Androne

Moved.

2010-02-15T02:49:00.000+08:00

Moved to Tumblr. :)

'Follow' me at http://werdnaeel.tumblr.com

Cheers! =)

Interdependency

2010-02-14T01:32:00.002+08:00

You can actually be in love with love without even knowing. The true extent of love is to have the capacity to give what is precious - things AND people. Love is not dependency on someone, it is interdependence on each other. You meet each other's needs, and not try to meet your own needs.

Love does not hold on tight, but it lets go and is able to freely give without condition. Love is a choice, and love offers a choice.

Wealth

2010-02-13T11:47:00.004+08:00

The bible didnt say, 'money is the root of all evil'.
But "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil'.

He is not against you having money,
He is against money having you.

He is not just your God,
He is your LORD,
Your heavenly FATHER,
Your FRIEND.

Which good father will not give money to his children?
Which good father will let them live in lack and debt?
Which good father will not give his children a good house to stay, good food to eat?

The kingdom of God cannot prosper unless its people prosper.

Great churches cannot be built by poor people.
Schools, bible centers, orphanages, disaster relief work, cannot be funded by poor people.

Though we started out poor, but if we follow Jesus, we will not stay poor all our life.

If you cant even believe God for provision, how are you able to be sure that He can give you eternal life? Nothing hurts more to someone who loves you, than to say to the person, "You wanna bless me? Sure anot! I dont believe you!".

At the end, that person becomes hurt, he no longer feels like blessing you anymore.
Same with God.

All the promises of God, are to make you prosper, to make you the head and not the tail, above and not beneath! If you're not blessed, its time to start reviewing all the things God has promised to you! And start believing, start seeing, start speaking, start acting and claiming it! :)

As children, our Father has left us an inheritance here on the earth. "Your will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven". You have to know who you are and what you have, if you want to live a maximized christian life.

God is not moved by need. God is moved by FAITH!

If God is moved by need, He would be moving in the poverty stricken nations now. But God cant move. He has to raise up people elsewhere, who are blessed with abundance and then send them over!

If God is moved by need, why is it that some celgrps are prospering more than whole churches? Just because you need healing, it doesnt mean you will be guaranteed of your healing. The woman with the issue of blood, she got healed by touching God, not by God touching her.

What are you believing God for?
Who is God to you?

Let it be according to your faith...

Manhood in a Relationship and Heaven's Door

2010-02-13T00:39:00.006+08:00

If a husband doesnt love his wife,
Then God will not hear his prayer.
Heaven will be closed over the relationship.

The woman then suffers because of the failure in that man,
*Garden of Eden scene.

So ladies, if you're smart, choose wisely.
Every couple in church, started out with nothing.
Now they're living testimonies of what God can do,
The moment heaven is open, the moment there is agreement.

So dont live under a constant 'curse' of failure, disappointment and defeat. Heaven is not open over your guy. Period. God sees both of you as one now and God will move according to the man in the relationship. He will hold the man accountable and responsible.

"A woman can never be the woman God wants her to be, until her man is maximized in his manhood" - Ps Kong (Men's Meeting).

Its not about the looks, nor the money, nor the resources or 'assets',
If heaven is open, all things are possible.

If heaven is closed, even what you have will be taken away.

As long as you're conformed to how the world defines love,
You will never experience the love that God has defined for you.

On a side note, I found this powerful tweet by Ps Zhuang:

Confidence doesn't come when u have all the answers. It comes when u are ready to face all the questions.

Just a random thought...

People can scream and shout when they see a superstar,
But they dont get excited about God.

People can feel romantic with someone ungodly,
But what about God?

How do you think God would feel?

"For I am a jealous God..." :)

Tweets

2010-02-11T13:54:00.000+08:00

If you put Him first, He will put you first. If He's not your Lord of all, He's not your "Lord" at all.

Love has no terms and conditions. If you wanna fulfill YOUR dreams, YOUR desires at the expense of the other, thats not love. Thats bargain!

To commit yourself to a relationship is to commit yourself to someone else's dreams and desires. Forsaking all, to follow him or her.

'My beloved is mine.' - Thats low level love. 'I am my beloved's.' - Thats maturity. If you wanna live your own life, why commit?

Part 1 - People can move from one stage to another & yet not transitioned in their thinking.

Part 2 - You're attached yet you still live as though you're single, you still hang out with your clique, etc.

If he/she's not your love of all he/she's not your love at all. ;-) How you treat people is how you treat...

First

2010-02-11T08:46:00.001+08:00

If you put Him first, He will put you first.
If He's not your Lord of all, He's not your "Lord" at all.

First...

2010-02-11T00:43:00.001+08:00

Communication

2010-02-10T01:07:00.002+08:00

In a relationship, intentions are not meant to be discovered, they are meant to be expressed. Dont expect anyone to know what you are thinking, thats being naive.

Any relationship without proper communication will break down. End of story.

Expressing yourself in words is one thing, expressing yourself in love is another.

Falling in love is beyond our control,
But showing love to the right people and especially to people who dont deserve it, THAT...is within your scope of responsibility.

Happiness 2

2010-02-09T18:41:00.002+08:00

God wants us to be happy.

If He can truly 'make' us happy, why would He still 'want' us to be happy?

That's because happiness is a choice.

If our lives are always unhappy, its either we're not responsible enough to take action, or we dont really love Him.

Obedience

2010-02-09T00:56:00.003+08:00

If you believe in Him, love Him.
If you love Him, trust Him.
If you trust Him, obey Him.

You can never love God and yourself.
That's having spiritual adultery, an affair.

Whose will do you want to see fulfilled? God's will, or your will?
Choosing to go your own way and having the nerve to ask God to bless it, thats rude and disrespectful.

Choose this day, whom you will serve.

Obedience is always greater than sacrifice.

Not Reaching Out, But Reaching In

2010-02-08T13:40:00.002+08:00

In a world of mass media and effective events management, its pretty easy to come up with ways and means to reach out to people.

However, I noticed, that despite all the excitement and 'methods', people's needs can still be left un-met.

People have no problem reaching out,
People have problem reaching in.

Its about finding a hurt and healing it, finding a need and meeting it.

Is the sick healed?
Is the oppressed set free?
Is the lonely assured?
Is the down and out encouraged?
Is the hopeless given a vision?

Jesus didnt just hold big crusades, He went house to house, fellowshipping, having conversation and eating with people. He healed them, delivered them, He stepped into their boat and changed their lives.

I believe, evangelism is more than conversion. Its redemption - the RESTORATION of all things. People's lives have to change, for the better. A person is not truly saved if his/her life hasnt changed.

What are we doing to bring about that restoration work?

Are those who are poor now rich?
Are those who grew up with pains feeling stronger and more encouraged now?
What have we done to make life better for others?

Dont plan so much, but at the end, meet so little.

This year, this cny season, let us not just reach out, let's reach IN.

Dont just notice a hurt, notice a need.
FIND a hurt, FIND a need.

Who are the people that are feeling down? Be there for them.
And dont ignore people who are going through a tough time,
Knowing what is right but not doing it is the sin of omission. ;)

Pressing into others' lives require a considerate amount of effort.
PRESS is an action word, there is a small force used.

Ask people, how are you doing?
Ask how are things. Spend time with them.

Dont just pray in the sidelines when you can do something practical.

Praying for people is not pressing in, thats supporting.
Dont always care about yourself, your needs, your own life.

Thats totally unbiblical.

Start taking notice of others. Dont always focus on yourself.

God cant use you to bless others when you cant even notice them.

Unequally Yoked + Opportunities (SUPER LONG)

2010-02-07T17:57:00.004+08:00

Was at KFC just now after S4 with Prija and Priya, shared many things, learnt many things..truly fellowship should be centered around God, that is how we grow. :)

First of all, both of them were telling me at the start of the service, 'hey andrew, you should consider joining City News as a writer..', my first reaction was to brush off the idea, simply because it was unusual, weird and something out of my comfort zone...

But when I thought through, I began to realize...hey, I love typing, and I love to express things in words...not in speech, but in words. And I dont deny I type a lot and Im able to effectively express myself in this area. So it dawned upon me like, hey...why didnt I think of that?

And I realized, just because you're comfortable at where you are now, it doesnt mean its God's best for you. Somewhere down the road, God may have other plans. Like I said in my revelations before, that if we settle for what is merely good, we will never reach the level of God's BEST for us.

We just have to be aware, be open for doors of opportunities God is giving us. In terms of career path, its not easy to go into journalism or to be a writer for any publication/mass communications company.

Maybe IT is just part of the package. I dont know...God is doing a work and He is equipping me.

And so..this came as an eye opener for me that hey, I didnt realize all this while, I was good at typing and expressing myself with words, it was something natural for me. And yet I failed to realize the significance and the importance of it.

S4 was great...what was it about? Check my tweets haha. I tweeted alot :D

The second opportunity that dawned upon me was when I mentioned to some that since my grandparents passed away, Ive been asked if I wanna accept their property under my name and I hesitated for awhile. Looking back at all the testimonies in church, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that this is an open door.

