A God Given Life

The First Shall Be Last

2010-03-29T22:21:00.001+07:00

Mark 9:35, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” – Jesus

What did Jesus mean by this paradox? In order to be first, we must be last…

Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 20:26-28, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

What did Jesus mean by being first? How can you be first by being last???

The disciples asked Jesus who’s the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus called a little child over to him and answered in Matthew 18:3, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever HUMBLES himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This was what Jesus meant by being first- the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Note!! The keyword there is HUMBLE. Like I mentioned before in a previous post, in Philippians 2:5-8, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance of man, he HUMBLED himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples, including one of them who was going to betray Jesus a few nights later. The Lord himself was a servant to his disciples. Likewise, we should all be servants and take every opportunity we can to serve others. We are called to be Christ-like. Therefore, we should take on the attitude of a servant, and we will be glorified after we have passed away, just as Christ was glorified. Then, the last will become first.

What does it mean to be a servant? Well specifically, we are servants of God, and we must be willing to surrender ourselves to the Lord to be used by him for his good works. You don’t have to have skills or talents. Jesus’s disciples were made out of fisherman and other humble occupations, and not men of authority like the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were not wise men, but God’s grace was sufficient for them as His power is made perfect in weakness.

God’s views differ from the views of man. As far as man is concerned, being first is to be one of the best among the rest, or being rich. Why else do you think man is sinful? Pride is one of the factors, because we always want to be better than anyone else. Most of the time, this drives us to be jealous and do all sorts of inappropriate things to gain what we want. This happens almost always in our lives. But as for God, He just wants us to be pure and innocent like a little humbled child. God loves us the way we are. So… why try so hard to please everyone else when you’re the treasure of the highest being?

Contentment through God

2010-03-28T22:10:00.003+07:00

1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

According to George MacDonald, who was a pastor of a church back in 1850 and is the author of my devotions book, he said “To every person on earth, I say, if you are not content, it is because God is not with you as you need Him, not with you as He would be with you, as you must have Him. You need Him as your body never needed food or air, need Him as your soul never hungered after joy, peace, or pleasure.”

Contentment is so difficult to attain in our day and age because of the kind of life we are living, plus all the technologies and distractions in our lives. We have been disillusioned by influences from the media, peers and etc. Everything else but God came first. It is because God was not first in our lives that we had to suffer with so many frustrations.

Everything in our lives, whether it’s responsibilities, Facebook, or Playstation, is just an illusion which cheats us into thinking that we have no time for God. On the contrary, we ALWAYS have time for God. It’s just whether you are willing to make time for Him.

During my missions trip in Batam, there was no technology, no internet. Electricity is turned on every day at around 6pm, so that the lights and fans can be turned on. After which, the electricity will be turned off at 11pm sharp. That was when I had all the time in the world to spend with God, meditating on his words and reflecting on whether I had obeyed His commands. On top of that, I could pray without any distractions.

True and eternal contentment only come from God because God knows what is best for you and He promises to answer your prayers. In John 16:24, Jesus said “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” You will get your wish only when God knows it’s the right time. In Jeremiah 29:11, God told Jeremiah “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I was watching a horror movie on HBO with my sister. It’s called The Unborn. It was REALLY freaky and scary. But at the exorcism scene, they were reading from Psalms 91. That was when it impacted me and it touched my heart.

Psalms 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge… You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.... A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling… then no harm will befall you… ‘Because he loves me’, says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name…”

You’ll need to read the chapter yourself because it’s rather long, but this chapter was rather inspiring to me and it reaffirms my faith in God. Nothing else is as comforting as the Lord Himself.

Batam Missions Trip (22th-26th March)

2010-03-27T10:46:00.004+07:00

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. They you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The missions trip to Batam was definitely a refreshing one. We stayed over at a kelong of the missionaries that have been taking care of our church members for the last 2 years, whenever they went over for a missions trip. This month was my turn to go. Indeed, this missions trip has transformed me “by the renewing of my mind”. I pray that God will help me to resist conforming to this world.

During the missions trip, I realized how nice it was to be away from the busy life of Singapore, and the horror of being in the bowling circle. Bowling has changed me into someone that I don’t want to be, because of the influences of the people in it.

When I was supporting my sister in the B’division championships, and when I was competing in the National Age Group, I was surprised how the bowling circle has changed. With the sports school and with the new members that entered the Singapore Bowling Federation. I had seen so many crappy attitudes and arrogance; it just spurred me to quit my favorite sport of bowling. And on top of that, I lost some people’s respect not because I changed into someone with a disgusting and horrid attitude, but because I am no longer in the national team and no longer competing as actively as in the past.

During a sharing session in church in January, I shared that most of my friends in the bowling circle have influenced me in a bad way, and that I don’t know if I have to stop hanging out with them in order to stop myself from becoming worse and drifting away from God’s ways.

During the missions trip, it was affirmed to me through Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

It was an affirmation to me that I should indeed, stay away from anything that hinders me and entangles me in sin. If I have already been entangled, I should untangle myself from them and keep away from them. My pastor has confirmed with me that that’s what I should do. But he did mention that it will not be easy, not as easy as avoiding watching soccer up till very late at night because this involves my friends.

I pray that I may stop my friends from their bad habits, and influencing me through their bad habits.

I find it stupid when my friends do something offensive and tell me not to do it because they don’t want to corrupt my innocent mind. Did it not ever occur to them that by watching or hearing them do it, I will still be corrupted?

We are told to “love the sinner but hate the sin”. And so, with reference to this quote, I should keep away from the sin but keep the sinner as my friend.

However, if there’s really no choice, I would choose to be alone rather than do something to be accepted by others, just as Jeremiah was when he was warning the people of their ways and the consequences of their sins against God. At least after he had warned them for 40 years and being a loner for 40 years, God spared his life and eliminated rest of the entire city.

Gaining wisdom through humility

2010-02-21T16:20:00.005+07:00

Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

According to the new study Bible I got from friends for my 20^th birthday yesterday, “proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up. Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it.”

As ya’ll know, being haughty is being snobbish. Being proud causes you to stumble in a way that you desire to sin more. According to C.S Lewis, Pride is in competition with everyone else’s pride. You just want to be better than anyone else, and you just want to show off. Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, but only having more of it than the next man. The pleasure of being above the rest makes you proud. This is the WRONG kind of pride that you should have. If you take pleasure in being praised, it is fine because the pleasure lies NOT in what you are but that you have pleased someone else.

Socrates, a Greek philosopher in 469BC to 399BC, was deemed as the wisest by the oracle of Delphi. However, Socrates believed that he possessed no wisdom whatsoever. He then went on to pose a riddle to men who were considered to be wise, for example, the poets, statesmen, and artisans. Then Socrates came to a conclusion. While each of them thought himself to be the wisest, he actually knew very little and hence, was not very wise at all. Socrates on the other hand, was really the wisest one since he was aware of his own ignorance.

Well, it is indeed true that, when pride comes, then comes disgrace. But with humility comes widom. So, do YOU think you are wise? Do you think you’re humble? Ask God to search your hearts, as a friend to check your pride.

A Purpose in Drawing

2010-01-24T18:18:00.003+07:00

Hey ya'll(:

I'm blogging with an antiperspirant-smelling bandanna wrapped around my face so I won't have to smell my dog's poop.

Sorry I haven't been blogging. The truth is, I haven't been doing my quiet time and reflecting on the Bible regularly. Really sorry. I know it's I'm wrong Lord:\ But recently, I was uploading my drawings onto Deviant Art, and guess what?! I was forced into doing my quiet time in the end, and that helped me a lot.

My purpose for dedicating a sketchbook solely for God's Word is to impact Christians and non-Christian friends. However, that didn't work out too well, because first of all, I would have to bring my sketchbook everywhere I go in order to impact them. And on top of that, my friends don't really give a crap about the message behind my drawings even though the Bible verses were written clearly beside each drawing.

Then, I remembered my Deviant Art account that I created, but never uploaded any of my drawings. So I decided to upload them 2 nights ago. I was encouraged when one of the users commented on my drawing and said "Thanks. I needed that."

That was the encouragement I needed so badly for a long time. Maybe it's not God's plan for me to try and change my friends, but to share what I have to everyone around the world. What's better than that?(: But I still hope that one day, my friends will turn from their sins and change their ways. Oh yes, please visit my Deviant Art account at http://claralimpk.deviantart.com/(:

It's been hard for me when I've been with my friends in polytechnic. Because I've been really busy and tired, I've not been reading the Bible regularly, and hence, I was not strengthened by His Word. So while being with my friends and classmates almost everyday, I was slowly being influenced by them. Never did I dream that I would become a little more vulgar. Now I must turn away from that, and if I must, it's better that I start avoiding that group of friends that I have since they are not healthy for me.

If it is God's plan for me, I should also turn away from bowling. Bowling has brought me a small portion of popularity and recognition. It has paved paths for me to get into different schools and bowling teams. Pride accumulated in me over the years as I became more popular and respected by coaches and bowlers. As I started to dip in my performance, I started to worry about losing all that. Then I realized what was ruining me. It was what I loved most, which was bowling. So now I know, that I have to let go of bowling soon. And God will help me to let go in His time.

God's works in Ngee Ann Open

2009-10-11T18:58:00.002+07:00

Yesterday was the Ngee Ann Poly Open, a small competition organized by Ngee Ann Poly, and there happened to be just 2 schools bowling, Ngee Ann Poly and Republic Poly. But it was quite fun though. And I didn’t expect to win anything out of it because it’s a mixed competition, so I expected the guys to take up at least the top 5 positions. But I happened to be 3^rd after my handicap of 60 pins was added in. otherwise I would have been 7^th position with an average of 192.17.

I was bowling a 220, 160, and then a 149 for the first 3 games respectively and I was getting pissed off. I didn’t expect a carry down in the lane oiling and was switching ball here and there. Then the 4^th game was 182. On the 5^th and 6^th game, I gave up fighting and decided to just read my newly bought Bible. I then bowled a 221 on both the 5^th and 6^th game. God had helped me bring peace to my mind. I realized I have been thinking too much, and the Bible was the source of peace that brought my mind away from bowling. I knew what I had to do on lane, but I was thinking too much in the bowler’s area after each shot. It is indeed true, what was mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight”

I knew what I had to do on lanes, and the only challenge was to trust myself it sending the ball to the intended line. I kept getting 5 strikes in a row, and the only times I made a mistake was the times I didn’t trust myself at the point of release and did last minute minor adjustments when I was releasing the ball. The Lord was there to guide my troubled heart and mind. It is also true indeed, what was mentioned in Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Everyone in the team knows what I am like when I am pissed when I face difficulties. I was trying so hard follow Philippians 2:3-4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I was still cheering my teammates and my lane-mate, Sandy Tan while I was frustrated with myself. Thank God for such concerned and thoughtful friends, they were trying to cheer me up and comfort me. Even Sandy Tan was trying to cheer me up. If only I knew how to suppress my anger, or at least not let it show. Now that I have found a way to bring peace to myself, I will carry on using this method in any other competitions. And that is, to read the word of God when I face difficulties.

