No summary of the prophets would be complete apart from one last message: their loud insistence that the world will not end in “universal final defeat,” but in Joy. Their voices soar like songbirds’ when the prophets turn at last to describe the joy beyond the walls of the world. In that final day, God will roll up the earth like a carpet and weave it anew. There will be no fear then, and no pain. No infants will dies; no tears will fall. Among the nations, peace will flow like a river and armies will melt their weapons into farm tools. No one will complain about the hiddenness of God in that day. His glory will fill the earth, and the sun will seem dim by contrast.
Human history is not an end in itself but a transition time, a parenthesis between Eden and the new heaven and new earths till to be formed by God. Even when everything seems out of control, God is firmly in control, and someday will assert himself.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I need you...
let my words, and my heart honour You Lord in all of my life. let Your power shine in me, let the Church be Your light in this world.
Lord when i'm weak You are strong, when in need I know that You are everything, You are all that I long for.
I need You, more than words can say. More and more each day, Jesus I love You. I need You, more than life itself. Jesus I will worship You forevermore.
You're worthy of all my praise, Name above every name. I exalt You, I exalt You.
"hallelujah, you have won the victory. hallelujah, you have won it all for me. death could not hold You down, You are the risen King. Seated in Majesty, You are the risen King."
Lord when i'm weak You are strong, when in need I know that You are everything, You are all that I long for.
I need You, more than words can say. More and more each day, Jesus I love You. I need You, more than life itself. Jesus I will worship You forevermore.
You're worthy of all my praise, Name above every name. I exalt You, I exalt You.
"hallelujah, you have won the victory. hallelujah, you have won it all for me. death could not hold You down, You are the risen King. Seated in Majesty, You are the risen King."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
25 august 2008
only You can mend the broken heart
and cause the blind to see
Your grace completes the sinners path
and set the captives free
only You can take the widow's cry
and cause her heart to sing
be the father to the fatherless
our Savior and our King
God be my solution in this battle, be my solution in the trials that i face, be my solution in everything that i do. may it be for Your glory and not mine, may Your face shine upon this journey that i take cos You are the SOLUTION! amen! :)
and cause the blind to see
Your grace completes the sinners path
and set the captives free
only You can take the widow's cry
and cause her heart to sing
be the father to the fatherless
our Savior and our King
God be my solution in this battle, be my solution in the trials that i face, be my solution in everything that i do. may it be for Your glory and not mine, may Your face shine upon this journey that i take cos You are the SOLUTION! amen! :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
deep of your grace
Verse 1:
You are the Shepherd
Giving what I could not afford
Leaving the many
You sought to find me Lord
Verse 2:
I will remember
You are the reason for my song
Blessed Redeemer
You love me as Your own
Chorus:
In the deep of Your grace
All my sins are washed away
Here I know the power of forgiveness
Here I know the power of Your blood
Bridge:
All I am
will I lay down
All I have
before Your cross Lord
open my eyes
Verse 1:
Saviour of my soul
I worship You as God alone
Greater love has made a way to You
Verse 2:
I could not forget
The moment I in faith confessed
For my sin You died and rose again
PreChorus:
I believe every word You say
Father God with all my heart I sing
Chorus:
Open my eyes
I want to see Your glory, Your glory Lord
I open my ears
I want to be closer, closer to You
Verse 3:
Here I am again
I find my strength in drawing near
You have heard the desperate cry in me
Bridge:
And as I wait on You my God
I'll know the voice of truth
In quietness I am in awe
And as I worship You my Lord
I understand the cross
The sacrifice of God
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
the state of worry
You may have heard lately in the news and all over the media that people are now being more addicted to stuff like alcohol, gambling, drugs and a host of other worldly things. But did you know that you can be "addicted" to worry??
There are people who are very much "addicted" to worrying over their lives, and when they can't find their own stuff to worry about, they'll start worrying about their friends, relatives, family, neighbours etc.
Worry is defined as feeling uneasy, troubled, anxious or distressed. Worry can also mean being plagued by nagging concerns. And even worrying may sometimes be described as tormenting oneself with disturbing thoughts!!
In Matt 6:25-27, Jesus warned against this kind of worry. He instructs, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you no much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
It might do us all some good to do some bird-watching once in a while and to take good notice of how well our little feathered friends are being cared for. They don't have a clue where their next meal is coming from or when they'll get it. And yet, I've never seen a sparrow sitting on a tree branch and having a nervous breakdown due to worry?!
I know that we sometimes struggle with low self-image, but surely you can believe that you're way more valuable than a bird right?! haha. And look at how well our Heavenly Father takes good care of them. What's more, God delights in giving His children good things. But we won't be able to receive and enjoy these things if we are so occupied by worry. If we focus on worrying about tomorrow, we can't live and celebrate today.
Here are just 3 counter-weapons that I use personally when I face worry:
1. SPEAK THE WORD. I highly recommend speaking God's Word out loud, when worry encroaches your territory. You might feel like this isn't your personal spiritual style, or you might feel weird reciting or reading a Scripture passage aloud. But try it! After all, the Bible is described as a sword, and during an attack, a sword won't do you any good in its sheath. For example, you might want to encourage yourself by reciting the most famous verse of all (to me at least haha!) 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you."
2. TOSS WORRIES TO GOD The devil will try his very best to hand you lots of worries and stress to make you feel lousy; fortunately, you are under NO obligation to hang on to them! Remember my friends the verse 1 Peter 5:7 in which we cast all our anxieties on God. When you read that, you might have thought of "casting" in the sense of laying something at God's feet (that's what I used to think ;]) That's a nice image haha! But it's not what the Bible means here. IN this case to cast worries means to HURL THEM LIKE FASTBALLS. Don't hang on to worries. Don't even try to say, "Hmmm maybe the next time I go to church or cell, then I'm going to hand these worries off to God." Don't wait guys! Pick them up and fire them God's way. Believe me; He can catch them, and He know what to do with them. And trust me this method works!
3. REST IN GOD. Two artists were asked to paint pictures of peace. One painted a picture of a serene nature scene, with a still lake as its focal point. While the other, painted a tree branch extended over a raging, rushing waterfall. Perched in the branch was a small bird in its nest, resting in the security of its home. The bird seemed to understand that in its nest, it was safe from the danger below. Now you may be wondering which picture represents peace and rest? The second one! Think about it. The first picture is static, stagnant. The second one truly depicts peace, because there can be no peace without opposition. God won't remove all opposition from your life, but He can give you a sense of rest and peace in the midst of life's raging storms. So (whoever is reading this), rest in God's love and His plan for your life. He will meet your needs!
(Heavenly Father, I thank You for providing peace and rest into my life. I pray that You will help me always as I continue to walk with You that You will help me to overcome the fear of worry and deception, and that You will also be able to help me to throw the worries which I have unto Your feet for You said in Your Word that we cast all our anxieties on You for You care and love us so deeply. I thank You Lord for being with me all the time. I love You and I thank You Father. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
P.S: to anyone who is reading this, please leave a comment behind just below this post or just a note so that I will know who have read it. Till then, God bless!
There are people who are very much "addicted" to worrying over their lives, and when they can't find their own stuff to worry about, they'll start worrying about their friends, relatives, family, neighbours etc.
Worry is defined as feeling uneasy, troubled, anxious or distressed. Worry can also mean being plagued by nagging concerns. And even worrying may sometimes be described as tormenting oneself with disturbing thoughts!!
In Matt 6:25-27, Jesus warned against this kind of worry. He instructs, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you no much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
It might do us all some good to do some bird-watching once in a while and to take good notice of how well our little feathered friends are being cared for. They don't have a clue where their next meal is coming from or when they'll get it. And yet, I've never seen a sparrow sitting on a tree branch and having a nervous breakdown due to worry?!