Property value change frequently, sooner or later it will come to a point of appreciation, and when you sell at an appreciated price, you gain at least 50k-100k profit, at LEAST.

Most of the millionaires in church, they prosper in the area of property, God brings in the deals, God guides them to the right property at the right time, they prosper. Many of them own multiple properties now and most of them are investment properties.

Either they loan it out for passive income, or they wait till a point where it appreciates before selling it off and buying even more properties.

At the beginning of my NS life, I had a vision, of million dollars by 30. It is possible. The moment we say we cant, is the moment we will never obtain it. Many millionaries in our church are in their 30s, 40s.

The youngest millionaire in singapore was recorded in the straits times, I think age 22 or 26, I cant rem. It was years ago but hey, it is possible.

I came to know that a 3 room flat in central area is worth at least 200k. Appreciated value can go up to 350k-400k. Now...before Im 30, I have 7 more years.

In 7 years, its possible to at least claim 2 properties and sell at an appreciated price. By faith, the second one will be of higher value than the first.

With the increase in the hundreds of thousands every few years...reaching 1,000,000 is no big deal. If God's people are willing to build HIS house, He will build our house! We got to know who we are, and what we have, the promises God has given to us.

And by the way, it excludes my job and Ill probably look for a second source of passive income. Gotta go do some research soon. Im really going all out for my dream haha.

Today's testimony was just powerful, how God can make arragements so that the couple dont even need to pay any downpayment.

It was just amazing. And we're not talking about paying via instalments, these guys purchased properties CASH over a period of 1-3 years. We live in a generation where our level of faith = $48,000,000 CASH, debt free! No problem! And this upcoming arise and build, once again, its gonna prove time and time again that God is faithful and that we can never outgive Him. $310,000,000 CASH, debt free! No problem!

This year, my goal is 10,000 before the end of the year. Ive been praying with sean almost every week and we believe we will see it come to pass. God had already spoken a word through Ps Niko, this year will be a year of restoration and abundance! But for that to happen, the only way for income to come in, is for me to work. Then God will bring in the increase!

If you dont believe it, you will never have it. Period!

Only Satan says, 'It cannot be done'. We live in a generation where people despise big dreams, thats why they never achieve anything great!

Learnt today that we shouldnt keep on asking for signs for God's will, He will NEVER, or should I say, SELDOM, give you a sign. Whatever you desire, if you seek Him first, He will be with you. PERIOD! Whether is it option A or option B, it doesnt matter. God, your heavenly Father is asking you, "My son, my daughter, what do you want? Sweetheart, what do you want?"

What a funny relationship, if we were to:

God: Dear, what do you want? Ill provide for you and support you.
Us: Erm, I dont know, what do You want, God? I want what you want. If what I want is not what you want, then I wont want after that which I want to want.
God asks you what do you want? And you ask God what does He want?

hello....YOU WILL NEVER GET ANYTHING DONE!!! :)

The least God expects from us is the basic attitudes...Faith, Positive attitude, Commitment, Sacrifice, A life of giving, serving, worship, devotion, etc.

But in terms of interests, hey...God has everything, you think there will be something so exciting for God that He's willing to lay aside something to go for it? Wait a minute there! He already has everything! Now He's asking you, what do you want? You have not because YOU ASK NOT!

That is relationship. Just ask any couple, yes, we expect our partners to have a certain level of character, but other than that, dont we too, as humans, ask them what do you want? What do you think? Would you be interested in...? WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY???? ;)

Its always give and take. Yes, God wants things done and we do it for Him. But He's not a dictator, He too will ask us, what do we want because God is love and love desires to GIVE!

Now, on the subject on being unequally yoked with unbelievers, what does it mean? Its not merely a state of religion or beliefs..but like Priya shared, its about the phases in life.

Age is not a factor and I totally agree.

Ask yourself, at what phase of life are you at now? How much have you gone through as a person? Then compare with the person you wanna be with? Are they at the same level? Or are they worlds apart?

Example...

You've been through a lot, for me, passing on of my grandparents, growing up alone, having people come and go, I know what faith is, what sacrifice and commitment is, I know what it means to fight the devil head on, etc.

But if my partner-to-be is at a phase where she's only struggling to understand the revelation of faith and grace. Then there will be a conflict.

When trials come, the more spiritual one will always be the one encouraging. For him/her, that person will feel drained, like why am I always the one giving. While the 'younger' one will feel, Im so useless.

So to find someone going through the same phase as you spiritually, is hard. But again, not impossible.

What phase are you at? You have to know yourself very well before you proceed to know others. Thats why its important to first be secure in who you are in Christ, FIRST. And God will bring in the tests for you to see that.

Does the person you're with spiritually, are going through the same phase as you? You two may not be unequally yoked, but can you say you both are equally yoked? ;)

Think about it.

Young or old, it doesnt matter. The purpose of marriage is to be more like Christ, to expose you to the ADVANCED LEVEL tests in life.

Another thing about being unequally yoked, the moment you two are married, God sees you both as ONE. So when He sets a test for you as a couple, if you two are not spiritually at the same phase together, its very hard for you to work together, and the "DIFFICULTY LEVEL" of that test, is according to the average level of spirituality.

So if you have one very mature partner, when God sets a test at a high level for the couple, it will be very hard on the younger one, because God sees you both now as one, it no longer takes into consideration your individual spiritual phases.

If you have a not so mature partner, someone new in the Lord, when God sets a test at a low level, the more mature one will feel, hey, this is ridiculous, why is my life so stagnant? Why am I not growing? Etc..

You will never be happy. Your life will always be ups and downs, never coming to a place of fulfillment and enjoyment, a life of abundance that God has destined for you. You two may get through life together, but it will be tough.

God wants us all to be happy...but believe me, He knows what makes us tick and what makes us happy, so trust Him for it. :)

To say that God cant bless you is to say that God is not real.

If you wanna be a champion in life, have a champion mentality, not the singaporean mentality. ;)

Freedom

2010-02-07T11:02:00.008+08:00

"To some people, freedom can be scarier than bondage. Because now, they've realized that they're not ready for accountability, commitment and responsibility. They have moved, from one stage in life to another, but they have not TRANSITIONED - mentally and emotionally." - Paul Scanlon

"You can be saved in your heart, and yet pagan in your mind!" - Kong Hee

"If you always see the reality, you will never see the possibility.

Freedom is not life revolving around a fixed/predictable routine, but its stepping out of your comfort zone, in faith, to be creative. It is not the liberty to do what you want, but it is the power to say no to what you should not be wanting." - Yours Truly

Testimonies, Guardian Angels

2010-02-07T08:25:00.005+08:00

As I was stoning and lost in thought, Im still intrigued by Adam's testimony...such an amazing God we serve.

Never take the fact that we're alive, for granted.
God has given us guardian angels.
Make full use of them...they're happy to serve us.

They're more willing to serve than some of us are! ;)

I was sharing with sean, the reason Im doing 3/24 every first weekend of the month, is because Im thankful, that every single day I live, its a gift from God. My days, belong to Him.

And a tithe is a tenth of our 'increase', in this sense, my days were given to me, so I wanna dedicate, set aside a tenth of every month to say that God, the days that Im alive, they all belong to you, and Lord, I put you first, in everything that I do.

Actions, Not Reactions + Servanthood

2010-02-06T14:40:00.003+08:00

Doing the right thing, doesnt necessarily require the right mood.

While emotions are a guide to show us our current state, it doesnt show us our direction and should never dictate our choices.

Feelings are reactions, but a leader will always choose to act, and not react.

Commitment is an action, not a reaction.
You will never feel committed.

Sacrifice is an action, not a reaction.
You will never feel sacrificial.

Love is an action, not a reaction.
You dont love someone just because you feel loved,
But because you want to give to that person and serve in anyway you can.

Some people have this idea that serving others is lowering yourself.

But just picture a typical scene:

The boss sits on a table.
While the worker serves.

The boss will remember the worker for being effective.
But the worker may not always remember the boss if he/she doesnt show love and welfare.

In a restaurant, the customers remember the chef because he's the worker, cooking all the great food, but the chef hardly remembers the customers.

Every company is looking for more employees, not bosses.

He who desires to be great, let him be the servant of all.

Change!

2010-02-06T12:31:00.005+08:00

Life doesnt change with time.
(If you think it does, stop being lazy! Take ownership of your own life!)
Life changes only when your thinking changes!

There's no such thing as bad friends.
(Just check the definition of the word, 'friend').
There's only bad decisions!

If things are consistent in your life, and they're wearing you down,
Then make it inconsistent!

Change!

Grow up. Stop pointing your fingers everwhere, you look weird.
You will always attract the 'like-minded'.

Phenomenal Weekend

2010-02-06T00:55:00.004+08:00

First of all, OPM was phenomenal. Nuff said. Haha, no words can really describe. Even though I was physically tired due to my 3/24 fast (1 more day to go..andrew jiayou), but Im glad I took time off for God.

I was telling God..