Humility

2009-09-23T11:54:00.007+07:00

Well, it has been a long time since my last entry. So bear with me for this post, because there are many things that I have learnt over this long period of time of NOT blogging. Haha.

What I have learnt most importantly is that, this Sportswoman of the Year thing isn’t good for me after all, since it affected my spiritual life and mindset in a bad way. I have been constantly pushing myself in bowling and have almost neglected God totally. But thank God for the Holy Spirit, I still search God’s words for answers. There was one day I just flipped through the Bible, and in a second, I was caught by Philippians 2:3-8:

Who, being in the very nature of God,

Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,

Being made in human likeness,

And being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled himself and became obedient to death—

Even death on a cross!”

So what if I am the Sportswoman of the Year? I’m no different from the other bowlers. And the other bowlers are better than me in their own ways. Like, better learning attitudes in bowling, better anger and temperament management, a more positive attitude, and better ways at handling failures.

I had been struggling a little bit in bowling after we changed training grounds, and I was so frustrated with the lanes. My coach could see that I was struggling, and kept nagging at me with my mistakes. ARRGH!! This is so like SBF. But I tried to be tolerant because after all, he may have seen some mistakes that I made that pulled down my performance.

After I got better, and started scoring averages of 190 and above again, I still got irritating naggings from the coach and was even compared with another bowler who recently improved and started doing very well! Now this is sooooo like SBF man! ARRGH!! I hate that. That was precisely what made me demoralized and want to give up bowling in the first place.

But, after I came across the verse in Philippians, I realized that I haven’t been humble these days and actually thought that I was something. I have been working hard to achieve my selfish ambitions of maintaining number one! And I didn’t have humility in me, considering others better than myself. I looked only to my own interest, (which was tackling the lanes and getting my game and form back) and totally ignored the rest of my teammates who tried so hard to cheer me up.

Even if I am actually something in people’s eyes, I should instill humility into myself and see others better than me. I am only the Sportswoman of the Year and it’s just for the year 2009-2010, but Jesus is God in the past, present and future. I have had failures and was nothing in people’s eyes, but God is perfect and have never failed and has been feared of by everyone on earth.

Yet, He still came into this world as a mere human being who could feel hungry and thirsty, and could submit to death when He didn’t need to. He took in great amount of pain for His people when His own people were the ones that didn’t believe He was God their Father, and found all ways to send Him to His death.

Galatians 6:3-4 says “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.”

This verse reminds me of an analogy my mentor once told me. If one day God sets only one commandment for you that is “Thou shall jump so high that thou touches the moon” and you could only jump a meter high. Then one day, someone comes along beside you and tried to jump as well but could only jump half a meter high, you start laughing and mocking him. Isn’t it STUPID??? Both of you are equal failures who are way WAYYY too far from the mark God has set for you.

In the same way, we are not perfect and cannot achieve the best which is perfection. We can only achieve the best that is possible within our human capabilities. That makes us failures in a way that we cannot achieve perfection, and we are comparing ourselves with others who fail? Hence, the best is to have humility and consider others better than ourselves and look not only to your interests but the interests of others. Then you can gain respect from others.

I heard a relevant sermon last Sunday in church, and James 1:2-4 was used: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Pastor Steven said that trials and difficulties are always coming our way to shape and mold us into something better. Hence, we must embrace them.

Singapore VS. America?

2009-08-10T19:26:00.004+07:00

Being in a church full of people who have studied overseas or have gone overseas for some reason, I feel the urge to go back to America. I feel happy with the memories that I had. But I wish I could go back again. I haven’t had any chances to use my accent because there was no need for me to converse with an American anymore. But I was glad I still have it in me, because it sure made English so much easier. However, with these people who had gone there, I feel annoyed in some ways.

First of all, they’ll always talk about what they had experienced there, which was fine. But I recently came across some youths from church with American accents. Not that I had a problem with it, because I was like them when I first came back, still adapting after coming back to Singapore. It was what they said that made me super annoyed with them. They kept mocking Singapore, but I’m not complaining about this because I’m patriotic. I’m not.

People who had stayed in America for a couple of years, I noticed, would tend to say that Singapore sucks. They would make fun of how the Singaporeans speak, and how some aunties would dress, and the mannerism of the people here. They would complain about the culture and several other things.

On that day when I was hanging out with some of them, I got super annoyed and was thinking to myself: Singapore is not very good in certain ways, but they have improved greatly over the years. I like living in Singapore because it is a small country that is VERY convenient. Places here are easily accessible. You can hardly get lost around here.

If let’s say you can’t get from somewhere in Queenstown to Seng Kang, just take any bus around you. They’re bound to get to an MRT station. And from there, you can easily make your way to Seng Kang by MRT. It’s as easy as that. I remember when I was 10 to 13 years of age, my mother had to drive for 30mins to the bowling alley every day of the week so that I can practice. Although of course, being a small country is also a bad thing due to its chances of becoming boring. But you can’t blame it for its natural size. It’s like blaming me for being small.

I like it here also because it’s rather cosmopolitan. It very well developed, and I loved places like Vivo City, Orchard Road, and our very own airport. However I only go there like, once in 3 months or less than that. It’s so different from the town I lived in back in America, although the town was more relaxing and simple because it was a country side. So I smell cow poo every morning in the winter since the farm was just 100 meters from my backyard.

On top of that, Singapore is so much more secure than America. There is better control there and there are less criminal cases, probably because there is a smaller population here. But the government here is quite good as well. At least we have a minister mentor with a good foresight.

I probably don’t understand their complaints because we lived in different parts of America. But they still shouldn’t be complaining so much about their country of origin and be so smug about their accents. If it weren’t for their parents who went there to work and decided to bring the whole family along, they wouldn’t have their accents and their beautiful experiences in the first place. Are they being smug because they think they’re different and special apart from their peers?

Of course, there are some things here that Singapore can’t compare to in America, for example, the mannerism of the people. But I could see that being improved on in Singapore. And of course, the vulgarities in America are not as much as Singaporean youths think. So I hope they would stop mixing so many vulgarities into their speech because they sound freaking ridiculous, like they’re not educated enough to know many alternate vocabularies to use for description. You know who you are:)

Of course, there are more “unglam” Singaporean habits, which I’d rather not mention. But the bottom line is that Singapore is their homeland. Each country has their pros and con, and one is just better than the other in their own ways.

haiz....

2009-07-31T22:10:00.004+07:00

I dunno... i just feel like shouting "screw you!!"

*
*
*
*

But i can't...

Ugh... i hate it when i get pissed at someone. YOU THINK YOU'RE THAT GOOD? YOU THINK I CAN'T MATCH UP TO YOU???
Take a better look at yourself. You're a joke.
**** ***...

Haiz... Pray for me for peace in mind and heart.

Phillipians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Artifical Spirituality

2009-07-10T18:55:00.008+07:00

Yo! It’s been awhile since I blogged. Haha:D
Well anyway, back to living for Christ. I mentioned my dear teammates in this post too:)

I received a book from my pastor for youth Sunday. It’s titled, “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”. It mentioned the transformation of Christians. We know that we are called to come out and be separate from the world as our faith and commitment to Christ makes us different from others. However, we are always looking for external methods to achieve this by setting boundary markers.

In the first century, there were laws focusing on dietary laws, circumcision, and the Sabbath. These practices gave them an identity that separated them from the outsiders. However, the heart of the law was “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” These superficial practices enabled the insiders to distinguish the insiders and outsiders of the family of God. And the insiders became proud and judgmental towards the outsiders.

The message by Jesus was not to simply conform to the religious subculture, but to be transformed into a “new creation”. Jesus focused more on the center, the heart of spiritual life, instead of the superficial boundaries.

In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus’s disciples were hungry and picked some heads of grain and ate them. Upon seeing this, the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” In Matthew 12:6-7, Jesus replied “I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’, you would not have condemned the innocent.”

In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied in Matthew 15:3, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”

Throughout the gospel, Jesus has turned prostitutes and tax collectors towards the kingdom of God, but the Pharisees and teachers of the law were stubborn and doubted Jesus. Matthew 21:31-32, Jesus told the Pharisees and teachers of the law, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Hence, as the author of “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” wrote, this is the great irony of his day: the “righteous” were more damaged by their righteousness than the sinners were by their sins. And just as the author wrote, “it is possible to think that we are becoming more spiritual when in fact, we are only becoming more smug and judgmental”. This is what a quote was referring to as, “a good man in the worst sense of the word”.

In this book, someone once asked the author whether he thought that the church where he worked might be wordly. The person asked “Well, you use drama, and people are used to that in the world. And you play contemporary music just like they're used to hearing. So how will they know you’re any different? And everybody knows that as Christians, we’re supposed to be different from people in the world…”

Seems like Christians get confused with what Jesus said about “being part of the world but not of the world”, me included (hehe…). We are told not to conform to the world, but we always think that we should not follow the trend of the world. For example, the disapproval of rock music for singing praises during worship. We are only told in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. Of course, there are practices that should be carried out like in Ephesians 5:18 “do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery”. Although that doesn’t mean we can’t totally drink. It’s just that we must not get drunk.

However, this superficiality does not only apply to Christians. I’ve ever come across non-Christians who are so “righteous” that they actually look down upon others. You’d have to admit, all of us are judgmental, quick to stereotype. We may think that those who can’t speak fluent English but speak fluent Singlish are “gangster-ish”, when in fact, they’re probably the nicest people. I learned that from my dear teammates whom I love ever so much. The smug, artificial friends I had were those who think they’re so “cultured”.

Well, we are all guilty of being artificial, doing and saying things that we think a spiritual person is supposed to say. Pride is a potential problem for those who take spiritual growth seriously. Pray that God will pull us back from that. And I thank God that I am able to share this with you all.