I know that we sometimes struggle with low self-image, but surely you can believe that you're way more valuable than a bird right?! haha. And look at how well our Heavenly Father takes good care of them. What's more, God delights in giving His children good things. But we won't be able to receive and enjoy these things if we are so occupied by worry. If we focus on worrying about tomorrow, we can't live and celebrate today.
Here are just 3 counter-weapons that I use personally when I face worry:
1. SPEAK THE WORD. I highly recommend speaking God's Word out loud, when worry encroaches your territory. You might feel like this isn't your personal spiritual style, or you might feel weird reciting or reading a Scripture passage aloud. But try it! After all, the Bible is described as a sword, and during an attack, a sword won't do you any good in its sheath. For example, you might want to encourage yourself by reciting the most famous verse of all (to me at least haha!) 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you."
2. TOSS WORRIES TO GOD The devil will try his very best to hand you lots of worries and stress to make you feel lousy; fortunately, you are under NO obligation to hang on to them! Remember my friends the verse 1 Peter 5:7 in which we cast all our anxieties on God. When you read that, you might have thought of "casting" in the sense of laying something at God's feet (that's what I used to think ;]) That's a nice image haha! But it's not what the Bible means here. IN this case to cast worries means to HURL THEM LIKE FASTBALLS. Don't hang on to worries. Don't even try to say, "Hmmm maybe the next time I go to church or cell, then I'm going to hand these worries off to God." Don't wait guys! Pick them up and fire them God's way. Believe me; He can catch them, and He know what to do with them. And trust me this method works!
3. REST IN GOD. Two artists were asked to paint pictures of peace. One painted a picture of a serene nature scene, with a still lake as its focal point. While the other, painted a tree branch extended over a raging, rushing waterfall. Perched in the branch was a small bird in its nest, resting in the security of its home. The bird seemed to understand that in its nest, it was safe from the danger below. Now you may be wondering which picture represents peace and rest? The second one! Think about it. The first picture is static, stagnant. The second one truly depicts peace, because there can be no peace without opposition. God won't remove all opposition from your life, but He can give you a sense of rest and peace in the midst of life's raging storms. So (whoever is reading this), rest in God's love and His plan for your life. He will meet your needs!
(Heavenly Father, I thank You for providing peace and rest into my life. I pray that You will help me always as I continue to walk with You that You will help me to overcome the fear of worry and deception, and that You will also be able to help me to throw the worries which I have unto Your feet for You said in Your Word that we cast all our anxieties on You for You care and love us so deeply. I thank You Lord for being with me all the time. I love You and I thank You Father. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
P.S: to anyone who is reading this, please leave a comment behind just below this post or just a note so that I will know who have read it. Till then, God bless!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
beautiful
Had a huge amount of time spent with my Lord today, and this is some of the important parts that spoke to me during this AWESOME time! cheers =)
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matt 7:2)
THOUGHT:
Jesus is concerned that we must not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something. We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us. I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love. I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others as I'm trusting that God is going to be gracious with me. Amen!
(Abba Father, forgive me for the times that I've been far more critical of others than I should be. Arouse within me a passion to be gracious toward others so that they can see your graciousness shining through me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.)
God bless!
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matt 7:2)
THOUGHT:
Jesus is concerned that we must not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something. We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us. I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love. I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others as I'm trusting that God is going to be gracious with me. Amen!
(Abba Father, forgive me for the times that I've been far more critical of others than I should be. Arouse within me a passion to be gracious toward others so that they can see your graciousness shining through me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.)
God bless!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afficted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace upon him, and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED!"
-Isaiah 53:1-5
(Father God, I thank You for my being my strong tower and my refuge, someone who I can always look unto for confort and strength. Lord You see the hearts of the people living in this world, Lord many have hurt You and have put Your name to shame, but many too have listened and obeyed Your laws and teachings. Father I pray with my utmost sincerity and gratitude from deep within my heart, Lord please don't pass them by! I believe Lord, You are my Healer, I believe that You are all I need, I believe that You are my portion and I believe that You're more than enough for me. Jesus You are all that I need. I love You Father, and I long to see Your kingdom come on to this world. Keep Your children safe, protect them and heal them from any disease and sickness. For BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED! Amen!)
-Isaiah 53:1-5
(Father God, I thank You for my being my strong tower and my refuge, someone who I can always look unto for confort and strength. Lord You see the hearts of the people living in this world, Lord many have hurt You and have put Your name to shame, but many too have listened and obeyed Your laws and teachings. Father I pray with my utmost sincerity and gratitude from deep within my heart, Lord please don't pass them by! I believe Lord, You are my Healer, I believe that You are all I need, I believe that You are my portion and I believe that You're more than enough for me. Jesus You are all that I need. I love You Father, and I long to see Your kingdom come on to this world. Keep Your children safe, protect them and heal them from any disease and sickness. For BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED! Amen!)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
all for love
I was lost and You saved me
I was blind and You made me see
I was broken and You healed me
And now I'm FREE!
cheers! =)
I was blind and You made me see
I was broken and You healed me
And now I'm FREE!
cheers! =)
Monday, June 23, 2008
Obedience is the key to real faith - the unshakable kind of faith so powerfully illustrated by Job's life. Job lost his home, his family (except his wife), his health, and even his hope.
This is real faith: believing and acting obediently regardless of circumstances or contrary evidence. After all, if faith depended on visible evidence, it wouldn't be faith.
For me personally, i find it a little absurd as us Christians to constantly seek new demonstrations of God's power, to expect a miraculous answer to every need which leads to only faith in miracles rather than the Maker.
True faith depends not just upon mysterious signs, celestial fireworks, or grandiose dispensations from a God who is seen as a rich, benevolent Dad; true faith, as Job understood, rests on the assurance that God is who he really is. Indeed, on that we must be willing to stake our very lives for the cause of Christ.
In Romans 9:16-21, Paul says that just as the potter has the power over the clay, so God molds us and makes us and holds us in his mighty hand. He brings into being that which was not. He can stoop down in the dust of the earth and pick up lumps of clay and breathe the breath of life into it until it walks and talks like a natural man. The Potter has creative power and strength.
But more, the Potter has RE-creative power. Jeremiah says that sometimes the pot is married in the potter's hand. Sometimes the pot does not do what it was designed to do. But the potter just takes it, breaks it, molds it, and makes it what he would have wanted it to be. I'm glad to know that when I'm marred and broken, the Lord is not through with me yet. I wand him to re-create me into the form of his will.
This is real faith: believing and acting obediently regardless of circumstances or contrary evidence. After all, if faith depended on visible evidence, it wouldn't be faith.
For me personally, i find it a little absurd as us Christians to constantly seek new demonstrations of God's power, to expect a miraculous answer to every need which leads to only faith in miracles rather than the Maker.
True faith depends not just upon mysterious signs, celestial fireworks, or grandiose dispensations from a God who is seen as a rich, benevolent Dad; true faith, as Job understood, rests on the assurance that God is who he really is. Indeed, on that we must be willing to stake our very lives for the cause of Christ.
In Romans 9:16-21, Paul says that just as the potter has the power over the clay, so God molds us and makes us and holds us in his mighty hand. He brings into being that which was not. He can stoop down in the dust of the earth and pick up lumps of clay and breathe the breath of life into it until it walks and talks like a natural man. The Potter has creative power and strength.