"God, these 3 days, are dedicated to You. We're gonna go for a 3-day honeymoon together, no distractions, no one else, but You and You alone. Lets meet each other's needs and not let anyone else 'cut in'. Any need You have Lord, whether is it manpower to serve, going the extra mile, Im gonna do it because I love You. Similarly, for my needs, I wont let anyone else meet it except You..." :)

CG was awesome! Even though practice started late, heaven opened right from the moment we started singing the 2nd stanza. It was a great time...never expected I would have hands laid upon haha...

When cg started, it wasnt that good, neither was it bad. It was okay, but worship was just great. I think everyone of you guys did a great job. :) Having that openness, putting aside everything, and expecting God to do something...He really came through today.

Just 1 praise song, 1 worship song...in 15-20mins, heaven was opened. Great message on being a winsome person - Whatever you seek to reap, that is what you must sow.

Dont just be a spectator, waiting for something to happen. God only uses people who are willing to move. There's really no point in having anointing when all you do is to wait for things to happen or to observe from a distance.

Its like..."Why waste money on petrol if your car cant move?"

God is a wise steward. He wont waste His anointing and blessing on people who are not going to move at all.

"We are blessed to be a blessing". If we're not willing to serve and bless others, then there's no point in God blessing us.

CG was just awesome...but having a great start doesnt mean we should become complacent. :) Maintaining our ground alone is hard work and dedication. Dont even talk about breaking through when we lack the capacity to even maintain. :D

Looking forward to a great weekend with Rev Paul Scanlon.

CNY coming! STILL havent done new year shopping. :x

Happiness

2010-02-05T03:56:00.002+08:00

Everyone has the right to be happy.

If people cant make you happy,
Then choose to make yourself happy.

Dont be lazy. Have some ownership, put in some effort.

God wants us to be happy.

But if we always choose to cling on to the past, and dwell in our hurts,
That is...

...

...Rebellion. (Because we're not wanting what He wants ;))

"But it was good memories..."
I dont know about you, Id rather have a good REALITY than just good memories.

Why only think about happiness when you can make a decision and take an action to be happy, right here, right now?

Choose to act, not react.

Short Note

2010-02-04T07:46:00.002+08:00

Failure isn't so bad if it doesn't attack the heart. Success is all right if it doesn't go to the head. - Ps Zhuang

We Are Not God.

2010-02-03T02:24:00.003+08:00

"Be still, and know that I am God."

The Lord will provide.

God uses people who fail, because they're all He had. :)

Weekly Events

2010-02-01T08:46:00.003+08:00

1. Today is the day, I just wannna march past and get it over with.

2. 3/24 starts this week! :)

3. OPM on thurs.

4. Find someone to play L4D with.

5. Start shopping for CNY.

6. Sat JogNGym

Shocks and Encounters

2010-01-30T14:13:00.003+08:00

Well, last night was indeed a shocker. lol. A make up cg ends with 3-4 ppl and eventually cancelled.

Nonetheless, I came last night prepared to meet God, and I was quite disappointed I couldnt, nothing against anyone really, its just, I dunno, how I feel haha.

I remember sitting in the living room alone, eating my KFC, no one at home, I looked round the empty hall, where at that particular time would be filled with people, filled with the presence of God, filled with faith and conviction from the Word...all of a sudden, nothing's there, it felt weird, it felt depressing..for me at least..

By the time I ate finished, I was in tears..and I said no, this is not how Im gonna spend my night.

I went to my room, switched off the lights...took out the guitar and started playing. After 15-30mins heaven opened and POG entered my room. I was tearing and the feeling was just so overwhelming.

We began to have a little conversation, some sweet talk and then I moved to pray. And faith began to stir up within me and I spoke out in my understanding, and began to bind the devil in my understanding. I wasnt exactly all rahrah but I spoke firmly and with confidence and faith.

"Satan, you will not have my family, you will not have my finances, my life. Dont you even dare to show your face. You say, 'I know Jesus, I know Peter, but who are you?' but I dont care either. God is in me and you better dont show your face ever again to me."

End up, I didnt just talk to God, I commanded angels and I talked to the devil lol. What an encounter, in just an hour. And God began to minister to me, speak to me and move in me. I remembered feeling so strongly, I was sitting on my bed and He stood in front of me.

"Andrew, whatever you do, dont open your eyes. Your heart amazes me. Tell me, what do you want to pray for? What is it that you want?"

With tears in my eyes, "I dont know Lord. There are many things I want but..I dont know what to ask for. This is enough. You're all I need. I just want this moment to last. Let everyday, every hour, every minute, let me feel You the way Im feeling now. What else can I ask for? You alone have won my heart..."

Indeed, it was a good night...it was a good good night. :D

Just because you know you should seek the Lord, it doesnt mean you have really sought Him.

A worshipper is someone who doesnt need any singers, any band, and lights, any appropriate mood/emotions, to bring down the presence of God on his own.

Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth

2010-01-29T08:24:00.000+08:00

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

The Race

2010-01-29T00:19:00.002+08:00

In the race of life, if you always get distracted to the left, to the right, to the back, or even to the front, you might end up crossing into other people's lanes without realizing. In the end, you get disqualified, which is worse than having tried and failed.

Got this from my previous sermon notes. Good things are worth mentioning twice.

And whats more ridiculous than getting disqualified? Its people who get drawn by something or someone behind, and they start running backwards.

Please...dont waste your life being a joker. It aint funny.

Divine Adultery

2010-01-28T23:53:00.003+08:00

Telling God I love you, but choosing your will over His will, your desires over His desires, is like committing a heavenly affair...divine adultery of the highest level. And Satan is known as the one who rebels.

How you treat Him, is how you will treat others, which will result in how they will treat you back.

God's dream - No matter how hard you try, you will never obtain it, by your own effort.

Man's dream - Its obtainable even if you pursue it by yourself, but it starts perishing the moment you get it. Because even if a dream is perfect, the moment you're in it, you made it imperfect.

Deep Thoughts - Faith, Respect, Relationship

2010-01-28T11:18:00.003+08:00

"God moves only when we move".

I just thought of this statement and a revelation stuck me.

I began to realize, dont always ask or expect God to take the initiative, afterall, He took the biggest initiative by sending His son to die for us. And not just to die, but to die a blameless and gruesome death.

The least we can do is to appreciate Him and trust Him for everything else in our lives. Treating Him like a vending machine is likened to a lack of respect.

Its not a religion, its a relationship!

And relationship requires time, effort, commitment and sacrifice, giving up the things you like to do to pursue God's dream. Dont just go to Him when you have needs, if not you'll go to your friends the same way.

How you treat people is how you treat God. (Works again :D)

Show God some respect. He is God, not you. Ps Tan preached a very good message about being a 'slave' to the Master, a bondservant. Not our will, but His be done.

Just an illustration, when the disciples woke Jesus on the boat, they got 'discipled', "You of little faith!". Many other occasions, the disciples got scolded for having a lack of faith, when Jesus discipled them its always 'Why no faith!'

"Without faith, it is impossible to please God."

To doubt God is like insulting Him, thats why unbelief turns Jesus off so much. Its like, you call Him God, you believe in Him yet you dont believe He can do THAT LITTLE for you! Why "THAT LITTLE"? Because God can always do more!

"Those who come to Him must know that He is, and that He's a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him".

We all should come to a level of maturity where God treats us like adults. At a certain stage, God expects a certain level of responsibility and initiative.

Trust Him, stop complaining, listen to His word and do it.

Dont always let God teach you by 'harsh treatment'. By that, I mean through trials, heartaches and difficult situations, if we all start taking initiative and ownership over our own lives, God will treat us like adults.

"Trust and obey, for theres no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." :)

Always stay open and sensitive to God. Be always aware of spiritual things. Yet at the same time, live a balanced life. Living a fun and exciting life without spirituality is also a form of inbalance!

What you do, shows who your God is.

Fun, Respect

2010-01-28T08:42:00.004+08:00

If you always seek fun and you think life is all about having fun,
Then...YOU WILL NEVER BE SERIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING!

You will never be serious with God,
You will never be serious with people.
You just feel good, thats all. You neglect God, you neglect people in the midst of your excitement. You only see your needs but not the needs of others.

In the first place, 'fun' has always been something 'light-hearted'. In a way, there's no such thing as 'serious fun'. Laying down His life for others, going to the cross, was a serious thing, it wasnt fun most of the time, in fact, its painful and draining.

But in the midst of it, knowing not just 'what you are here for but WHO you are here for', somehow things become easier and you enjoy every moment of ministry to people.

Now, I think its okay to share your problems, but please, dont be a WHINER!

God did not save you to make noise! But to be a voice to the generations!
What kind of voice are you bringing?

You know, its very easy to complain and Im no stranger of that, but please, dont make it a lifestyle. Its irritating and a big turn off if you're a noisy person. Unknowingly, you turn God off with your whining, and you wonder why isnt God moving or responding..its because most of the time, He is TOLERATING you!

Waiting for you to just shut up and listen, and trust Him.

I know how its like..to love someone, have good intentions but before you even show any of it, the person makes a big fuss about something else and starts to doubt you or...'turn you off'.

Come on, God has feelings too.

