Saturday, November 25, 2006

The ABCs of Life

I feel healthy!

Being at the end of the month, and poor isn't an awfully bad thing after all. For example, I get to cook more often and stay less at home, and more than that, to have more time by myself and do the things I like to do (I used to go out and give myself excuses).

And, so I cooked vege and ABC soup (which is a combination of chicken, tomato, potato and onion) and they taste great! (Just to make myself happy but you could test it the next time you meet me). But it's not just the food I take but my sleeping hours. Since the exams till few days ago, my waking hours were from 2 p.m. till 4 a.m. And this few days I have been adjusting it to 7.30 to about 12.

I guess as hard as I try to be less "holy" (as many people accused) above, it's time to share some of my insights, again. I guess what I've been trying to do was trying to put my life back in order, and also to reallign myself more to Jesus. As you might have already know, I've been encouraged by many to be more consistent in the spiritually disciplines (pause and read a few entries back if you don't). One of the things I did not mention was during Pastor Dave's sermon last week, he shared about the prophet Elijah, who arranged the altar in order before asking God to lightning-strike the ox into flames. In removing the "clogs" in our life, there is a need to identify the problem, put our lives into order, issue the solution and remove the roots etc. And this is what I am trying to do, in addition to praying more.

I have to admit my flesh is weak even though my spirit is willing and I do struggle a lot, especially when my alarm rang at 7 this morning. I actually struggled on the bed for half an hour! But I am happy still, not just because I didn't sleep back but rise at 7.30-something, but also because you would not accused me of being holy! I guess the message that I wanna get into my head and heart is that I am a hopeless sinner and I rely on His grace each day.

Wonder if I could remain consistent, hrmm.. one thing I know- His mercies are new every morning. Praise the Lord.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

The 90/10 Principle (by Stephen Covey)

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be arriving late, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.
How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.

You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing Rs. 200/- traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is "D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.
We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Dreams

Dreams. Not their biggest fan but I do it anyway once in a while. Usually they are not my daytime thoughts, but rather- they are quite random. There was once I dreamnt meeting this friend of mine, whom I've not met or thought of for a long time. Another time I dreamnt of fighting with the devil himself (sounds scary but it's true). But dream do play a big part of most of our life- that's my point. Most of us do dream, but not in our sleep, we dream that we will be able to do something. Not just a normal something, but SOMETHING BIG... and I believe, rightly so we are created for these something big!

Yet, sadly, many, many people never get to achieve their dreams. These wonderful, beautiful dreams just slipped away... Sometimes it's because we just take them for granted- thinking that there's always tomorrow, other times there's just so many thing getting in our way that we eventually give up. I certainly refuse to be in category (1) or category (2). I'm always telling myself I'm here for something BIG man! Yet many times I fail to keep on with my dream, sometimes I lose focus of my God.

However, this will not be the end, I know. These few days have been a total banging of that amazing grace and power of my Lord in me- First, through the song "The Time has Come" really spoke to me (which you will know why when you see the lyrics below). Secondly, through an inspiring flash from Amy Krouse Rosenthal (you really must have a look at this!) on dreams.
Thirdly, through the scripture, I observe the urgency and the importance and priority that God has caused His people to have in the rebuidling of the temple in the book of Ezra. All these and more keeps coming back, giving me enough evidence to believe that it is really NOW or NEVER to stand up for my God. NOW or NEVER to be passionate about my Jesus (Yes, mine, as many people has told me).

If Adidas can say "Impossible is nothing", then God people should say "We can do all things... through Him who strengthen us". AMEN.

Oh, and as promise, the link for the Amy Rosenthal flash: here and the Hillsong United song lyrics:
The Time Has Come
Found love beyond all reason
You gave Your life Your all for me
And called me Yours forever
Caught in the mercy fallout
I found hope found life
Found all I need
You're all I need

The time has come
To stand for all we believe in
So I for one am gonna
Give my praise to You

Today today it's all or nothing
All they way
The praise goes out to You
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
Today today I live for one thing
To give You praise
In everything I do
Yeah all the praise goes out to You

All we are is Yours
And all we're living for
Is all You are
Is all that You are Lord

Monday, November 20, 2006

Predestined

One of the entries in the blog was entitled "Our Destinies to be Heroes" . In that entry, I expressed my view on discovering our destinies. Indeed our Father above, has in each of us, poured out what is necessary to bring out the best in us for making a difference. But more importantly, as I found out as I revisit Paul's letter to the Ephesians, He has poured out "every spiritual blessing in Christ". God has so abundantly and "over-the-boundarily" blessed us (the word here should be "lavish"), He blessed us physically as well as spiritually. This means that He has plans not just our present life, but plans for our life to come. He has predestined us to be sons and daughters of His. He has predestined us to be redeemed from our sins and transgressions. And (as if) almost to our surprise, He has predestined us to be unified and glorified with Christ.