A Student Life in RP Using Technology

2009-06-26T23:44:00.001+07:00

This is just for a CE activity for school (due to CE talks being postponed) :

Throughout the years since probably during the cavemen times, technology has helped human beings greatly in carrying out tasks, discovering science and ways to improve our lifestyles. Technology has almost always made work easier for us.

Today, as a student, technology is important for our education as there are many websites online that we can use for resources and references. Besides education purposes, technology can also provide us with entertainment with applications like iTunes or Windows Media Player. Technology can serve as a platform for communication for socializing purposes as well, with the use of MSN Messenger that is frequently used in school. It can also be used for file sharing which is useful for the learning system in RP where students learn together from one another.

As a student in RP, I feel like this is the future where everyone uses computers. On top of that, the whole school has access to wireless network that allows us to have access to the internet wherever we go around the school campus. Hence, Technology provides convenience to not only us students, but to everyone else.

Everything seems so advanced to me and hardly any paper is being used in class, which seems quite environmentally friendly to me. Only once in a blue moon do we use mahjong papers for class work or presentation. In fact, it seems to me that technology can actually be used to reduce the harm being done to this earth.

I think it’s quite good that we are making use of technology to assist us in our learning. At the same time, we learn something about the technologies that we use. This way, we will be more IT savvy and that will be very helpful to us when we enter the working world in the future. Being IT savvy is very important because almost all jobs require you to use a computer.

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR!

2009-06-01T21:18:00.005+07:00

OMG!! I GOT SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR!! SO NOT EXPECTED MAN!! I thought that girl from road race would get it, cos she seems quite good in her sport. And her character seems pretty nice. She seemed to have won a lot of events in competitions.

I had to make a speech upon receiving my award... I thanked Royston and our team advisor. After I went backstage, I realized i forgot to thank someone most important to my progress in bowling. I FORGOT TO THANK THE TEAM!!!! CRAP! I felt so bad.

The team was the one that really encouraged me last year when I was at my lowest point in my game. I know they were very patient with me when I was so pissed off that I kept showing black face throughout training. I was trying to get the feel back in my game, but to no avail, so I always get freakin' frustrated. I know they always granted me a listening ear when I vent out my anger and frustrations, and occasionally take in a few swear words from me. It was really nice of them, and I felt bad that I was treating them like that.

If ya'll are reading this, thank you so much guys! I just hope that our team may remain united just like last year. And those who graduated better visit us!

In my speech, I mentioned that God probably made me small because that's the best way my strength can be seen. People get impressed with me because through me, they realize that size doesn't matter when they see the power of my shots. Now I know how 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 applies in my life. "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. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I've been praying last year, when I was at my weakest, that God would work His wonders and let me stand out and win something. But my prayers were not answered. Now I know that my prayers were actually answered. He made me fail so that I can stand out later when I improve. If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't have felt the care and hear encouragements from my teammates. Then I wouldn't have mentioned how much they helped me during my interview as a nominee for Sportswoman of the Year. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN GOD!

Losing It

2009-05-02T00:56:00.001+07:00

Sigh… I’m neglecting God. Poor God for having such a child or friend like me. But he forgives me. Not that I’m losing faith in God, but I haven’t been reading God’s word. Hence, I haven’t been communicating much to Him. I only prayed to him before meals, and before bed. And I only eat 1 meal a day, so it’s like praying twice a day only. And that’s only a one-way communication as I did not read His word after that.

Hmm… I wonder what’s killing my enthusiasm or discipline…

wheeee

2009-04-29T11:04:00.002+07:00

Thanks for the pictures Aaron!! :D

Christ Suffers

2009-04-25T23:38:00.004+07:00

Hey ya’ll! Man… I haven’t been blogging about my quiet time for a VERY LOOOOONG time. that’s cos I hardly did my quiet time over my school holidays. But it has truly been a blessed 2-month holiday for me.

Over the holidays, I read Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis, and Brother Yun. And what did I learn? There was something that struck me when I was reading Mere Christianity, and that was the suffering of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yes, we often hear things like, Christ suffered for us to save us from our sins, and Christ saved us and made a way for us away from hell. We often might take it for granted after hearing it so many times. Some think that He’s God anyway, so it shouldn’t be a problem for Him. But have you ever thought what did it ever cost Him to give us wealth, fame, power, and even bring us into existence on Earth?

NOTHING! It cost Him nothing to do such things for us. But to bring us from rebellion against Him, now THAT caused Him to suffer for us. He’s been tortured and nailed to the cross for us. Have you ever had a nail pierced into your hands and feet? Or have your head been pierced by spiky thorns? I don’t think so.

As for what I have learned from Brother Yun, whatever is in the Lord’s plan, he will allow. If you are a non-Christian and have ever been forbidden by family members or anyone from being a Christian, you WILL STILL eventually be one if you persevere with faith from the Lord. Joshua 1:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. His children are all predestined, and since you believe in Him and what He can do, you are probably one of His children already. With God, nothing is impossible.

Who're My Friends Now?

2009-04-19T00:19:00.002+07:00

Soooooo.... Yeah, who're ARE my friends now?

Who's been faking it? Stop talking to me if you are. I'd rather find out you're not really my friend after all, rather than finding out the next time we don't meet anymore.

C S Lewis "Mere Christianity"

2009-03-02T20:11:00.004+07:00

Recently, I read a book by C S Lewis. His book is titled “Mere Christianity”. I thought of including everything that I have learned, chapter by chapter, but only to find out that I couldn’t cram everything into my blog. So I’ll just share what I think is important.

The most interesting thing about this book is that, C S Lewis is once an atheist who once argued all possible reasons why Christianity is false, only to end up turning into a Christian because his reasons have been proven wrong by other reasons. He is a man of reasons, which is why this book is interesting to me, because he can come up with reasons to why he thinks Christianity is the way.

In this book, he also talked about the Christian ways and the doctrine. He talked about forgiveness, faith, hope, love, Christian marriage, sexual morality, and the greatest sin which is Pride, new men, and why God gave us free will which gave us the possibility to disobey and corrupt the world. There are other chapters in the book, but the list is quite long. I know you won’t read the book, because you may find it “chim”. I’ll do my best to talk about some stuff in the book.

The chapter on Christian marriage is a chapter that struck me the most. It talks of how couples commit themselves to spend the rest of their life with each other till death. However, when they cease to be “in love”, they think that they are entitled to a divorce to find another partner, not realizing the feeling will go out of the new one just as it did from the old spouse.

First of all, ceasing to be “in love” doesn’t mean cease to love. The difference between “in love” and love is that, love is not only a feeling but a deep unity maintained by will, deliberately strengthened by habit and reinforced by grace.

They can have this love even when they do not like each other like they once did; just as you love yourself when you don’t like yourself in a way that you’re “in love” with yourself. Love is the engine which the marriage runs on, and being “in love” is the explosion that started it.

And this is also how we love our neighbors, including our enemies. This is how we forgive them, just like how we forgive ourselves. Just like how we love ourselves but hate the bad actions we do, it’s the same with our neighbors. Loving our neighbors in this sense, is not feeling fond. We love them because we wish them good, not feeling fond of them or saying their nice when they’re not.

Another thing I learned from this book is that, it is extremely difficult to hand our whole self to Christ. This, we all know, because we always tend to want to be in control all the time. Sometimes we would doubt Him. But at least, giving our whole selves to Him is easier than what we are trying to do, which is to remain “ourselves”, keeping personal happiness as our great aim in life, and yet at the same time, be “good”.

We are all trying to let our mind and heart go their way – centered on money or pleasure or ambition – and still hoping in spite of this, to behave honestly, chastely and humbly. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT CHRIST WARNED US WE COULD NOT DO.

In the book, it also talks about how easier it is for nasty people to accept Christ compared to people who are given money and natural gifts like sound nerves and good digestion, which cost God nothing. However it cost Him crucifixion to convert rebellious wills. People who have all these goodness cannot be brought to Christ at all until one day, their self-satisfaction shattered.

That is why it is easier for nasty people – low, timid, warped, thin-blooded, lonely, unbalanced people to be brought to Christ. If they make an attempt at all, they learn in quick double time that they need help. Christ said “blessed are the poor” and “how hard it is for the rich to inherit the Kingdom”, and these nasty people are the lost sheep that Christ came specially to find. They were the awful set that Jesus went about with during His ministry.

We should always remember that we are poor, and we are the ones He blessed. All these gifts will only make our fall more terrible, our corruption more complicated, and your bad example more disastrous. The Devil was an archangel once; his natural gifts were as far above ours as ours are above those of a chimpanzee.

God knows what a wretched machine we are driving. Keep on, do what you can. One day, He will give us a new one. God became man to turn creatures into sons. Not simply to produce better kinds of the old, but to produce a new kind of man.

Alright, I’m done for now. Don’t wanna drag on anymore. If you wanna read the rest of the book, go to this website which has all the chapters of his book.
http://www.philosophyforlife.com/mctoc.htm

Why I didn't go to church

2009-02-23T21:45:00.001+07:00

Ok I don’t really know why some of my “Christian” friends don’t go to church, but I’m sure they have their reasons like me. I didn’t go to church for 13 years because my parents suddenly left church one day back in 1994, and I was waiting for them to return to church ever since. Until one day in 2007, I was given an opportunity to go with my old church friends. So I grabbed at the chance and followed them to their new church.

In my case, I didn’t go to church because I didn’t want to go alone, and I didn’t have an opportunity and the will to go. But ever since I did get in, I persisted to stay even though I didn’t feel very welcome. Besides, I didn’t intend to go to church to socialize anyway. I went because I wanted to go back to the Lord and worship and praise Him for His works in my life all these years. And I wanted to learn and mature as a REAL Christian.

After so long, I realized that, all along I wasn’t even a Christian to begin with. Not because I didn’t go to church, but because I have never said the acceptance prayer because I was too young back then. Back then, I just attended a church as a 4-year-old kid. And yet, I always tell people that I’m a Christian just because I went to church and was exposed to God and Jesus by my parents and the church.

When I tell people that I was a Christian, people would always ask me which church do I go to, and I would reply none because my parents don’t go to church. I do feel guilty when I don’t go to church. I even once confronted my mom about it and asked her why we don’t go to church and if God is angry at us for not going to church. That was when I was 12 years old.

So ever since I was given an opportunity to go with my good ex-church friend, I grabbed the chance to go without my parents. I was thinking, if my parents don’t return to church, so be it. I’m not gonna be like them. I want to please God. And ever since, my life and and sister’s have become better. Purpose was added to our lives, and it didn’t feel like anything else mattered except pleasing God. We just take whatever happens in our lives because we know that whatever comes is by God’s will for us.