And watch how you SPEAK to God! Yes, He can be our friend, but He's also our Father, He's the KING of KINGS! Show Him some respect. There's a time and season for everything. Afterall, He is still GOD. Dont give Him attitude!

Your words frame your world.

Start changing the way you speak.

New Land + Time

2010-01-26T08:29:00.001+08:00

Woke up feeling excited for the new land!
Yet...7 years...by then it will be too small. :)

The greatest breakthrough in life is not the making of miracles, but the making of time for the right people.

Mood Swings + Quotes

2010-01-25T19:24:00.002+08:00

Its very easy to let the atmosphere around friends to influence our moods, even if its negative. But how many actually calibrate their moods to change the atmosphere? Dont live in a world of mood swings, but live in a world of transformation and fruitfulness. Start taking ownership of your own life.

RickWarren : To be tough on others & lenient with yourself is hypocrisy. To be lenient with others but tough on yourself is holiness.

"Either God defends you, or what you have isn't worth defending." - Bill Johnson

Revelations, Random Picture

2010-01-25T00:42:00.005+08:00

"In everything, do it as doing unto the Lord..."

So how about relationships? Do we just seek them for the sake of romance or love or provision?

Or do we enter a relationship for the kingdom of heaven's sake? Fulfilling our destiny, learning what it means to be like Christ and being the maximized man/woman that God wants us to be?

How we start, will determine how we end.

In life, there are 3 types of people:

1. Those who bring you back to your past.
2. Those who keep you where you are.
3. Those who take you forward into your destiny.

What kind of person are you?
What kind of person are we 'associated' with?

While love, romance, finances, etc, are important, they are not the essentials, or rather, the fundamentals.

"The purpose of marriage is to be like Christ". - Robb Thompson.

Just observe the trend in our church alone, the most perfect couples are the ones who started out with nothing, they lived simple lives, some even struggled through their youth, dull, boring, unsuccessful, very little qualifications, acne-faced, etc.

But look at them now...our greatest example, is our very own Ps Kong and Sun.

One, was an ugly-faced, shy and intimidated boy. The other, was a singer wannabe whose dream was despised, and who lived with depression.

But now, one is topping the charts all over the world, and the other, building a global ministry that has impacted the world in several generations!

Sun couldve gone for a prince charming back then, or someone with lots of wealth and status, but look at them now, SEE FOR YOURSELF, what God has done and will do.

If you have the perfect one, you are blessed. But the moment you enter that person's life, he/she is no longer perfect. Haha.

While all these things are good, the truth remains, that when we seek first His kingdom and all His righteousness, that all these things will be ADDED. Go check the dictionary for the meaning of "Addition".

If you wanna be like someone you respect, that DO WHAT THE PERSON DID!

What do you want? You decide.

In as much as there are resources out there on how to have a happy relationship, nothing beats a real life example, one that you have been looking at every week!

Be smart. If you have a brain, use it.

You can argue and reason a theory, but you cannot argue or reason a real life testimony.

If you've been making mistakes in the past, then just stop making the same mistake. "Ohh, But...but...but...I dont know how to change this, change that..."

You dont need to do anything, JUST STOP! S-T-O-P, STOP!

Any driver will tell you that if you wanna change a manual gear, you have to first step on the gear clutch. If not what happens? Stall, break down, damage to parts, etc.

God speaks in a still small voice. But if our heads are like a getai opera or some pasar malam, its very hard to hear that still small voice. Im sure we all know how irritating it is, that no matter how hard we try to speak, the person cant seem to hear.

How much we believe in God's word, is reflected by how fast we are willing to act upon it.

To end off, here's a rather interesting scene I found at Tampines Mall hahaha.

The shop doesnt seem to like chinese new year..:O LOL! But when checked with my friend, he says, the ARRGHH! was meant to be the roar of a tiger since this is the year of the tiger. O.O At least make it GRRAAH! or something.

Like...since when is ARRGH! a roaring sound!? O.O Haha. Esprit, its not 1 April yet, try harder. :P

Short Notes

2010-01-24T09:42:00.002+08:00

Many times when people are having fun with a bunch on people, they will tend to draw themselves away from others and focus only on having their own needs met. That is why God choose to remain silent and at times, make you feel as if He's not there when He is, to teach you the hard way, what it means to love unconditionally and to have a sense of loyalty and commitment.

"True friends place character above relationship." - Robb Thompson.

S2 Combo Tweets! HAHAHA!

2010-01-24T00:09:00.002+08:00

If you dont have the DNA of constant sacrifice, you dont have the DNA of the church, you dont have the DNA of God.

Sacrifice is an attitude of faith. If you dont sacrifice, you dont have faith. Dont just give God what He likes, give Him what He wants!

There is no true love without sacrifice! More than just unto God, it shows who your true friends are.

With vision, comes sacrifice. If you dont have the strength to sacrifice, you have NO VISION!

If you believe the Lord is God, then dont build Him a cheapo house! U dont put e Prime Minister in a 3-rm HDB flat! Worship is sacrifice.

If you truly love someone, how can you not give to Him? Then your sense of affection is in question.

People who think they are God, owning their own lives, will have problems giving generously!

Love is sacrifice. Its not hard to love, its just that people expect - that in order to make others happy, they themselves should not be unhappy. They think that just because you love, it shouldnt cost you something, love is not painful. Not true, and totally unbiblical!

"And I will not to God something which costs me nothing". That is love. How do we love God? How do we love others?

When people reject a blessing, its either theyre really embarassed or theyre unwilling to bless you back because theyre not givers.

The reason why I spammed tweets is because I was serving and I didnt have a notebook with me at that time, hahaha.

Life

2010-01-23T15:21:00.001+08:00

Whenever you feel you cant run the race of life anymore, dont run. WALK. You will still finish it eventually, not necessarily as the one who is the fastest or the strongest, but as the one who is the most faithful.

No matter how hard, how painful, keep believing, keep doing, keep showing up. Just when you feel you're at your point of death, the good news is that God has plans for your resurrection.

Lessons

2010-01-23T01:11:00.003+08:00

Revelation Precedes Reality.

What a powerful statement. It doesnt matter what is happening now, what people are saying, etc, ultimately, we live by faith and not by sight. In every situation, what is the Word of God saying?

CG was awesome today. Love those lights...next week, the lighting during worship will be better guys :) haha. I found another set of lights that can really set the mood. ^^ Look forward to the next meeting at my house ba..hahaha. Its there all along, but I just didnt experiment enough :x

You know, nothing hurts more when a close friend says to you, he/she will never do this and that with you because the person doesnt feel like, or its not in his/her area of interest. But...one day, you realize your friend is doing the very thing he doesnt like, with someone else...but for you, its a no or, 'lets try something else...'.

Sometimes it makes you wonder, if you're really their friend at all...you just feel like not seeing the person every again, whenever you think of them, you think of pain. It just hurts...

And then when that friend messages you and say they're unwell, somehow, you find it hard to show compassion or feel anything for the person, after what he/she has done.

But at that point, God will ask you, will you still go the distance? Will you still love? Will you still give? Will you still serve?

Its very easy, in that situation, for anyone to just ignore the person, afterall, even though the person may not be a bad person, but yet, you're hurt. To many, "I just cant bring myself to serve him/her, at least not for now..."

But guys, thats missing the whole point! In the end, I called to make sure that person is okay, and all...it was a painful decision, but I learnt one very important lesson...

Sometimes we go about our daily lives, we neglect God...or there are things He wanna do with us, but at that time, we say we're not ready...or we dun feel like. But then shortly after, we spend time with others, we have fun, and it hurts God...

Its like...you can fellowship with others, but when it comes to God..'Oh, Im sorry, too busy, too sleepy, too tired...', etc...EXCUSES. And then when it comes to others, 'oh...when u free? we meet! Hahaha!'....

How do you think God felt?

Just ask yourself, how would you feel if a friend told you he/she is not free, and you find out they're with another bunch of people, having fun out there...

Not only you feel betrayed, you feel neglected and broken, especially if you've done alot for your friends.

Yet what did God do? He still gave us His presence didnt He?
He still encouraged us didnt He? He still loved us didnt He?

You think it doesnt hurt God?
You think just because God is smiling and loving you like the first time you met Him,
That He's not hurt behind that smile?

I realized, God doesnt tell us He's hurt most of the time...

Most of the time, He keeps quiet. If you continue to be unsensitive and fail to realize what God is thinking or feeling, He brings in that trial, that hurt, that period of emotional pain and separation, to "TEACH" you what it feels like.

Ive learnt it the hard way...

I began to realize how hard and painful it is to stay faithful even when others arent.

I always say, "How you treat people is how you treat God". Not just because its a nice statement, but its God's way of disciplining me, I learnt things the hard way, just as how Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered.

By going through heartaches, I began to understand better, how God felt.

We sang before, "Show me Your heart". But if you're smart, go find out for yourself! Hahaha. It just shows how much we really know about God if you have to always learn things the hard way. ;)

The mark of maturity is when you're able to be quick to do what God would've done, in a situation where others would've acted differently.

