Felice Volta

CEO knows my name

2012-01-31T23:11:00.009+08:00

Today the company gave us oranges & hongbao as Chinese New Year tradition. Each of the employee met CEO and greeted him best wishes. At my turn, I said to him "Gong Xi Fat Chai" and He replied "Happy Chinese New year to you, Jane". I was so happy that shared my joy to another colleague of mine. "Who am I that he remembered my name?"

When I pondered about this, I remember my Lord CEO, "Who am I that You Oh Lord cares for me?"

Psalm 139:17 says "How amazing are your thoughts concerning me"

Express World!

2011-07-01T23:12:00.010+08:00

Express, express... that's the world today! Express bus, Instance photo, Super fast response via internet, etc. No more waiting! Lately I was been stressful with the deadline of my work. Everything has to be completed on the day itself! It really affected me!

End of the day of work and I was alighting from a bus to change for another. I felt so disappointed when I saw my next bus was in front of my current bus. "Alas!, hah? I got to wait?" I whispered to myself and I sighed aloud. After getting down from the bus, I saw another bus which was also heading to the same direction, was right behind my current bus. For the moment, I felt with joy because this bus took shorter route to reach my destination. *Be patient*

Then I went to supermarket, at the counter, I was waiting for the cashier scanning the my stuff I was buying. Just about to pay the cashier money, she turned her back and she was busy with packing something else. I grumbled to myself "Alas!, how come the casher auntie was so slow? Couldn’t she pack her stuff later?" Soon she turned and put a lunch box into my stuff plastic bag. I was hesitated and asked "Is this free?" She responded "Yes, this is a free gift from the bread you bought". My face turned pink and answered "Oh! thank you." *Be patient*

Ops! What has happened to me? Why was I so impatient? My dear patient, where were you hiding to? It's really worth waiting sometimes. Let’s take thing patiently, the good thing may come last.

This song calm me alot.
"Let's take time to wait upon the Lord.
Let's take time to listen to His voice.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the labour in vain.
Let's take time to wait upon the Lord"

Study Time!

2011-06-26T00:34:00.006+08:00

Study, study & study again... *sigh* it might be another boring day I guessed.

I was looking for a quiet place to study... Library was full of kids in this holiday season. MacDonal was as crowded as usual on weekends. Where could I park myself for 4 hours? As I prayed and walked towards the newly open Community Club nearby, I spotted two tables & chairs facing the road but I still looked around for another better choice. Everywhere was occupied so I went back to my first choice, the two tables & chairs.

When the wind breezed and chilled the place, I felt pleased. While I was studying, the familiar faces were caught my attention. I could not believe my eyes, I saw some popular business men & women with a minister of environment & water resources. Yes! Those people who I have seen on the TV news. They were having a talk in the conference room next to where I sat.

Three and a half hours were gone like a wind then the cleaners asked me if they could keep the tables & chairs including the one I was using. Later I realised that the tables & chairs were set up because there was a talk and those VIP were invited. Wow! I felt that the tables and chairs were reserved for me! How blessed I was!

As I walked home, I picked up some brochures from the community club as some of activities were interesting to me.

Study, study & study, I was fully charged with the knowledge! The knowledge of my own study, the knowledge of the Community club & the most of all the knowledge of God's blessings to me. What a wonderful day indeed!

Freely Give Freely Receive

2011-06-09T00:45:00.004+08:00

It was raining heavily when I came out from MRT station and heading home. I spotted a young lady was looking up the dark sky as hoping the rain would stop. I looked at my small umbrella then I decided to offer her to join me to cross the road. With the gorgeous smile on her face, she said to me shyly "I have my umbrella. I’m just waiting for the rain getting smaller as I don't want to get drenched. Thank you".

Remember the song "Freely, freely you have received, freely give"? It continues… "Freely give, freely receive". I received more than I offered. Her shining smile and thank you words brightened the dark and heavy rainy evening! Have a blessed day!

Simply Trust

2011-06-06T23:35:00.006+08:00

In India, it is common for parents to find wife/husband for their children. However I was amazed when I learnt that my male Indian colleague saw his wife to be after both parents' consent. During that time, he heard the voice of his-wife-to for the first time. Thereafter he could speak personally with his-wife-to be via phone. It sounded ridiculous to be true. How a man could trust his parents so much on getting him a wife!

I asked myself if I could I trust a person so much. Sadly I can't even trust God sometimes. God who created heaven & earth. God knows me inside out. I felt guilty and asked God for forgiveness.

This verse encouraged me. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Finally I can say “in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?” [Psalm 56:11]

A letter to God

2011-01-01T16:21:00.005+08:00

Dear Father God,
Thank you so much for your protection & blessings throughout past years. I have tasted a lot (sour-sweet-bitter-spicy). I have also learnt a lot of joyful, meaningful, & beautiful days. Thanks for many experiences I encountered in my life although they were not always as sweet as honey in the comb.

Today is a new beginning of a year as a new chapter of my life. Let me focus on your will and may I not be distracted into temptation and useless things. I am looking forward to learn new things as I know it is not going to easy but I know you were always besides me when I called.

Thanks you and I love you forever. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amin!

Your beloved child.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (Phil 3:13-15)

Star of Christmas

2010-12-24T00:39:00.011+08:00

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

2010-12-23T23:31:00.007+08:00

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

2010-09-13T00:26:00.011+08:00

“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

2010-09-09T23:57:00.004+08:00

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?

2010-08-13T00:39:00.005+08:00

“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

2010-07-31T18:51:00.007+08:00

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!

2010-07-20T23:43:00.015+08:00

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

2010-07-17T23:19:00.004+08:00

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

2010-07-06T23:28:00.011+08:00

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!

2010-07-05T00:58:00.008+08:00

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

2010-06-10T19:01:00.003+08:00

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

2010-05-23T01:31:00.002+08:00

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

2010-05-18T01:08:00.010+08:00

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

2010-05-04T23:50:00.005+08:00

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

2010-04-24T00:44:00.001+08:00

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

2010-03-27T22:22:00.010+08:00

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

2010-03-26T01:01:00.007+08:00

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

2010-03-20T13:26:00.003+08:00

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

2010-03-06T23:18:00.010+08:00

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

2010-02-24T18:11:00.004+08:00

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

2010-01-03T23:50:00.008+08:00

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!

2010-01-01T23:57:00.010+08:00

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")!

First Love

2009-12-31T00:04:00.004+08:00

Do you still remember your first love? Yes? Are you sure?
What is so important of first love? It is pure, natural and passionate.

First love was the sermon title in my church last Sunday. According to a research, love can only lasts for 1-2 years because human being gets bored easily. Love is like a plant, need to be fed, nurtured and fertilised in a right approach, otherwise it will be withered and tasteless.

In Revelation 2:1-7 God praised Ephesus as an ideal church because they were diligent, strong commitment and long suffering. On the other hand, God warned them because there was no longer joy, humility and love in serving God, they abandoned their first love.

This sermon hit me badly. I remembered how excited when I first fell in love with God. I read many Christian books, bible, attended many seminars, bible studies and sermons and shared my testimonies. I was over joy and zealous day and night. What happened to me now? I confessed to God and I am still learning to cut down some activities and setting my focus to God.

How you? Are you also too busy in activities and routine works hence forgetting about our first love to God? Let’s remember our first love!

X'mas Season

2009-12-27T18:58:00.010+08:00

Christmas... most people know when Christmas is. What is Christmas? Party? Gift exchange? We are so busy with activities and worrying about buying right gifts to right people. Is this really what Christmas about?

On my way home from shopping gifts, someone approached me: “Ms, would you want to donate any amount from $4 for this Christmas card? I am helping my friend who is in need to raise fund.” Wow! I felt so proud for this young lady who helped her friend and the other hand I asked myself, did I do something for needy? Did I spend my money wisely? Ops!

What is Christmas really meant to you? What have you not done?

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. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature 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! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:3-11]

There is no Christmas if there is no Christ! May Christ lives in our heart!
Let’s use everything we have truly and fully! Merry Christmas!

Candy Cane

2009-12-22T23:05:00.026+08:00

Have you ever eaten candy cane before? It’s sweet.
Have you heard about the story? It's sweeter.