So I pray that I may provide an opportunity for my “Christian” friends to come to church with me, or go to church with another friend. So that God can work in their lives too.

challenges and trials from God

2009-02-20T11:02:00.001+07:00

Sorry I haven’t been blogging. Hahaha.

But anyway, I just happened to talk to a friend yesterday, and it seems she’s been facing a lot of problems lately, and a lot of temptations in life. In the middle of our conversation, she then asked if all those incidents were tests from God.

I said definitely.

In the book of Job, you can see how God tested Job. Job was, as the Bible says, a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. Then one day, Satan came along to God and told God he was just roaming through the earth.

God: “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Satan: “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has and he will surely curse you to your face.”

God: “Very well then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

So then God allowed Satan to wipe out all his 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 donkeys, 7 sons, 3 daughters and all his servants except for 4 to deliver the bad news to him. Job then got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

When Satan came before the Lord again, the Lord said to Satan: “there is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

Satan: “Skin for skin! A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

God: “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

So Satan went out and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job said, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Throughout the whole book of Job in the Bible, you will find that he did not curse God at all. In fact, in the end God made Job prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

For you all Christians, we all know that this world is not eternal. Our suffering on this earth will end soon when we finally die physically but live spiritually with our Lord in the heavens above :) We should continue to live for the Lord and sometimes sacrifice gratification and pleasure, and our selfish ambitions. No one said it would be easy, but it will be a challenge.

So hold on to your virtues and let nothing move you. Do not feel that you are suffering in vain and doing good for nothing, because in Hebrews 6:10, the apostle Paul said, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.”

Well, that’s all I’d like to share for now. Haiz… today’s my birthday. And it freaking sucks :( I wanna enjoy it!

...

2009-02-13T22:47:00.001+07:00

Haiz... the loss of a friend's mother :'(

what is the best thing in life? (sermon)

2009-02-01T13:00:00.000+07:00

You wanna know what’s the best thing in life? Please take some time to read. That was today’s sermon which caught my full attention throughout. The preacher was a different person today. He was quite funny, and he’s Reverend Michael Phua. Today’s sermon is based on James 1:2-11. He also pretended that King Midas asked his fellow adviser what is the best thing in life.

So what do you think is the best thing in life? The preacher said that philosophers once said that the best thing in life is not to ask such a question because this question implies that you are not satisfied with what you have. BUT! Is that really the answer?

Then he went on to talk about the 3 explanations that can explain why misfortunes happen to people:

1) This is a common explanation that people use to explain why bad things happen to people. The explanation is that God is punishing those who sinned. But the argument is that, in Colossians 1:14, “He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” So we were forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son. So then, this explanation is invalid.

2) The 2nd explanation was everyone’s favorite part in the sermon. It was the ‘suay’ theory! And the theory is that, the good man is just at the wrong place at the wrong time. But chance is very unlikely because as the saying goes, everything happens for a reason. So then, why is it that people face misfortunes?

3) The answer lies in the 3rd explanation, which is in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Do you still not get it? These verses are trying to say that we should delight in trials and difficulties that we face because God is molding us. He is shaping us in to better people. The preacher also used giving birth as an analogy. Giving birth, you have to go through pain. But what made mothers-to-be want to go through that pain? They knew that there would be life as the result of all the pain they had gone through for the many months of carrying their unborn baby in their womb, and giving birth to them. The point is that there is always something good at the end of our trials.

And just like what my previous post mentioned (January 18, “Suffering”), the end results of our trials are usually virtues that we cannot buy with money. How can you buy perseverance? How can you buy life? If money could buy everything, then money would be a god. But since it can’t, then just like what Reverend Michael Phua said, money isn’t that great after all! Therefore, money is NOT the best thing in life either.

Then what is the best thing in life? Besides the possible answer of money and not having asked that question at all, another possible answer is not being born at all and to die faster. That is the common thought that everyone has when they face difficulties. Everyone wishes to escape whatever problems they are facing. But we all know that escape isn’t the way to solve the problem. So what if we escaped? The problem will still be there!

In James 1:9-11, “But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.” Nothing lasts forever so we should let go and not hold on to what once was. All the victories that I had since I started bowling without any coaching were all good memories and experiences. God has blessed me with so many effortless victories, but now it is time to move on to something bigger! God has plans for me, and I should go with the flow.

We should not be confusing ourselves with what is temporary and what is eternal. Your riches on earth are definitely NOT eternal but are temporary. It is written in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or anything in the world… For everything in the world – the cravings of the sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

Well, the answer we’ve all been waiting for was here since about 2000 years ago!! Jesus is the best thing in our lives because He was crucified to set us free from our sins. Isn’t it great to live a life knowing that you do not have to worry about death? And to live a life with a clear conscience! Because of death, people lived their lives for selfish desires. Before Christ, everyone was afraid of spiritual and physical death. But now, there is only physical death. Hence, eternal life!

Praying for something you want

2009-01-25T12:39:00.000+07:00

I have a friend who is a non-Christian, and he asked me what I meant by “living for God”. I told him I meant living for God’s purpose instead of mine.

I have another friend whose life is not going the way he wants right now. There are many of us who have been kicked out of the national youth squad, and he was one of them. He was among those who feel dejected because of what happened.

Once again, as I have mentioned before, we fail to realize sometimes that the life us Christians are living for is not for us! It is for our creator who gave us this life. He uses us for His purpose. As mentioned in 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”

Ever wondered why sometimes you don’t get what you pray for?
It’s because God will only grant you that at the right time according to Him. But sometimes what we pray for may only be for selfish desires. Like for example, praying that God will let you win a competition? What crap! Is that for God’s purpose? NO! It’s only for you to be proud of. It is mentioned in James 4:3, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

From what I read from my book of devotionals, Proverbs 2:7-8, “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those whose walk in integrity, guarding the paths of injustice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.” This shows that if we walk in integrity, we will not stumble. God protects His godly ones, and this shows that if we pray for something that we can use to do His purpose, He will grant it to us. He will give us an opportunity to gain, for example, courage and faith. “God is ready to do His part whenever we’re ready to do ours”.

Oh yeah!! And by the way, to those who wants tattoos:
Leviticus 19:28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves”.

Last Day of Cognitive

2009-01-23T22:08:00.000+07:00

Haiz... finally, the last day of cognitive AND the last day of semester 2 of year 1.

I'm gonna miss my classmates! :'(

I miss Yang Li Shan! But I don't miss my semester 1's facilitator. Hehe...

I'm waiting for the pictures of the last day of school!! :D

Last Day of Communication

2009-01-22T14:07:00.000+07:00

NOOOOOO!! WORSE STILL... THE LAST DAY OF COMMUNICATIONS!!! :(

I miss Masturah Ismail and Patrick David (aka Obama)!!

Look at "Obama" in the pictures :D

Here's the real Obama:

Last Day of Enterprise

2009-01-21T18:06:00.002+07:00

AWWW MANN!!! IT'S THE LAST DAY OF ENTERPRISE!! :(

I MISS SPENCER GOH AND YONG FUI LONG!

Yong Fui Long is cool:)

Last Day of Computing

2009-01-20T15:40:00.000+07:00

NOOOOO!!! LAST DAY OF YEAR 1 COMPUTING!!

Bye Loh Hui Ling!

Bye Sheila Chang!

Last Day of Science

2009-01-19T22:58:00.001+07:00

NOOOOO!!! IT'S THE LAST DAY OF YEAR 1 SCIENCE!! :(

I MISS MY SCIENCE FACILITATORS, JUNIE TOK AND LEE HAN MIN!!

Today's Sermon: Christians' "Consumer's" Mentality

2009-01-18T21:15:00.000+07:00

Today’s sermon was one of those that caught my attention for the whole period of time. Today, Pastor Steven was talking about us having a consumer’s mentality when going to a church.

He mentioned that when we go shop, we criticize the goods, like whether Mr. Bean’s soy bean drinks are sweeter than that of Jolly Bean’s. Or that Pepsi is better than coke because it’s gassier. And Adidas’s designs are better than Nike’s.

It’s just like when we go to church, sometimes we might criticize it because the pastor is too boring, or the church doesn’t have good facilities, and because the sermon is too long.

His sermon today reminded me of what I read in “The Purpose Driven Life” 2 years ago. There was this chapter titled “A Place to Belong”, and under the heading “Your Choice”, it says “the difference between a church attender and a church member is commitment. Attenders want the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibility. Why is it important to join a local church family? Because it proves you are committed to your spiritual brothers and sisters in reality, not just in theory. God wants you to love REAL people, not IDEAL people. You can spend a lifetime searching for the perfect church, but you will never find it. You are called to love imperfect sinners, just as God does.”

Today’s sermon was also something about conflict… sooo… if anyone’s angry with me out there… I’M SORRYYYY!! :( I might not have realized what I’ve done wrong… but… I’M REALLY SORRY! Just tell me what I did wrong and I’ll change if I don’t have a good reason to what I did wrong.

Suffering

2009-01-18T19:53:00.000+07:00

Romans 5:1-5
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

I always remember when I was young, my mom would always tell me to suffer first, and then enjoy. And what do ya know? Romans 5:1-5 proved that mom was right after all! On the contrary, my aunt told me it was better if I enjoy first then suffer. They were referring to me studying hard and enjoying life. But back then, I preferred to suffer first. Somehow I had this feeling that I’d rather rough it out than live an easy life. Now that I think about it, I wonder what made me feel and think that way.

Now that I’m older, I’m glad I didn’t choose to play and live an easy life. Life is never that easy to begin with. Plus, out of all our sufferings, there is always a reward in the end. And the reward lasts for a lifetime. When you choose to suffer, you build perseverance in yourself. You learn self-discipline and self-control. It is a virtue that no amount of money can buy. It’s not like you can pay $10 billion to have them injected in you.

I always try to push myself and avoid slacking, because I always feel like a loser when I slack. I always feel like I’m mentally weak if I give in to the temptation to slack. I always believed that in order to obtain the best, it is best to go the hard way to get it. Because going the long hard way rewards you with something durable, everlasting, and virtuous. Besides, going the long hard way earns you respect. So what’s wrong with suffering???

Firm In Our Faith

2009-01-16T18:06:00.000+07:00

I have learned a lot during my quiet time this week. So please be patient with me as I share with you what I have learned :)
There are 2 parts to it: “Firm In Our Faith” and “Living with Sin”

1 Peter 3:15
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

We are told to be equipped and prepared when faced with a question of faith by a non-Christian or a non-believer. I thank God that I was able to answer those questions as I had testimonies to show how much God has changed my life. God has a great impact in my life, and without Him, I would turn into someone different.

