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.

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

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 =)

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).

Just a thought

Living on Earth is expensive,
but it does include a free trip
around the sun every year.

How long a minute is
depends on what side of the
bathroom door you're on.

Birthdays are good for you;
the more you have,
the longer you live.

Happiness comes through doors you
didn't even know you left open

Ever notice that the people who are late
are often much jollier
than the people who have to wait for them?

If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day,
how come nothing is free yet?

You may be only one person in the world,
but you may also be the world to one person.

We could learn a lot from crayons:
some are sharp, some are pretty,
some are dull, some have weird names,
and all are different colors....but
they all exist very nicely in the same box.

Working for God on earth does not pay much,

but His Retirement plan is out of this world!!!!!!!!!!

Copyright Reserved. The above is taken from another blog. ;) Sorry about the entries that are few and far between nowadays.

Apologies

Just a short entry this time around (I can sense your relieve). Just wanted to clarify that if you see any other comments ever deleted from the blog, it's not a negative comment from the readers but some advertisements trying to cheat your (yes, you!) money. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Have a jolly good day! Thanks for all your support!

Fellow Travellers (by John Fischer)

Just Good Company
by John Fischer

Someone just signed a message to me, “God bless you, dear fellow traveler,” and something about that felt good. Of course the blessing part feels good; I never turn down a blessing from anyone. Our dry cleaning man is a dear Korean believer who never ceases to bless my family and me every time I see him. It's getting to where I go for the blessing now, heck with the dry cleaning! But I especially like the “dear fellow traveler” part.

As believers in Christ and members of the family of God we are, indeed, travelers on a trip with a destination. We are not insignificant results of evolved DNA wandering around the cosmos with no end but a forgotten grave. We are sacred stories in the mind of a Creator-God on a journey to our eternal home with Him, and He is using our lives, along the way, to make a statement.

And because this journey has a destination, all points of it have meaning. We are not just marking time here. We are building towards something solid. The steps are a necessary part of our growth. If we didn't need this, we wouldn't be here. God would have taken us home long ago. But our work here is not finished, and not only our work, but also the work of life's experiences upon us, is still being done. God is using everything in our lives to mold us into who He wants us to be for Him in eternity. We are fellow travelers with a destination and the destination brings purpose and hope to the here and now. You can endure just about anything along the way, if you know, ahead of time, that the outcome of your journey is secure.

But we are also “fellow travelers.” In other words, we are going where we are going together. That's a big part of the deal. You don't go it alone on this road to eternity. We have not only a cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and are now cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1), we have a fellowship of those around us who are in the middle of the same journey. We have each other for companionship, comfort, strength, accountability, and encouragement. And when we fall, there is always someone there to pick us up.

Isn't it good to have company?

Where does my heart lie?

Does going to somewhere else really give you that "needed rest" that people have been telling you about? If anyone should answer that question, it shouldn't be me. But I will attempt to answer that question since I am back at home, far from the fuzz and buzz of the city, well, sort of. There's always this lazy, draggy, nostalgic feeling back here in Ipoh. It's like suddenly your life just went from normal speed to low speed- to a near stand still. Maybe it's something to do with the rest of the people back here. Or maybe it's just me. Ipoh is Ipoh; it will never be Ipoh city, or Ipoh Metropolis, or Ipoh Megacity... yet all these kind of put that "pressure" on me to think over life- or some would call it "Reflect".

And if you ask me what's the results of my reflection, it's whole bunch of rubbish jumbled up with some useful lesson (I think). First of all, most of my buddies are gone- all over the country and the world-no more football in early mornings, not even 2-on-2s. Next, cherish people. People come and go, so how would we know if we were supposed to make an impact in their life for the better-but ommitted to do so? Thirdly, despite my age, I still love playing computer games, but I guess age is just a number, right? Last but also the most importantly, homecoming is far from taking a rest. Occasionally, some things or others would just pop up in your mind. You see, even if you're far from the "scene" physically, your mind and heart might be still there. One thing I say to myself: release, friend...

If I only get a chance, I would really want to show how much I appreciate everyone who had been in my life, whether they played a big or small role. But sometimes I don't have the guts, other time, I'm just being the old unappreciative self. But I do love you guys and cherish you guys and thank you guys for the time that no money can buy.... IGNORE THIS PART IF YOU THINK I'M DRUNK AND/OR EMOTIONAL.

I want to show you my all --- Nicholas Hor Sien Pin.

Your Grace is sufficient for me...