Feeling Weird

2010-01-22T01:49:00.004+08:00

Im tired, yet I cant sleep...hmm...

Anyway, a friend of mine borrowed a game from me like a year ago or something, maybe longer, and few months back she returned it to me. But I merely kept it.

I didnt realize that there were 2 notes inside that moved me after I read it just a few minutes ago...thanks alot alot :)

It was dated for the period in my life when my grandparents passed away. :(( So sorry...guessed I was too overwhelmed back then... :S

She was telling me she sensed something painful deep inside me during morning PM a few months ago but didnt really know what is it. But nonetheless, Im amazed she did. :O

Feeling tired...Moodless...I duno, haha...Im not the lively person, lamer, funny video maker anymore...Dont know if Ill ever go back to that kind of person again..haha.

...

Part and parcel of becoming a 'man' eh? Though NS...=/

Was supposed to play for a cg in Toa Payoh last night, but went out for family dinner. Happy Birthday mummy!

Need to start making new friends, spiritual ones...there was a period in time when Imeem was still 'functional' and I attracted lots of church friends, both guys and girls. I got to know lots of people, most of them are great people...while the rest...hmm...just have not changed? Haha....

Playing for other cgs was one such opportunity...

Well, time to step out...I get tired of the 'same thing' over and over after a long time, especially when things arent working for some individuals...

The one thing that frustrates me the most...is the waste of time...hahaha...

Happenings

2010-01-21T08:46:00.002+08:00

Ive realized that Ive been treating my blog more like a notepad, lol...for my notes, devotional revelations, etc. Someone asked me how am I doing and I realized I havent really been blogging about my life...

Well, its just a busy month, yet deep down, I long for fellowship, someone whom I can share my life with, someone who's just...there...

Since the start of the year, Ive not gone out with anybody. Haha. People are either too busy or out with friends. Haha...maybe its because I dont have a clique. In fact, I dunno, I never had one since sec sch hahaha!

People wonder how does it feel to not hang out with friends for more than 3 weeks...I dunno. Dont ask me, haha. Its not the longest though...the longest was 5 months without friends hahaha. NS enlistment that is...everyone seemed to have forgotten about me haha. Its such a strange feeling, yet..its funny at the same time haha.

Well, at least Im glad I contributed a bit into their lives when I was still around haha. In a way, I guess I could be glad that now I can contribute to other people haha, people who are new, different, its just a whole new experience lol.

Well, excluding cg of course, I see them every week. lol...and family, I see them everyday, but friends...hmm, I dunno haha...am I anyone's friend? :P

I guess Ive lost touch with most of them haha...fading away...I dunno, everytime I come to a place where I feel I have no one left, God will always be so close to me, and sometimes, He will bring in new people into my life to 'replace the old'. Will you be one of those who get replaced in the future? :P haha. I dunno...

I still do my best to stay loyal, to stay faithful, to keep giving, even when people arent, thats what it means to be like God I suppose haha. And I came to realize that in this position, I tend to understand God's feelings better, how it feels when we ourselves no longer 'need' or desire for that fellowship with Him...

I cant control people's lives...most of them are drawn by excitement, even if its from the wrong people. They react to emotions and not choose to act.

The moment they lose that excitement for someone, they lose their touch completely. Just like with God...when His anointing is there, only then they worship Him, when His anointing is no longer there, they resume their daily lives...haha.

I have a personal revelational quote and I believe I dont have to post it here again haha...

How you treat....*Fill in the blanks lol.

It works all the time..:P

Reminders

2010-01-21T08:19:00.002+08:00

If life has not changed,
Its because you have not changed.

Dont expect things to be different,
When you insist they remain the same.

Please check up the dictionary on the meaning of the word: Change.

Its not difficult to do the right thing.
Yet its so difficult to stop doing the wrong thing.

Then at this point you got to ask yourself,
What do you really want? Is it what God wants?
If both of you want the same thing, THEN...
The place of agreement is the place of power.

If God wants something and you want another thing,
The place of disagreement is the place of POWERLESSNESS.

Nothing will happen in your life.

Life will never change to suit you,
You have to change to suit it.

While its true that our Destiny is in God's hands,
But the outcome of that destiny, is in your hands.

God sets the direction for your life,
But it is you who decide where to steer it.

Fall Of Mankind

2010-01-20T01:07:00.004+08:00

It was not the fruit that brought about the fall of mankind,
But it was the sin of omission - Knowing what is right but failing to do it.

Adam had the revelation that the fruit was good, but forbidden,
Yet despite it, he chose to share it with Eve.

What you have with you can be neither good nor bad,
But you can either choose to do nothing about it,
Or you can choose to do the wrong thing with it,
Or you can do what's right.

Its not just a matter of the fruit,
Its a matter of responsibility and ownership over your own life.

Unless you're willing to give up what is good,
You'll never experience what is best.

It is not the circumstances that determine your future,
But your actions today that will determine tomorrow.

Short Notes

2010-01-19T08:30:00.002+08:00

Sidney Mohede: "Our background & circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become."

Knowledge by insight is good,
But knowledge by experience is undeniable.

Are you a shallow simpleton, or do you really know your stuff?

Love

2010-01-19T08:15:00.003+08:00

People who lust will never understand the concept that true love is the desire to give, sacrifice and benefit others at the expense of self.

To them, giving is a waste of time and money.
To them, God is just a religion, not a relationship.

They treasure their own lives more than they treasure the Life-Giver.
They worship Him, but they dont love Him.
They dont think He's worth it.

And how we treat God, is how we treat people.

Period. End of story.

Wondering In The Wilderness

2010-01-18T22:35:00.005+08:00

"If the horse is dead, DISMOUNT!" - A.R. Bernard/Robb Thompson (Cant rem haha)

Many times people wonder why their destiny is never fulfilled, sometimes, its not because God is hindering them, in fact, the door is very often open wide in front of them.

It becomes silly when you see a dead horse, and someone is sitting on top of it going, "Go horsey! Giddy up! Giddy up! Move horsey!"

There's nothing theological or complicated about that...its just plain common sense. Even a child knows that if a toy is spoilt, he throws it away if it cant be fixed.

If you've spilled some food, you clear it and clean it up. You dont bend down to lick the floor or the table right?

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result.

God's purpose will never be fulfilled with insane people, but with committed people. People who know when to make the right decisions instead of dwelling and wondering in the wilderness. In proverbs it says, above knowledge, seek wisdom and above wisdom, seek understanding.

Remember the story of the Isrealites? They wondered in the wilderness for 40 years, when the promised land is just a short distance away and they failed to realize it. They focused on themselves rather than on God.

My bible says that in every trial or temptation, God has provided a way of escape (it didnt say a definite solution). Its not that life is hard, neither is it because of the fact that circumstances cant be changed. Yes, at times things cant be changed, yet it doesnt mean there is no way of escape.

Not every obstacle can be solved, and God knows that because we are imperfect, yet His grace is always sufficient. We just do our best and let God do the rest. That is surrender, that is trust.

Yes, we believe that all things are possible, yet not all things are permissible.

Just because God can raise the dead, it doesnt mean every corpse will come back to life if we try hard enough or have enough faith. Faith is no excuse for a lack of common sense.

God is a practical God. In everything, there is always a purpose, a reason.

Some people grow in church pretty fast, I knew one member last time, who finished VL and got into a ministry in just one year. How did he do that? He just 'chionged' for it. He had the desire, driven by his passion.

You can have a desire yet no passion. Its like incense without fire, nothing more than mere dust. They say, the proof of your desire is in your pursuit. If you wanna keep on waiting, then life will also keep on waiting for you.

We say we wanna be like God, we say we wanna change and grow, yet many times we are not willing to do what is necessary.

You cant achieve God's plans for your life if you dont follow His way. Afterall, for a start, it is HIS plans, not your plans. If its your plan, go ahead and do it your way, it may work, but it will never be enough. But since its His plan, then dont be dumb, your method will never work.

Its like the law of gravity.

Just because gravity takes you from point A to point B, it doesnt mean if you wanna go from one block to another, you can leap out of the corridor! You have to follow its law, the way it works! If you leap, you will fall.

If one year has passed and nothing has changed, then ask yourself, what is it that havent changed? If that area hasnt been changed, then thats why your life has never changed. Right?

If you're a bit confused, here's a simpler way to put it...

If your life hasnt changed, its because your life hasnt changed.

Haha, nothing deep about it. Nothing 'chim' about it. Just keep repeating, "my life hasnt changed, my life hasnt changed, my life hasnt changed..." No, its not a trick question haha. That statement is both a statement and the answer, all in one. :D

If you wanna achieve more, DO more. Else, just sit back and relax and your life will go also sit back and relax. ;)

Life will never change with time, life changes only when your thinking changes.

JAMS, S4

2010-01-17T22:35:00.003+08:00

Serving was great. Though it was hard cus I didnt know what to expect, I merely volunteered out of a desire to bless others, yet the experience itself was more valuable than anything else.

The moment you step out of your comfort zone, and position yourself in a place of responsibility and rely on God, even though you have no experience or knowledge or ability to handle the situation, but because unless God moves, He wont be glorified, God will make sure He sees you through and you end up realizing that you could actually do something you never thought you could...