How do you know that God exists?
First of all, how would you know if photons exist? Just like God, you can’t feel them, see them, hear them, smell them, or taste them. But you know that they’re there, everywhere around us. They are what our cell phones emit that carries information over large distances. There is no reason to believe that something is unreal just because it cannot be seen.

Just as photons can be seen through the works of a cell phone, the presence of God can be seen through how much He has changed our lives. It can be seen in the example of Neville Tan, a once young and hopeless Singaporean prisoner who decided to take his life one night. But God penetrated his heart with the scripture, and he went on to Bible College after he was released from prison and became a missionary.

We should never lose faith in Him after all that He has done for us. No matter how much others try to stray us from our faith, or try and instill doubt in us.
1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.”
Galatians 5:7-10, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you form obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ‘A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough’. I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.”

Alright people! That's all for today! God bless and peace out!

Oh yeah!! I finally got a chance to talk to Vanessa online! Come back quick! :D

Living with Sin

2009-01-16T17:47:00.000+07:00

Here are the verses that I came across during my quiet time which teaches us how to behave:

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (For the non-Christians, we renew our minds through our faith in Jesus Christ as we follow His example)

Ephesians 5:3-4
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

Romans 13:13-14
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:22-26
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

1 Peter 1:14-16
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Colossians 3:1-10
“… 2set your minds on things above, not on earthly things… 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices…”

Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

IMPORTANT REMINDER

2009-01-16T16:32:00.000+07:00

HALLOOOOO!! PEOPLE!! AS CHRISTIANS, YOU GOTTA REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT LIVING FOR YOURSELVES BUT FOR GOD!!!

SO STOP THINKING LIKE THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU!! STOP COMPLAINING!! GOSH!! WITH ALL YOUR EMO-ING AND ALL!! - a reminder to myself also :P

Living For God in a Busy Life

2009-01-11T14:41:00.001+07:00

I learned today that sometimes we are too busy that we skipped spending time with God. Poor God... so neglected :(

Just like my post in November, titled "Tyranny of the Urgent", we often respond to the urgent and not the important. And what is urgent may not even be important, for example homework over God. Sure, education is important, but we should always try to make time for our Lord. Besides, when we trust in the Lord and let Him take control, we can do amazing things. Duh... It's GOD we're talking about here :)

In an activity book that I have for growing spiritually strong, it says "Left to ourselves, we fail to distinguish God's way from the world's, or we see the difference but give in to the world anyway. We may have an uneasy feeling but rationlise our actions by saying, "After all, who knows what is right these days. Are there really any absolutes?" We may not realise that we are drifting along in the stream of this world's ideas of living, obeying its unseen ruler, and following our own impulses and imaginations much as we did before turned to Christ.

In the book "When God writes Your Life Story", there were 2 types of Christian lives that struck me. There is the just-be-real Christianity and the God-loves-me-anyway Christianity. Let's start with the just-be-real Christianity.

An example in the book is a Bible school student who has decided to "be real" about his lustful addictions. He blurts "I'm hooked on pornography, and that's just the way it is. God knows I'm only human, and I'm not gonna beat myself up about it."

Now for the God-loves-me-anyway Christianity, this attitude shies away from the sting of conviction. An example in the book is a couple, Kelly and Damon, who committed to save sex until marriage. But one day they gave in to temptation, and she cried with remorse after that, knowing that she had let God down. The next night during a sermon, the pastor declared, "He loves us just the way we are in all our sin and weaknesses. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He knows we are stuck in the mire of our sinfulness." That was when Kelly's guilt floated away, and the couple maintained an ongoing sexual relationship. She convinced herself that God accepts her in spite of her mistakes and that He doesn't expect her to change.

Sure He accepts us in spite of our mistakes, but that DOESN'T mean that He doesn't expect us to change. Though we are born sinners since the time of Adam and Eve, we should try to live a righteous life because in Romans 8:7, "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so."

Drunkenness

2009-01-11T14:11:00.001+07:00

Here's something that caught my attention in today's sermon. Wish I had brought my friends to today's sermon... Anyway, Pastor Steven mentioned about the time when he was asked if he could drink wine, when there was already a glass of wine placed right in front of him. After some consideration, he answered 'no'.

Drinking wine is actually not a problem, because Jesus drank wine as well. BUT! The problem with drinking wine that is considered a sin, is when you become drunk. Drinking alcohol is usually to warm the body or for a celebration. A reminder to my friends out there, DON'T YOU DARE BECOME DRUNK! arrgh...

Romans 13:13
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."

Ephesians 5:18
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

*Debauchery: excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures

What's so cool about drinking till you get drunk anyway, huh? You think by drinking you would appear mature? Like, you're all grown up now? You think drinking makes you look cool? Let me tell you... I think that's all crap! Drunkenness is one of the reasons why I would look down on a person. Forgive me Lord, I know it's not for me to judge others...

Wake up people!!! Don't be dumb! You don't have to do this in order to "look cool". It is said in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Not Meant To Bowl

2009-01-09T18:36:00.000+07:00

Hmm…. I think it’s time I give up bowling? I’m bound to give up what I love one day. Besides, bowling isn’t gonna last me. And it’s always in the way of me and God. I’m always not able to make time for Him because of it. Besides, I’ve been going from bad to worse. My average usually hits at least a 195 at least. And it wasn’t difficult to hit a 200. But now, I hardly do.

My average went down to 175 last year, and that was a drastic change. To make matters worse, my scores for yesterday was a 124 and 132! Who knows? Maybe I’m not meant to be in the bowling circle anymore. Oh well :)

Held together

2009-01-03T19:09:00.000+07:00

A video I watched in church today, by Louie Giglio, mentioned a protein in our body:

Laminin is a VERY important protein in the body that "holds us together". It holds our membranes together. It is the glue of the human body. It holds together our skin, our organs, you name it. Laminin is like, the steel structure within the concrete that holds a building together.

Just as laminin suggests, Christ is a VERY important figure in our lives. Christ, as part of God, holds us together, literally.

Ever wondered why you don't hear me yell out vulgarities? Why I refuse to drink? I could if I want. I could rebel if I want. I would love to get into fights. I'm one of the stronger girls anyway. It would feel good to punch someone. I could yell out vulgarities to get rid of my frustrations. I can show my impatience if I wanted to.

But no, I didn't. Although I did used to when I was younger. It didn't matter if that person was hurt. I thought she deserved it anyway, for being irritating. But because of God, that was the furthest I've gone to being too much. God held me together when I was about to blow.

Now that I know God so much better since I returned to church, I was held together in all situations. There is more to life than studies, bowling, and my social life, whatever. Living for God's purpose for me is so much more important.

I just bought a book yesterday, titled "When God Writes Your Life Story". Lemme tell you first, my dream has always been to work with Disney's animation. But slowly, I was starting to settle for an average, realistic life.

However, along the way in my life, there is always someone who asks me about my dream which makes my dream alive again. I thank God for that. God has given me a gift to draw. But I have never been to art class and seriously learn. So my ability is limited for the time being.

In this book, it mentions that when we watch a Hollywood film, and the character ends up in an impossible situation, we trust the movie director to somehow turn it into a happy ending. But "we melt with fear when we find ourselves in an impossible situation in life, because we don't trust God as our life's Director to come through for us and create a triumphant ending."

"As little kids, we dream of a bigger-than-life existence. But eventually we grow up. We lose our 'oomph' to keep aiming high. We settle for everyday mediocrity. We finally accept being average. We loosen our grip on our dreams and pitch our tents in a land where everyday humans dwell."

End of 2008

2009-01-01T00:15:00.000+07:00

Finally, it's the end of the year 2008! Thank God and praise the Lord.

I just came home from watch night service in church to countdown to the year 2009. We were all sharing about what we were thankful for in the year 2008. And what am I thankful for?

I'm thankful for this CRAPPY year that has been filled with failures. Because of these failures, I have been consistently filled with encouragements by God. It is all thanks to this year that brought me closer to God.

I guess it is only when I am weak that I could grow closer to God. Because otherwise, I would always think that I can depend on myself.

Not only did I grow closer to God, but as I learned how His words could comfort me, I learned how to comfort others using His words. I have encouraged many people this year, and I aim to share more about God though my experiences.

This year was an extraordinary year for me, though it has been a crappy year. But even its crappiness was extraordinary. I've never had a year worse than this.

I have never bowled this badly in my whole life, and I have never been so tired in my life. Being in Republic Poly and having to train straight after school almost everyday has been draining the energy out of me. I always feel so dead and frustrated. But God's word was what kept me going.

Now going on to 2009, I believe that this year should be a better year for me, unless God has more obstacles for me to face. Whatever is thrown at me, I will face it. I know I have the Lord by my side, and I will be given peace in mind. I know that everything is going to be OK. I will do my best not to push the Lord out of my mind and think that I can lean on my own understanding.

It doesn't mean that I will be complacent though. I will always try my best in everything I do. But the results are not up to me to decide. The results will appear according to how the Lord wants it to be.

open my eyes to milo

2008-12-31T01:56:00.000+07:00

Now that I think about it, it was meant to be after all.

I'm supposed to see how lost they were, and maybe try to bring their relationship with God closer. I should be telling them how God would not want to hurt them but to help them. That their failures are planned by God, and it is not something that each of them cannot handle because God knows very well what our limitations are.

Was that why God brought me to bowling? To realize how lost most of the Christians in the bowling circle is? To experience the same thing only to be brought out of the forest and see for myself how lost my teammates are as well, so that I can help them based on my experience of feeling lost once.

Then why am I brought out of the national team at this time? Why am I on the verge of getting kicked out now? Am I just supposed to see how lost and not be able to help my national teammates?

Or is He trying to weaken me so that His power may be made perfect through my weakness, just as it is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:9? Hmm...

F-ing pissed

2008-12-30T11:30:00.000+07:00

ARRGH!!!!

I HATE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!!!
No offense to God. It has nothing to do with Him.

Just can't help remembering what happened during Christmas in KL... Haiz.

STOP ASSUMING IT'S BOWLING THAT'S PISSING ME OFF!!

A new sister in Christ

2008-12-30T00:31:00.000+07:00

Oh yeah!! I just found a new sister in Christ from Indonesia. I didn’t know she was a Christian. Met her in a competition last year, but never knew she was a Christian. Otherwise, I would have been happy to share about what I learned from my spiritual growth during this competition in KL, since my teammates would not bother to listen. Some of them are non-Christians, and some Christians themselves don’t seem to care. All they care about was bowling.