But He said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Corinthians 12:9

Jesus told Paul 3 times the above statement. Admidst of much suffering that God's people endure, He says that His grace is sufficient for us. The weaknesses seen we see in ourselves ought to be the pointer toward His strength. Even more, we are to "boast" of our weaknesses. Guess theverse sums it all out. Yet, what is this GRACE that could be so sufficient and so great that Paul would mention it over and over again througout all his letters? What had made him so convinced and obligated to talk about this GRACE?

AND what is GRACE to you? Is it what is known as "the gift we do not deserve"? Or would you describe it as the movements of that pretty balerina? The eagle maybe?

Throughout the month of October, not.Weak.blog will be opening a discussion on "GRACE". Leave a 'Comment' at the end of this box on what is grace and how has it impacted your life, if at all. After all, at the end of our journey of knowing Jesus this side of heaven, we'd probably be sent of with a solemn (should not be) song of Amazing GRACE.

Happy Mooncake Festival (Light up your lanterns!)

Mooncake (or mid-autumn) festival is approaching. Back here, where the moon is brighter than ever (and I'm sure this is a fact all around the world. To be honest, I've not really been celebrating this festival for some time. Until this year. This year I get to attend two such 'celebration' in an attempt to re-live the childhood lantern-playing days. Though the gatherings has lanterns and candles, it hardly seem to be the traditional mooncake celebration gathering. Perhaps I'm now much taller and much older since the last time I handled a lantern, and there's no more children-playing-adults-chatting scene. But just a bunch of youths of same height making a hoo-hah around the neighbourhood. But hey... why not? Ok Ok, it's a culture incorporated into the gathering of God's people, but it's cool... It is of such importance to him when the Apostle of the Lord said 'To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law... I have became all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessing. Sometimes to reach out to the group you're in, you gotto know them and their culture as well. Such as having a mooncake festival gathering, or have some 'happening' dance party or other events. If you're a christian student, be a christian student, and not only a christian; of course not only a student as well. Remember, we are calle to be IN THE WORLD, thoough we are not OF THE WORLD. Obviously, we must always be mindful not to sin when we are in this world, but as long as it's not sin, what's wrong with organizing a dance party (NO drugs, NO alcohol, NO cigarettes) to reach out to the 'blind' youths?

Indeed one thing Paul said in his First Letter to the Corinthians is truly true - 'I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Jesus is Lord

We often see the phrase in the back screens of cars; we often hear pastors preach on it; obviously we have sang countless time about it. But in our hearts, is Jesus REALLY Lord.

No doubt. Jesus is Lord. There is nothing more true than that. And perhaps many of us had grown up being showered upon this truth. But are we convicted of this truth? Putting it another way, we have the head knowledge, but do we trust Him as Lord enough to do whatever He says, and proclaim without a doubt to the person of the next: JESUS IS LORD.

I guess it is true that each of us has different ways of worshipping and giving glory to Him. But if we (yes, including me) cannot even say out publicly (meaning with a randomly picked group of people, and not just christians) that Jesus is Lord, it appears more like silently denying Christ. I admire people who can just by the first meeting with strangers tell them about Christ but is it not also my obligation to tell people about Jesus?

For me, it is more to convenience sake and shyness more than anything that I seldom declare the Lordship of Christ. Yet, having said that, I choose now to step out of my comfort zone, and declare to all: Jesus Christ is Lord. May the Lord's Spirit be teaching me to bear His cross and never deny Him.

Happy Merdeka 0831

It is always a thrill to start a new semester. The lazy dazy vacation says goodbye, and it's college mates, classmates and lecturers time. For me, it is muchof a transition, especially the part where I will spend half of my day (or more sometimes) in college - meeting people, attending classes, meeting people. It is almost mundane. After some time, it becomes natural, dry. But at first, it's a disguised beast that will silently draw me out of focus with Him. Just too many people to see, not that seeing people is bad, but sometimes just thinking about the people I just meet or what I say to them takes up valuable time from spending time with God. Worst of all, it is the fact that when you meet friends, brothers and sisters, there is this evil tendency that my mind subsconciously thinks that companionship with God is no longer required.

I like hanging out with friends. Laughing, playing, chatting... who doesn't anyway? But sometimes, when I'm just sitting there amidst them, I tend to keep quiet,draw back- there is this sense of lossness, like I'm drowning in a host of conversations. And it got me thinking, is it really empty and meaningless, I mean all those laugheters and talking, just a way of the evil one to help us waste time instead of doing something for God? Don't get me wrong, it is completely Ok to have fellowship with friends, sometimes there is this line to be drawn, the line between knowing what we are talking or just empty 'crap'. Anyway, it's just a thought but come to think of it, sometimes when I'm hanging around with people, it keeps me 'addicted' and God would seem so far to me, though He's near. Well, better get back to my knees and work the relationship.