It is a wonder how the Creator has not just created us and kept us, but saved us and actively seeks to have fellowship with us. And this He had done, of course, through our One and Only Saviour and Lord Christ Jesus. Thank You for Your love, my dear Jesus.

And there is more, Paul as he explains in his letter, tells us that he himself not just preach, but pratices what he preaches. He prays for the young disciples in Ephesus- that they might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, and that the eyes of ther hearts might be enlightened, in order that they may "know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparabily great power for us who believe". Rich indeed! How rich indeed we are in Christ Jesus! Of course sometimes, through our "blurness" or "blindness" we don't see this "glorious hope" that Paul talks about. Only through continuous seeking and studying and worshipping. (Leading me back to my previous entry.

And before I leave you pondering, the precise meaning of 'predestined' is "
Established or prearranged unalterably."

Happy discovering His spiritual blessings!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Somethings that people have recommended

  1. Read 'The Message' Bible (by Eugene Peterson). Quite radical but contemporary and relevant
  2. Highlight the Bible as I read
  3. Find the verse "16 Confess your trespasses[a] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (It's in James 5:16!)
  4. Implement item 3.
  5. Do Item 1,2 & 4 everyday!
  6. Grow in God and fit into His Will and plan.

Regarding Prayer and Bible Reading

I know, I know. Sorry for the slow updating. Even though I have not updated my blog for 42 days (exactly 6 weeks, that is), I should be forgiven- after all it was exam period, right?

No. It's just me being lazy and giving a zillion reasons to log on to blogger.com. It's been that season in my life where I have been extremely slack-ish and taking things for granted. But the good news is I'm up and about, and I'm blogging again, yay (I'm taking the cheesy approach of things).

So as usual, some updates on my spiritual life- actually nothing much, I have to admit, till about a week or so ago. To cut the long story short (and to save some embarassments) God has been lavishly pouring His grace to send people again and again to encourage me to take up the spiritual disciplines seriously. And rightly so, it's just not my "nature" that I'm disciplined reader, more so not a frequent-prayer (No "frequent-flyer" points, hah). But of course, these are just habits that everyone can possess if they are serious in their walk with Christ. Not that I'm not serious, but most of the time, the "flesh is weak".

Undoubtedly, God is faithful to send His faithful servants to come encourage me, nag me, woo me to pray hard, to study the BOOK hard. I remember several months back I also mentioned the alleged lack of motivation that I am suffering, and I do think God does try His best to remind me constantly- but I need to remind myself everyday, that He has a new thing in my life everyday, a new revelation everyday, a new blessing everyday, new mercies every morning.
As I heard from Ps Dave's sermon this morning, God's blessing is like a flowing river, continuously flowing, constantly transforming (you see, God does speak precisely to me).

For the day that is ahead of me, that is ahead of you- I don't know what it will bring, but indeed His love is abundantly available and He will not give up, He will not stand back, He will, as the Hillsong praise goes "Come to our rescue". Not to say that we should be taking for granted His grace and mercy, but God teaches like a patient father.

So it goes that in my struggle to discipline myself in "feasting" spiritually (reading the Word) and breathing spiritually (prayer), I ask that you would pray for me that, indeed, as Paul wrote, that God would give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation- that I may know Him more. Thanks again for His servants Jono and Melissa, and George whom I just met but still proved so encouraging. All your concerns touches me...


(Alright back to prayer and reading!)

Monday, October 09, 2006

Our Destinies to be Heroes

There is a new craze around the TV world. It's called the Heroes fever. The special abilities the characters possess combined with a hidden theme of mysterious scientific flavour always do the job when it comes to television ratings. I must admit I too am looking forward to the next episode.

The centre of the whole story revolves around several people around the world (well most of them from America actually) who possess 'super' powers. At precisely the same period of time, all of them start to discover their powers, which includes teleporting & reversing time (time/space), indestructible body and mind reading. As the series develop, these individuals have to discover how their powers came about, escape from the bad guys and somehow finding out their destiny as "heroes".