There’s so much more to bowling!! In fact, bowling is nothing because it’s just a game created by man. But God is everything! He gave us life! He created the universe that consists of billions of stars including the sun. He sacrificed His only Son to save us. During the competition, I learned a new verse. In John 3:17, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” But no one seemed to care about that on Christmas during the competition.

During the competition, I didn’t really talk to my teammates. But I often talk to my Indonesian friend, Raniia Nugroho, whenever she passed by me. I just realized today on msn that she’s a Christian. What a timing… only when we’ve parted, I just realized. What’s more, the competition was probably the last time we get to see each other again.

God has blessed me truly with another sister in Christ from another country. But before that, He made me stronger!! I was tempted many times during the competition to push Him aside because I’m not qualifying for the finals. He wasn’t helping. But I always know it’s a trap, it was a test of my faith. I always thought to myself, “heck!! Forget about God! I’ll have to pull through myself! No, I can’t. God has His plans and purpose for me, and He will work through me in His time. I should be patient and trust in Him.”

This competition was the only competition so far that allowed me to remember Him to the end. It was probably made easier for me since the pressure from my parents wasn’t there as my parents did not follow me to KL.

To my new sister in Christ, may God guide you and grant you peace in mind as you trust in Him and lean not on your own understanding and acknowledge Him.

Milo 2008

2008-12-29T22:13:00.000+07:00

Just came back from the Milo International Junior All-Stars, and...

My God!! During my competition in KL, I just realized how far away most of my Christian teammates were from God. Man… I couldn’t stand the cursing and swearing. Usually when my classmates kept shouting the ‘F’ word while playing online games, I would usually scold them and ask them if their vocabularies were that limited to only the ‘F’ word. I didn’t care if they detest me after reprimanding them, because it’s not like we’re really close friends anyway. But I’m glad they apologize after I reprimanded them.

However, during the competition, the people who kept swearing with the ‘F’ word were my friends. Moreover, they were my good friends. I couldn’t bring myself to shout at them. It might jeopardize our friendship. So whenever I was pissed while I overheard their conversation, I would slam my fist on the desk in the hotel room since I was alone in my room anyway. Pain always manages to calm me down. If I don’t punch something, all my emotions will end up in tears. Sigh…

PEOPLE FAIL TO REALIZE THAT WE’RE LIVING FOR GOD’S PURPOSES AND NOT OUR OWN!! It’s not like we pray to God to help us as long as there is a benefit for us, like striking the lottery for example. Even if we do strike the lottery, we should donate as much as we can to charity. Money gets in the way of our relationship with God anyway. Money is the source that leads us to temptation to sin. With money, you can afford to be materialistic, and you may become egoistic and proud. With money, we might become spoiled and grow to be stubborn and ignorant.

I noticed pride most of my teammates too. That’s what keeps God from working through us with His power. Just as it is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness”, we should be humble and surrender ourselves to Him so that He may work through us and show His power through our weakness, so that He will be glorified. SO DROP YOUR EGO!! There’s no harm in being humble anyway. It earns you respect from others at the same time.

I just hope and pray that my dear Christian teammates will understand soon, and confess their sins. Just as 1 John 1:9 mentions, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I hope they will come out from the darkness of evil and come towards the light of truth.

encouragement with His word

2008-12-21T21:37:00.001+07:00

Only just yesterday, I get to meet my primary school teacher and 5 of my classmates, all from primary 6. That was when I realized that my teacher has been facing many difficulties. So I shared what I had learnt from sermons, my bible, and “Today God Is First”.

I told her that God created us, and He knows our limit. Any obstacles that are thrown at us are within our abilities. So we should not lose heart so easily, and we should persevere. Whatever happens is God’s plan, though we may not know what God’s plan for us is.

But what I forgot to tell her is that sometimes we when we start to think that we can handle things on our own, we push God aside. This is very common. Slowly, we will start to face many difficulties that we cannot handle, and we will have to learn to surrender to God and let Him take over our lives. When we learn to surrender to God, the stress on us is reduced.

I also forgot to tell her that now since she is at her weakest point, God presence and influence in her life will be even more than before. People will also witness God’s power through you once they see a sudden improvement in you. But of course, once we have made improvements by God’s grace and power, it is important to use that as a testimony of your faith in God rather than to claim credit for your improvements by your own efforts.

It is just like in John 11 when Jesus was told that Lazarus was sick. Lazarus was someone that Jesus loved, so he went to visit Lazarus. Being God, He knew that Lazarus was going to die, but He did not heal Lazarus like He healed the paralyzed, the blind, and those with leprosy. He actually stayed with Lazarus until he died, and then raised him from the dead. That was a miracle that could really catch people’s attention and let everyone witness God’s power and glory.

So what I learned? Hold back all the possible complaints I may have, for it is my weaknesses that God’s glory may be seen by all. My weaknesses will become His strength if only I surrender to Him and let Him take over me. And when I am strong, testify my faith in God. Pride gets in the way of God’s power working through me when I believe my successes came from my own efforts. Humility is what allows God’s power to work through us, and at the same time gain respect from others.

By Faith

2008-12-15T19:24:00.000+07:00

When I was telling someone about Jesus Christ, that someone questioned me about my religion. He asked why I believe in God. I said, why not?

First of all, God wants to have a relationship with us.
Second of all, God regard Himself as a father to us, His creations.
Third of all, I believe that He can salvage us from eternal doom.
Fourth of all, God sent part of Himself to earth to suffer as a mortal man for us. That part of Him, which was Jesus Christ, was a sacrifice to salvage us from our sins.
Fifth of all, being a Christian has made life so much easier with less worries as God’s word provides me a good deal of encouragement and consolation.

I was asked why I believe even though I can’t see Him. I said it’s all about faith. We don’t really know where we’ll go after this life anyway. Who knows if we really even have a soul? Since God offered salvation, why not trust in Him?

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” In Hebrews chapter 11, it talks about many miracles that happened by faith. Are you ready for the list of miracles?

Verse 4: by faith Abel was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.

Verse 5 and 6: by faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Verse 7: by faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Verse 8: by faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Verse 9: by faith Abraham made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign
country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

Verse 10: by faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren - was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Verse 17: by faith Abraham, offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God tested him. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” And he received Isaac back from death.

Verse 20: by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

Verse 21: by faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Verse 22: by faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.

Verse 23: by faith Moses’ parents hid him for 3 months after he was born because they saw he was no ordinary child and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

Verse 24: By faith when Moses grew up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasure of Egypt.

Verse 27: by faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.

Verse 28: by faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

Verse 29: by faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Verse 30: by faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for 7 days.
Verse 31: by faith Rahab the prostitute, was not killed with those who were disobedient when she welcomed the spies.

There were others like David, Samson, Gideon, Barak, and Samuel who by faith, who weakness was turned to strength, conquered kingdoms administered justice, and gained what was promised. These were all commended for their faith.

What will be, will be

2008-12-12T22:57:00.000+07:00

- Will I ever get better grades for this subject?
- Will I ever get better in bowling?
- Will the coaches ever stop ruining me?
- I am sick of this sh**!

We are always thinking how to be better, and when can we ever be better. We are always wondering why negative situations always happen to us. Like, why is God doing this to us? Is this a punishment for whatever we have done?

This is exactly the same situation that Job suffered from. Except, his situation was much worse. God made a deal with Satan and allowed Satan to make Job suffer to test his faith in God. In Job 2:7, “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.” Not only that, but death was also brought upon his children and wife, and his herd.

I read, that “when hope is deferred, the psalmist says, the heart becomes sick. During these seasons, we can only do one thing: We must hang onto whatever faith we have to get through each day and entrust our lives to Him.” And when faith doesn’t see results, it challenges what we believe. We must pray as Job prayed, “Teach me what I cannot see” (Job 34:32).

Just as I read, “God is going to reveal things to you through this season of adversity that you would never receive had you not gone through this. This is part of your calling even though Satan is the instrument. God is always bigger than Satan’s afflictions.” Our greatest tests are when we cannot perceive positive results coming from our faith and obedience. In such cases, we must die to our expectations and entrust them to our Lord.

I came across a page titled “If God Says It Will Be, It Will Be”. The verse on that page was Job 42:2, “I know You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours will be thwarted.” The conclusion was basically, when God says it will be done, it will be done. If it makes me unhappy and frustrated, so be it. If it ruins my reputation, it shall ruin my reputation. If it hurts, it shall hurt.

And to follow up with that, I came across another page, “Let God Handle It”. Psalms 46:10, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” This is something all of us can relate to. There are times when we try SO hard, but to no avail. You try so hard but you are not selected to be seeded into next year’s national team. You try so hard but still cannot get a good enough grade. You try so hard but still cannot make any friends or be part of a group.

Since we have tried so hard, we should stop to take a rest sometimes, and let God take over. This is when we have to trust God with the outcome. After all, the outcome is something that is not within our control. Luke 12:25 says “and which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life span?” Because the outcome is a responsibility that is beyond our control, worrying is assuming responsibilities we cannot handle. It’s not like worrying will prolong our life span anyway, because there is nothing we can do about the outcome. We can only do our best to get as close to achieving our expected outcome as possible.

(inspired by “Today God Is First” and “Wisdom For The Way”)

a servant's heart

2008-12-10T11:43:00.000+07:00

Sorry for taking so long!! I’ve been really really busy:\ and I lost my wallet… my sports school access card is inside!!! Oh well…

Anyway, in the book Today God Is First (TGIF), I read about the power of serving others. It is mentioned that there is a Kingdom principle that very few people understand: when we focus on serving others, God often meets our own need. Sometimes we as Christians often forget that the instruction given to us by God is to serve others. Sometimes we think that we serve others to gain on our own behalf. Truth is we don’t. However, when we do serve other, there is a Kingdom principle that works on our behalf as fruit of our service.

Recently I bought a book called Wisdom for the way. Inside contains wise words for busy people. Coincidentally, I came across a page about a servant’s heart. Here is what it said, “A spirit of humility is very rare in our day of strong-willed, proud-as-a-peacock attitudes. The clinched fist has replaced the bowed head. The big mouth and the surly stare now dominate the scene once occupied by the quiet godliness of the ‘poor in spirit’. How self-righteous we have become! How confident in and of ourselves! And with that attitude, how desperately unhappy we are! The indispensible condition of receiving a part in the kingdom of heaven is acknowledging our spiritual poverty.”