How about the song? It's even sweeter.

Candy Cane Poem

Look at the Candy Cane... What do you see?
Stripes that are red... Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior... Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure!
Turn it around... And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd... Was born for Me!

Canticle of the Turning

2009-12-21T01:15:00.015+08:00

Yesterday there was ‘Service of Lessons and Carols’ in ORPC. Every single scripture reading and carol is magnificent with choirs and mini orchestra setting. I love this old hymn I heard for the first time.

It was taken from Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's song when she visited Elizabeth her relative who was baring a son 'John the Baptist'). The lyric is very encouraging, beautiful and wonderful arrangement. You can hear it from YouTube.

Canticle of the Turning (Magnificat)
Lyrics: Rory Cooney
Music: Irish Traditional, Star of the County Down

My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great. And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the one who waits. You fixed your sight on the servant's plight, and my weakness you did not spurn. So from east to west shall my name be blest, could the world be about to turn?

Refrain:
My heart shall sing of the day you bring, let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me. And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be. Your very name puts the proud to shame, and those who would for you yearn. You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone. Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne. The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn; These are tables spread, every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast. God's mercy must deliver us from the conqueror's crushing grasp. This saving word that our forbears heard is the promise that holds us bound. Till the spear and rod be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

A Great Leader

2009-12-09T01:23:00.010+08:00

According to Sacha Tarkovsky, there are 8 Key Character Traits That Make a Great Leader as followed:
1. Trust & Respect
2. Communication
3. Enthusiastic
4. Confidence
5. A Cool Head
6. Focus on Key Elements
7. Motivation & Innovation
8. Improve Their Skills

Do you have these key character traits?
Each of us is a leader one or another way. You may be a leader for your own or your family, friends, employees, etc.

If you study about the Life of Moses, you will amaze how God called Moses to lead Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to Promise Land Canaan (Israel).

Moses didn't have confident and communication skills. Moses rejected the offer many times, but God patiently ensured him and provided all resources and people to help him from nobody to become somebody (a great leader).

Moses was a very humble, faithful and obedience servant. He spoke to God face to face; he listened carefully and did according to God’s will.

This year BSF, we had a new TL (Teaching Leader), a new STL (Substitute Teaching Leader) and a few new DLs (Discussion Leaders). We could see clearly how God equipped those lovely and faithful people to be better leaders.

What is your calling in life? We have tasks to complete in our life. Ask God to show you each task and let Him lead you. Be humble, faithful and obedience to God, surely you can be a great leader because you have a great God!

Psalm 25:8-10: Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

Genuine wins

2009-12-06T00:39:00.006+08:00

Did you watched the forth session of the America’s got Talent TV show?

The winner Kevin Skinner, was a simple country man who worked as chicken catcher in Mayfield at Kentucky.

Spectacularly he won the hearts of millions of Americans with his emotional and powerful voice. The judges commented that he was special, genuine and honest man and people believed every single word he sang.

Everyone has a talent, be it small or big. Use it or you will lose it.

Be genuine and sincere in everything you do, you may win the hearts of your enemies.

Two sides of a coin

2009-11-16T01:28:00.005+08:00

What is your reaction when an accident happens to you?
Disappointed? Feeling unfortunate?

I had the same feeling like you when I got my accident in August. I tripped and fell when I ran after a public bus. To support my body I used my right elbow, right kneel and left wrist. My left wrist fractured and the upper bone moved down 3 mm, therefore my wrist required surgery.

In the beginning I grumbled a lot and cried out like a baby saying “why did this happen to me?” I blamed myself for wearing 7 centimeters high heel shoes and running after the bus. I even blamed my friend who ran before me. My left wrist pained, my heart pained, my pocket also pained because my money were flying away by pieces.

One fine Sunday I went to church and watched a video clip about Nick Vujicic who was born without arms or legs but the love he holds overcomes any physical limitation. He lives normally like you and I. He is happy and he can do things with what he has, not what he does not have.

It wasn’t my first time watching that video clip but it was my turning point. I told myself: “Look, you have two legs and two arms, one arm is just unable to move temporary” I should keep my chin up.

Then I started counting my blessings one by one. Here are the 3 main point blessings from this incident I am sharing with you now.

1. Being Creative
I had to think faster and act in different way. Despite the fact that I had only my right hand to use, I could open a 3-fold umbrella. At first I had to drink water from the tap instead of boiling water because I had difficulty opening my tight kettle’s cap. Later on I got the idea to hold the kettle using my 2 feet and open with my right hand.

2. Plenty of Time
After the surgery I was given 2 week leave to stay at home. I could sleep anytime as I like in day or night. A friend pointed out that my face looked radiant because I got plenty of time for my beauty sleep. I could spend time in Indonesia with my parents and siblings without applying my annual leave. I had more time to read books for my software test engineer recertification.

3. Give others opportunity to share and care
Basically people like to share if you give them the chance. They shared their knowledge about hospital, insurance, what to eat and what not to eat.

When my good friend came to visit me, she helped me to iron my clothes. During my trip to Korea with my parents and siblings, they helped me to carry my luggage from Singapore to my hotel room in Korea. I was just treated like a princess.

Isn’t that a privilege?

In conclusion, as Arthur Powell Davies saying, "Life is just a chance to grow a soul". There are day and night, ups and down, sad and happy. There are always two sides of the same coin. Look at the bright side!

Judging others

2009-10-15T00:52:00.005+08:00

One fine day Roy complained about Don the gossiper.
The next day, Roy started gossiping about others.
When Liz learnt about it, Liz pointed it out loudly and made Roy furious and walked out banging the door.

It was so easy judging others.
Matthew 7: 1-5: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye".

Later Liz realized herself was wrong she should have spoken to Roy nicely. Be careful what we say and what we do. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. [Proverbs 12:18]

So Sweet 2 Trust in Jesus

2009-10-04T17:01:00.006+08:00

After BSF class, this beautiful song was still in my mind burning like fire and reminded me to trust God.
Trully enough my simple prayer got answered immediately. :)

http://www.my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/trust.html

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Chorus
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Proverbs 3:5,6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Thing happens for a reason

2009-10-04T16:58:00.004+08:00

My Korea trip was wonderful and fruitful as I spent the journey with my parents, siblings and their family members which are 10 of us in total.

As reaching home to Singapore, at the airport we could not find a luggage belonged to my sister in law. It took us a couple of hours to know that someone took a wrong luggage by mistake.

I volunteered to company with my brother and sister in law at Changi airport (lost & found counter) whereas the rest of my family members heading home to rest.

Later we realised that my brother's prepaid SIM card no longer has value hence he used my mobile to call the party to exchange the luggage.

It was a tiring and unpleasant experience at that moment.

Then when queuing for taxi home, we met my brother’s lost friend whom he met during his honeymoon trip to Japan. My brother & sister in law were happy and quickly forgot about the previous unpleasant event.

Life is unpredictable. We may be unhappy on the current incident we are facing now but behind the scene there may be a good will. Live a life blissfully!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." [Romans 8:28]

In deed it was a magnificent experience & blessing. God blessed the trip and complete it with a bowl of cherries. Isn’t that sweet?

When Bad Things Happen to God's People

2009-08-22T17:12:00.017+08:00

It's a common question we ask "Why God allow bad things happen to His people?" We never realised that all of us are sinners.
This CD by John Mac Arthur is good.
It gives you better understanding and knowledge.

Why bad things happen to God’s people?
1. Test the availability of their faith. Destroying or saving faith?
2. Win them from the world
3. Call them to heavenly home
4. Show us what we really love. This is proven what precious to us.
5. Teach us obedience
6. Show His compassion
7. Develop their spiritual
8. Enable us to help other in their trouble

After knowing this… what would be your response when bad things happen to you? I thank God as I know there’s always purpose for everything.

Compassion & Mercy

2009-08-21T00:14:00.012+08:00

Jonah is story of a man who got swallowed by a big fish. He lived inside the fish for 3 days 3 nights.

Jonah ran away from God because he did not want to convey a message to Nineveh (his enemy) that God would destroyed them unless they repented from their evil deeds. Jonah knew God would forgive Nineveh if they repented.