But more, the Potter has RE-creative power. Jeremiah says that sometimes the pot is married in the potter's hand. Sometimes the pot does not do what it was designed to do. But the potter just takes it, breaks it, molds it, and makes it what he would have wanted it to be. I'm glad to know that when I'm marred and broken, the Lord is not through with me yet. I wand him to re-create me into the form of his will.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
waiting on you again
Verse 1:
I've been down this road so many times before
And here I am on this road again
I'm asking for mercy in spite of my sin
Oh Lord, You are the only One who loves me this way
Chorus:
Here I am
Here I am
Waiting on you again
Waiting on you again
Verse 2:
Lord Your faithful love is watching over me
Though I often try and turn the other way
But now I come in surrender to Your unchanging grace
Oh Lord, You are the only One who loves me this way
I've been down this road so many times before
And here I am on this road again
I'm asking for mercy in spite of my sin
Oh Lord, You are the only One who loves me this way
Chorus:
Here I am
Here I am
Waiting on you again
Waiting on you again
Verse 2:
Lord Your faithful love is watching over me
Though I often try and turn the other way
But now I come in surrender to Your unchanging grace
Oh Lord, You are the only One who loves me this way
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
the river of the Holy Spirit
have you ever been in a situation in which you wake up one morning, walk the road of life that we always do and suddenly fall into a deep and dark situation and feel as though that there's no way out?
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me...streams of water will flow within him" (John 7:38). This refers not to water but to the Holy Spirit who, when turned loose in our lives, strengthens, grows and gives us vibrancy. As we allow the Holy Spirit to proceed from God and grow stronger, deeper, wider, and more persuasive, our spiritual and physical person takes on a new, eternal and abundant life. Only as we allow the Holy Spirit to flow in out thoughts, emotions, will, desires, dispositions, actions and activities does spiritual transformation take place. Then people can look at us in the midst of tribulation and say, "I think I see the Son of God." Our captors can look in the fiery furnaces and see us walk in confidence as we are accompanied by the fourth man.
I want God's waters to flow deeply and widely and expansively throughout this being of mine. I want the river of the Holy Spirit to so fill and guide me that I become a remote temple from which a branch of God's river can flow. I pray that God will let the waters flow in me, as I pray you will ask God to let His waters flow in you.
God bless! :)
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me...streams of water will flow within him" (John 7:38). This refers not to water but to the Holy Spirit who, when turned loose in our lives, strengthens, grows and gives us vibrancy. As we allow the Holy Spirit to proceed from God and grow stronger, deeper, wider, and more persuasive, our spiritual and physical person takes on a new, eternal and abundant life. Only as we allow the Holy Spirit to flow in out thoughts, emotions, will, desires, dispositions, actions and activities does spiritual transformation take place. Then people can look at us in the midst of tribulation and say, "I think I see the Son of God." Our captors can look in the fiery furnaces and see us walk in confidence as we are accompanied by the fourth man.
I want God's waters to flow deeply and widely and expansively throughout this being of mine. I want the river of the Holy Spirit to so fill and guide me that I become a remote temple from which a branch of God's river can flow. I pray that God will let the waters flow in me, as I pray you will ask God to let His waters flow in you.
God bless! :)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
the shadow proves the sunshine
Sunshine, won't you be my mother
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
We are crooked souls trying to stay up straight,
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Shine on me,
Shadow proves the sunshine
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
We are crooked souls trying to stay up straight,
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared that I'll run always
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Yeah Yeah, shine on me
Shine on me,
Shadow proves the sunshine
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
living the Christ-like life
Once, there was a young boy who asked his Dad one day, "Dad, how does a Christian look like?"
The father answered, "A Christian is someone who is like Jesus. He is caring, patient, loving and kind."
"Dad, can you show me someone like that?" the child asked.
Well how mnay of us, like the father (in the story), have shortchanged others of their opportunity to see and experience God through us, His ambassador?
People have certain expectations of Christians. So does God. He expects us to grow and glow - grow in maturity in Christ and glow (shine) for Jesus. And He gave us instructions and guidance through His word and practical help through the Holy Spirit and other disciples of Christ around us.
As a tree is recognised by its fruits, so a Christian is also known by the fruit he bears. God showed me in Galatians 5:22 what the fruit really is:
LOVE
Lord, help me love you and others the way you love me, unconditionally. I choose not to let prejudices and psat experiences dictate the way I interact with people.
JOY
Father, you are the God of all circumstances. Because of this, I have every reason to rejoice in you even when the going gets tough.
PEACE
Lord, thank You for accepting me and forgiving me of my sins. As I live forgiven, may I also live at peace with others, even those who trespass against me.
PATIENCE
When things do not happen the way I wanted, Lord, help me face them with courage and patience. Help me overlook the inconveniences of this world, and to lay down my rights when I am tempted to complain.
KINDNESS
Lord, help me show kindness to people, especially those who do not deserve it, for this is how you have treated me.
GOODNESS
Lord, I devote myself to doing what is good, for it is excellent and profitable for everyone.
FAITHFULNESS
Lord, help me keep to my promises - that my debtors will not regret my trust, my friends will not question my word, and my family will not question my love for them.
GENTLENESS
Lord, help me remember that nothing is won by force. Therefore, if I raise my voice, let it only be in praise. If I ever clench my fist, let it only be in prayer.
SELF CONTROL
Lord, thank You for Your saving grace which teaches me to say "NO" to ungodliness and to live a self-controlled, upright and Godly life.
Father God, hear my cry Lord. Thank You for teaching me how to live this life the way it should be like. Lord I know that I have my own failures and flaws, but Lord I know that all my sins have been forgiven and they are no longer counted worthy. I thank You again for reminding me of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatian 5:22, that I may be loving, joyful in every circumstance, at peace, patient with others, kind, able to devote myself to what is good, able to have faith, able to be gentle to people, and able to have control over my self. I pray that You help me each and every single day to live up these fruits that I may be more like You, walking and following You all the days of my life. Thank You Jesus! =)
The father answered, "A Christian is someone who is like Jesus. He is caring, patient, loving and kind."
"Dad, can you show me someone like that?" the child asked.
Well how mnay of us, like the father (in the story), have shortchanged others of their opportunity to see and experience God through us, His ambassador?
People have certain expectations of Christians. So does God. He expects us to grow and glow - grow in maturity in Christ and glow (shine) for Jesus. And He gave us instructions and guidance through His word and practical help through the Holy Spirit and other disciples of Christ around us.
As a tree is recognised by its fruits, so a Christian is also known by the fruit he bears. God showed me in Galatians 5:22 what the fruit really is:
LOVE
Lord, help me love you and others the way you love me, unconditionally. I choose not to let prejudices and psat experiences dictate the way I interact with people.
JOY
Father, you are the God of all circumstances. Because of this, I have every reason to rejoice in you even when the going gets tough.
PEACE
Lord, thank You for accepting me and forgiving me of my sins. As I live forgiven, may I also live at peace with others, even those who trespass against me.
PATIENCE
When things do not happen the way I wanted, Lord, help me face them with courage and patience. Help me overlook the inconveniences of this world, and to lay down my rights when I am tempted to complain.
KINDNESS
Lord, help me show kindness to people, especially those who do not deserve it, for this is how you have treated me.
GOODNESS
Lord, I devote myself to doing what is good, for it is excellent and profitable for everyone.
FAITHFULNESS
Lord, help me keep to my promises - that my debtors will not regret my trust, my friends will not question my word, and my family will not question my love for them.
GENTLENESS
Lord, help me remember that nothing is won by force. Therefore, if I raise my voice, let it only be in praise. If I ever clench my fist, let it only be in prayer.
SELF CONTROL
Lord, thank You for Your saving grace which teaches me to say "NO" to ungodliness and to live a self-controlled, upright and Godly life.