This blog is not about heroes, it's about destiny. Reading my first few entries in this blog (which dates back March 2005), I start to think and realize how far I've been since then. It was indeed a heck of a journey from that guy I was to the guy I am today. The entries of this blog in the future, too, will bear significance, in terms of how far I will/would go, and if God permits, how the picture could be painted completely.

The truth is, just like young Clark Kent had to discover that he can fly (eg in Smallville) and ends up the red caped super hero, we have to discover our abilities, passions and purposes, then see where it all fit in that picture- that is our most noble obligation as human beings. Living a purposeful life (do I sound too Warren-ish) and living a legacy, how would you achieve that.

I came to the conclusion that without fulfilling our purposes and destiny, we live to die. This is on the assumption that we know that all that we gather- family, friends, wealth, we can't take them to the grave. If so, possibly the only thing we would leave behind and continue to be ours is none other than our legacy. What do we want to be known for?

In the quest for such legacy, we could take a step back to before we move on. While we are alive, what should we be doing, and how we know all these have consequences- whether long term or short? I like to think that whatever happened in the past, there's no point looking back and sigh. But rather, I would like to think of it as part of my destiny that I am travelling, that holding on to the promises of God- He has plans to prosper me and He sees the beginning from the end. Knowing and understanding more on this recently, I begin to believe all that I've gone through and all that I do would somehow transform me into sort of a hero- I'm discovering I can be "Superman"; I'm discovering my destiny of doing something that will make an impact.

I am discovering my destiny- the ultimate destiny to be glorified with Christ Jesus. I am discovering my purpose- me as a piece of puzzle that somehow fit into GOd's wonderful, marvelous, perfect will & plan. You may ask: what specifically is that? Unfortunately, I can't tell you for certain, but it ain't going to be just another normal life to lead. This is not just a challenge from God to me; it's a prophecy that seem awkward at this time. But "faith is believing what you can't see" right? May God protect my heart, my life.

But, just today God provided me with just a hint on that destiny. Call me a dreamer, impulsive -anything you want, but I strongly believe that this is not just an assessment- it's a glance at the future! Here goes:

Nicholas, this was an excellent presentation and you gave a great example of your own interest and enthusiasm for your topic. You spoke well and engaged in a very natural way with the class...


- Jurisprudence presentation assessment by Dr Julia Davis on the topic Justice in the Bible (5th October 2006)

This was just a very short comment and might not make a big difference in anything or anyone at all. But to me, it did. I want to realize that the most important thing is not to be rich, powerful or beautiful, but to be able to live my life according to God's perfect will. "For when I am weak, then I am strong" 2Corinthians 12:10

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Why Sinners Share the Gospel


Sabotaging a witness
by John Fischer from Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotion
A lot of Christians stay relatively quiet about their faith when in the company of those who don’t know Christ. There are probably lots of reasons for this, but the one I hear most frequently is the feeling of not being good enough. “Who am I to tell someone about Jesus,” the rationale goes, “when my own life is in such a mess?”

There is an improper assumption that goes along with this kind of thinking, that in order to witness for Christ you have to have a close to impeccable life. There’s a certain standard one has to live up to before being in a position to tell someone about Jesus. Otherwise, people will point the finger at you and spot your own inconsistencies.

The absurdity in this kind of thinking is the fact that no one, not even Christians, will ever have it all together in this life. Instead of being an excuse not to witness, the fact that we aren’t good enough should be the whole point. We tell people about Jesus because we know, better than anyone, how much we need him. When people throw our own inconsistencies up in our faces that is just another opportunity to tell our own story of how Christ has forgiven us on the cross and how much we need his salvation every day. So instead of being a threat to our witness, our faults and shortcomings are the very things upon which our witness hangs. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus.

When I think of the essence of our statement as Christians to those who don’t know Christ, I always think of the blind man that Jesus healed by covering his eyes with mud and telling him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. (John 9:1-34) When the Jewish religious leaders got wind of it, they started to question the man extensively – wanting to know who healed him, how it happened, where the man who healed him was now, and even asking his parents to verify whether their son was in fact born blind. When they came back to the man and pressed him with questions a second time, accusing Jesus of being a sinner for doing work on the Sabbath, the man replied, “I don’t know whether he is a sinner … But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” (John 9:25 NLT)

There’s our message: “I was blind, and now I can see; I was lost, and now I am found; I was guilty, and now I’m forgiven; I was alone, and now I have a friend.” It doesn’t take a perfect life to spread that message – just a saved one. So what’s keeping you from telling your story?