There are 2 characters in Jonah's story:
1. God was full of compassion & merciful to forgive anyone who was willingly to repent and accept God.
2. Jonah was a prophet yet he was unable to accept the fact that God forgive his enemy.

The Lord said: “.. (Jonah 4: 11) But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

What kind of person are you? Are you compassion & merciful or unreasonable? God has given each of us many chances. Can't we give others a second chance?

“Jonah Was A Prophet” (song from Jonah-Veggie Tales)
When I was a boy I went to church back home in Arizona
And that is where I heard the tale of a man whose name was Jonah
Now Jonah was a prophet, but that's not why he's remembered
They tell the tale, cause in a whale he nearly was dismembered!

CHORUS:
Jonah was a prophet (oo-ooh!)
But he really never got it (sad but true!)
And if you watch it you can spot it (a-doodley-doo!)
He did not get the point!

Compassion and mercy from me to you and you to me
Exactly what god wants to see and yes that is the point!
(CHORUS)

Now Jonah Set Sail on A Pirate ship. In a dreadful gale
Got eaten up by a giant whale. But then its not to be said
You think he would learn a lot. From being saved from an awful spot
But the second chance that he had got
He didn't want to be spread
Now poor old Jonah. And now he's all alone-ah
Gotta use a megaphone-ah to get it through to his head-HEY!
(CHORUS)

Now during your life you prob'ly don't ride on a camel
And you prob'ly won't wake up inside a large aquatic mammal
But all the same like Jonah there is something you can do
Everyone deserves to get a second chance from you!

Compassion and mercy from me to you and you to me
Exactly what god wants to see and yes that is the point!
(CHORUS X2)

Proclamation of Service

2009-08-17T01:37:00.006+08:00

Proclamation of Service (By Joseph M. Martin)
As for those in this house, we will serve the Lord.
We will give our allegiance unto God.
With one voice we will offer up our song,
give our praise with voices strong, live our lives for God alone.

As for those in this house,we will serve the Lord.
This we pledge with our hearts in one accord.
Let the lives we bring give honor to the king.
As for those in this house we will serve the Lord

Founded on the Word of God, we have built this place.
Nurtured by the love of God, we proclaim his grace.
Challenged by the truth of God we break forth in praise.
We break forth in praise (Alleluia!) 2x
We will serve the Lord for all our days!

Take my live and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee.
Take my heart it us thine own, it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
We will serve the Lord. 2x

When the choir sang this song after the service sermon “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). It’s truly a conviction! This is a strong statement of faith and commitment to service of the Lord.

It reminded of God’s provision for Israel from slavery to promise Land. Then Joshua challenged the Israel. "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15). And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him." (Joshua 24: 24)

Today 17-August is remembrance of Indonesia Independence Day. God’s provision is for everyone. Trust in the Lord! Indonesia Merdeka!

Holiness

2009-07-25T17:15:00.004+08:00

"Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" [Leviticus 19:2b]. Holiness is a theme of Leviticus. In the bible holiness means "set apart", "consecrated" or "dedicated" to God's use.

In the BSF class, we were challenged, "If you love God, be holy". Are you stealing? You are stealing when you spend office hour to check personal email or cheating in putting car park’s coupons. We are to set apart to do God's work.

My heart was bothered by the word ‘holiness’. When I was in the fellowship, there was a song about holiness, I skipped the words ‘holy, set apart’ in the song.

After sharing about my burden, a sister in Christ told me this verse [Philippians 4:13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Then I understand if i was holy I don't need God and I would be very proud person. Nobody is perfect hence to be holy I need God, I cannot do it myself.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]

Let’s set apart our ears to listen carefully to God’s words, our hands to be devoted to God’s works and our feet to be directed constantly to walking in God’s ways.

Her World

2009-07-14T00:42:00.007+08:00

In a saloon, I enjoyed my world being served with a tea while having hair cut and holding a magazine called Her World.

This famous magazine is so closed to hearts of most women’s desire, dream, excitement and heartbreaking stories. A regretful story of a married woman bore a baby of her colleague after one night stand. A gloomy story of a young woman worked in night club for extra money in support of her obsessed of branded stuff.

Her world is real world things, everything under the sun and moon. There were many temptations under the roof or above it. I was sad as I read further, a song enlightened me and reminded me to whom I should turn to.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

When I feel afraid
Think I've lost my way
Still You're there right beside me

And nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

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

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. [Psalm 119:105]

Radiant

2009-07-13T23:57:00.010+08:00

"Do you want to look radiant?" A salesgirl approached me in a shopping centre. "Sure! Every lady dreams to look radiant", I whispered in my heart. As she read my mind, she stepped forward offering me something on her hand and said firmly "Try our product, surely you look radiant everyday".

You might have heard about or encountered the similar situation. Do you really think the product can make you radiant? Well, each product may work differently for each person. If the product does work, can it possible prolong everyday, forever?

King David said in Psalm 34:4-5:" I sought the LORD, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. [Exodus 34:29].

Do you want to be radiant? It’s easy and free! Speak to God! God is always there for you.

God is Steadfast!

2009-06-23T23:06:00.002+08:00

How do you know if God is steadfast? It is from the bible.

Bible is God’s inspired words for human kind. Bible divided into 2 parts: Old Testament (the creation of the world till 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ) and New Testament (the birth (1st coming) of Jesus Christ till Revelation (of end of the world – 2nd coming of Jesus Christ)).

Some people said that in Old Testament books, God seems to be very strict because it contains the wrath and punishment of God. In another word God (Jesus Christ) in New Testament seems to be kind & loving God.

I chose to agree with it before I studied the book of Exodus (2nd book of OT). During BSF, we were asked about the characters of God for each lesson we learnt. Marvelously there are long lists on the characters of God (Awesome, Mighty, Holy, Powerful, Majesty, Glorious, Loving, Caring, Compassion, Provider, Helpful, Just, Understanding, Greatest, Patient, Merciful, Encourager, Saviour, Forgiveness, Slow to anger, Faithful, Redeemer, Promise keeper, Thoughtful, All knowing, Fast sighted, Detailed, Great Planner, Provider, Provident Sovereign, Unconditional Love, In Control, etc).Now I choose to believe God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

I was very amazed on how detailed the Moral law (Ten Commandment), Civil Law and Ceremonial Law. God’s Civil Law can be applied to ages and cultures today. For example: Exodus 23:8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous."

Let’s find out more about God from the bible! Happy reading and be blessed!

Be Thankful

2009-06-17T22:49:00.008+08:00

Faye was complaining about the bonus she got from the company she was working. "I got so little bonus this year and no increment in my salary" she told her good friend Sally.

Sally was enjoying her drink and smiled, "My dear Faye, don't be bother about this little thing." "Let me tell you about the company where our friend Tom is working. His company was exercising 3 rounds of retrenchments." Then Sally continued "Be thankful my dear friend!"

Faye was comforted by Sally's words and said "You are right, let's celebrate! Your drink is on me".

Let's be thankful and look at things we have NOT things we don't have.

The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened

2009-06-03T20:08:00.007+08:00

The title is from 'Desperate Housewives' TV series (Season 5, Episode no.13).

Eli Scruggs, a neighbourhood handy man is about to retire. Whilst fixing the shingle on Susan Mayer's house, he suffers a heart attack and suddenly dies. Then people start thinking through flashbacks how much he affected their lives.

At Eli's funeral Mary Alice herself recalls how she changed Eli's life. One morning before he had any steady work, he approached her and introduced himself. Initially commenting that she doesn't have any work for him Mary Alice changes her mind when she notices Eli is wearing worn shoes and had obviously fallen on hard times. She asks him if he will fix a vase she broke for her. Eli appreciates her sympathy and initially declines but Mary Alice is insistent. A few years later now that Eli has found steady work thanks to Mary Alice recommending him to the women of the neighbourhood, Eli walks in on Mary Alice reading a note.

Mary Alice tries to be upbeat despite the fact that something is obviously troubling her, and offers Eli the vase that he fixed for her a few years ago. Eli gratefully accepts and leaves, worried about Mary Alice's fragile state but thinking it best to leave her alone. It is then revealed that the note Mary Alice was reading is the one she was blackmailed with and that day is the one that she killed herself.
Eli regrets having done nothing to stop Mary Alice's suicide. From that day forward he makes a vow to not only fix people's belongings but their lives as much as he can as well.
Taken From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Thing_That_Ever_Could_Have_Happened

This is touching & meaningful message for all of us.
Can you think of anybody who has changed your life?
There are many people who changed my life but the one and only who gave his life to me was “Jesus Christ”.

