets for us, it is not possible! But the question is we willing to tear our pride and humble before the Lord?

As you read this, can you just say a word of prayer for NYP, TP, SP, NP, NUS, NTU, RP, SIM, to have a spiritual revival, that hearts are open to the gospel, pray for the coming freshman, they will see the importance of help fulfilling the Great Commission. Most importantly, that the Lord will be pleased with what we are doing and glorifying His Holy name! All glory, honor and blessing back to the Lord Almighty.

Pray for me, I need to raise S$2000 for my trip to Philippines, a humanity work, to build houses for the people at Manila. Pray that the Lord will provide as by 19th April, I need to raise the full amount. Thank you all.

Humbled by Your Grace, Mercy and Love.

2005-03-27T19:27:00.000+08:00

On 25th March, I went for Good Friday service at the Swisshotel at city hall, as I was approaching the train, then heading towards the conference hall where the entire Presbyterian gather as one body in Christ to worship and listen to God and His servant preach.

I was ministered by this song, Majesty (Here I am)

Here I am, humbled by Your majesty, Covered by Your grace so free.
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man, Covered by the blood of the Lamb.

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine, Since You laid down Your life, the greatest sacrifice.
Majesty, Majesty. Your grace has found me just as I am,
Empty-handed but alive in Your hands.

Here I am, humbled by the love that You give, Forgiven so that I can forgive.
So here I stand, knowing that I am Your desire, Sanctified by glory and fire.

And now I've found the greatest love of all is mine, Since You laid down Your life, the greatest sacrifice.
Majesty, Majesty. Your grace has found me just as I am,
Empty-handed but alive in your hands.

I can only be reminded of God’s love, Christ’s obedience even to the cross, I am nothing in the eyes of man, but God has made each one of us so uniquely in His eyes. What can I say? What can I do? But to stand in awe of God’s Great Mercy, His Unfailing Love and His Freely Grace!

Rev Michael D. Raiter, the speaker said, “When was the last time you say ‘Thank You or I love You, Father’ to the Creator who give you life, air, family, your everyday of woke up a brand new day? Do I owe anyone anything? Do I owe God? Do we mourn for our sins?” My heart was sadden, realizing and acknowledged that I took His Grace for granted, I took His Love for granted, I took the most important person for granted, God Almighty! O, what a sinner am I, forgive me, O Lord!

O just let me say how much I Love You, O My Savior, My Lord and Friend! My heart desire is this, what about you? I am humbled by the Lord, will you pray with me to consider my life worth nothing! Meaningless! Meaningless! All are just a chase after the wind.

Who else can it be, except you!

2005-03-24T00:21:00.001+08:00

On Monday, I met up with my church pastor; it was a great time of sharing and mostly listening to someone that went through more struggles in life. To be listening to him, I was like; you are my angel who God sent! Whatever he shared to me, it was definitely from God, I was so sure, because I have been facing it all. The Lord answered my prayers through him. I forgot the order that he shared. He talked about as a staff, whatever I said is important and carry weights and so watch for my tongue. Yet he mention about humility as I work with the rest of the people. He share with me about when we are serving God, do not aim too high, put other ahead of myself, most importantly, do not burn out. Keep my family in tact; keep my eyes on my family. He also reminded me not to be too rush about anything, my calling, my every aspect of life, be faithful in all I do.

I thought that there are arrows coming my way when I agree to meet him two weeks ago. Yet how wrong I was, I quote from him, “To spend each day wisely for God”. I was just amazed as I have the whole day to digest what he shared with me. I am just too speechless about the whole thing, as I know that the Lord God Almighty is in control, and definitely watching over me. I love You, I love You, I LOVE YOU LORD!

On Tuesday, as staff, we have a time of worship; Ronald was leading a few songs. For some part of the worship, I know that I can’t continue to sing. I was like; I know it is You Lord, who is speaking to me, yet again. What can I do, to make You love me more. Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing! My heart can only sings praise after praise, going to cry, not because of emotions, but because of You O Lord. The lyric goes like this,

Every blessing You pour out, I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name

A simple song with simple lyric, a simple message of Your love, a simple time of remembering who You are, but yet it break a simple man like me before You. I was in awe of You, my life is simply living for You, teach me to consider my life worth nothing! Thank You, O Lord for allowing my heart to be so tender before You.

Worth nothing…

2005-03-21T00:30:00.000+08:00

At Spiritual Multiplier Fellowship on Thursday night, one of the questions that I set, I need to answer. Which is your favorite verse or passage in the Bible? And why? I was doing the Communication Bible Study with my church, something like Bible Study Fellowship. We are doing the Book of Acts, this verse is something that I hold on to.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” – Acts 20:24.