Father God, hear my cry Lord. Thank You for teaching me how to live this life the way it should be like. Lord I know that I have my own failures and flaws, but Lord I know that all my sins have been forgiven and they are no longer counted worthy. I thank You again for reminding me of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatian 5:22, that I may be loving, joyful in every circumstance, at peace, patient with others, kind, able to devote myself to what is good, able to have faith, able to be gentle to people, and able to have control over my self. I pray that You help me each and every single day to live up these fruits that I may be more like You, walking and following You all the days of my life. Thank You Jesus! =)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
rudy: this is home
i guess right this is the only song that can describe the place i am now =)
I've got my memories
They're always inside of me
But I can't go back, back to how it was
I believe now, I've seen too much
But I can't go back, back to how it was
Created for a place I've never known
[Chorus]:
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong,
where I belong
Yeah this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home,
Yeah this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back, back to how it was
And I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide it's not over yet
We are miracles
and we're not alone
[chorus]
And now after all my searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I'm gonna call it home
[chorus]
Now I know
Yeah this is home
I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home.
I've got my memories
They're always inside of me
But I can't go back, back to how it was
I believe now, I've seen too much
But I can't go back, back to how it was
Created for a place I've never known
[Chorus]:
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong,
where I belong
Yeah this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home,
Yeah this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back, back to how it was
And I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide it's not over yet
We are miracles
and we're not alone
[chorus]
And now after all my searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I'm gonna call it home
[chorus]
Now I know
Yeah this is home
I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
secret place
hey things have been working well with me over the past few days and weeks as well praise God! well have been kinda busy lately helping my friend on this endless music video recording project which i thought it would be completed in a day but NONONO and i'm still in the midst of doing it even after 5 days haha. but like what i said, a promise is a promise, so i'll continue doing for this person until i finish it (hopefully) >.<
was looking at some old books which i have in my cupboard and i realise that at least half of them i haven't read before and they are really old. hmmm maybe it's time i get away from this project and take a little peek into all these old books.
oh yea! i found this really cool "secret place" that is really far away from my house (which is why i called it my "secret place"), it's really quiet, distant from the city life, distant from friends and families (not that i don't want them, just need space) and i must say God really answered my prayer and He provided me with a quiet place where i can spend my life and my time alone with Him just sitting there and worshipping Him for who He is.
sometimes i seem far away from people, places and just the things that are happening. how i wish if life was the same before but of cos i don't really want that to happen, well mainly because it kinda brings no sense to it all even if i have a time travelling machine which will somehow take me back to those moments where i can enjoy happiness and joy, but that's impossible and i have to tell myself "hey amos don't look back anymore, be it the good or the bad, leave it all behind, look ahead to where God wants you to go, there no point in turning back now when you can't change it anymore, so be who God wants you to be!" but seriously, i still feel lost.
well am really tired now, still in the midst of the project for my friend, going to finish it soon i hope haha. gonna take a rest now. bye!
was looking at some old books which i have in my cupboard and i realise that at least half of them i haven't read before and they are really old. hmmm maybe it's time i get away from this project and take a little peek into all these old books.
oh yea! i found this really cool "secret place" that is really far away from my house (which is why i called it my "secret place"), it's really quiet, distant from the city life, distant from friends and families (not that i don't want them, just need space) and i must say God really answered my prayer and He provided me with a quiet place where i can spend my life and my time alone with Him just sitting there and worshipping Him for who He is.
sometimes i seem far away from people, places and just the things that are happening. how i wish if life was the same before but of cos i don't really want that to happen, well mainly because it kinda brings no sense to it all even if i have a time travelling machine which will somehow take me back to those moments where i can enjoy happiness and joy, but that's impossible and i have to tell myself "hey amos don't look back anymore, be it the good or the bad, leave it all behind, look ahead to where God wants you to go, there no point in turning back now when you can't change it anymore, so be who God wants you to be!" but seriously, i still feel lost.
well am really tired now, still in the midst of the project for my friend, going to finish it soon i hope haha. gonna take a rest now. bye!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
the river of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me ... streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:38). This refers not to water but to the Holy Sprit who, when turned loose in our lives, strengthens, grows, and gives us vibrancy. As we allos the Holy Spirit to proceed from God and grow stronger, deeper, wider, and more persuasive, our spiritual and physical person takes on a new, eternal, and abundant life. Only as we allow the Holy Spirit to flow in our thoughts, emotions, will, desires, dispositions, actions and activities does spiritual transformation take place. Then people can look at us in the midst of tribulation and say, "I think I see the Son of God." Our captors can look in the fiery furnaces and see us walk in confidence as we are accompanied by the fourth man.
I wan God's waters to flow deeply and widely and expansively throughout this being of yours and mine. I want the river of the Holy Spirit to so fill and guide me that I become a remote temple from which a branch of God's river can flow. I pray that God will let the waters flow in me, as I pray you will ask God to let His waters flow in you.
I wan God's waters to flow deeply and widely and expansively throughout this being of yours and mine. I want the river of the Holy Spirit to so fill and guide me that I become a remote temple from which a branch of God's river can flow. I pray that God will let the waters flow in me, as I pray you will ask God to let His waters flow in you.
the 3 things in life
3 things in life, that once gone, never gone back:
1. Time
2. Opportunity
3. Words
3 things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness
3 things in life that you should never lose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty
3 things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & friends
3. Kindness
3 things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Dreams
3. Success
3 things in life that make a person:
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work
3 things in life that are truly constant:
1. Father
2. Son
3. Holy Spirit
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and to protect you, as you go along His way. God's love is always with you, God's promises are always true, and when you cast all your cares to Him, you know that He will definitely see you through! God Bless You! =)
1. Time
2. Opportunity
3. Words
3 things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness
3 things in life that you should never lose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty
3 things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & friends
3. Kindness
3 things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Dreams
3. Success
3 things in life that make a person:
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work
3 things in life that are truly constant:
1. Father
2. Son
3. Holy Spirit
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and to protect you, as you go along His way. God's love is always with you, God's promises are always true, and when you cast all your cares to Him, you know that He will definitely see you through! God Bless You! =)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
pray without ceasing
Prayer is one of the unlimted resources available to each of us. In this bound-up world, prayer may be a lost art, but it is always the starting point when we move towards God. In prayer we set aside our agendas, letting God's priorities become our piorities, and we receive his resources.
You don't have to learn some special prayer jargon to start a conversation with God. Honesty and a willingness to establish a personal relationship with Him are the only initial requirements. God is looking for an opportunity to reveal himself to you, so if you put him to the test and then watch for an answer without to many preconceptions about how that answer will come, I can guarantee you that you'll be in for some exciting surprises.
God emphasizes the importance of prayer. Needs are supplied, problems solved, the impossible accomplished through prayer. Therefore we ought to pray. We may not feel like it, but we ought to. We may be discouraged, but we still ought to pray.
We are always to pray -- not merely when we have a need or only at some set of time, but always. The line to heaven is always open. We are sometimes prone to make our own plans or decisions before we pray, but we should pray about everything first.
Not only are we to pray, but we are not to faint. Perhaps we have been praying about something for a long time and do not see the answer. We may think God hasn't heard or doesn't care. However, we are not to faint!
You don't have to learn some special prayer jargon to start a conversation with God. Honesty and a willingness to establish a personal relationship with Him are the only initial requirements. God is looking for an opportunity to reveal himself to you, so if you put him to the test and then watch for an answer without to many preconceptions about how that answer will come, I can guarantee you that you'll be in for some exciting surprises.
God emphasizes the importance of prayer. Needs are supplied, problems solved, the impossible accomplished through prayer. Therefore we ought to pray. We may not feel like it, but we ought to. We may be discouraged, but we still ought to pray.
We are always to pray -- not merely when we have a need or only at some set of time, but always. The line to heaven is always open. We are sometimes prone to make our own plans or decisions before we pray, but we should pray about everything first.