We know how precious our lives are, how can we make the impact for others? Let's start from small thing to big things.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
[Ecclesiastes 9:10]

Being Happy

2009-05-17T18:36:00.018+08:00

Today when you read newspaper and watch news, the issues are retrenchment and H1N1 flu virus. Are you worried? Worrying may have positive effects if prompts you to take precautions like taking care of your health. Worrying will be negative if thinking something over and over again but do not resolve the situation or arrive at a solution to the problem.So why are you worrying? Don’t worries be happy! :) I’m sharing to you 3 points (S,M,L) from book called ‘being happy’, written by Andrew Matthews.

S-Self Image
Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling good about yourself, other people become very nice? Isn’t it funny how they change!

The world is a reflection of us. When we hate ourselves, we hate everyone else. When we love being who we are, the rest of the world is wonderful.

If you want others to respect you, treat yourself well and so set an example to other people as to how you should be treated.

Loving your neighbour as your selves automatically assumes that we should love ourselves. We should maintain a balance between our needs and our neighbour’s needs, respect both parties.

M-Mind

Your mind affects your life. Do you ever say to yourself “I mustn’t forget that” then go and forget it? Your mind cannot move away from forgetting. It can move toward remembering but only if your thinking is I want to remember that.

Your conscious thoughts contribute to building of your subconscious mind. When you learnt to eat with chopsticks, it took a lot of conscious thought and efforts. Overtime it registered into our subconscious mind. Daily you create programs in your subconscious by thoughts. So watch what you think!

As our thoughts affect our circumstances, so do the words we say. What you say is what you get.

Our words affect how we think and how we feel.

What we think affect what we say and how we feel.

How we feel influences what we say and how we think.

Hence we have a vicious triangle.

Living it the now
All you have is now. Regardless of what happened yesterday and what might happen tomorrow. Now is where you are. The present moment is the only time you have. Make something of this moment!

Jump into life at every opportunity. While you are waiting for one thing to happen, do something else. If your friend is late in picking you for dinner, organise your photo album or bake a cake until he/she arrives. In doing so, you demonstrate a certain detachment from the result. Letting go of the situation, accelerates results.

To live in present moment, we may need to forgive others and ourselves. If forgiving other is difficult, forgiving ourselves is even harder. Blaming and feeling guilty are equally dangerous and destructive. We are avoiding the real issue which is to do something about the problem.

It is our choice whether to get on with our life in the now or whether we chain ourselves to grudges and upsets of the past.

Laughter is the best medicine. Life is not that serious. Let’s take humour more seriously.

In conclusion, are you still worrying? Just remember S,M,L from 'being happy' book. You can read more from the book. It’s simple yet comprehensive and easy to apply. Happy reading…

Grumble

2009-05-04T16:11:00.004+08:00

How often do you grumble?
Last month I went through the discontented time and I grumbled a lot.
I grumbled about my office work, my church ministries, personal life and etc. Grumbling had become my bad habit in the month of April.

Grumbling is SIN against God! (BSF on Life of Moses)
God brought Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to lead them to promise land. During the journey, God protected them day & night. However when a difficulty came, they forgot about the past 2-3 days provision and started complaining and blaming.

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" [Exodus 17:3]

When we grumble, we complain and blame God indirectly. God is in full control of everything thus we blame God of putting us in such situation that we are not comfortable with. Hence, Grumbling is Sin and hatred to God!

We often forget on God’s past provision to us.
Let’s not grumbling but start remembering God’s goodness & provision to us and it helps to change our perspective of a thing we are encountering!

God bless!

Crisis

2009-04-25T01:42:00.005+08:00

Are you facing Crisis in your work place, home and life?
Economy crisis will affect 3 aspect of our life: Financial, Ego and Faith.

Check out the seminar on "How Christians Overcome Economic Crisis" by Pastor Paul Gunadi (who served in USA).

No all problems become crisis. A problem becomes crisis when we cannot adapt into it and when we have no solution.

Crisis in Biblical perspective:
- Crisis can happen any time and to anyone including children of God
- Crisis appears from our own mistakes or outsides
- Crisis is used by God to fulfill His plan.

Understand How Crisis works:
- Crisis can happen spontaneous or gradually
- Crisis can contain sin or no sin
- If it contained sin but we did not admit and deal with it will grow and worse

Response to Crisis:
- Confession: Confess our contribution in Crisis
- Surrender: Accept what we have and learn to be humble. God hates egocentric person.
- Forgiveness: Ready to forget the past and regret and ready for future
- Restoration: do goodness to or for our love ones

Faith in Crisis:
- Faith is not running away but facing the reality and responsibilities
- Faith is daring
- Faith is leaning to way and will of God
- Faith is demanding us to do the right thing
- Faith is not always looking at instance result
- Faith is orientation to the process to make us perfect in Crisis

Christian Characteristic:
- Faith: whatever happens to us, God never leave us
- Faith: whatever happens to us, God can help
- Faith: whatever happens to us, God will fulfill His plan

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]

It is easy for Almighty God to give us a job or solution, but if it doesn’t happen, perhaps God wants to mold us, let’s lean on Him fully!

Unanswered prayer

2009-03-25T20:24:00.005+08:00

“Have you ever wondered what would have been if God answered all your prayers?
Let’s ponder … If God had answered your prayers on the excellent school you dreamed, the tempting job you could enjoyed or gorgeous partner you wished to have that you might thought it was great, what might have been? Aren’t you glad that God didn’t answer you?” BSF Teaching leader asked this question last night as we studied Exodus 5:1-6:27 – Moses’ First encounter with Pharaoh.

“Yes! I am glad that God did not answer all my prayers especially those ridiculous requests” I told myself. WOW! It was so true that sometimes when I prayed for something, it gets worse before it gets better.

Exodus 5:22-23 Moses returned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all."

I am just like Moses by asking God “WHY?” I often judge the future with the current situation and focus on the problem instead of lesson God wants to teach me.

God did not answer Moses why He did that instead God told Moses His plans and promises. God reveals Himself and His plan through our disappointment and seeming failures.

I remembered Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane asking same request 3 times “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” [Matthew 26: 36-45] What would have been if the request was granted? I am thankful that Jesus took the cup (died of us) so that we who believe in Him are saved by His blood. Aren’t you glad now? To be personal with God is to involve with God!

We never satisfy till we empty ourselves! I like this clause from BSF notes “As long as we are full of ourselves, even in small things we are no use (useless) to God. When we die to self, we become vessels fit to God’s service.” Do you want to be God’s vessels? Let’s do it!

3:16

2009-03-14T23:58:00.003+08:00

The book 3:16 was written by Max Lucado.

John 3:16 "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."

Using his own daily life story, the author described phrase by phrase of the passage John 3:16. It very light reading yet powerful message connecting to our life.

At the end of book, there are chapters of conclusion and Only Jesus: 40 days with the Son.

I like Only Jesus: 40 days with the Son, which brought us to Jesus' birth to His death. I felt the emotional touch as if I was one of characters in the story of Jesus. Yes! Jesus the King became a servant, God became a man to give hope for you and me. God loves. God gives. We believe. We live. Do you want to live?

An instrument of Thy peace

2009-03-13T18:23:00.003+08:00

How can we be an instrument of God's peace?

My church choir is singing this song this week.
What a beautiful, meaningful and powerful message!

Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Let's learn to be an instrument of Thy peace wherever we go... home, church, school, workplace, etc. Be blessing to others as you have been blessed by Thy peace!

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

It's Privilege!

2009-02-19T23:27:00.004+08:00

Do you have privilege today?
If your answer is ‘No’, are you sure?

This week I started my BSF study, I was excited to find out my new DL (Discussion Leader) for this year. When I stepped into the worship hall my ex-DL greeted me and she told me "You're in privilege class".

Later I found out my new DL could not come hence SY who is STL (Substitute Teaching Leader) took over for 1st class. It's good that I got to know SY (gentle & friendly lady). SY told us what a privilege to be in BSF (learning the word of God, knowing more people & learning from one another).