Much said, on another more solemn note, I send my condolences to uncle Richard's (my dad's cousin) family. To lose a loving father and husband is never easy thing, especially when he's young (early 50s) and sudden. All in all, he's a very nice man, and I'm sure he's in heaven rejoicing now...

0417

It's 4:17 am in the morning of 28th August 2005 - I can't sleep. A normal person will ask me to get some food, or milk; a christian will ask me to pray for peace; I ask myself to blog. The truth is I had late dinner and ALSO supper. I prayed for peace and I have it. The reason I can't sleep is that I've been catching up with the thinking. Being sick for five days (!) was a bit of a drag for me - physically, mentally, and spiritualy. All that a patient such as me do is sleep, wake up, eat 1/3 of my ordinary meal and sleep. The waking hours are spent wondering when I'll get well. The sleeping hours spent on who knows what...

And so the story goes on my thinking, thinking about what to expect in year 3, what to expect in Committee Meeting, how to spend more time with God etc. I seriously have no 1 perfect solution but at least now I'm feeling ready to get back to bed.

~z z z

Quote of the month

“Education by itself is dangerous."

-Tun Dr Mahathir, reported in thestar.com.my on Monday, August 22, 2005.

Love, for the day is near...

Many apologies for the long pause. I notice I hadn't been blogging for quite some time. Yet, much has happened since my last real blog (that excludes the poem). I guess I just couldn't put them all in words. To cut the story short, I got a job (helping my friend), lost the office keys (yes, again!) and went back to Ipoh for a visit with my cell group mates.

Clearly, the events in my life implies an interesting life that I have. But often, it is not the events that makes life, but the people in it. Regarding that, God has been bringing me through a lesson of dealing with people. I thank God everyday for the people around me. My gracious boss (John Ling) for one. My dear friend and brother Boon Yee another. However cliche I sound, I need to say this: christians are different. Yet, there are some other christians that makes me frustrated and sends me spinning in anger. "Personality" some might say. "Sin?" some might ask. But they made me angry and/ or disappointed all right? They make me wanna scream ok?

On another note, whether it be 'the still small voice' or whether you call it my 'conscience', my mind always made to react positive, not negatively, although sometimes I would act to the contrary. You know, the flesh is weak...

Whatever the reason why sometimes our own brothers and sisters upset us, and however we react, God is taking us through a journey of learning and experience- this is always what I hold on to. And this is really something I need to learn, to be gracious, to love, to forgive... something that I struggle. In all that I experienced, I sincerely hope, and honestly pray, that what I've gone through, I would not only learn from it, but also believe in it that loving is God's will , however 'hard' I think it is.

Father, thank you for Your manifold blessings, which is based upon Your great love. It is not that I love You, but You loved me first. Thank You for Your Son Jesus, who came to show me to love. I ask Lord for forgiveness over the many shortcomings and my disability to show love to my brothers and sisters. Cleanse me with the precious blood of the Lamb. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart to love. Help me react in a manner that is pleasing to Your eyes. Take me through this journey of faith as I keep my eyes fixed on You always, by Your grace. Amen

A poem by Anna Laetitia Wuring

Father, I know that all of my life is portioned out for me

And the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see

But I ask Thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing Thee.



I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, through constant watching wise,

To meet the glad with joyful smiles and to wipe the weeping eyes

And a heart at leisure from itself, to soothe and sympathize.



I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro

Seeking for some great things to do or some secret thing to know

I would be treated as a child and guided where to go.



Wherever in the world I am, in whatsoever estate

I have fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate

And a work of lowly love to do, for the Lord on whom I wait.



So I ask Thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied

And a mind to blend with the outward live while keeping at Thy side

Content to fill a little space, if Thou art glorified.



And if sometimes I do not ask in my cup of blessing be,

I would have my spirit filled the more, with grateful love to Thee

More careful not to serve Thee much, but to please Thee perfectly.



There are briers besetting every path that call for patient care

There is a cross in every lot, and an earnest need for prayer

But a lowly heart that leans on Thee is happy everywhere.



In service which Thy will appoints there are no bonds for me

For in my inmost heart is taught the truth that makes Thy children free

And a life of self-renouncing love, is a life of liberty.