I find it hard to consider my life worth nothing, because of how can I worth my life nothing and yet not being able to submit to the Lord Almighty every aspect of my life? This is something that I felt it is hard to let go, and let God, to trust and obey, there’s no other way. Surrendering is always and still be the hardest part of my life.

All that I am, all that I have, I lay them down before You, O Lord. All my regrets, all my acclaim, the joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours.

Lord, I offer my life to You. Everything I’ve been through, use it for Your Glory. Lord, I offer my days to You, lifting my praise to You, as a pleasing sacrifice. Lord, I offer You my life.

Things in the past, things yet unseen. Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true. All of my hopes, all of my plans. My heart and my hands are lifted to You.

What can we give that You have not given, And what do we have that is not already Yours. All we possess are these lives we're living, And that's what we give to You, Lord. Lord, I offer You my life.

I was like going to cry when I am singing this song, this was one of the songs that ministered and reminded me of my calling, to offer my life as a pleasing and willing sacrifice. To give up everything for the Lord is hard, but i am willing, are you?

On Saturday evening, I went for a game of basketball. I had so much fun, as I control the game, as a ball controller. A thinker who set the play for each basket, each shot, and each lay up. I felt great about the whole game, knowing that after one week of sideline due to my left ankle.

Oh, before I forgot, thank you all for praying for me, when I injured my ankle, really appreciate you all!!! =). Having control much of the game, my team was able to win most of the game, as we play for two to three hours all the way. What can I say, I was just too please about myself and achievement, to be playing with a half fitness ankle. =).

But when I reach home, I realized that I am back into reality, my life; my mum’s expectations about me became so real that I always broke down. I realized that my mum’s expectations of me is getting higher, she did not talk to me about my job, but I knew that she wanted me to quit this job of mine. Cause she said that if I can’t support her financially, she would rather me quit. I know I will not quit, quitting isn’t me! This is my burden, hope to share with you guys and make it lighten as you pray for me. Thank u. =).

Lust can’t wait to get, True love can’t wait to give.

2005-03-17T00:14:00.000+08:00

What do we hunger for? Love? Why is that so? All people from all ages, from all different kind of shapes and sizes want to be love. Surely there is a reason behind all these. Why is the real reason? Is there a motive about our love for someone? Why we go after someone we love?

Love? What is love?

Love is not selfish. Love is self-sacrificial. Love is worth the waiting no matter how long. Love is all about giving 100% and not expecting anything in return, giving your best no matter how much it takes. Love can be feel by heart and not by sight. Love is willing to let go. Love is all about the other partner, not self. Love is teaching and rebuke with the right mindset. Love can only be seen when no one is watching. Love is just sharing all that you have, even your last penny. Love is when the father disciplines the son. Love is just being you. Love is not about receiving, but it is about accepting. Love is being the first to embrace and not the first to throw the stone.

Why when we love someone, people always said that you like her beauty, her appearance and worst of all, for lust? Why can’t loving someone be pure? Really like about her inner beauty, how she treat people, have a heart for old people, a passion for God, for her being simple, how she present herself in front of people, her manners, for being herself! There is so many good points about her, why only her beauty? Does beauty matter? How long can beauty last? If it can last forever, then I would consider as a factor, but NO, I would never even think about it, even it last forever.

I love to be myself; I love you for being just you. Be someone else for her, is it all worth it? But I am not who I am, I thought that being me is enough. Thank God for his love, that loving me just as I am, no string attached, no motive, He just LOVE ME.

Loving someone involve commitment, are you?

2005-03-14T09:50:00.000+08:00

What does it mean to be committed to someone or pledge your love to someone. Who am I committed to? And why? And for what?

I have been thinking a lot, thinking about my future, am I able to provide for my family even before I ORD? Someone ask me this: "Am I able to buy a house? ", but my respond is the Lord will provide for me and my household to purchase a house, but buying a car for the transportation of my family is the challenge.

My heart and mind just went wild for a moment; I know that I will be in the business world, doing sales or even marketing, for I know this is my passion. I believe that I will be able to earn enough or making more as I am determined to success. Why am I so determined? Because I love my family, knowing that being a bread winner is not an easy job, but how can I let my family be in hunger?

So who am I committed to now? Who deserves my love, my life, my all? There can be only one answer, the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ and my heavenly Father, the Almighty Lord.

Why the Lord Almighty? Instead of someone else I love, someone in this whole wide world, who I really treasure?

But how can I love someone who is not perfect in this world, and not love the One who is perfect? My stand now, is to love the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul.

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? - Luke 9:23-25

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot

Loving someone involve commitment, are you?

just want to journal my thoughts...

2005-03-11T23:54:00.000+08:00

for me, i just want to share with you, my thoughts, my views, my reading and my life. hope that you understand my language, not perfext english, but simple english, just like me.