"It's a privilege to see all of you here today to learn the life of Moses." we're greeted sweetly in the opening speech by TL. I really felt I was so privilege that night!

I learned about God's promise to Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and many more. What God promises, He fulfills! God never break His promise but man does. Suddenly I realised I’ve just broke my promise to my friend 15 minutes ago. At first I promised my colleague (who attending BSF) by saying “No matter whatever happens, I’ll go back with you after class. Then I met a friend and I decided to go with this friend, so I messaged my colleague that I could not go back with her 15 minutes ago. Oh… what a failure I am!

This tells me that I cannot even trust myself to keep the promise. So, who shall we trust? We can only trust God in our life! I have put my trust in the Lord, what a privilege, how about you?.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-06T19:21:00.004+08:00

How did you celebrate Chinese New Year?

This is how I celebrated my CNY in Indonesia.

Chinese Reunion Dinner
Reunion dinner is important for Chinese and it is celebrated on CNY eve . Unfortunately I went back to Indonesia on CNY eve (evening) hence I missed the reunion dinner with my parents & relatives. Instead I celebrated it at Burger King in the airport with my sister and all customers of Burger King :)

New Clothes
New clothes are significant for the start of New Year. I was happily wearing new clothes and shopping more new clothes :)

Yearly Visit
It was great to visit relatives and friends since I might only see them once a year. Besides getting updates, I also received red packets from those who were eligible to give. :)

I enjoyed my CNY a lot and gave thanks to the Lord, how about you?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Can Two Walk Together?

2009-01-09T20:41:00.006+08:00

The encouragement for spiritually unbalanced marriages book is by Sabrina D. Black (Author). She wrote based on her own experience and her counseling expertise.

This is helpful tool for those who face disappointments and difficulties in unequally yoked relationships. It is also good for anyone who is keen in knowing more about it just like me. I borrowed this book from my church library by chance but since then I made the efforts to read because I believed there should be a purpose of everything.

It is easy reading book and I agree with her points which I summarized them as followed:
1. Ministry starts from home. We need to put some efforts, time and etc for our home (with our loved ones). Nobody can fix our home except ourselves with God’s wisdom. I am learning to be more patient and understanding to people surrounding me :)

2. Think wisely before we share to others on personal issue related to our partner (loved one) otherwise we may regret. Because when we’ve forgiven & forgotten the issue (our loved one’s badly treatment to us), others may still remember everything we share to them hence it will affect on how others think of our partner (loved one). So before you share to others, we should talk to God. I remember this phase "You are not fit to talk to anyone before you talk to God". Occasionally I am trying to practice this to people I love. Actually we get to love everyone as God first loves us :)

There are more points you can learn from the book. Interested to know more? Just read the book.

You are my hiding place

2009-01-01T02:56:00.004+08:00

You (God) are my hiding place,
You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You.Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of my Lord.
I will trust in You! (3x)

The lovely song above was sung last night (new year eve). During our watchnight church service, we were called to reflect things happened in the past and to face the coming year. I started counting the big good events which happened in my life, yap! there were at least 10 but how about the bad events? There were not least... However during the bad events... I was not alone because God was there for me.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, God is always with us.
Happy New Year 2009! Happy blessed year!

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah [Psalm 32:7]

The Day The Earth Stood Still

2008-12-31T01:28:00.006+08:00

This American movie was about the alien who came to save the earth because the alien thought human did not care and distroyed the earth. Due to this misunderstanding, the alien started killing human being and finally there was HOPE!

After watching the show, my 2 friends & I shared each a lesson to learn:
1. A wake up call for us to save the our earth.
2. A second chance for human race to change.
3. A love (forgive & forgiven) to be united

Let's do our part to be good citizen of human race and citizen of God's kingdom!

Christmas!

2008-12-24T16:20:00.003+08:00

There was a Christmas party in the office with gift-exchange. Each of us had to buy something with certain value then on the actual day we would draw for the gift. We had a hard time to search for the gift because we didn’t know exactly who our receiver was. It could be for male or female. However it is fun!

Christmas is a not a time for receiving but giving! Giving of our time, money, love, efforts, talents, creativity and many more…

Can we give generously? Yes, we can!

2000 year ago, Heavenly Father gave us the BEST GIFT ever!
Jesus Christ the son of God who came to the earth to redeem us from our sins so that we can be united with God forever.

If you have tasted the best gift, surely you will be able to give generously. Wouldn't you want to be generous?

Merry Christmas!!!

BSF - Matthew

2008-11-21T21:47:00.005+08:00

This year BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class has ended. During the last meeting, there wasn’t a discussion group or lecture but sharing voluntarily on what we have learnt.

I felt privileged for being able to share with the women group. I was nervous & my voice trembled but my heart was burning to share all the good things I have learnt.

This is my first year in BSF & the book of Matthew was not easy for me, because it talked so much about challenging applications especially lectures & notes questions that touched my inner heart like "How much do you love God?”, “How precious is Jesus to you?”, “Have you pleased God?"

Being a Christian for 10 years, I thought I had known a lot about God. As studied the book of Matthew, I am getting to know about God much more and I am falling in love with Him again and again.

So many things to discover & let me explain in 3 characters: BSF

B - Bride
God loves us unconditionally. People may like us because of our physical beauty, material wealth, intellectual, characters, etc but God loves us for who we are.
I was a bad person but God called me to be His bride. He clothed me with righteousness through Jesus Christ. How wonderful!

About the parable of 5 wise virgins & 5 foolish virgins, the wise virgins prepared the oil and were waiting for the bridegroom. I know it is not an easy path to follow Jesus but I am trying my best. To be His bride hence I am now standing here and waiting for my bridegroom (Jesus Christ).

S - Salt
We are called to be salt of the world meaning we have to be salt everywhere we go. Being a nice person to the people we love or our church mates is easy. However when it comes to difficult people or office work, it would be challenging. Am I the salt of the world for Jesus Christ?

F - Faith
I was amazed by the faith of a centurion, a sick woman, a woman whose daughter was sick and many more. Have Faith in Jesus!

Jesus said “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." [Matthew 17:20]

Let’s remember this BSF! May God bless us abundantly!

Hide and Seek

2008-11-18T11:31:00.003+08:00

Hide and Seek is a USA film starring Robert De Niro and Dakota Fanning.
You can read the story line in wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hide_and_Seek_(2005_film)

This movie is about a person who has split personality (two different personalities at one time). On occasion he/she appears nice, helpful, a good friend and without warning he/she becomes selfish, arrogant and cruel. The sad thing is the person does not aware of having split personality.

Then I asked myself, do you have split personality? I think I don't but I will not know :) Nevertheless, sometimes I behave good and bad at the same time. Wasn't that worse than having split personality? The reason being is because I am conscious about it and I do it on purpose!

Oh! What should I do?
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. [Romans 8:8-10]

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [Colossians 3:8-10]

Are you playing hide and seek? Do you have split personality? Do you have sinful nature?
Let’s pray & repent and let Holy Spirit be with us always!

Beautiful

2008-10-27T20:00:00.002+08:00

At TV commercial, Jeon Ji Hyun (acted in Korean movie: my sassy girl) promoted the shampoo by Essence Asian. She said: "If you wish to be beautiful, you can be beautiful".

There is a phrase saying: "There are no ugly women, only lazy ones". This is encouragement for women to beautify themselves physically.

Is beautiful so important?
For some people appearance is everything, but that's beauty is just a deep skin.

Peter warned the wifes [women]: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. [1 Peter 3:3-4]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then to whom do you want to look beautiful?

Decay

2008-10-23T19:58:00.007+08:00

When did you last visit dentist?
I visited dentist last week. The dentist told me I had decay on one of my teeth hence it had to be treated quickly so that it would not spread.

I felt so sad because I have tooth decayed easily so I asked the dentist: "Is it because I did not brush my teeth clean?"

"No! There are 2 reasons: one is genetic & another is the structure of your teeth therefore the food is stuck on them easily.” The dentist answered. Then she added “See, there is another potential decay here”. And she showed me another tooth.

