Star of Christmas

The veggie tales movie titled "Star Of Christmas", it is story of love. I like the part when Bob The Tomato said :"I think I understand. There is only one story which teach us how to love and and that is it (The story of the Jesus the Lord was born for human kind)". Besides understanding it, Bob expressed his love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life [John 3:16].

It's Christmas ...Who is the star of Christmas in your life? God has shown His love to us, now is our turn to express to others!

God is my Shepherd

During a cell group meeting, Lina shared her miserable yet blessing experience crossing the road on the dark night heavy rain. As she was crossing the road for hindering from car traffic, she jumped into the drain. She was sad when she realised that her favourite blue tight jeans pant was torn, on the other hand she was so glad thanking God that no scratches on her legs and she completed alright.

Was your favourite dress torn or Did our life turn sour? Let’s remember God is our shepherd.

Psalm 23:1-4 says The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The Right Source

“How was your Mandarin lesson going on?” A concern colleague asked me.
I sighed and said “Difficult! I had a basic Mandarin before I attended this course, but some words I pronounced them incorrectly. It is so hard to correct my pronounciation.” I continued “A friend of mine who didn’t have basic Mandarin, she can pronounce the words better than I as she is learning directly from the teacher for 1st time (the right source)”

I found it is very important for us to learn something right for the 1st time. Otherwise it will turn up like me. Having said that, it was always a chance to change if we are willing to do it.

In Proverbs 22:6 said: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Do take note of this if you have a child or when you are teaching someone. Point them to right source from the beginning. Our one & only right source for life is Jesus Christ!

Beauty is fleeting

In Emmy Awards celebration, all celebrities dressed so lovely and charming. Indeed they are beautiful people. When I looked at myself, "Ahh... getting older... tired... where is the physical charm?" *sigh* “Can I get younger & prettier which I desire? Of course it is impossible. Well… does it really matter for being beautiful?”

In Proverbs 31:30 said “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” It is not wrong to be charmed & beauty but they will be worn out by time. However fearing God can last forever. It’s that encouraging? You don’t need to be rich, clever or beauty to come to God. If you have sincere heart to fear the Lord, you will be praised! Why don’t you come to Him today?

Do you drink today?

“What? Is your memory so bad that you have been studying bible for 3 years and it not yet finished?” that was Jack’s response when I told him that I am in my 3rd year of 8 years in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) International.

I was stunned at the moment though I knew Jack, my funny colleague, joked with me. Suddenly I told him “Well, learning bible is like drinking water, we need water every day, don’t we?”

An hour later I pondered of my own words. How much water do I drink every day? 2-3 litre. That means I need to drink 7-10 times a day. Then do I read bible or talk to God 7-10 times a day? Err… Yes, when I have urgent need, otherwise?? Ops!!! I do need God every moment of my life even more than drinking water but sometimes I really neglected it.

How about you? Do you drink water today? Do you study God’s words or say a prayer today?

Uniquely loved by God

Everyone is uniquely & wonderfully made by God. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [Psalm 139:14]

In the office, there is a temporary staff helping in administration work at our department. The temporary staff is paid in hour for 3 days a week hence we can only get student who is willingly to earn extra pocket money during her vacation months before she starts studying. The current staff is the 4th person as at now.

All these 4 staff work very differently. A was chatty and efficient in her work as she has experience and confidence. B was quietly doing her work and sometimes we need to ask if she has done her work. C was doing work without asking and does it very fast hence sometimes we need to validate her work. D was inexperience she asked lots of helps and attentions when problems came.

These all experiences reminded me of ourselves. In different situation we were at different stage. Have you ever wondered if God was so busy asking and answering our queries which sometimes sounded ridiculous? Thank be to God that He never feel sick of us when we comes to Him. He knows well who we are.

Psalm 17:6-9 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

God knows our desire!

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.[Psalm 37:4]. God finally answered my prayer in amazing way! Praise the Lord!

Clarine, my colleague is young believer of Christ, she only likes to go to Faith Methodist Church, the first church she ever visited.

Last year she started going for the service with my company & by her own four times in total. I could not possibly company her all the time as I have my home church & ministry to serve. I tried to find a cell group for her but she refused to go as she was not comfortable with it. I have been praying for her that she might get to know someone in the church so that she would go to Sunday service more often.

This year I took 2 months (Jun-Jul) break from my choir ministry for personal reason hence I took the opportunity to go to the church with her two times.

On Sunday I was late for the service. I thought the service started at 8:30am but in actual fact it started on 8am. So the usher escorted us to sit at the right wing of the service hall. During the service, the pastor announced that someone had dropped his card and requested the person to collect the card from church leader at the end of the service.

When the service ended, Clarine & I walked out of the service hall and shook hand with the church leader. Then to our surprise, we saw our ex-colleagues stood at the door as if waiting for us. Our ex-colleagues were surprise seeing us too. One of them was the person who lost his card & he was waiting for the church leader to pass back his card. Clarine was extremely happy and saying to me: “Now, I don't need to bother you. I have a companion to the church.”