Because its not by might, nor by power, but by His spirit.

2 girls made an impact, no not the JAMS church workers, but the JAMS members themselves. There was incident where one of the workers spilled something on the floor, so I went to help clear the mess.

Upon seeing that, one of the girls nearby, went round, looked for a serviette, and started to stoop down and wipe the floor for us! I was so moved, even most of my friends dont do that...haha oops. I almost teared just seeing that act, at the same time, just impressed and dumbfounded..loss for words.

Another girl, when they started worship, the song leader told everyone, 'come, let us lift up our hands to worship and love our God', this girl just went to the aisle cus the row was squeezy, and she just knelt down right in front of me! :O

Amazing and I was on the verge of letting go my tears already..and then when they sang the song again, she went another level lower, she prostrated in the presence of God! ... Even though no one else was doing it!

I just lost myself...tears kept on flowing down my face. It no longer mattered if I was in the midst of a special crowd, at that moment, it was just me and God all over again...

I mean, here is an intellectually disabled, first, taking initiative to help out and to serve, secondly, no holds barred, worshipping God with all her heart, soul and strength. Some of them had tears in their eyes and my heart just melted..

No wonder the presence of God was so strong..even during praise, I already felt like crying, the atmosphere was just that thick. They may not have much, but the little that they had, they surrendered it to God. And THAT...is true worship, and the presence of God moves in an atmosphere of worship!

I caught hold of something, you got to be there to experience it for yourselves. Sometimes we can get too 'sophisticated' and so much of a 'professional christian', we tend to forget the simple things, the little things that really matter to God.

If they can do it, how much more should we!

Your relationship with the world as a whole (marriage, family, education, finances, etc), is only dependent on your relationship with its Creator.

Morning Devotions

2010-01-17T08:02:00.005+08:00

If you have a dream from God, there is no angel in heaven, no demon in hell, that can stop that dream from coming to pass.

The opposite is true.

If your dream is not from God, anyone can destroy and steal it away because its not covered by the blood of Jesus.

"When you pray, believe you have received it, and then you will have it".

Most people pray but they dont believe.
And when they believe, they choose not to receive.

You must receive it first before you can have it.

Be faithful in the little and much will be added.
If nothing is added, then it just means you're not faithful in the little.

Your basic foundations of prayer, reading the word, quiet time and serving others.
Are you able to bring down the presence of God on your own? Or do you always need a cg/church setting in order to feel the God's presence?

Because if you cant, everything you desire, God will never come through for you because you cant bring in the presence of God in that dream, you cant open heaven in in that situation. Everything will just merely be by your own strength and limitations.

You can never live a life of faith if you dont have the faith to live that life.

If you know that dream of yours is not from God and you still desire it, God will give it to you, but it becomes a curse to you.

You cant progress, its hard, you will break under the pressure, nothing works, God will stay far from you. Because God only moves in an atmosphere of faith and worship.

Choosing what you want over what God desires is not worship,
That is pride, that is rebellion.

To be blessed is to be empowered to succeed,
To be cursed is to be empowered to fail.

God presented us with 2 choices:
Blessings or curses, life or death. Choose life. Choose blessing.

What you want, is what you get.

Start the year right. How you start, will determine how you end.

Understanding

2010-01-14T22:32:00.002+08:00

If you're easily controlled by what you dont understand,
Its very hard for you to maximize what you do understand.

Dont spend all your time and energy on something you want
And miss on God's BEST for your life.

He's smarter than us. Trust Him for it. :)

Hectic! + More Thoughts....

2010-01-14T07:38:00.004+08:00

Here's my schedule for the month.

This week:

Mon - Work + RT (Remedial Training)
Tue - Work + Parade Rehearsal
Wed - Work + RT
Thu - Work + Parade
Fri - Work + RT

Next week:

Mon - Work + RT (Remedial Training)
Tue - Work + Parade Rehearsal
Wed - Work + RT
Thu - Work + Parade
Fri - Work + RT

Last week:

Mon - Work + Parade
Tue - Work
Wed - Work + Parade
Thu - Work
Fri - Work + Parade

In a way, Im thankful to God for not putting me on the manpower for sound for this week and the following week haha :D

Love is something happy.

Should we fight for love? Well, its up to you. Love is not a battle, neither is it a game. Love gives people a choice and we all have to learn to respect others' decision, thats what it means to love someone isnt it?

God demonstrated His love. He gave us a choice to respond. Although He did try to win all our hearts, what did He do when people consciously reject Him? Yes He felt sad, but was there any form of retaliation? No. He didnt even said a thing.

He knew it would hurt, He would still give His best, but once the person has made a choice, He knew that because He is love, He would have to respect the person's decision. Yet God still made room for the person to return one day, isnt that how He treated us? Though we fall away, yet He still welcomes us back time and time again.

But He doesnt just stop there, God is a progressive God. He moves on. For us who chose to stay true to Him, we receive His blessings, His anointing and His presence.

I learnt not to be distracted by people who choose to do nothing with your love, but rather to focus on the people that are still around, treasuring them, showing them the same unconditional love and loving them the same way as you would for your lover because God is not a respector of persons.

Like adam always taught me, "Only the hungry and the faithful will eat the good of the land", if people choose not to be around, they just lose out, thats it.

How hungry are you today, about spiritual things?
How hungry are you today, to make life worth living for God?
How hungry are you today, to stay focused and not be distracted by the negatives of life?

Then the answer would be:

The proof of your desire is in your pursuit.

What you are doing really shows what you really want.

The hardest thing for me last year, is to have fallen in love with the wrong person. But I chose to act rather than react. Though the emotions were strong, yet the spirit was stronger and I told myself. This feeling that 'I cant live without her' has to go.

And I took actions. I didnt dwell on it or wait for things to happen, I took the initiative. I took ownership of my own emotions. I started hanging out with others, with the right people of course. You got to position yourself for the breakthrough to happen.

In the company of the right people, I know that loving feeling will go away and Ill begin to appreciate others. I took a risk, even if I fell in love with my other friends, at least they're the right ones and if I can handle this loving feeling now, I can handle it in the future.

When we are in a relationship, we all will DEFINITELY fall in love with someone else other than our partner. I can prophesy to you hahaha. Just wait, it will happen. If we dont learn to deal with the love emotion, you are going to screw up your relationships in the future.

Now Im still friends with that girl of course. I dealt with the emotion, not the person. That is an art, a skill all of us must learn. It was a clean cut I would say. I cut our relationship so nicely that I still love the person, but Im not in love with her. Haha.

But of course, it was not without one month of pain and 'emotional separation'. But what has to be done, has to be done. As men, we got to learn to be decisive, and as women, you got to learn to be more stable and not get swayed by emotions all the time, if not the devil's gonna take the opportunity to sway your life away...

Learn to stop and think. Then do. Dont always react to anything and everything. Your life will never change because you're doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Thats insanity.

Its good to be shy sometimes haha, I tend to be naturally 'hesitant' about everything. Which .. in a way, gives me time to think. When Im angry, Im too shy to speak, when Im in love, Im too shy to act. But I prevent mistakes by doing so...in a way haha.

Learn to strike a balance.

Wisdom is doing the right thing,
At the right time,
With the right people,
Fulfilling the right purpose.

Relationship Conflicts - Should Guys/Girls Move? (SUPER LONG)

2010-01-14T00:39:00.003+08:00

Was just smsing a friend this afternoon about marriage/relationships and its so important to know, that the people who choose will decide the destiny of our lives.

The question posed to me was, "In a cold war/conflict, should the guy make the first approach or the girl?"

Well, here's my take on it..it may not be right, its just a personal preference. :)

I believe, in a relationship, its no longer individuals but two becoming one. Its no longer about who is male, who is female, but the question would then be, does the person love the person enough to bother to do anything about it?

A couple is a team. Not just the existence of 2 individuals being together.

Yes, itll be good if the man lives up to his manhood, yet if he doesnt, the woman should still encourage and support the guy. A healthy relationship is one that makes each other a better person, more and more like Christ. Of course if a person is wrong, whether guy or girl, that person should at least try to work things out. Its no longer a matter of gender, but a matter of CHARACTER.

Cant remember which speaker, but he said, "The purpose of marriage is to be like Christ." Its a 'training place' to practice "God treating the church". Because Christ is the bridegroom and the church is its bride.

They say, the longer a couple stays together, the more they become alike. And people SHOULD see that. They should look like 'twins' or at least, brothers and sisters, in the way they think, they way they behave and do things together, etc. "2 becoming 1".

Personally, I strongly believe, that before entering a relationship, you gotta ask yourself, what is the level of your FRIENDSHIP. If there are conflicts, resolve it. Dont carry those errors into a relationship which is equivalent to suicide!

If already as friends you cant get along, whats the point of being together? You'll end up miserable and lost. Honesty and openness is vital in any relationship. Your partner has the right to know everything about you. Even your personal secrets! If there's no truth, how can a relationship prevail? Anything not built on truth will not last.