When I apply this into my spiritual life, I fall into temptation and sin so easily. Why???
It is because I am a sinner (genetically from Adam the first man) and the world is corrupted by sin.
So, what can I do? I need Jesus who cleanses my sin & Holy Spirit to guide me through each time.

In Romans 5:12-21 "Death through Adam, Life through Christ."
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. [Romans 5:12]
For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus Christ) the many will be made righteous. [Romans 5: 9].

Have you checked your teeth today? Do you need a dentist?

Stress!!!

2008-10-17T19:17:00.003+08:00

Are you victimized by stress?
The stress management consultant Donald Tubesing says: "stress is our response to the situation, not the situation itself".

Lately my boss assigned me a new task which I need to help up another department to generate some reports. The department secretary will send to me the data every Tuesday and on Wednesday evening she expects me to give back to her so that she can send the report to her department managers by Thursday 12pm. Every Tuesday or Wednesday I have a phobia in case I bump to her and reminder me.

Last Wednesday was a disaster. There was a system problem hence I could not generate the reports on time. Then she wrote me an email and asking me to commit on weekly deadline every Wednesday 5pm. I was so stress! Then I asked my boss because my boss knew best my situation and my workloads. In relax mode my boss told me to tell her 'No'! So I replied her email explaining the situation and I could only give the report the next day and in future I would try my best although I could not commit the deadline weekly.

When I stepped out of the company building this issue was still bothered so much “What if I could not give her by 12pm next day?” Then I asked myself “What am I thinking? Now I am going to church for song practice and I still think of work? Why I felt so scared of her although my boss already told me it was ok?”

Many of times I am afraid of things that never happened yet!
Sometime I am afraid of someone more than my boss!
Sometimes I am afraid of men more than God! *I feel so sorry!*

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him [Psalm 37:7]
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. [Proverbs 1:7]

Vital Red Soya

2008-10-03T19:14:00.006+08:00

During the Healthy Lifestyle Week, the company (where I work) organised programs like on-site health screen, health talk and inviting health products vendors to promote health food.

My colleagues and I bought Soya drink with organic Red beetroot. The next day happily we opened each bottle of our 500 grams Vital Red Soya. Then we realised that it should be consumed within 2 months after opening. In order to finish it within 2 month time, I have to drink it daily and generously offering to other colleagues if they would like to try by telling them how good the drinks for our body.

Let's say if we knew we got only 2 months to live in the earth, what would we do?
Some might say we should do the most important things in our life as we also wanted to leave good names/ impressions to others. Or we’d tell our love ones (family, relative & friends) how important they were to us. Or we’d share to them good things (money, time, knowledge and experience).

Besides all the above, as for Christian what should we do? If we love God, do we also love others as our selves? Have we share or show Jesus’ love to others? How ready are you to meet Jesus Christ?

Sadly nobody will know when his/her life will be lasted in the earth.
What shall we do then?
Live blissfully and do our best as if today is our last day!
Life is not about how long we live but how meaningful it should be :)

Learn from Children

2008-09-27T21:32:00.003+08:00

In BSF, we are encourged to volunteer in children ministy. There are two teachers in each class so the helper just sit in and help in opening bible for children and attentive to them in case of need. I was assigned to class primary 1-2, children of these ages are adorable.

Surprisingly I learnt a lot from them and the lessons that taught. The teachers spoke in simple words and explained to them with pictures as visual aids.

During discussion, they were so responsive. Although a friend had given the similar answer, they were still raising their hands waiting for the teacher to call them for their answers. (so cute!)

At discovery lesson, the teacher asked "What does it mean by faithfulnes?" Then with confident one said "Faithfulness is Faithful". "Kindness is Kind" :)

When the bible story telling, they all wanted to sit on the floor near to the teacher and listen alertly without any noise for half an hour. Wow! It amazed me. They were taughted to be discipline. It is important to teach them when they are young.

Lastly they got to play games, sudenlly the class was so noise and screaming all over the place. (Just Kids!)

That was end of the class but it was not end yet to learn more from them.
Have you experience these?
Just look around you if there is any child you can learn from?
Another way, you can try children ministry. I gurrantee you that you won’t regret!
Happy voluterring & serving the Lord!

Love

2008-09-08T16:22:00.005+08:00

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal... Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ....

The above 1 Corinthians 13 is the most popular chapter especially at a wedding sermon. WHY??? Love is important to everyone. With love we build a relationship. A pastor once said... "Love is ... 1) Like planting a tree, putting efforts to water, fertilize and nurture it. 2) Like fresh air. Having a beautiful house without fresh air is useless. 3) To make someone special, not the other way round."

Have I made someone special today? :)
Have anyone felt the fresh air in my presence? :)

B.O.B

2008-08-25T15:23:00.003+08:00

What is B.O.B? :)

Beijing Olympic Bird's Nest (B.O.B) held on 8-24 August 2008. This was spectacular event because each country presented their best athletics. Those winners will be the world best of the best (B.O.B).

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge delivered a speech at Olympic Games closing ceremony yesterday. I was impressed when he said "Keep up the spirit!"

This reminded me of Paul encouraged the Corinthians to keep up the spirit.
"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
(1 Corinthians 9: 19-27)

Captain

2008-08-16T23:52:00.008+08:00

This morning I went cyclying with my colleagues. The weather was not stable. It was sunny, cloudy and rainy. While cyclying, our bodies' mucles were aching and we met tricky traffics with the joggers, roller-bladers and other cyclists. However the obstacles were nothing compared to the beautiful sea and scenaries our eyes could see! We took 3.5 instead of 2 hours journey from East Coast to Changi Village, surprisingly on our way back we took only 1.5 hours journey. We got a good captain who lead and encouraged us to be persistent through the journey. The captain knew the way very well as he had been there for many times. He even estimated that we could be back to return our rented bicycles in 6 hours including our lunch and snacks during the journey. Bingo! we met the target!

our life in the earth is a journey to our wonderful home in heaven :). In our journey, this life is ups and downs. Happy and sad moments like the weather in the sky, yet we need to continue our journey. We have a life captain whom we can lean on. He has gone through the life in earth and be tempted just like us yet He did not sin. During difficult time, remember this “No temptation 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” [1 Corinthians 10:13].

Now our life captain is preparing a place for our home sweet home. When Thomas asked Jesus "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [John 14:5-6]

Who is your life captain? If you don’t have one, would you want to consider Jesus Christ?

Ghost Month!

2008-08-06T18:54:00.006+08:00

In Chinese tradition, the seventh month (Chinese calendar) is regarded as the "Month of the Hungry Ghosts", in which ghosts and spirits, including those of the deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm. During this dangerous time they suspend all important activities and decisions. At its climax, they celebrate the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts.

The Chinese seventh month, usually August and this year falls on 01st-30th of August 2008.

On the 1st day of August, my colleague warned me,
"Hey! You're not supposed to wear red today!"
"Why?" I asked.
"Don't you know? NO black or red on 1st day!" She responded.
"Not only that! No swimming or going overseas. You must be careful!" She added.
"Don't we have to be careful everyday?" I questioned her.
"Yes! But this month is the critical month!"

In Christian life, this is not new to us. God warns us to be extra careful everyday! In the bible, the evil one is called Devil/ Satan.

[1 Peter 5:8-9] Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

God also gives us the answer to resist that. [Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Armor of God] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

[1 John 3:8] He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

Now we know that everyday is critical day, what can we do?
Submit to God in prayer and refuse to go along with Devil (evil act, talk, thought, etc). You can do it with God’s help! :)

Boss on Leave!

2008-07-30T01:38:00.008+08:00

As an employee, a great thing is when boss is away! However it is not always true! My boss was on leave yesterday. During his absent, I was busy attending to all queries from my colleagues who were looking for him. Poor me! Then I realised what an important boss he was! I couldn't wait for him to be at work! :)

In my spiritual life, sometimes I run away from God. I wanted to be my own boss! I did all things on my own and I got so exhausted. Then I cried “Lord, help me!”
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me [Psalm 56:9]. O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed [Psalm 30:7].
I can't live without my saviour Jesus Christ (great boss)!

Is your Boss on leave? :)

What is your expectation?

2008-07-29T23:52:00.010+08:00

I was upset when visiting one of TMC club. The members were not as friendly as I expected to be. I have visited a few clubs hence I had a tendency to compare them.
On way home, I questioned myself, was it wrong to have expectation? Perhaps the high of expectation that made me disappointed.