Clarine & I have been visited the church for 6 times in 2 years but we never met our ex-colleagues. They always sit at the right wing of the service but Clarine & I usually sit at the centre of the hall.

We were amazed by God’s arrangement for us. God knows our desire and he provides it in time. Next month I'll be back to my choir & I can attend it in joy & peace! Praise the Lord!

Trained First Aider

There were 20 of us colleagues volunteered by our boss to attend Standard First Aider course by the Red Cross company. The 3 days course were so interesting. We were taught on how to handle choking case, bandaging different types of wounds, fainting case, CPR, etc. If any help needed, we have to introduce ourselves: “Hi, I am trained first aider. I can help you.”

From this course, I learnt 2 things. Firstly I was blessed to be chosen to attend this course as many wanted to attend but limited vacancies. Secondly I wondered as Christian, would I go bold to tell people who are choking in their spiritual life “Hi, I am Christian. I can share good news to you”.

The trainer shared that in Singapore, yearly there is about 2400 people are suffering from heart attack (life threatening disease). There are 900 people died, 500 people could have been saved if there are enough bold trained first aider around.

Think and act wisely! Life is precious, don’t hesitate to save life! God bless you all!

He calls us by name

After 5 weeks break from BSF, tonight we were back to class and sang this beautiful song.
"All the way my Savior leads me".

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Yes! Indeed God has lead me for 5 weeks break and I believe He will lead me throughout my entire life. I love this phrase mentioned in the lecture. God wants to have one to one relationship with us. He calls his own sheep by name.

John 10:3b He(Good shepherd, Jesus Christ) calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Did you hear God is calling your name? How sweet it is! What will be your reponse?

Be yourself!

Are you not satisfied with yourself? As human nature we will never satisfied unless we are satisfied with God.

I always admired those who were born tall. Someday Amy, a friend of mine complained: "I have a problem running, being tall I will hurt my knee easily".

I was quite shocked to hear that. Then I realised no matter tall or short we always have a problem because we are human being.

Treasure what you have and accept what you don't have & be happy! God loves you dearly!

The Way

After work, my colleagues and I went for dinner. Most of us have not been to the restaurant hence one of us shouted: "I don't know the way" Then the one who recommended the good restaurant said: "Don't worry, come with me, I know the way as I have been there before".

It reminded me of John 14:6: Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Who will you follow for eternal life? Don’t you want to follow the True Way?

The master planner

In the afternoon I attended a wedding of my two church mates. The pastor talked about this passage. Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

He gave an example how my church mates got to know each other from the same ministry in church although they were from different backgrounds. By faith there is no coincident but God is the master planner. God allows things to happen for a reason. God is in control. It gave me so much assurance hearing this.

In evening I went to visit my good friend. I had a nice home cooked dinner and played with her nephew. She told me how envious she was as I could serve in the Sunday school previously and now in the choir. I told her she would have a chance if she wanted to. However due to her commitments she could not. I pondered about this and I thanked God. Now I understand it was not coincident or because I wanted to so I got this opportunity to serve. It was God's plans for me. I put much trust in Jesus now as I know He is my hope and my future. How about you?

Lamp Post

Tonight as I was walking home at the dark night, there was a lamp post (installed each a meter a way) to brighten the road. I feel so thankful for the lamp post. It was just nice for a path I was walking. Suddenly I saw a worm and I freckled out and quickly walked a side. I wondered if I saw the worm before I was there, would I choose this path or another path.

Someone’s ever shared in the fellowship on Psalm 119:105 [Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path]. God does not give the light fires with a flashlight so that you can see your future ahead because it may frighten you. However God gives a lamp for our individual path. We might not know what the head of us (tomorrow, a month or a year ahead) but God can guarantee that He can bring us through and He is always there for us. Do you want to put your trust on God who knows everything of your life?

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
Reff: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path (2x)

When I feel afraid. Think I've lost my way
Still You're there right beside me
And nothing will I fearAs long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Back to Reff.

Now I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Please be my guide and hold me to Your side
And I will love You to the end

Back to Reff.

Things that last forever

Is there anything that last forever?

In April 26, 2010 the freeway between Taipei and KeeLung collapsed which killed quite numbers of people. See Youtube. I was there for holiday just two weeks before the incident. How fortunate I was! How about those who died and left behind the loved ones?

We can’t control thing to happen because we are not God, but have you ever thought what thing will last for you forever even after you died? Nothing?!

I learnt from BSF, there are three things that last forever: God Himself, God's words and Salvation (eternal life). Have you got those things?

Imitate

A proud mother was eagerly sharing to her friend about her two year daughter's speaking development. "My daughter could pronounce a proper sentence while we were in the car this morning. She said: Do I need to wear safety belt? Nobody teach her but I guess she learnt from her 6 year old brother.

"Wow, it was impressed!” commented by her friend. “But you have better watch out of what you speak. Toddle at this age easily imitates others." Her friend warned her.

I asked myself, as adult I might imitate someone consciously or unconsciously. Who did I imitate?

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. (3 John 1:11)

I want to thank you, Lord

God knows our individual need and to Him we can depend on. When we have a big problem remember we have A BIG MIGHTY GOD.