Not only are we to pray, but we are not to faint. Perhaps we have been praying about something for a long time and do not see the answer. We may think God hasn't heard or doesn't care. However, we are not to faint!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
God's friends
How do you like your friends? Do you like them to be faithful, loyal, encouraging, thoughtful, caring, loving and kind? But how many of your friends have actually met up to such standards?
Friends are people, and people are not always faithful and kind. Just look at some of the people Jesus called his friends. Peter was always interrupting and telling Jesus what he should do. Then there was Mary Magdalene, whose sordid past was well known. Indecisive Thomas never stood up for his opinions. Then there was also Nicodemus, a "chicken" for not showing his face in the daytime.
These people had their own fair share of problems to face. Nevertheless, Jesus valued them as friends. He didn't expect them to be perfect; he expected them just to be themselves, faults and fine points together. And all he asked of them was their love. Love for him and for each other.
Perhaps you're the type who forgets appointments or birthdays. Housecleaning doesn't seem to top your piority list. You get intimidated easily and fail to stick up for your friends. Aren't you glad that none of these things disqualify you from your Lord's circle of friends?
Jesus says that you are his friend if you do two simple things: Love God and love others. cheers!
Friends are people, and people are not always faithful and kind. Just look at some of the people Jesus called his friends. Peter was always interrupting and telling Jesus what he should do. Then there was Mary Magdalene, whose sordid past was well known. Indecisive Thomas never stood up for his opinions. Then there was also Nicodemus, a "chicken" for not showing his face in the daytime.
These people had their own fair share of problems to face. Nevertheless, Jesus valued them as friends. He didn't expect them to be perfect; he expected them just to be themselves, faults and fine points together. And all he asked of them was their love. Love for him and for each other.
Perhaps you're the type who forgets appointments or birthdays. Housecleaning doesn't seem to top your piority list. You get intimidated easily and fail to stick up for your friends. Aren't you glad that none of these things disqualify you from your Lord's circle of friends?
Jesus says that you are his friend if you do two simple things: Love God and love others. cheers!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
be joyful in hope
I wondered why God asks us to be joyful in hope? I can understand why He reminds us to be faithful in prayer -- so many times in hardships we slack off in prayer. I can also understand why God asks us to be patient in affliction -- patience is hard to master when you're hurting.
But why does God say to be joyful in hope? Obviously, there must be many times when we lack joy in hope. Think about it for a moment. The focus of our hope is yet to be fulfilled; we don't yet possess that for which we hope. And you'll definitely agree with me that it's hard to be joyful about something we don't yet have!
Lying in bed, it hit home that God wants me to be joyful about future things. Just as we have the command to be faithful in prayer and patient in affliction, we have a command to be joyful in hope. How can God command joy? It's easy once we realize what's over the heavenly horizon.
Does the idea of heavenly glories above put a smile on your face? Do you get charge when you talk about the return of the Lord? Heaven will seem more near and real to you as you stir up your joy over that for which you hope. And remember, it's a command for your own good.
But why does God say to be joyful in hope? Obviously, there must be many times when we lack joy in hope. Think about it for a moment. The focus of our hope is yet to be fulfilled; we don't yet possess that for which we hope. And you'll definitely agree with me that it's hard to be joyful about something we don't yet have!
Lying in bed, it hit home that God wants me to be joyful about future things. Just as we have the command to be faithful in prayer and patient in affliction, we have a command to be joyful in hope. How can God command joy? It's easy once we realize what's over the heavenly horizon.
Does the idea of heavenly glories above put a smile on your face? Do you get charge when you talk about the return of the Lord? Heaven will seem more near and real to you as you stir up your joy over that for which you hope. And remember, it's a command for your own good.
Monday, April 14, 2008
the way of faith
God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith, and i believe that in our training in the faith life there must be room for the trial of faith, the discipline of faith, the patience of faith, the courage of faith; and often many stages are passed before we really realize what is the end of faith, namely, the victory of faith.
Real moral fiber is developed through discipline of faith. You have made your request of God, but the answer does not come. It happens to me sometimes, but what am I going to do?
Keep on believing God's Word; never be moved away from it by what you see or feel, and this as you stand strong, enlarged power and experience is being developed. Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfillment comes.
Abraham, Moses and Elijah were not great in the beginning, but were made great through the discipline of faith, and only thus were they fitted for the positions to which God has called them to.
When God has spoken of his purpose to do, and yet the days go on and he does not do it, that is truly hard; but it is a discipline of faith that will bring us into a knowledge of God which would otherwise be impossible.
Real moral fiber is developed through discipline of faith. You have made your request of God, but the answer does not come. It happens to me sometimes, but what am I going to do?
Keep on believing God's Word; never be moved away from it by what you see or feel, and this as you stand strong, enlarged power and experience is being developed. Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfillment comes.
Abraham, Moses and Elijah were not great in the beginning, but were made great through the discipline of faith, and only thus were they fitted for the positions to which God has called them to.
When God has spoken of his purpose to do, and yet the days go on and he does not do it, that is truly hard; but it is a discipline of faith that will bring us into a knowledge of God which would otherwise be impossible.
Friday, April 11, 2008
oh happy day!
The greatest day in history
Death is beaten You have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive!
The empty cross, the empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive!
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed
When I stand in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours, Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive!
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name!
Death is beaten You have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive!
The empty cross, the empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive!
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed
When I stand in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours, Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive!
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
what is the purpose of my life?
hey folks, this is just a summarised version of what i shared during class devotion today. enjoy!
i have recently been stumbled upon questions like what is the purpose of my life? what is the main reason that we are here for? in fact, life is just the preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my BODY -- but definitely not the end of me!
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions and trillions and trillions of years in eternity with God. This is just the "warm-up" act (or rather, the dress rehearsal). God wants us to practice on earth what we will do for eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make any sense. Life is a series of problems: you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. where are you at?
The main reason for this is because God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is interested in making your life holy than He is making you happy. We can be resonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in God's likeness.
This year has been one of the greatest beginnings, and it has also it's fair share of tough times. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. But now I don't believe in it anymore.
Rather than life just being hills and valleys and all other geographical landforms that you can think of, I believe that it's more of two rails on a railroad track, and at times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are, there's always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are, there's always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. which will you choose? If you just focus on your problems alone, you're going into the road of self-centeredness where everything is all about 'which is my problem? my issues? my pain etc.' But amazingly, one of the easiest way to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. We have to learn how to deal with the good and bad times we face in our lives.
I have heard of a story of Rick Warren, the author of the book 'Purpose Driven Life' and in one of his interviews he was talking about how God has helped him about the 'wealth' he received from this book, he said "Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, 2 Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72. First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free."
and just based on this short interview alone, i realised that we need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressure? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Pride? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes for my life?
I make it a habit (on top of my quiet-time) that when I get up in the morning, I will sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." Remember, God didn't put you and I here on this earth just to fulfill a to-do-list. He's much more interested in who you and I are than what you and I do. That's why we are called human beings and not human doings.
to end this of, just remember that in:
HAPPY MOMENTS --> PRAISE GOD!
DIFFICULT MOMENTS --> SEEK GOD!
QUIET MOMENTS --> WORSHIP GOD!
PAINFUL MOMENTS --> TRUST GOD!
EVERY MOMENT --> THANK GOD!
-take care and God bless! =)
i have recently been stumbled upon questions like what is the purpose of my life? what is the main reason that we are here for? in fact, life is just the preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my BODY -- but definitely not the end of me!
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions and trillions and trillions of years in eternity with God. This is just the "warm-up" act (or rather, the dress rehearsal). God wants us to practice on earth what we will do for eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make any sense. Life is a series of problems: you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. where are you at?
The main reason for this is because God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is interested in making your life holy than He is making you happy. We can be resonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in God's likeness.
This year has been one of the greatest beginnings, and it has also it's fair share of tough times. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. But now I don't believe in it anymore.