A story about my trip to Turkey a few years back. In beginning my plan was to visit USA but my visa was rejected. Hence I signed up tour to Turkey with less expectation and knowledge about the country. I was surprised by many beautiful and wonderful places (Blue Mosque (Istanbul) - Pamukkale - Ephesus - Troy - Cappadocia) in Turkey. :)

A year later I went to western USA, my dream country as visitor. I had learnt so much about USA from tour guides books that I set great expectation of USA. Afterwards I was very disappointed.

Well... I don't mean we don't need to plan or set our expectation but look back at the influence of the expectation. Do we expect too much of what our parents could have done for us? Or boss could have appreciated us? Or elders could have known much more? Or friends could have been good to us?

Let's look at ourselves!
What is our parents/boss/elders/family members/friends expected from us? Then what God is expecting from us? :) Trust, Obey and be holy. 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.' [Leviticus 19:2b]

Begonia

2008-07-28T00:17:00.007+08:00

On my way to office, my colleague told me about her green fingers. She planted many flowers. Interestingly she shared this particular flower called begonia (chinese flower crab apple). “You know, the plant was dying, so I cut the branch that did not grow flowers. Surprisingly after a few days, the branch started growing buds and many more flowers.”

Then I shared with her, “Yes, it is very interesting about the flower, I read something like this in bible John15:1-4 (Jesus said) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

That’s the way God disciplines and molds us. Sometimes it hurts but remember that God loves us.

Do you want to bear more fruits? :)

Lord, Here Am I

2008-07-26T12:02:00.006+08:00

This July is mission month in my Indonesian church, we have got lots of events including inviting few guest speakers. Rev. Nicky Chong, singaporean from Wycliffe Bible Translators, preached in Indonesian because the topic was ‘Language: spear/front-line of Mission’ (Bahasa: Ujung Tombak Misi). He really demonstrated it truely.

Last month, the choir sang 'Speak, O Lord' then this Sunday is 'Lord, here am I'. The choir feel the songs are too difficult due to its meaning and to be sung reverently.

When I shared this to a sister in Christ, she told me this.
People have wrong perception that if I’m 100% ready then I can serve. Don't you see that God is molding you and get you ready to sing? In John 21:15-17, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Jesus asked the same questions for three times. At that time Peter might not be 100% ready but God Jesus gave him a big task.

Another brother in Christ said, 'God doesn't ask proud people to serve but humble at heart to do his will'.

Lord, Here Am I
Master Thou callest, I gladly obey;
Only direct me, and I'll find Thy way,
Teach me the mission appointed for me,
What is my labor, and where it shall be.

Willing my Savior, to take up the cross;
Willing to suffer reproaches and loss.
Willing to follow, if Thou will but lead;
Only support me with grace in my need.

Living, or dying, I still would be Thine;
Yet I am mortal while Thou art divine.
Pardon, whenever I turn from the right;
Pity, and bring me again to the light.

Chorus:
Master, Thou callest, and this I reply,
"Ready and willing, Lord, here am I."
"Ready and willing, Lord, here am I."

Words: Fannie Crosby (1820-1915)
Fannie Crosby, who was blind from infancy, was the author of more than 8000 poems, some of which became texts of favorite Christian hymns. The anthem employes one of her texts which to the composer’s knowledge, has not been set previously to music.

The joy of the Lord is my strength

2008-07-16T12:06:00.003+08:00

Beatrice is a new children choir teacher in my church. She is soft spoken & gentle but when she sings she can project her voice to be heard clearly. On her first day teaching the 4-8 year-old kids, she had a hard time as the kids had only short attention and I was inexperience helper for her, all experienced helpers were on holiday. Fortunately the kids liked hands clapping. She found a way to keep the kids quiet by clapping her hands. She taught the kids to sing phrase by phrase with the actions. The song was 'The joy of the Lord Is My Strength'.

On her second day teaching, she gathered the kids and making a circle. She taught them another song ‘Hallelujah, Praise the Lord’ with much hands and body movement. I was so stunned by her energetic actions. I did not expect that she would teach so well because during the service she looked so pale. She told me that she had bad fever on Friday and still recovering hence she might not be able to teach the choir.

Wow! She really demonstrated her strength is the Joy of the Lord!

The joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength.

He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
The joy of the Lord is my strength.

He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
He gives me living water and I thirst no more.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Words: Alliene G. Vale, based on Nehemiah 8:10

How are you feeling today? Are you weak, weary or worried?
Remember this "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." [Nehemiah 8:10b]

The Liar

2008-07-16T12:03:00.001+08:00

In West Coast Toastmasters club last Saturday, the table topic was about lying. I was given a scenario of ‘On Friday night, there is a party and last minute the boss is asking you to stay for work and you have to tell a lie to my mum.’

At office hour, phone ringing and mum on another line and I spoke ‘Yes, mum. Yes, it’s Friday. Yes, there is a party at night. I’ll not go because my boss’s just assigned me a work’.

'At 7 pm, my phone ringing again, “Yes mum, I’m still working and I’ll not be back so soon but I promise to be back before 12am. Mum, please don’t keep the food for me. I’ll be eating somewhere near my workplace. You know I have a gastric pain so I’ll settle my own dinner’.

At 10pm on the dance floor and I was dancing (with dancing action), the mobile is ringing and I’m answering the call “Yes mum, me? At work! Yes, here’s very noise because we’re having meeting” (action walking out to quiet place)’

That’s end of my story. Guess what? People were very pleased by my speech and action and I was voted as best table topic. I was the best liar of the day! At that time I was very happy to receive the award and a free Chinese fan souvenir from a member who just came back from China.

When it’s over, I ponder. Although this is just a play, I can imagine how terrible I can become. One thing I know for sure, I can trick people BUT I cannot con God. J

All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart [Proverbs 21:2]. For God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything! [1 John 3:20b]. Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [Galatians 6:7]

Fishing

2008-07-10T18:22:00.002+08:00

A week ago, a friend of mine taught me fishing. We caught snakehead and Red Devil. I was so fascinating by fishing like a kid got a new toy. While fishing, I was told to be relaxed yet alerted and patient.

On my way home yesterday, I met a colleague, Leong who enjoys fishing. We chatted about fishing and I asked him: "Are a patient person since you like fishing?" To my surprise, Leong said: "No! I am not a patient person. You must like fishing then you can be patient fishing, not the other way round."

Wow! It reminded me on 1 Corinthians 13:4a Love is patient, love is kind. To love is to be patient and to be kind. Many of time I asked God to give me patient to love others, now I will ask God to give me the love then I can be patient to the person.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [Ephesians 4:2]

The Pianist

2008-07-09T18:59:00.005+08:00

An American Pianist, Christopher Taylor performed during Singapore International Piano Festival 2008. He played 2 pieces of songs: A bach - Goldberg Variation Bwn988 & Rzewski - The people united will never be defect.
He used organ to create the whistle sound like sound of wind. He played the piano with much body & face expression and the piano sound is so crispy and crystal clear. Although I do not much about music, I was so amazed by him.

A friend of mine, May told me that Christopher swapped the songs, he played the 2nd song then the 1st song (different from the sequence in the agenda). May is a piano teacher and understands well on the piece Christopher was playing.

The concert is about 2 hours; in between there is intermission. After the intermission, there were many chairs left empty, those people who were not appreciated the play had left. There were some people who were trying to appreciate the play although they don't know much about music, I could tell that, because they were looking at the wrong song in the agenda. They did not know that the pianist swapped the songs.

In life, there are these groups of people:
1) People who can play the piano like Christopher Taylor
2) People who understand about the music like May
3) People who are told about the music like me
4) People who are trying hard to appreciate the music
5) People who left the concert before it ended

I wish to be like Christopher Taylor, but I need to understand the music in order to appreciate, accept and slowly learn to be expert in it.
Let's imagine the song is the word of God and the music is a language. We need interpreter!
Many hungry people out there, are we willing to help them?