My response:
Many, many times I have missed the chance to share Jesus with people because of this.Yes, fear is one of the reason, but the feeling of inadequacy is definitely at the top. I am a sinner. I admit that I still sin andhave much to learn in my walk with Him. But at least now I know I could share despite all the shortcomings and "embarassment" I've committed in the midst of my friends. Thank you Jesus once again for saving my day!

The Blog updated! (dayofsalvation.co.nr)

As you have already notice, notweak.blog has gone "a step further" with a new look and feel (thanks to the new Blogger Beta). Also, the 'underlying ' message has also changed. The 'Day of Salvation' is my renewed passion to see God doing wonders through my blog, in my life, and in my community! With HOPE comes motivation, with motivation comes BREAKTHROUGH, with BREAKTHROUGH comes the fulfillment of GOD's WILL. Most importantly, whatever message that dayofsalvation .blog could bring, the most important is the message of SALVATION through our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Oh yes, from now on, the new address for this blog/website will be dayofsalvation.co.nr . notweak.blog will still be available until further notice.

God bless you.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Motivation from Above

I remember my new year's resolution last year and I still keep it. It seems inappropriate to state everything I put down but one of the more "matured" goal was to bring 2 lives to Christ. And I did. I also have a joke for myself (arguably, it's not) that if I put down 200 or 2000, I was going to do it too. So it goes that resolution, goals, objective does account to something. It's not that it's a prophecy thing or what but I think it's got to do with the mind being subconciously aware and "motivated".

Which brings me to MOTIVATION. It's cold here in Hobart and it's foreign. I admit at times, especially recently, the 'fog' of being in a new environment, a new lifestyle, new friends could bring many to a sudden but (I insist) temporal state of lostness and indecisiveness. Sometimes I wonder what I will be in 10 years time or even in a year's time. Will the path I took be a downfall for me. Albeit the fact that I have been through some past stages of my life having this thought and has always been resolved (thank God), I again come to this point where I ponder upon the same. Socrates (or was it Aristotle) once said- "A life without purpose is not worth living"; I thus ask myself- what is the purpose where I am, what I'm doing and how I'm doing it. The answer must be MOTIVATION... I admit my weaknesses and my apparent lack of faith but I'm not going to pretend this is easy and this is nothing. It is something- the fact that "everything's gonna be alright" doesnt mean that I have no right to feel the way i feel- the way I think.

On mentioning rights, I should mention that anyone who criticize me and talks behind my back on what I do or have reservations in this respect have their rights to do so, too. But though most of us willnot change deep in us, I am changing to think less of what people think of me. In the past I might have been- and to a certain extend still, but I'm not here to please everyone. Your criticism I willingly and happily accept- if you let me know- and I will change to "A Better Man".

Just a thought.

Shalom
p/s: God was awake on the 11th of September 2001.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

We Wanna See Jesus Lifted High

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

"I will gather all nations and peoples together, and they will see my glory."
[Isaiah 66:18 NLT]
Energizer Conference
september 13 to 15 | 2006 | derwent entertainment centre |

Monday, August 14, 2006

Loved

"I Love You" is what God wants to get across to me ever since I got over here (in Hobart). If I say my life here is all smooth and no bumps, I must be pretending. The truth is for most if not all people, studying in a new environment far from home is not a bed of roses- even if it is, there are full of thorns.

So what had happened ever since I got here? Well pretty much as expected- beautiful place, new environment, OCF (overseas Christian Fellowship) and church. It's a short time but I would deal with the descriptions of Hobart another time. I want to get to my point- the place you are in, the good church, group, Uni you join, do not define how healthy you are spiritually. Only the love of God and continuous seeking of Him does. I nearly fell into the trap of focussing too much on the activities and the indulgence of "enjoying the new life" here that I missed out on God. I have to learn it the hard way that being to church or CF, or even reading the bible as a routine would be good enough in my walk with Christ. Till I did it and felt the emptiness that I discovered it is really living in His presence and accepting His love can satisfy. What was clearly refreshing was really when I paused a moment and wonder: I am loved because I am me! Not for the things I do, place I go, my frequency to church or my IQ.