~Anna Laetitia Wuring~

My Longest Blog Ever

There are different seasons in each of our lives. The bible tells us this in Ecclesiastes 3. In recent weeks, I have been going through a time of losing, something common in all of our lives. I lost my phone and my house/car keys in the matter of 7 days (that’s a week!); in between, I failed my Public Law paper. As if material loss is not ‘bad enough’, in some sense I lost my ego and my pride, in which are both fitting and good for heaven’s sake. I shall explain more on this.

For a great part of my life, I have always thought that I have life all under control. I guess the foolishness of thinking that I have a higher “I.Q.” than some of the people around me has gotten the better of me. As a result of my pride, the malady of crowning myself as lord of my own life come in to consume me, which is both my sin and deceit of the enemy. Although I always appear to be humble (looks can deceive!), parts of me are not. But thank to the Lord God, who is forever faithful and good, I manage to identify and thus deal with my lack of trust in Him. The events that had taken place during the past week or so have demonstrated that I am a human prone to mistakes and doomed for destruction. It is not just the losing of belongings, but also the lose of self-belonging. Indeed, not just the people around me who are disappointed with me, but most of all the self-disappointment that often comes in and push me off the cliffs into the pit. I was disappointed of this Nicholas Hor, whom I always thought was so reliable would lose such things as his “most-precious” Motorola V878, or his aunt’s house and car keys in a matter of weeks. Equally disappointing was the failure of the law paper that always thought so confidently that I could be able to pass. Lo and behold, it struck me like lightning, and in case you hadn’t realized, it struck me three times, in the same spot – the heart.

Since the beginning of history, man had never not been a disappointment, whether to themselves, to someone else, or to God. Yet, if we allow it, by God’s grace, and through Jesus Christ His only Son, we have hope in the midst of hopelessness; and light in the midst of darkness. “For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory…” and “the wages of sin is death…” but “the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus”. And as I would put it- for all have been hopeless but God is here(!) to give us hope. As I walked into God’s sanctuary this morning, I begin to realize all His mercies and the mystery of His Grace. Whether my recent ordeal was from God, satan or man, God allowed it to happen (as what the beloved Dr Tan Soo Inn had shared) for His divine purposes. And if I shall add, God allows problems and troubles to happen to His people because He loves them, and somehow or rather, (and I boldly claim) brings back hope. So very often, we are only reminded of God’s grace in our troubles, not in our happy moments- a truth that Moses boldly claimed, “…When you have eaten your fill in this land, be careful not to forget the Lord…” (Deuteronomy 6:11-12). Although I always have the knowledge of being humility, as I entered His sanctuary, humility came as knowledge in the heart, not in the head. God loves the humble, the proud He will humble. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

The Lord our God is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Lord of all creation, the Mighty One of Israel. He is the Master of our lives and the Banner of our hearts. Without humility, no one can truly say this. This is why God was so delighted with the trio of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (a question I have been pondering for some time now. Amen! God answers!). Because of Abraham’s humility, he trusted in God and willingly sacrificed Isaac. Because of Isaac’s humility, he pleaded with God for childless Rebekah. Because of Jacob’s humility, he refused to release God until God blessed him (credit to Joram for his God-revealed wisdom). And hence, God had never been ashamed to call Himself “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Someone once said, “humility” comes from the word “human”. I took a search through Oxford and found that much more real and truthfully, the word came from “humble”, and “humble” actually relates more to the word “humus”, in which know, is soil. The Word of God agrees and tells us that we were made from the “dust of the earth” (Genesis 2:7). Surely, to be humble is to know that we are but creation of God, coming from the dust, and would still only be dust if it was not for God, who breathed into us the breathed of life. This day I pray that God will continue to take me through this journey of humility, knowing more about His awesomeness and His grace, which is sufficient for me. I echo the words of David, “The one thing I ask of the Lord- the thing I seek the most- is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

In Your awesome presence, O Lord, there is fullness of joy. Amen

And so was the testimony of God’s hope-giving. But yet, the most important lesson I learnt for the past few days especially, was LOVE. Throughout my so-called ‘great trials’, many of the brothers and sisters around me continuous helped me and encouraged me. Indeed I am touched by their acts of love: my dear sister Joyce who fetched me around to find my keys and fetched me home when the search failed, brother Boon Yee who continuously helped me and fetched me, Sharon who prayed for me, and many more of my family’s (both at home and in church) encouragements. Undoubtedly, they are true followers of Christ for those who belong to Christ will love their brother… The Holy Spirit in me also convicts me that since the day is near, I really should begin to love. I confess that I have not loved enough previously and by the grace of God I shall pursue the God-given purpose of life:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength; and love your neighbour as yourself.