Oh yeah! And this is what I wrote for my reflection journal yesterday:

Question: What meaningful plans do you have for the coming holidays?

For this coming holiday, I will be going over to Kuala Lumpur with the rest of the national youth bowlers in the national team for a competition. My holidays won't be much because I will be spending more than half a day each day in the bowling alley. But I will make it meaningful by spreading the true meaning of Christmas to others. And what is the true meaning of Christmas? It is the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I even bought a friend of mine a brand new Bible, so that he can read it during the trip and find comfort in God's word during our competition. So that if he were to encounter any setbacks, he will know that it is God's will and good purpose for him, though he may not know it because he does not know what God's plan for him is.

Not only that, but I will get to spend Christmas with my good buddies in the national team, and we will all enjoy good food in restaurants using the allowance that the national team will be giving us. And during the competition itself, I will be able to grow closer to God as I face difficulties while competing. I will be able to leave the burden of my worries to God. I will learn to trust in Him. This Christmas in competition will be my stepping stone to putting total trust and faith in God, and lean not on my own understanding and abilities.

There are many people who think that Christmas is all about Santa Claus, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Frosty the snowman, presents, parties and holidays. Ideas like these often spread that hardly anyone knows the true meaning of Christmas except some, including the Christians themselves. But in actual fact, it is so much more than that.

My blog is 1 month old!

2008-12-03T09:57:00.000+07:00

Yay! My blog is 1 month old! K... i've got nothing to say for now... zzz...

Answered prayer assured!

2008-11-28T22:54:00.000+07:00

Guess what people??? God answered my prayers yet again!! I've been praying about my sister's passport since Sunday on 23/11/08. On Saturday, we went to renew our passports because our passports had expired. But we did not know that it would take 2 weeks to be done until my dad told us. And Debra is leaving for Batam on a mission's trip on the 1st of December! The trip was only 1 week away! There was no way she could go if she can't get her passport.

So on the following day, which was Sunday, I told my mentor about the situation and we prayed about it. Then on Thursday, when I went to meet a group of Christians that I recently joined, I told them about Debra's situation and we prayed about it. And just today, my prayer was answered! Dad told me today that the passports are ready to be picked up! This is my testimony of God's grace and care.

Within 6 days, both my prayers have been answered! First, God answered my prayer about my bowling through my pastor at a sermon on Sunday. And now, my prayer about Debra's passport has also been answered!

Thank the Lord indeed! It feels good to trust in Him, and know that everything will be okay. My burdens have been lightened as I put more trust in Him. Just like the verse that Iwas told to memorize by my mentor, Assurance of Answered Prayer, John 16:24, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

taboo about christianity

2008-11-26T11:54:00.001+07:00

Well, just wanna share yesterday’s reflection journal question and my answer:

What is ONE taboo that you feel should be done away with? Explain your choice with regards to how it affects the way you communicate with others.

I think the one taboo that I feel should be done away with is the issue that some people have with Christianity. My choice would create understanding and clarity in others who are not sure of the religion so that we will have better communication and understanding in the future.

I am aware that some non-believers think that Christians are irritating because they keep trying to force their religion on the non-believers. They do not understand that we just want to share the gospel with them and tell them how much God loves them and are trying to reach out to them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Also, some non-believers do not understand that our religion frees us instead of keeping us prisoners of our religion. I have friends who think that being a Christian has many restrictions to our freedom because there are certain things that we cannot do. On the contrary, we may have been restricted but that is only if we want to restrict ourselves for the good. For example, restrict ourselves from getting drunk, swearing vulgarities and such. However, we are free in a way that we are free from worries knowing that God has a plan for each and every one of us. And we will pull through any obstacles as God works through us. God will not give us more than we can bear. We will not be worried about death either, and instead, be happy about it because that is when we leave this finite world and spend eternity with our Father in heaven.

There are many things that non-believers do not know about Christianity and are having assumptions about it. Christianity is also one of the biggest taboos. So I think that this religion should be done away with.

Kicked out of the team

2008-11-25T07:49:00.000+07:00

Finally my worry for the interview is over. It is decided that I am not to be seeded into next year’s team. Basically, I am “kicked out” of the team, and am told to roll off if I want to be back into next year’s training program. But the interview didn’t go badly. They had nothing bad to say about me. I had good attitude, impressive attendance, and great dedication to the game. They could not doubt that for they could see it in me during every training session that I attended.

My parents are always thinking of this so negatively. My father is now pushing me to do well for the roll off, and is nagging at me to check my equipment and make sure they are comfortable and good to go for the roll off. My mom asked if I’m sad, and I answered in a pissed-off manner that I am not. I am sick of them expecting so much out of me in bowling. Why can’t they accept that I fail for once?? Why can’t they accept that I am lousy? No one is perfect anyway. Why must I always be so good? How can I proceed to be better if I don’t face failure in the first place? Why can’t they see this situation in a positive manner? Why can’t they be more encouraging? They’re not the ones who are kicked out! They’re not the ones who are bowling! Jeez… just chill out people!

I just want to relax and chill out, and know that everything will be okay. I just want to be laid back. But every time I try to, my parents will start to push their worries on me and nag the hell out of me! I’m sick of worrying about my grades, money, time, transport, attendance, being on time… I’m sick of rushing! I’m sick of worrying! I’m sick of being perfect! I can’t please everyone ya know?!?!

To me, because of this situation with the national youth, I have grown closer to God as my faith and trust in Him has grown. He spoke to me on Sunday! With my trust in Him and His power through me, I may be able to show the others that I can still qualify to be part of their training program, if that is His plan for me. Just as it is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ‘”my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’

God Spoke To Me

2008-11-24T07:54:00.000+07:00

Yesterday’s sermon was great! It was all related to all my worries and everything I mentioned about God’s power made perfect in weakness. Pastor Steven was using the verses in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10!! Just like the ones I used in my previous entry! God’s talking to me! He heard all my prayers from the past 2 weeks! And this is sooooo NOT a coincidence.

The sermon yesterday was about how God was angry with Moses in Numbers 20:1-13. And pastor Steven was talking about Numbers 20:12, “But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community in to the land I give them.’” He was talking about how sometimes we do not trust in God enough, and we think that we can handle our own lives. Sometimes we just do not have faith in Him.

Through the sermon yesterday, God was telling me that I do not trust in Him enough. I admit I haven’t trusted Him enough. But since yesterday’s sermon, I now put full trust and faith in Him. He has answered all my prayers about my worries about my bowling and the national youth. I am rest assured now, that whatever happens, it is the will of God, whether I get out of the national youth or stay in. If I stay in, all glory goes to the Lord, just as it has always has been. But if I get kicked out, I get to spend more time with the church and the group of Christians that I just joined in school. It doesn’t mean that I will totally give up on bowling though. The school team is still counting on me. My purpose in taking the RP thru-train route from Sports School is to continue bowling anyway! :) So don’t you people worry, because you will still be facing me, Clara Lim, in competition! :D Muahaha! For the glory of God, you’re all dead meat!

I am glad I am at my weakest momentJ All the more God can work through me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness. I just have to submit myself to Him, and trust in Him. Through Him, I shall trash people in competitions:) MUAHAHA!!

Psst!! You wanna win competitions? You want success? Lemme tell ya how…
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BELIEVE IN HIM! LET HIM WORK THROUGH YOU!!! :)

Power made perfect in weakness

2008-11-23T17:43:00.000+07:00

On Thursday, when I was doing a campus evangelism with a few other Christians, I decided to evangelize to my fellow school bowlers since it would be less awkward compared to evangelizing to people I don’t even know. We were supposed to do a survey and tell others that Christmas is all about the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. I didn’t do much. It was the leader of the group that did proper evangelism. Ha-ha. Anyway, she did the survey on one of the bowlers and we realized that the bowler did not know that it was all about Jesus Christ. She did not even know that Jesus Christ died for us.

I’m happy to be a child of God, and I thank God that He led me to this group of Christians. I find that campus evangelism is meaningful, so that we can share with other people about the death of Jesus Christ and the purpose of His sacrifice for us. It’s sad that there are many people out there who do not know that Jesus sacrificed himself for all of us. We are ALL God’s creation, and all we have to do to be saved and gain eternal life is to believe in Jesus Christ! It’s that simple! God/Jesus just wants to be accepted. There is no harm in believing anyway. Besides, there is everything to gain and nothing to lose when we believe in Him.

We can live a happier life knowing that there is a higher being that cares for us. And we can live a better life because we will change for the better when we believe in Him. We will also accept things for the way they are and not worry so much because God is behind everything that happens to us, whether it is good or bad.

Anyway, I read in “Today God Is First” today, and I found out that when it comes to temptations, sometimes Satan is not behind the temptations that we face but God! God wants us to learn something about ourselves and how we respond to the temptations thrown at us.

God will also deliberately throw us into a desert so that we will be weak. My desert in my case is the loss of my bowling skills that led me to such a huge digression in my game. I didn’t even qualify for the youth category in AIA when the cut-off point is so low and easy! I usually qualify for the masters every year, except this year! I’ll just accept this predestination, even though it would be a lot easier for me to just push the blame to the coaches. Fine, even if He wants me to leave the team, I will accept. I know He will provide a way out for me, and I will eventually pull through. I don’t think He wants me to quit bowling, yet.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, it is said “But He said to me, ‘my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” All the more, we should be proud of our weaknesses just like the apostle Paul. Besides, sometimes we tend to be big-headed when we’ve had too many glories. So we should be humbled of our pride once in a while, and learn humility. At the same time, God will work His way through you when you are weakened.

I delight in difficulties

2008-11-18T12:28:00.000+07:00

Now that an AIA Singapore national is here, I told myself I had to at least qualify for the masters of the youth category. The challenge was that I haven’t been bowling well since the day I got 2nd with an average of 198 in national age group earlier this June. I’ve been sick of all the challenges I’ve faced in bowling this year.

I haven’t been succeeding for very long, although there are times when I bowl really well in training. It’s just that when it comes close to competition, I lose everything. I always wonder, why is God doing this to me? Does He have a different purpose for me in this life? What does He want me to do if I have to give up bowling? And why did He get me involved in bowling in the first place for so many years?

Not only do I have to face so many challenges this year, but also my thumb injury came just at the right timing, which is during AIA. Thank God at least the wound on my thumb has healed. But it’s humiliating to represent Team Singapore and not being able to bowl even my normal 190 average. My 200 averages are just waiting to burst out again. These days this year, I have always been bowling a 140 to 170 average. The last time I bowled these averages was when I was in primary 6!