Rather than life just being hills and valleys and all other geographical landforms that you can think of, I believe that it's more of two rails on a railroad track, and at times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are, there's always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are, there's always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. which will you choose? If you just focus on your problems alone, you're going into the road of self-centeredness where everything is all about 'which is my problem? my issues? my pain etc.' But amazingly, one of the easiest way to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. We have to learn how to deal with the good and bad times we face in our lives.
I have heard of a story of Rick Warren, the author of the book 'Purpose Driven Life' and in one of his interviews he was talking about how God has helped him about the 'wealth' he received from this book, he said "Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, 2 Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72. First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free."
and just based on this short interview alone, i realised that we need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressure? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Pride? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes for my life?
I make it a habit (on top of my quiet-time) that when I get up in the morning, I will sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." Remember, God didn't put you and I here on this earth just to fulfill a to-do-list. He's much more interested in who you and I are than what you and I do. That's why we are called human beings and not human doings.
to end this of, just remember that in:
HAPPY MOMENTS --> PRAISE GOD!
DIFFICULT MOMENTS --> SEEK GOD!
QUIET MOMENTS --> WORSHIP GOD!
PAINFUL MOMENTS --> TRUST GOD!
EVERY MOMENT --> THANK GOD!
-take care and God bless! =)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
for the hope that burns in your eyes
you remind me of a time when we were so alive, do you remember that? do you remember that?
Saturday, March 8, 2008
why do u have to tell others about me!!!!
anw, to start this of, i've just received news that i am gonna be sent away for like don't know how many days. and the weirdest and the most STUPIDEST thing is that i still have no idea where i will be going, since it's suppose to be a surprise lol.
anw, today i went out with joee, liz, justin and japheth to eat at cathay - indulge! then went to minds cafe to play a game of BALDERDASH!!! it's really fun and hilarious! i still remember when we were suppose to come out with weird initials for S.P.O.O.F! liz came out with "Singapore Police Officers On Fire" haha, and mine was the most classic of all (by some people tsk!tsk!) "Speak Properly Old Oogoo Father!" hahaha. don't ask me why i came out with such weird and nonsensical answers cause i myself have no idea. it just came to my mind when it was read haha. spent almost 2 hours playing it so cool! i really hope that during cell chalet we will be able to play it, but after much thought, i realised that it will be quite impossible haha!
anw went to serangoon macs with japheth and liz just after the game to meet selwyn for supper. then we decided to stayover at his place since we have nothing to do the following day. went to a bar after that to chill till about 1am before we decided that we had enough of "fun" and then we head back to selwyn's house. we watched "3-minute meal" and i can tell you i laughed my toes off! hahaha it was really really funny and stupid of cos! just looking at how she cooks, i can tell you sometimes i feel guilty haha! (not that i follow all of her ways of cooking duh!)
after staying over, went to SOMA music school with liz and tim for their open house (for the last time, I DON'T OWN THAT SCHOOL!!!) and we attended the workshop on "How to produce an album" an also "The nuts and bolts of recording". learnt quite a couple of new stuff during the first workshop, but basically most of it was just simple common sense seriously. after that went to ps to chill till about 4 then we departed our own ways - tim went for gym, liz went camping, and i, just stayed at home and sleep! haha
later at night, went with a couple of JB to timbre to watch some gig and to just chill. it's a really wonderful experience and kinda romantic as well haha (says JB) but i kinda agree with him haha. watched a couple of jazz sets and i must say they are really good! and it's not like they are oldies who are playing but guess what! they are people who are like my age! haha! so talented man! haha. during one of the sets, one of the songs hit me real hard even though it wasn't ccm or what, but just listening to the lyrics and the way they arrange the song really makes me wonder about why are we living on this planet and not somewhere else? hmm. it was a really sad and emo song so much so that JB was at the back sobbing (awww)... but really it was.
spent a few hours there just chilling and soaking under the music till we decided that it was time to depart.
went home and straight into my room to just lie down again and ponder about what had happened during the start of this year till now, and i realised that it was a real roller coaster ride for me! why? for simple reasons, we are not perfect!
as i was pondering through what had happened and also after spending quality time talking to God, i've realised that the reason why i felt this way and why it happened is bcos of the way things have been revealed to us. i won't say who's in the right or who's in the wrong, but one thing for sure is that when we stand on His word, we will never fall!
talked to JB again on the phone cos he felt bored and lonely, didn't really crack much jokes like we always do, but we went to talk about more serious stuff. dead serious! we talk about things in which really questions ourselves on whether can "gravity" keep us together on this planet (not physical gravity duh!). maybe u guys might not understand (wait a minute! i don't think "you" are reading my blog right?) cos it's kinda.... i dunno haha.. anw, it was a question which came to JB's mind when i was telling him briefly how has my life been from the start of the year till now. and i was kinda stunned by it really haha. this thought never came to my mind before but kinda thinking about it, yea, are you sure this is what that's keeping us in this way? not that i'm trying to ponder about something else but really, is it?
it was really fun just talking to JB and just pouring out my emotions and stuff to him like a garbage bag haha. it really did help ALOT! thanks bro! =) i'm truly blessed to have JB around at times like this. He's words of encouragement really lightens up my spirit and my mood! "NO MORE THINKING AMOS!! CONCENTRATE! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! STAY STRONG! STAY STRONG!", "WHATEVER THAT HAS PASSED BY BE IT GOOD OR BAD, LET IT GO, LET GO OF ALL THESE FEARS!!"
so looking forward to cell chalet this thurs!
-and to you, i still care.
anw, to start this of, i've just received news that i am gonna be sent away for like don't know how many days. and the weirdest and the most STUPIDEST thing is that i still have no idea where i will be going, since it's suppose to be a surprise lol.
anw, today i went out with joee, liz, justin and japheth to eat at cathay - indulge! then went to minds cafe to play a game of BALDERDASH!!! it's really fun and hilarious! i still remember when we were suppose to come out with weird initials for S.P.O.O.F! liz came out with "Singapore Police Officers On Fire" haha, and mine was the most classic of all (by some people tsk!tsk!) "Speak Properly Old Oogoo Father!" hahaha. don't ask me why i came out with such weird and nonsensical answers cause i myself have no idea. it just came to my mind when it was read haha. spent almost 2 hours playing it so cool! i really hope that during cell chalet we will be able to play it, but after much thought, i realised that it will be quite impossible haha!
anw went to serangoon macs with japheth and liz just after the game to meet selwyn for supper. then we decided to stayover at his place since we have nothing to do the following day. went to a bar after that to chill till about 1am before we decided that we had enough of "fun" and then we head back to selwyn's house. we watched "3-minute meal" and i can tell you i laughed my toes off! hahaha it was really really funny and stupid of cos! just looking at how she cooks, i can tell you sometimes i feel guilty haha! (not that i follow all of her ways of cooking duh!)
after staying over, went to SOMA music school with liz and tim for their open house (for the last time, I DON'T OWN THAT SCHOOL!!!) and we attended the workshop on "How to produce an album" an also "The nuts and bolts of recording". learnt quite a couple of new stuff during the first workshop, but basically most of it was just simple common sense seriously. after that went to ps to chill till about 4 then we departed our own ways - tim went for gym, liz went camping, and i, just stayed at home and sleep! haha
later at night, went with a couple of JB to timbre to watch some gig and to just chill. it's a really wonderful experience and kinda romantic as well haha (says JB) but i kinda agree with him haha. watched a couple of jazz sets and i must say they are really good! and it's not like they are oldies who are playing but guess what! they are people who are like my age! haha! so talented man! haha. during one of the sets, one of the songs hit me real hard even though it wasn't ccm or what, but just listening to the lyrics and the way they arrange the song really makes me wonder about why are we living on this planet and not somewhere else? hmm. it was a really sad and emo song so much so that JB was at the back sobbing (awww)... but really it was.