There are three things that will endure – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

God is good and His love endures forever. I write this whole blog more to convict myself than anybody else. Indeed, I need to be reminded of His faithfulness and His love.

If you are reading this:

To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Without Righteousness, No One Can See God

It is 3.45 in the morning. Time to sleep is of the essence; but the work and worship of the Lord should be of no delay. Since my exam is over, I have all the time in the world to do all that I enjoy and desire. But the flesh should not overtake the spirit and therefore I turn again to the Word of Life for spiritual bread.

It is an honour and a privilege to be a servant of the Most High God. Indeed becoming the leader of Christian Fellowship is a great challenge that I’m sure God will take me through. Yet, I still need to have personal growth with my Lord and Saviour, as what Brother Anthony had shared in CF meeting today. My outward acts of worship are of importance but the true test is of the heart- in which God looks at. I pray continuously that God will search my heart and convict me if there be any hypocrisy in me; yet I testify again to anyone reading this blog- I long to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and strength. Love you, Jesus.

Even as I flip through the scripture and was praying for God’s guidance in leadership, God continued to show me 1 Timothy 4:12 (credit to Daniel who first ‘revealed’ it to me)

‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.’

I am young, though I’m older than half of the people in CF, but I look young, and I am of a small stature. But God continues to show me how faithful and how greatly he had and would use me in His work, to Him be glory forever and ever. How great Thou Art. What God desire is not the beautifulness of the outward, but the walk of the righteous. I admit sometimes I do not walk righteous in so many ways- especially in the things mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:12, but my prayer to God today (as of 4 a.m.) is for God the Father to work in me with His Spirit, through Christ Jesus my Lord and saviour- to be pleasing to Him in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity and in holiness.

We are Fantastic

We were made fantastic too?

Four days of nearly sleepless nights never had a better ending. I arrived (after my contract paper) just in time for the 2.30 p.m. Fantastic Four screening at the new GSC Cinema in One Utama. Of course I managed to grab myself a pack of those sweet caramel poppies and storm straight into Hall 3. Surprisingly, my usual blurness during the afternoons were not present. And, before long, the usual comic strips (for most if not all Marvel Comic-depicted movies) flashed through the screen...

Fantastic Four has this usual introduction on how our heroes acquired their special abilities (Cosmic storm, reminds you of anything?). The next twist of the movie would, of course, turn to the difficulty of the 4 heroes in controlling their powers and how they used in for the good If you are a person seeking for lots of action scenes in the movie, you'd probably be surprised. On my last count, there were less than 4 or 5? What is most significant in this movie is how the four heroes deal with their own issues, whether with or without their super powers. These issues, are of course not far from the rest of us who are mere non-heroes:

Ben Grimm a.k.a The Thing
Perhaps the character that touched me the most. Ben Grimm, after the cosmic shower, had literally turned into the Thing. Something so different, so 'ugly' that his wife could not accept it and left him. From that moment, Ben needed to deal with his appearance, and the starings of many. In our life, are we also also struggling with our ugly appearance or our behaviour or our oddness for being Christ's servants?

Reed Richards a.k.a Mr Fantastic
As you will find in the movie, Reed is a consciencious person. He take all details into deep consideration before making a decision. Nothing wrong with that for a physics scientist except that you bring in formulas and equations for every other thing you do, including your relationship with others. Besides, that's a danger that you trust in your judgment and eyes too much rather than God. Do we live by sight or by faith?

Johnny Storm a.k.a. Human Torch
Johnny's the show-off type. From his riding-cum-kissing scene at the start of the movie, till his production of action figues of the fab 4, he believes in the outward appearance. Some of us are like Jon, they like showing off, whether it be a 'super power' or a special talent or wealth, yet do we show-off our faith in Christ?

Sue Storm a.k.a. Invisible Woman
Being able to switch from something to nothing and vice versa is a great gifting, but Susan's emotions needed some control. Her anger towards Reed (her ex) tore them apart just because Reed said 'no' on co-habiting. Anger is a powerful tool of destroying relationships, more so the God-man relationship. Moses learnt that the hard way; I hope I needn't. One question we all ought to ask ourselves is whether we get angry of God and turn away from Him when He says 'No'. Remember: God love us and sometimes He will not give us something we would regret having.

Oh yeah, by the way, did you know that all of us are fantastic too? The Bible says We were fearfully and wonderfully made.