Just last night, I was looking through my Bible for a verse in 2nd Corinthians until I came across a verse in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “That is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardship, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I have no problem in facing these hardships and challenges. The only thing I wish for is that I will not be kicked out of the national team next year. I need to stay in so that I will be able to train without thinking about money. Besides, staying in the national team is what is needed of me in order to continue the Sports School thru-train route from RP to NTU.

True reason for Christmas

2008-11-17T07:58:00.000+07:00

Hey there people! After delaying my meeting with a group of Christians for about 5 or 6 months, I finally managed to meet them on Thursday 13/11/08. It was a prayer meeting, and that day itself we discussed Christmas!:D

You may think that we were discussing about presents, but no. We were discussing the TRUE reason for Christmas. And what is the TRUE reason for Christmas? It is of course, the birth of our Lord and savior, JESUS CHRIST.

Christmas is really not about sweets like gingerbread men, ginger house, sweets, cookies, hot chocolate, or cakes. It is not about Santa Claus, and it definitely isn’t about Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and Frosty the snowman. How the heck did they even come about anyway???

Since I left church when I was 5 years old in 1995, I always looked forward to Christmas because of the presents, sweets, hot chocolate, and gathering with friends. I loved the lights that we used to decorate our house in America with. Until I returned to church last year, I was reminded that Christmas is actually the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. That was when I vaguely remembered I acted as an angel in a play in church when I was about 4 years old. The angel appeared to 3 shepherds and told them the good news of the birth of our savior.

So people, get it in your heads that the real reason for Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! JOf course, Christmas is also about sharing. But it’s not like, you only share when it’s Christmas. It is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

It’s amazing how since I left church, no one told me that Christmas was the birth of Jesus Christ. No one reminded me that Christmas is actually the celebration of the birth our Lord and savior. Not even my friends and my parents’ friends in America told me about it. Does anyone even know the reason behind Christmas?

2008-11-13T12:05:00.001+07:00

Just wanna try putting up some pictures. Never done it before:P

Debra my sister, and me

My new family of bowlers in a new school

Me and cass

Obstacles in Life

2008-11-12T08:02:00.000+07:00

You know, it kinda sucks when people keep thinking that we should be “perfect” and good role models with good character just because we’re Christians. Just like what was mentioned in a book called ‘Today God Is First’ (Thanks again for buying my sister that book Barry:)), “Being a Christian does not mean we are perfect. We are just forgiven.” But of course, that does not mean that you can continue to sin and just say ‘oh, God forgives me’. After all, just like what the pastor mentioned on Sunday’s sermon, holiness leads to happiness. With less sin, we lead happier lives as we have more self-respect and respect from others.

Another thing that I wanna share is that “God plans every obstacle in our lives for everything good”. Just like the story of how Saul became king of Israel before King David… God sent the donkeys away so that Saul will go looking for them and meet Samuel so that Samuel can appoint him as king of Israel. If you didn’t know, Samuel is the prophet who could converse with God. So instead of complaining or swearing, give thanks to the Lord for complications that you face as every obstacle lead you to everything good.

I always wonder if I the obstacle in my life now mean that I should give up bowling, as if that is God’s purpose for me. Now I’ve been facing MANY obstacles in bowling this year. Instead of my regular average of 190 to 200, I have been hitting averages of 140 to 170. My scores were not consistent. The last time I had those averages was when I was in primary 6 and secondary 1 in CHIJ Toa Payoh. That was back in 2002 and 2003. And now, my thumb hurts to the core due to the removal of my dead skin after blood and water leaking out of it. However, just thinking about all the time, money, pain, blood and skin that I’ve sacrificed and lost to bowling, I can’t bear to let go of the sport. But just like how there was a purpose in the loss of Saul’s donkeys, there must be a purpose behind setback in my performance. I might have to lose something for the gain of something else better…

Tyranny of the Urgent

2008-11-07T20:38:00.000+07:00

This was an interesting topic that my mentor and I were discussing in church... TYRANNY OF THE URGENT.

I'm pretty sure you often get caught up in doing the most urgent tasks and finishing them while you push aside the important tasks. In fact, EVERYONE does that!!! We all push aside time that we should spend with our families, or friends, but most importantly, with God. So we are often frustrated because we often leave unvisited friends, unanswered letters, or other things not done. Nothing else seem to matter except our work. Basically, we've become slaves to the tyranny of the urgent! For me, I pushed aside everything else important because I HAD to finish my work, or else I'd be soooo screwed.

In my opinion, our work seemed to be the one that would determine our future. We HAVE to do our job well to secure a better future. Like, I HAVE to do my work well in school so that I can have a better future by going to university, and get a good job. Well lemme tell ya something...

It's a crappy mentality! This world we're all living in is not eternal. And just like what my mentor in church tells me every week, "what's not eternal, is eternally useless". After this super short life, I will be off to be with God:) But of course, this doesn't mean that we have to neglect our education. After all, our education is what allows us to understand this world better. And each of us in this life has a purpose by God. However work is never-ending. They just keep coming our way. So we should learn to push work aside sometimes for more important things, and we will enjoy our life better.

To include God in our lives more frequently, no matter how busy we are, we can share the gospel with friends in school or work:) Or, maybe when a friend is facing problems or difficulties, you can pray for him or her. I have a friend whose grandmother is very ill, so I prayed for my friend's grandmother to grant her peace in mind. Hmm... come to think of it... I just remembered I forgot to say grace when i ate today :\ oops...

Anyway, prayers are what gives us a little "time out" from the busy schedule that we have, and it refocuses or relationship with God. It allows us to catch our breath after chiong-ing our work for hours. So there's no harm in praying in the middle of work. That is why you should pray to God when you feel "pek chek" in the middle of doing your work:) Don't forget that He's right there when you need Him.

I remember my sister ever mentioned to me she read somewhere that studies are Satan's way of preventing us from getting close to God because it takes so much of our time. I'm not sure how true this is, but it sure sounded logical. We DO get caught up in school work, just like how I am now, since I think it determines my future. Satan doesn't want us to be close to God, because as you know, when you are young, you are easily influenced and it's easier to build a habit in you when you are young. He may want us to drift away from God while we're young. So don't fall for that! Remember God, our Father, protector, and guardian.

Facing Complications

2008-11-06T19:53:00.000+07:00

After knowing God better, my life became better as well. but even though i stopped going to church for 12 years since 1995, i still carried the Lord in my heart with me. i didn't know why my parents suddenly decided to stop going to church though.

i have another diary which i wrote in since i was 9 in 1999. and i could see how sometimes i mentioned God. thank God for giving me an opportunity to return to church last year. i took the chance when i met old church friends of mine. so i started going to church with them while they helped me to get familiar with the church.

what would my life become without God? one thing's for sure, i would have been much more vulgar, and i wouldn't hesitate to get into fights. back in sports school, i remember that these are ALL the things i would do sometimes when i come back to my hostel after school or training. I do them ALL when i come back to my room... I would:

- slam the door
- punch my cupboard with my fist
- kick my bed drawers
- slam my fist on my desk
- throw my water bottle against the wall
- and finally, kick the drawers of my desk.

Or, sometimes i would go into the bathroom and punch the door or wall of the shower. don't worry, there was no pain. i don't feel much pain when i'm angry... somehow. mom says i have an anger management problem like my dad. but because of my roommate's feedback to me, i tried to change. so i only do all these things when no one's looking. because i'm often surrounded by so many people now in RP, i seldom have any chance to vent my anger.

God knows us so well that He even knows how many strands of hair we have on our heads as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 10:30, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered". since He knows us so well, He knows that there are certain limitations to our abilities. so He will not give you an obstacle that you can't overcome. obstacles could be in a form of temptations, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptations has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it".

Knowing this, there is no obstacle that you and i can't handle in our lives. Since that is so, God will provide a way out for you. He will help you to overcome. so, even the thought of taking your own life by committing suicide was really not worth it. should you just give up facing your problem, and abandon your problem? why take your own life and waste it when you could've solved your problem?

Complicated VS Simple Life

2008-11-05T21:22:00.000+07:00

Cool! haha. this is something like my first entry. arrgh!! busted my thumb today at training-.- used the needle from my badge to burst the blood bubble. this always happen to me like, at least 2 to 3 times a year. so i'm used to this sort of crap. im SOOOO not going to training on thursday...

ok. basically this blog is just to let you all read about some of my thoughts, since people sometimes don't really listen to what i have to say. so maybe they'll read what i ever thought.

anyway, just wanna tell ya'll about something that i wrote for my reflection journal (RJ) that i did for "homework" in skool. the topic was something like, do you wish to make life simpler since many people claim they lead a complicated life. what i wrote as a response to this was, no i would not want a simple life. my complicated life may piss me off sometimes, but at times it gets fun. we all know life is not consistent, and that's what makes it complicated. however an inconsistent life makes life interesting! imagine a simple life (like the life i'm leading now-.-). it'll be really boring when every week or every day becomes a routine for you. it's almost like sleepwalking.

imagine if life was simple. things would be the same everyday and nothing changes. that means if you are born in poverty, you should just commit suicide because there is no way you can change the course of your life! because of a complicated life, there are unexpected times when something good or bad happens to us. this allows us the opportunities to change the course of our lives, and this is why phrases like "from rags to riches" and "dream come true" even exists! because life is complicated, we gain inspiration from other people's life. we also gain good experiences in our lives.

because of my complicated life, i get to travel to and fro Clovis in USA and singapore. i get to experience all the fun! i made great friends there, and had a great childhood. if life was simple for me, i wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to stay there for 3 years, and get involved in bowling. i wouldn't have gone to singapore sports school and be part of singapore's national team.

that was pretty much what i wrote for that question in my RJ. besides, the complications and problems you face in life, was meant to be. God planned whatever happens to happen. Why did Jesus and his disciples get caught in a storm when they were crossing the sea? it was planned! Jesus knew there would be a storm, but yet he brought his disciples through it.

most of the time, God blesses us with complications and obstacles so that we can gain certain values like patience, or discipline. i remember i prayed for patience, and God granted a handful of people that really pissed me off with their laziness. basically, i did all the work myself. but it was worth it because as i gained patience, i gained the respect of my groupmates.

So, what would you like? simple or complicated?:)

2008-11-03T20:07:00.000+07:00

wow... my own blog... thanx to my sis!:D