More than just being fully open, you have to be COMFORTABLE being fully open.

When you consider marriage, there's lots of things to consider.

For instance, marriage is a whole new level of relationship. Now, you have to face the challenge of the approval of your partner's parents and family members! How's your relationship with their family? All these should be well prepared even before you consider marriage.

Like they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

And if their relatives arent saved, what then is your evangelistic approach as a couple? The burden of reaching out to their family comes upon you. And then there's finances, kids, etc.

If you wanna be a 'tai tai' all your life, then you might as well just live alone. Marriage is not a holiday vacation, but a covenant of commitment!

Do you get along with your partner's friends? Does he/she get along with yours?
Do you like what he likes? Avoid what he doesnt like.
Same with guys, do you have interest for what your girl is interested in?
Make things work. Compatibility is not found, but CREATED.

Make room for mutuality. Come up with a list, eliminate areas that will affect your relationship, even if it means giving up on certain things you'd like to do. Afterall, shouldnt your partner be more important than your own life?

Moving on to old age...

One day when we are old, when our parents are gone and some of our friends have left early, will the 2 of you alone, be enough to finish your race of faith?

One day, when your spouse leaves you, what will become of you?

Then it all boils down to the most fundamental thing: Your relationship with God.

Dont wait until you're left alone with God then you start to make things work with Him! Start now! Ive had my fair share of lonely times, I learnt to rely on God and to live with Him. Back in poly, there was once I went out with dinner alone, just me and God in some romantic place with nice blues music.

You'll realize how real God is to you if you're just willing to allow Him. I know a friend who went to Sentosa chalet all by herself, with her guitar. Can you believe it? A holiday chalet, just her and God! I believe she had a great time! What about us? Have we 'dated' God out?

You'll be amazed just how much He wants to have a relationship with us!

I know that when all is gone, me and Him alone, is enough. I can still encourage, I can still receive revelation and by faith, I believe, even greater ones! :) But it all starts when you're young. Start now. They say, 'empty we have come, empty we will depart'. And its not just a saying, but an actual verse in the Bible (cant rem e reference tho, need to search again).

After ahma passed away, my parents brought back items found in her purse. I saw this jewellery that ahgong gave to ahma when he proposed. I just cried buckets after seeing it. Not just because I remembered ahma, but because I realized how fragile life really is.

I think it was a bracelet or something, it no longer exists anymore. It was a symbol of love and ahma had kept it with her since the day she got together with ahgong. Touching story, yet at the same time, a very important lesson to never take life for granted.

When I choose a partner, I see beyond the happiness. I see the end of my life and the future of my kids. Thats why its important to have a vision for your life. Without vision, people perish. More than just having a vision for the year, itll be better if you have a vision for the next 60 years of your life.

One day, everything we have, will be left behind for someone else. I know im the quiet, thinker type. It would be perfect if my future wife was the creative and outgoing type or something like that - having traits that I dont, then our children can take on both our DNAs and do greater things for his/her generation! Thats what it means to live for others, to leave behind a legacy.

What is your symbol of love today? Is it your wedding ring? Your Ed hardy? The garden of roses in your backyard? All these things are great, but when life is over. You cant bring your wedding ring into heaven to remind yourself of your wedding, or your spouse's love for you.

Ultimately, the symbol of love that will enter and last for eternity, is your character and your attitude to each other. Some people say, ohhh we shouldnt be too emotional, guys shouldnt be too sentimental, but arent those the things that will leave with you for the rest of eternity? God gave you emotions, dont despise them!

Without emotion, how can you feel God? You cant.
Without being sensitive, how can God speak to you? How can God even move in your life?
God uses people, not stones.

They say real men dont cry, come on, Jesus wept until His tears were like droplets of blood.
You're saying He's not a real man? Only the DEAD dont cry! Jesus Himself is as gentle as a lamb. The Holy Spirit is as gentle as a dove.

Whats so 'manly' or 'garang' about that? Nothing. Yet they are the Saviour of the world. Christ was esteemed to sit at God's right hand. Change your thinking. If you live by the world's standards, then you will change with the world. But if you live by God's standard, your life will be firm and unshakable. You will last the distance!

Honestly, if a guy cant lower his ego and cry, when his girl is crying, very often, he wont feel a thing!

You have sex but the bed breaks cus he too aggressive! Next morning you back pain, shoulder pain, everywhere KOYOK!
You rest your head on his shoulders but you end up having a BALUKU! Because his shoulders are too stiff!
You want a hug from a guy, but his hug is so strong it breaks your back and you end up in a wheelchair!
You want a kiss, but you end up with an ulcer because he was too violent.
On your wedding day, he places the ring on your finger, but accidentally shuffs it in too hard and sprain your finger cus he too macho then the ring stuck! Whoa, so manly! Yea right. Give me a break.

Stop living in a fairy tale. Hello? Dont tell me you still believe that when you place a broken tooth under your bed Chai Sen Godmama is gonna come and visit you? You let me know, maybe I can be Chai Sen Godmama to you. I come your house place $1000 under your pillow...monopoly money. o.o So that next time you play monopoly you can cheat and win. Haiyo please. Next time, if you're looking for a prince charming, go kiss a frog okay? Have some frogs leg soup too, very healthy. ^.O HUH?

Grrrrr! I dont understand some people! LOL. =/ ROARR!

You have one to live, live it with purpose! Life is not a game. You want game? Jio me out for L4D2! LOL.

Time to make major plans for my life. My 2 year NS Phase is gonna be over in 5 months. My next phase of my life, if its not uni, is gonna last for the next 20-30 years. Thats a long time! Back then, primary school was 6 years. Secondary school was 4 years. Poly 4 years. NS 2 years. Its kinda stressing when you're approaching the longest phase of your life, adulthood.

Yet at the same time, life is short and you realize you dont really have much time. Make every moment count. Dont go searching for excitement and happiness in the wrong places, life with God should be exciting and happy! Every year should be an adventure. In fact, He will give you more than you can ask or even think.

Dont just believe and get stirred up when you hear such statements, BELIEVE IT! Act on it. And you will see for yourself the fruits that will come along with it. :) God is a gentleman, if you want something that is wrong and God tells you not to go for it but you refuse to listen, He will let you have it and then let you regret it later, because He knows you're still a 'child' - someone who will only learn things the hard way and make you realize your own foolishness. He wont force things on you. ;)

God is interesting. Sometimes when He becomes too silent, you better start getting 'worried' lol. Cus God is not naturally silent. He's waiting for something to happen. ;) When He wants you to learn things the hard way, most of the time, He wont say a thing, see how blur you are :P If you realize your mistake before you suffer the consequence, He will say, "Aiya! You got Me! You found out! Thats my child! I knew he/she is just that smart!" ^^ God is a cute parent. :D

Lets be adults, dont always learn things the hard way. God has great plans in stored for us, He needs us to grow first before He entrusts certain plans to us, and He cant wait to bless us. So please, 'do God a favor', help Him meet His objective, grow up, change and mature automatically.

Even for me, if God always makes the first move, I will also feel paiseh. There must be times when you can say to God, 'God, leave it to me. You can trust me. I will do it.' God will be more than happy. Take initiative. Its a relationship. If you know what is right, do it. Add some romance into your relationship with God. ;)

Dont get too caught up with the "creation vs creator" mentality. God is a relational God. Its like you and your cgl, Im sure there are times you have this 'he/she cannot mess around with' or 'I cannot joke with him cus he's a leader' kind of mentality. Maybe in your first cg or something.

Sometimes, when people look up to me too much, it feels awkward because I just cant seem to be able to be 'normal friends' with them. There are times I wanna just be lame and crappy but some friends have this 'serious' impression of me and yea :S Im willing to go down to their level just to fellowship with them and all. :O

God is like that. Of course, Im not saying you should overstep your boundaries and become overly familiar, but yea, BALANCE. When its time to be serious, you be serious. Else, just enjoy the relationship with Him. :)

Rants (Arousal?)

2010-01-13T10:53:00.002+08:00

While its true that men should 'see no touch', people dont realize that arousal in men is not always will/intention triggered. Visual neural signals are connected to the emotional vortex of the brain. Men are visually stimulated while women are stimulated by sound.

You call a guy, sometimes he doesnt hear, or maybe he thought he heard wrongly. You must stand in front and sometimes wave! You mention a girl's name, she thinks you're talking bad about her and she starts getting suspicious of you! Etc.

"Exciting" visuals create a biochemical reaction that creates phenylethlamine (is this e right spelling? I cant rem), a drug similar to cocaine (intoxication). Yes, its 'Chemistry' that you talk about. So dont think men who dont compromise dont struggle, in fact they fight and suffer because of your selfish sense of 'style'.

Thats why knowledge is power. If you have no knowledge, you have no power. And above knowledge, get wisdom!

Nothing To Post Lately...

2010-01-13T08:41:00.001+08:00

Life ends when you stop dreaming,
Hope ends when you stop believing,
Love ends when you stop caring,
Friendship ends when you stop sharing.