spent a few hours there just chilling and soaking under the music till we decided that it was time to depart.
went home and straight into my room to just lie down again and ponder about what had happened during the start of this year till now, and i realised that it was a real roller coaster ride for me! why? for simple reasons, we are not perfect!
as i was pondering through what had happened and also after spending quality time talking to God, i've realised that the reason why i felt this way and why it happened is bcos of the way things have been revealed to us. i won't say who's in the right or who's in the wrong, but one thing for sure is that when we stand on His word, we will never fall!
talked to JB again on the phone cos he felt bored and lonely, didn't really crack much jokes like we always do, but we went to talk about more serious stuff. dead serious! we talk about things in which really questions ourselves on whether can "gravity" keep us together on this planet (not physical gravity duh!). maybe u guys might not understand (wait a minute! i don't think "you" are reading my blog right?) cos it's kinda.... i dunno haha.. anw, it was a question which came to JB's mind when i was telling him briefly how has my life been from the start of the year till now. and i was kinda stunned by it really haha. this thought never came to my mind before but kinda thinking about it, yea, are you sure this is what that's keeping us in this way? not that i'm trying to ponder about something else but really, is it?
it was really fun just talking to JB and just pouring out my emotions and stuff to him like a garbage bag haha. it really did help ALOT! thanks bro! =) i'm truly blessed to have JB around at times like this. He's words of encouragement really lightens up my spirit and my mood! "NO MORE THINKING AMOS!! CONCENTRATE! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! STAY STRONG! STAY STRONG!", "WHATEVER THAT HAS PASSED BY BE IT GOOD OR BAD, LET IT GO, LET GO OF ALL THESE FEARS!!"
so looking forward to cell chalet this thurs!
-and to you, i still care.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
rebuild!
hey guys...decided to post this song which really stirs up a hunger in me to follow the builder all the way home... this song is called "rebuild!"
Watching the world with my highway eyes
Watching the world from the windows that I've known (ohh)
These mobile homes (ohh)
Loneliness was a friend of mine
But with you that's through and I feel home (ohh)
Away from home (ohh)
Away from home
Away from home
Ohh-aay-ohh we're the regeneration
Ohh-aay-ohh with time to kill
Ohh-aay-ohh we're the regeneration
Ohh-aay-ohh rebuild! rebuild!
You lit a fire in the pouring rain
But there's so many voices
Ohh! I get so cold! (ohh)
The city lights and the midnight train
I hate to say it but I get caught letting go (ohh)
Of the things i know (ohh)
Do not conform to this
Do not conform
Every life comes with a broken heart
Dying here to be made whole
We are the lost souls with the second start
Following the builder home
There's a temple I've found in the strangest parts
Where the stones are built of souls
Where the builder himself has promised,
"Love, I'm never going to let you go!"
-He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life to save us all! Jesus, I live for You! =)
Watching the world with my highway eyes
Watching the world from the windows that I've known (ohh)
These mobile homes (ohh)
Loneliness was a friend of mine
But with you that's through and I feel home (ohh)
Away from home (ohh)
Away from home
Away from home
Ohh-aay-ohh we're the regeneration
Ohh-aay-ohh with time to kill
Ohh-aay-ohh we're the regeneration
Ohh-aay-ohh rebuild! rebuild!
You lit a fire in the pouring rain
But there's so many voices
Ohh! I get so cold! (ohh)
The city lights and the midnight train
I hate to say it but I get caught letting go (ohh)
Of the things i know (ohh)
Do not conform to this
Do not conform
Every life comes with a broken heart
Dying here to be made whole
We are the lost souls with the second start
Following the builder home
There's a temple I've found in the strangest parts
Where the stones are built of souls
Where the builder himself has promised,
"Love, I'm never going to let you go!"
-He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life to save us all! Jesus, I live for You! =)
Monday, January 14, 2008
the big issue...
God we praise You! We praise You when we are in the mountain, we praise You when we are in the valley, we praise You no matter what we go through, we praise You when the sun is shining and we praise You when the rain is falling, we praise You when we are surrounded by people and when we stand alone on the battlefield in our schools or workplaces waiting to see revival come, we praise You everyday; monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday, sunday God we praise You!
Luke 8:40-56 talks about a dead girl and a sick woman. a woman with an "issue" that would cause many people to give up what they are hoping for. she was minding her own business and then one day, this issue happened. i can easily relate this to our lives when there are so many times we are doing what we are supposed to do when an issue happened. issue that are good for us or issues which are just negative in every form. issue after issue. when all of a sudden we are not surrounded by anyone but it's just us (loneliness)..
this woman was walking along the road because she knew that Jesus was there and something stood between this issue and the miracle that she was expecting for to happen. Luke 8:46-48
we have issues in our lives whether we like it or not. for we are living in a world full of broken-hearted people that do not know the love of Christ like we do. and we can't let the things happen stop you from pushing through the miracle and you can't let anything that people say or do push you from that miracle.. let me tell you one thing: Jesus is on the other side of the crowd waiting for you and He is gonna help you through every single bit that you are facing, so if you can just push through and see that Jesus is on the other side waiting for you always, that issue will not be there anymore!
i had one desire and a longing for in mind... and that's to change the world that we are living in today! but it won't be long before I see a corridor with lockers on the left and lockers on the right with all of my friend's faces and names in it and I tell you what! my promise to all of you guys who are reading this is that i'm gonna pray for you day after day whether you like it or not... take away that issue that you are facing, that away that barrier which is blocking you from receiving the full glory of Jesus Christ your Saviour, take away that wall which is always holding you back from doing the things that you have always dream of! i pray that in Jesus' name you will be able to find God's amazing and loving peace every single day!
don't let the crowd stand between you and the miracle from Jesus Christ, just push through! just push through! whether we are on top of the mountain, or at the bottom of the valley, JESUS IS WORTHY OF ALL OF OUR PRAISES!!! that's my God people, that's Jesus, my Saviour! :)
-amen! take care guys! :)
Luke 8:40-56 talks about a dead girl and a sick woman. a woman with an "issue" that would cause many people to give up what they are hoping for. she was minding her own business and then one day, this issue happened. i can easily relate this to our lives when there are so many times we are doing what we are supposed to do when an issue happened. issue that are good for us or issues which are just negative in every form. issue after issue. when all of a sudden we are not surrounded by anyone but it's just us (loneliness)..
this woman was walking along the road because she knew that Jesus was there and something stood between this issue and the miracle that she was expecting for to happen. Luke 8:46-48
we have issues in our lives whether we like it or not. for we are living in a world full of broken-hearted people that do not know the love of Christ like we do. and we can't let the things happen stop you from pushing through the miracle and you can't let anything that people say or do push you from that miracle.. let me tell you one thing: Jesus is on the other side of the crowd waiting for you and He is gonna help you through every single bit that you are facing, so if you can just push through and see that Jesus is on the other side waiting for you always, that issue will not be there anymore!
i had one desire and a longing for in mind... and that's to change the world that we are living in today! but it won't be long before I see a corridor with lockers on the left and lockers on the right with all of my friend's faces and names in it and I tell you what! my promise to all of you guys who are reading this is that i'm gonna pray for you day after day whether you like it or not... take away that issue that you are facing, that away that barrier which is blocking you from receiving the full glory of Jesus Christ your Saviour, take away that wall which is always holding you back from doing the things that you have always dream of! i pray that in Jesus' name you will be able to find God's amazing and loving peace every single day!
don't let the crowd stand between you and the miracle from Jesus Christ, just push through! just push through! whether we are on top of the mountain, or at the bottom of the valley, JESUS IS WORTHY OF ALL OF OUR PRAISES!!! that's my God people, that's Jesus, my Saviour! :)
-amen! take care guys! :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
send me!