I want to thank the Lord for wonders I encountered yesterday. I have been studying Chinese for couples of weeks already and I had a problem with my Chinese pronunciation.

On my way to office, I prayed in my heart that I could meet my Singaporean colleague who could help me in Chinese. I was filled with joy when I saw my colleague at the bus stop. She helped not only in my Chinese but also on how to get the BSF questions from the website.

Few days ago I collected BSF notes and BSF questions on my church mate’s behalf and I supposedly meeting her for passing the BSF notes and questions after work but I forgot to bring them. So alternatively I printed out the questions from the website for time being and I arranged another day to pass her the notes.

My colleague also was very happy yesterday because I companied her to buy breakfast.

I want to thank you, Lord
Arranged by: Benjamin Harlan
Words and music by: Moses Hogan

Chorus
I want to thank you, Lord, for all you done
I want to thank you, Lord, for the times of trouble
Thank you, Lord, for protecting me
Thank you Jesus, oh, for what you done for me!

You were my friend when I had no friends
Thank you, Lord, for what you done for me
I know on you I can depend
Thank you, Lord, for what you done for me

You’ve been my mother and father, too
Thank you, Lord, for what you done for me
You’ve been my sister and brother too
Thank you, Lord, for what you done for me

Back to Chorus

Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!
Thank you Jesus!
Hallelujah thank you Lord for what you done for me!

The Living Water

I am always touched by the story of “Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman". Jesus approached the woman from a drink, gently pointed out her sin then he offered her the living water. The response after the woman received the living water. Amazing!

Fill My Cup, Lord
Words and Music by Richard Blanshard

Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy:
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from my well that never shall run dry".

There are millions in this world who are craving
The pleasures earthly things afford;
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

Chorus
Fill my cup Lord,I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

John 4:14 "...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Have you tasted the living water? Why don't you try it?

Love Story

Have you read the love story of Jesus Christ in the book of John?
Do you really understand?

This year BSF lesson is on the book of John. I was amazed each time I read the bible with the explanation of BSF notes. I was also amazed by the author John, the disciple whom Jesus loves the most. John wrote the love story so detail on the event, location, time and back ground, which showed how important they were.

John 3:16 said "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

In deed it is a real love story, you will keep reading it. Once you read it, share it and pass it on…

Celebration

For past few months we had got many celebrations like Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year and this month another celebration? ... Birthday!

This week my fellowship colleagues celebrated my birthday together with the March birthday people. I highly objected & said out loud: "My birthday is next month and I don’t want to get older so quick!"

There was this encouraging quote by Satchel Paige: "Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Out of curiosity, I searched about how birthday celebration comes about. I was amazed and found more about the birthday cake, song, card, tradition, etc.

In deed I thanked God! Before this, I was trouble to find a topic for my toastmaster project presentation in 3 days time. Suddenly God gave me this inspiration and I well presented the research on Birthday celebration.

How amazing our God is! He helps us in time of need.
Let's celebrate!

Count Your Blessings

It was 8pm when I was off from office and I was famished. After satisfying dinner, I was thinking of eating fruits but I was too exhausted to walk to the supermarket. As I walked home, I was wishing to get fruits on my way home. Suddenly someone shouted loudly “Two dollars, cheap one, come!” I was so surprised to see a stall selling fruits next to me. I thanked God for the blessing He gave me that night.

That’s the way I count my blessing, one after another. How about you?

Count Your Blessings (Edwin O. Excell and Tom Fettke)
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings; name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Chorus:
Count your blessings; name them one by one
Count your blessings; see what God hath done
Count your blessings; name them one by one
Count your many blessings; see what God hath done

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing as the days go by

So amid the conflict whether great or small
Do not be discouraged; God is over all
Count your many blessings angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end

Chorus: Count your many blessings; see what God hath done

Prosperous

Do you want to prosper? Every man wants prosperity but the question is ‘in what way’? I was so amazed that I was surrounded by the word ‘Prosperous’ for 3 days consecutively.

On the first day of new year I went to newly open eatery called 'Xin Wang Taiwan Cafe' with my sister. We loved to eat the mee sua but the bubble tea is too sweet (Taiwanese delights). There after we went to ‘Wang Café’ for nice brewed coffee.

On the second day of New Year, I went 'Xin Wang Hong Kong cafe' with my friend, which then I found out that Xin Wang means 'New prosperous' in Chinese. The cafe was crowded with people and perhaps the guests were hoping for new prosperous as well.

On the third day of New Year, I saw the word 'prosper' in the bible. I almost jumped out of the church bench.
Psalm1:1-4 'Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.'

This prosperity needs obedience through life time. It’s not about worldly life but godly life. Let's seek this life!

Happy New Year 2010!

Are you happy? It's New Year!
Yesterday when we looked back of our life journey. 2009 was amazing year for some or terrible year for others. As for me, it was mixture of everything but it was great because God was faithful all the time.

Today is God's grace because we can still breath and live! It's a mystery a head of us but do not be afraid, God is with us. Let's face challenging things together with Him.

Happy New Year 2010!!! Immanuel (which means "God is with us")!