Not to say that church and being together with believers are not important- which is precisely how God showed His faithfulness leading me to a suitable church (Energizer Life Church) and OCF. The OCF people are lovely people.

On top of that are the people that love me soooooooo.... much. Thanks mum, thanks Dad, thanks my lovely girlfriend Yean -you guys rock! Thanks also for your letters and cards- you're like messengers from God when you wrote: KEEP THE FAITH & KNOW WE ALL LOVE YOU FOR YOU!

I miss HOME alot!

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eith day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the law,a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

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 Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

-the Apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi (3:4-8)
The loved one,
Nic on 14th August 2006

Friday, June 30, 2006

D-Day -1

At last and finally. I feel the pressure, or some call it anxiety. I finally coe face to face with the fact that I'll be leaving for Australia. I finally realise that I'll be missing my loved ones, friends, brothers, sisters, and anyone and everyone back here in Malaysia. You could say it's inevitable, and it should be earlier. But I only just had the feeling. Maybe couple of hours ago. Life's too good over here.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't want to go, but just dreading the feeling of leaving. I'd like to experience a different kind of life. I even had a nightmare yesterday that I couldn't go. It's terrible not to board the place en route to Melbourne but the nicest of friends and family here are too lovely to leave. And who needs more blessings when they're around.

For example, Likee and Eujin, whom I had breakfast with this morning. Wonderful friends to have. Not to mention the rest of the people associated and cared for me. And the greatest thing is I get God's blessing and grace as well. I felt very touched when Lik ee prayed for me just now, and the church and CG members too. Thanks, guys.

All but ready. So much for Superman Returns, ordinary man here will be leaving :) The good news is: through the prayers, I know at least one God will be going with me.

Drop me your address, I'll send you a postcard. Chiaoz.

(D-Day is not Doom's day- it's Departure day ;)

Saturday, May 27, 2006

He puts a new song in my mouth

Psalm 40
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. [a]

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced [b] , [c] ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll. [d]

8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.

12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.

13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.

14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.

16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"

17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.


Recently the song "I will Run to You" by Hillsongs Australia seems to be crossing my ears' path quite frequently. So I downloaded, erm, obtained the song through Limewire-sharing, and have been listening to it many times since. What strike me most is this: there seems to be something about me that gives me this song. Now admitting that I am still learning and growing, I must say sometimes I'm not God-centred and at these times, I seem to think that this song is plain; other times however, this song IS so inspiring and ministering to me. I guess the Psalmist is right, God does put a NEW SONG within us. I guess that's the difference between great songs and great Christian songs- the difference is the listener.

Friday, April 28, 2006

The Beautiful Game

I'm talking about football (SOCCER) of course. If you've been totally blur, FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany will be held in June this year, Arsenal & Barcelona are in the UEFA Champions' League Final and I support Manchester United, which happens to be the world's most well supported club. But there's one or two things we could learn from football, which I was pondering upon this few days as the Barcelona-Milan match was on yesterday morning (OK, ya, I slept at 5 a.m. yesterday, but you could only envy a person who's on vacation).

First of all, football (as also in life) does not escape God's will. I don't know how this would make sense at all but God's will seems to be such that, though you're the better side, you sometimes lose. Look at Villareal v Arsenal. Look at how many chances the 'yellow subs' (Villareal) had. The penalty. The free kicks. The chances... It is within God's will that some players suffer defeat though they play the best; while others win though they're not as good as the earlier bunch of 'lads'. Kinda like life, ain't it, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose- no matter how 'good' or how 'on-guard' you are. God's will is above all. The good news is God's will always is acted in the "Love-Holy" symphony, and we'll all rejoice where we're heading to regardless of our circumstances now.

Secondly, no matter what position we are in (Goalkeeper, defender, striker etc.) we all play crucial roles in the 'Team of Christ'. If you watch more football than just World Cup, Scoring is just one thing about football, there's also the other thing called keeping the opponent from scoring, feeding the striker, and so on so forth. But well, you guess it, that is true also for the Christ's body (for example, what Paul wrote). May I go as far as saying that the coaches, manager, and kit manager (as in the person who organises the jerseys) also play important roles...

Anyways, back to the Barca-Milan match, some pretty impressive display of football were played by both sides and the commentator was excellent (he even criticized the commentator in front of him for being too judgmental). The best teams in Europe (rpobably the world too). The best commentator ever, in my opinion. In Christ, let us also strive to be the best, and in Christ, one thing is for sure, we're always Barcelona (for that match, I mean) --- we're in The Winning Team.