He (Jesus) told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. [Luke 10:2]

Those who give will receive more

2008-07-04T11:44:00.008+08:00

A friend of mine invited me to Toastmaster club at Buona Vista Community Centre (Singapore). Toastmasters International is non-profit organisation which provides public speaking training. During the table topic, I was asked to volunteer to speak for 2 minutes by giving a topic on the spot. The topic was "Those who give will receive more". I began speaking nervously and slowly building up my confident.

Good evening everyone! When talking about giving, people tend to associate it with Money. If you have money or rich then you can give. It is not always true! Anyone can give something to someone for example a smile. If you smile to people, people will smile back to you. It is just a simple smile.
I recall an incident when I was in the bus. That day I had just finished my training course with my 5Kg notes to bring home. I purposely walked a bus-stop away to get a seat in the bus because the bus journey home was an hour. I got a best seat I wanted. A few minutes later the crowd came and an old uncle got into the bus and obviously he needed a seat. I felt uneasy because I felt he needed the seat more than I did. When I caught his attention, I gave up my seat. He thanked me with his best smile. His smile was just like an angel smile that touched my inner soul. With his smile, it brightened the rest of my day on that day!

For that, I shall conclude "those who give will receive more".

That was end of my speech, then I realised why people always say, "The more you give the more you are blessed". One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty [Proverbs 11:24]

Now that I have succeeded to give and received more, you also can try and be blessed!

Look Beyond the Window

2008-07-03T17:58:00.008+08:00

Anna, my gentle friend has an angelic voice. Her voice is so soothing in ears. I love to hear her speaking. One day I met her, not as usual, she started complaining about her office work. Unexpectedly I felt so disturbed by her grumbles and my ears were shut off. I did not want to her angelic voice talking about those complains.

During my BSF women class, the lecture warned us about speaking recklessly, especially for women. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. [Luke 6:45]

When I shared this story in the fellowship, Kenneth, my brother in Christ, told me a valuable phrase. "When we look at the window, actually we look through the window, even more we look beyond the window".

Do you want to have angelic voice or pure heart?
As for me, angelic voice is not as precious as the pure heart we can have :)

Narnia - Edmund Pevensie

2008-06-30T18:50:00.007+08:00

Edmund Pevensie was a boy who met the white witch in the movie of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. The witch offered him his favourite turkish delights and the prospect of becoming king. For that, Edmund Pevensie lied to his brother & sisters that he did not know about Narnia. His ears & minds were shutdown when he heard about how wicked witch was. At the end of it, he realised how wrong he was when he was captured by the witch.

I am just like Edmund Prevensie, I am blinded by my desires and egos. I need God to give me wisdom to guide me to see the path clearly daily. How about you?

Big Brother

2008-06-28T16:27:00.008+08:00

When I was a child, I felt my life was not complete without having a big brother. I have a big sister, younger sister & brother but I do not have a big brother. How greedy I was! I felt envy to my friends & cousins who have big brothers. Ideally a big brother to me is someone who can protect, support and care for me. :)

Amazingly when we are in Christ, we have a big family in God. We have brothers & sisters in Christ all over places.
Now I have grown up, I have my ideal & perfect big brother who is Jesus Christ. In Mark 3:35, Jesus said: "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Do you have big brother? :)

Introduce A Friend

2008-06-25T18:51:00.002+08:00

Stella and Bob know each other from a common friend. Bob's task is to introduce a friend to Stella. Bob asks a lot of questions in order to find the best match for her. After long chats, Bob starts talking about himself. Stella confuses and asks: "Are you suppose to introduce your friend or yourself to me?" :)

This scenario is very commonly happened to us. Sometimes we want to introduce a friend to Jesus. Unawareness we talk too much about ourselves and we lose the focus. Let's set our focus right and point to the target!

Mini Plant

2008-06-19T17:21:00.003+08:00

I went for tea appreciation with a group of friends. The tea is tasty & fragrance with soothing ambience. What a relaxing day Saturday! :)

After that we proceeded to Tea Chapter shop. While my friends admiring different types of tea leaves and antique hand-made tea pots, I was caught by the mini plants next to the tea pots.

Curiously I asked the shop-keeper if the mini plants were tea leaves. The shop-keeper explained that they were all fruits plants whom the seeds from fruits they ate. Patiently she introduced to me one by one: "This plant of apple, grapes, orange, etc".

Wow!!! I was so awestruck, and dumbly I asked her: "Can they bare fruits?"
She answered me with a big smile: "No, they cannot bear fruits with this small pot!"

I thought it deeply: “If I were a fruit plant, I would like to bear fruit. If I were a strawberry plant then I should bare sweet and delicious strawberries. Isn’t that our creator want us to be?”

As Matthew 7:18-20 was written: “Good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Then how can I bare good fruit?
In John 15:3-5 Jesus says: "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me (Jesus), and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Heroes – 0.07%

2008-06-17T15:22:00.002+08:00

Heroes TV series is about ordinary people who have superhuman ability to prevent disaster and saving humanity.
Heroes’ episode with title “0.07%” was fascinated.

The bomb exploded in New York City, then Hiro Nakamura who has ability to manipulate time, went back to previous time and the story goes ….

There were conversation between Mr. Linderman and Nathan Petrelli.
Mr. Linderman: “We have to save New York City”
Nathan Petrelli (In deep thought as he was about to be elected as American President)
Mr. Linderman: “People need HOPE!”
Nathan Petrelli: “How much can we save?”
Mr. Linderman: “0.07%!”

The “0.07%” was mentioned about three times in that episode.

As believers of Jesus Christ, we are like Heroes who have superhuman ability (The power of God Jesus Christ). We are saints. We are given the power and different spiritual gifts.

The Question is: Do we care for others?
People need hope! People need Love!

Truly salvation is in God’s hand. However for those who accepted Love from God, have we shared the Love to others or we keep it to ourselves?
Or we may be thinking others will do it then why should I care?

I am asking myself: “Have I done my part as believer?”
“God have given me spiritual gift as faith and evangelism, have I used them fully?” “I have a chance to meet different races of people in Office or outside, have I share the LOVE of JESUS CHRIST to them?”

Certainly we cannot avoid death or stop the end of the world from happening and we cannot share the LOVE to everyone in the world either. Nevertheless we can share Love to people surrounding us although it is only 0.07%!

Love starts with God, now you have it, let’s pass it on!

SK-II

2008-06-16T00:43:00.002+08:00

The SK-II TV commercial was promoted by QiQi (the Hong Kong Model).
Interestingly the last comment QiQi said: "If the only thing I can choose, I will choose SK-II". Then her husband (Simon Yam - Hong Kong Actor) appeared and asked: "How about me?"

After watching the advertisement, I was asking myself: “If I can only choose one thing in the world. What will I choose?”

My answer to the question is: The word of God Jesus Christ!
[Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!]

Praying Mantis

2008-06-13T21:02:00.002+08:00

A night when my sister and I were about to sleep, an insect came to our room and hanged at the chain which attached to the light. We were terrific because it was first time we saw the green creature and we had no courage to catch it. Instead we tried to switch off the light but yet it did not move.

Later on I found out the insect was called ‘Praying Mantis’.
In Greek word meaning "Prophet" or "fortune teller" and the appearance of the front legs is prayerlike manner.

All of a sudden my sister urged me to pray asking God to get rid of the mantis. We both prayed. After some time the mantis was still there but moving slightly lower part of the chain.

Then I had no choice and prayed to God to give me courage and bravely caugh the mantis using a plastic bag.
My sister was so happy that I could catch it, she normally braver than me. :)

Surprisingly she asked "I wonder why the insect did not move when you tried to catch it. I simply answered "prayer".

WOW!!! I wanted to cry, my sister urged me to pray and reaffirmed by asking me a question. It was just her simple faith.

One thing I learnt, when we pray to God, God is listening and sometimes God also wants us to be His partner to accomplish the task! :)

Pau

2008-06-13T19:58:00.005+08:00

In Kung Fu Panda movie, Po the Panda was picked by destiny to become a martial art master. He had to learn variation of kung fu moves, the only way to motivate him was using food (Pau – Chinese word for Bun).

I ponder about myself, what motivate me in life?
Money? Status? People?
Do I behave well because I want to be seen as good person?
Will I still do well when people treat me badly?

Finally I found the only motivation that I can rely on is the unconditional Love of Jesus Christ (The Cross).

How about you?