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the trian of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Promises...
Singing all of Your promises won't let go of me
(All of Your promises won't let go of me)
Singing all of Your promises won't let go of me
(All of Your promises won't let go of me)
I've surrendered my life to Your ways
I have learned what it means to obey
Jesus, my heart has been changed by You
I am walking the path that You have made
I am seeking the truth everyday
Jesus, my heart has been changed by You
I couldn't walk Your way if I tried
Cause Your love is better than life
The sun's shining bright and it just won't set
Cause Your love is alive and it lights my step
My heart is amazed everyday to the next
Your joy overtakes and I can't forget about it
Whoa oh oh Whoa oh oh
I can't forget about it!
Whoa oh oh Whoa oh oh
I can't forget about it
(All of Your promises won't let go of me)
Singing all of Your promises won't let go of me
(All of Your promises won't let go of me)
I've surrendered my life to Your ways
I have learned what it means to obey
Jesus, my heart has been changed by You
I am walking the path that You have made
I am seeking the truth everyday
Jesus, my heart has been changed by You
I couldn't walk Your way if I tried
Cause Your love is better than life
The sun's shining bright and it just won't set
Cause Your love is alive and it lights my step
My heart is amazed everyday to the next
Your joy overtakes and I can't forget about it
Whoa oh oh Whoa oh oh
I can't forget about it!
Whoa oh oh Whoa oh oh
I can't forget about it
Thursday, January 3, 2008
surrender all
"surrender all, surrender all, i'm DEAD to SIN, ALIVE WITHIN!"
these 10 words really struck me real hard when i was having my own personal time with my Saviour.. it really spoke to me so deeply that when everytime i think of these 10 words, i just couldn't help but to tell God, "God i really need You in my life, I'm giving up everything that's holding me back and I'm going to surrender everything to You, EVERYTHING!!!"
What does it really mean to surrender? This was the first question which came to my mind when g told me that i had to give up everything that i had in my life.. surrender means to give up what you have, it could be your dreams, ambitions, love for someone, family, friends and the list goes on and on.... but what do we really have to give up? for a moment when all these came to my mind i thought that i was about to lose everything which i had and i know that it definitely wasn't what i had in mind! why? why? why? why can't i go? why can't i? You told me to be ready and here i am, saying over and over again "Lord, I'm ready now! I'm ready now! I'm ready now! Do what You will! Do what You will!" the thought of being ready for anything that comes my way really scares me at first but i know that i'm brought into the light and even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i need not fear for my GOD is with me and He will always be... He will never leave me nor forsake me nor will He turn His back away from me! Just hearing Him telling me all these really stirs up a hunger deep inside to know Him more and say "God! that's You that i worship! that's You that i adore! that's You that i love! you are WORTHY Lord! so WORTHY!"
just hearing my Saviour gently guiding me to the ways of righteousness really warms my heart cos i know that when life comes to a dead end for me, there will a see the light of true eternity!
"Father, i surrender all that i have to You. mold me, shape me and make me the person whom You've wanted me to be. Lord i'm not gonna think about what happened but i'm just gonna focus my eyes to You, focus to You Lord! Barricade the road that goes to nowhere, grace me with Your clear revelation for i have chosen the true road to somewhere!"
i love You! =)
these 10 words really struck me real hard when i was having my own personal time with my Saviour.. it really spoke to me so deeply that when everytime i think of these 10 words, i just couldn't help but to tell God, "God i really need You in my life, I'm giving up everything that's holding me back and I'm going to surrender everything to You, EVERYTHING!!!"
What does it really mean to surrender? This was the first question which came to my mind when g told me that i had to give up everything that i had in my life.. surrender means to give up what you have, it could be your dreams, ambitions, love for someone, family, friends and the list goes on and on.... but what do we really have to give up? for a moment when all these came to my mind i thought that i was about to lose everything which i had and i know that it definitely wasn't what i had in mind! why? why? why? why can't i go? why can't i? You told me to be ready and here i am, saying over and over again "Lord, I'm ready now! I'm ready now! I'm ready now! Do what You will! Do what You will!" the thought of being ready for anything that comes my way really scares me at first but i know that i'm brought into the light and even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i need not fear for my GOD is with me and He will always be... He will never leave me nor forsake me nor will He turn His back away from me! Just hearing Him telling me all these really stirs up a hunger deep inside to know Him more and say "God! that's You that i worship! that's You that i adore! that's You that i love! you are WORTHY Lord! so WORTHY!"
just hearing my Saviour gently guiding me to the ways of righteousness really warms my heart cos i know that when life comes to a dead end for me, there will a see the light of true eternity!
"Father, i surrender all that i have to You. mold me, shape me and make me the person whom You've wanted me to be. Lord i'm not gonna think about what happened but i'm just gonna focus my eyes to You, focus to You Lord! Barricade the road that goes to nowhere, grace me with Your clear revelation for i have chosen the true road to somewhere!"
i love You! =)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
i'm ready now!!
Hey guys, it has been a while since i last blogged.. so sorry for those who have been waiting anxiously to hear about what has been going on during the hols and stuff.. I will update all of them soon xp
OK! so it has been a good and awesome holiday for me i could say... God's presence really manifested in my life and others as well as we went for the junior camp, and followed by the MARS retreat! :) in conclusion, God is really awesome and amazing!
experienced alot of challenging stuff during the past few days but i wanna thank God for really bringing me through every single part of it even though i was so worn out and tired about it but God was really there with me all the time, and amazingly, He brought me through out of it!! Amen and now i'm completely free from anything that is weighing me down during the past few days!! so happy about it haha :)
OK so here's this piece that held me through every single bit of my life and it constantly reminds me that God is really watching over me and I'm so ready for what God wants me to do yup! so here it goes:
Come like You promised You would
I want to surrender for good
I know that I need You
And I don't want to keep living life alone
So take my heart and make it new
And make it true and make it like You
Take my hands, I lift them high
They're Yours and not mine to do
Do what You will, do what You will
Do what You will
I feel like a blind man in Your sight
I know that I'm wicked in Your eyes
So wash me and make me shine like Your Son
I want to tell everyone that You're the only One
I'm ready now! I'm ready now!
I'm ready now! (Do what You will)
I'm ready now! I'm ready now!
I'm ready now! (Do what You will)
- yup so that's about it haha! every single word that is there really spoke to me deeply and I know that I AM READY!
OK! so it has been a good and awesome holiday for me i could say... God's presence really manifested in my life and others as well as we went for the junior camp, and followed by the MARS retreat! :) in conclusion, God is really awesome and amazing!
experienced alot of challenging stuff during the past few days but i wanna thank God for really bringing me through every single part of it even though i was so worn out and tired about it but God was really there with me all the time, and amazingly, He brought me through out of it!! Amen and now i'm completely free from anything that is weighing me down during the past few days!! so happy about it haha :)
OK so here's this piece that held me through every single bit of my life and it constantly reminds me that God is really watching over me and I'm so ready for what God wants me to do yup! so here it goes:
Come like You promised You would
I want to surrender for good
I know that I need You
And I don't want to keep living life alone
So take my heart and make it new
And make it true and make it like You
Take my hands, I lift them high
They're Yours and not mine to do
Do what You will, do what You will
Do what You will
I feel like a blind man in Your sight
I know that I'm wicked in Your eyes
So wash me and make me shine like Your Son
I want to tell everyone that You're the only One
I'm ready now! I'm ready now!
I'm ready now! (Do what You will)
I'm ready now! I'm ready now!
I'm ready now! (Do what You will)
- yup so that's about it haha! every single word that is there really spoke to me deeply and I know that I AM READY!
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