To the best of us, Joga Bonito (Play beautiful) :)

AMEN.

Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father

This is my overdue entry.

But the message is always applicable anytime - God is Good.

Well, I guess we're all forgetful people but He reminds us constantly of His goodness.

Especially during the storms...

Seriously, the rough parts of my life cannot be described as storms as it would be injustice to those whose suffered much more than me, though I believe that God give each their own measurement of storm to mould His children.

Well, the above were just some random thoughts anyway. But this entry is a thanksgiving. Thanksgiving that God has once again parted the Red Sea of Exams and I've once again passed. Praise God. Someone said, behing every successful exam, there's a story (I think I created that but it's true for me anyway). My story today is how I passed my Equity & Trust paper.

Don't get the wrong picture. Equity and Trust is not difficult. It just has a zillion case and a zillion brain cells to die for. Owing to my lack of effort throughout the semester, I revised it during the last week before the exam. And that week was the KDU CF Easter Week (which I will come to later). And so came April 12th 2006. The day I might have to live in infamy. I had not sleep the previous night and I really thought I smelled burnt fried brain cells that morning as I travelled to the battlefield. Somehow as I open the notes for "last-last-last-minute" revision I managed to forget all the cases (they can't seem to register, get the picture?)... and as anyone would, I panicked.

I studied awhile and suddenly this thought came to me. i think it's probably some testimonial about some other students who experienced similar situations, or it's God speakin' into my heart. The thought was to stop the memorisation and start praying 15 minutes before I go into the exam hall. I had half an hour before the exam to get some cases to try preventing a flunk. So I was experiencing what Henry Blackaby would call a "crisis of belief". And well, I stopped and prayed. The prayer was something about parting the red sea. After that, the rest was really, HIStory.
...
...
(I passed and did quite well)
Now I'm heading to the desert/ or more optimistically, promised land :p
...

Now I back tracked a little to 3 (THREE) days before my exam when te KDU CF Easter (cum talent time) took place. It was a blast for most people and many came. But what I would really thank God for the CDPC worship team and my CG (Koinonia) for the many helping hands, without which it would not have been what it had been- spectacular. But of course, Jesus made it meaningful... And much more so, He was there with us, because though there were controversies about some of the performances (the talent time were open to non-christians too), the worship and the preaching must have planted seeds into the hearts of some, if not all. This was my earnest prayer, and I know God answers prayer.

Thanksgiving aside, I must admit I am still weak, I sometimes fall, and I need grace. And God is merciful in His act of drawing me close to Him. To God be the Glory.

So God is really good, faithful, merciful. My life would be meaningless without Him, as well as this blog (in case some are still wondering why notweak.blogspot.com) always has God.

I conclude with

Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends.
It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.
Great is His faithfulness; His lovingkindness begins afresh each day.

Lamentations 3:21-23 TLB

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Happy 1st Anniversay to Not.Weak.blog

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank You God for bringing this blog to its 1st Anniversary

Thank You Gor for being faithful in watching over this blog from hackers

Thank You for bringing it through my thin and thick.

Thank You for reminding the blogger that he is not weak with You

Thank You for love that abounds, for love that spur this blogger to continue to live and love, and to blog.

Thank You for the people mentioned in this blog that had influence Your child in so many ways,

Thank You for the events mentioned in this blog that occured that built your child blog by blog.

Thank You for all and all...
and for being the God of this blog and its blogger.


With blogs of love to a Saviour,
Just me =)

Monday, January 02, 2006

He is Faithful

"The greatest thing about this is you can go back as far as you want into the ages past and still find God there, thinking about you. "Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes" (Ephesians 1:4). (By the way, we are so thankful it says without fault "in His eyes," because we have plenty of faults in other people’s eyes, including our own.) The point being, you can never go too far back to not have anyone to worship. ("In the beginning, God…")"

...by John Fischer, from the "Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional"

Thanks Mr Fischer for continuously writing down God-given wisdom, I promise to read the devotionals more regularly this year (one of my "resolutions") ... and praise for Him who provided me and blessed me with the people, and life, that I've come to love and cherish. Thank You, Jesus, really.

And thanks for God's word: This is for my 2006 :-

"Our fears for today, our worries for tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away" (Romans 8:38).