God doesnt change His timetable to suit you,
You change yours to suit Him.
Who do you love? Him? Or yourself?
Who is God? Him? Or yourself?

Who controls your life? Him? Or yourself?

If you control your own life,
Then your life is controlled by imperfection
(Because thats who you are).
If He controls your life,
Then your life is controlled by love, power, peace, hope, joy, victory. (Because thats who He is)

Meeting Needs?

2010-01-12T01:32:00.002+08:00

Its strange...if you noticed Jesus' life, many times, its the unbelievers or the uncommon people who welcomed Him, gave Him food to eat, poured oil on His feet, welcomed Him to their house, etc.

Have you ever noticed, none of Jesus' disciples met Jesus' need? The ones closest to Him were the ones who were always 'taking' from Him in a way, yes, they learnt things, but they were still there to 'feed off' from Him.

Nothing wrong with learning, but...well, you can imagine the picture. Haha...

Food for thought...

Realizations of Relationships in 2009 (Long Post)

2010-01-11T02:02:00.004+08:00

I had a desire to find the right girl back in 2009, and so, in the beginning of the year, I had that vision, but I wasnt sure if it was from God, or was it my own vision.

Along the way, God whispered to me, that He feels Im not ready for it. And so, Ill be like.."Oh, okay, anything You say."

But surprisingly, along the way, I had a crush on this girl.

We knew each other for more than 4 years already, we were close like siblings and buddies, and its weird, because, being so close to her, like a childhood friend, its pretty hard and rare to have that kind of chemistry. Its like, you already know each other 'too well'.

You dont fall in love with your sibling right? Yea, you get my point lol.

And when I fell in love, I thought that year (2009) was THE year for me. And me falling in love, was already a great sign that God has begun to do a work, it was the start of greater things to come...

But God spoke to me, 'now is not the time'. So I made a decision, to give up that dream, without giving up on that friendship. I still treasured the person, but I just didnt want to have that 'chemistry'.

Most guys, when encountered by this situation, theyll seek a break up...and by that, it means, a TOTAL break up. That means, they wont even be friends! But of course, in the Kingdom of God, that is now how we work.

He who wins souls (friends) is wise! We love unconditionally, we sacrifice, we give, we serve others, etc.

So for a period of last year, it was emotionally painful for me, having to 'separate' that chemistry and cut it so CLEANLY, that it doesnt affect our friendship. By the grace of God, it worked. And we were still good friends, hung out once in awhile, and yet, I no longer have that 'falling in love' feeling. :)

Most people, by hanging out with an 'ex-crush', they tend to compromise and fall back in love, but by God's strength, that is not so for me. I developed the capacity to place what is right, over what is good. Saying no, even to someone that means so much to me.

Its so funny of God because, He gives you a vision, yet along the way, He gives you an encounter that makes you feel you have arrived, but then, even though it was a 'fulfillment', God made it a 'wrong fulfillment'. Haha.

Yes, I almost entered a relationship (goal settled), but yet it was the wrong person, wrong time. (goal ended up didnt work). Its like God taking me on a roller coaster ride. :x lol.

Sometimes, our friends can become so close, they're on par with God Himself. God and friends, they become interchangeable. But lets not be like that. God is a jealous God, and He turns away from the one who chooses his/her own path.

The same way I felt, was the same way He felt.

That is why we got to build our relationship with God! That even as close friends, they still cannot be compared with God Himself!

Worship is not putting God first,
Worship is putting God ONLY.

And so, the past 2 months, me and her have been 'companions'. We would just meet up occasionally just to have a meal, to chat and to just be crappy and all. Still no chemistry haha. Ive outgrown that stage, my capacity has been enlarged and thank God for that. :)

But its just that after 2-3 months of sacrificing my TIME, Im starting to become tired and weary. God, in a way, gave me a preview of what its like to commit to a relationship.

You all know, I love computer games. I love spending solitude time now and then. I love the comfort of my home, etc. Yet though we enjoy each other's company, I was feeling a little tired, even as normal friends, dont even talk about being attached.

Its just the pain of forsaking my freedom as a 'bachelor', or a single person, that I cant deal with.

There were things I were still holding on to, such as my time for games, L4D, guitar, etc. I wanted a relationship at the start of this year, but thats not the case now.

More than just the things Im still holding on to, Ive learnt that this is not my time yet. Why?

God brought to remembrance, what He whispered the beginning of last year, "Hey, I think you're not ready yet..." (Its just a small whisper).

I have no problems giving, serving or even sacrificing my finances, my energy, my time. In fact, I LOVE to give. No doubt I had the gift of giving and the capacity to serve, I lacked the endurance capability.

Yes, I can sacrifice, I can give, I can serve and do all these easily, but Im not able to last even 3 months, doing it consecutively, once every week! Just imagine, I only spend time with her once a week, and Im already so drained. :S No wonder God said I wasnt ready.

And to make things even clearer, He knew I did not have the endurance, so what did He do to develop that endurance in me? Though the hardships I went through in 2009.

The commitment to cg, to church, to family, to NS, to the 'hospital' and to ministry. :O And I began to go, 'WOW! I never saw it..'. But yea, right now, I just allow God room to change me, to lead me and to guide me in this area. If it comes, it comes, if it doesnt, its okay. Haha.

Ive learnt not to be a smart alec.
And you should not be one either!

The wisdom of man is already foolishness to God, then to challenge Him and think your way is the best, its like being the greatest fool!

If God whispers and you cant hear,
Then be careful,
God is preparing to 'show you the point' and 'teach you the lesson', through a painful experience.

If you dont obey His voice, you will eventually obey His hand. :) Haha. Be wise, dont wait till God have to discipline you in order for you to understand! Be a spiritual ADULT.

A mature person is not just one who can take charge,
But one who is able to be led by the Spirit.

Today...

Are you led by God?
Or are you led by yourself?

If you cant be led by God,
Then it just shows you're not really following Him.
He's not really your God.
Because if He's not your Lord of ALL, He's not your LORD at all!

Abilities and Endurance.

2010-01-11T00:13:00.002+08:00

As people made in His image and likeness, are we able to be LIKE Him, that people can never out give us?

Its one level to have the capacity to give, its another level to have the capacity to endure and stay focused on a life of constant sacrifice.

And how does the bible describe the 'formation' of endurance/patience?

Through hardships, trials and tribulations.

Enlarging Yourself Personally For 2010 (Expanded)

2010-01-09T23:22:00.004+08:00

1. In Leadership: Not laws but liberty! (Gal 5:23)

- Dont limit creativity and opinions. Be open and spontaneous.
- An unsuccessful person thinks about survival. An average person thinks about maintenance. But a successful person thinks about progress!

2. In Serving: Not hierarchy but heart! (Mt 20:25-28)

- Always look out for others. Leadership is not about having a large title or rank, leadership is about having a large group of supporters, people who enjoy working with you, people who respect you.

3. In Ability: Not self-centred but spirit-centred! (Zech 4:6, 2 Cor 12:19)

- Dont stay in your comfort zone. Sometimes you got to step out and do something you're not familiar with and depend on God. But firstly, that dream must come from God. Only then will it last. Unless you're faced with an impossibility, you will never see the impossible happen.
- TRY and DEPEND, and God will FULFILL.

4. In Discipline: Not legalism but love!

- Rules and regulations may shape an outcome, but love will shape a person!

5. In Creativity: Not fear but faith! (2 Tim 1:6-7)

- Learn to accept constructive criticism. Dont always put down an idea, if not no idea will ever surface again! Be open, be expressive. Make room for failure.
- Fear cripples. A person/company that instills fear is crippled in itself! Dont expect anything to come out of it.

6. In Love: Not control but care!

- People dont care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
- Love is the desire to benefit others at the expense of self, lust is the desire to benefit self at the expense of others.

7. In Work: Not duty but devotion! (Exo 17:12)

- Dont just have a small, puny, selfish dream, to just have enough to survive! The size of your dream is the size of your God.
- Go the extra mile.
- Many people say, "Its not my job, why should I do it?" - WHO CARES ABOUT YOUR JOB? Im sure your parents giving birth to you is not just a job!

8. In Attitude: Not getting but giving! (2 Cor 9:6-7)

- People leave a legacy not because of what they owned, but because of what they've contributed.
- You may not always be appreciated. Yet its the attitude thats important.
- You can put on so much make up, dress so well, yet because you're always taking, and never giving nor serving, no wonder no one notices you!

9. In Lifestyle: Not explanation but example! (Jhn 13:13-15)

- You can never lead someone by explaining. Because at times, you yourself may not even be doing what you preach! Dont just talk the talk, walk the walk. Dont just be a hearer, but a doer.

Goals for 2010

2010-01-09T01:56:00.002+08:00

1. Tithe my month to prayer and fasting. (3/24 - aiming on the 1st 3 days of the month)

2. Tithe my day to prayer and worship. (2.4hrs a day - 1hr morning, 1hr night, rest spread out during the day)

3. Greater breakthrough and intimacy in my relationship with God.
4. New levels of revelation.
5. $10,000
6. 68kg
7. Salvation
8. Cooking
9. My own acoustic guit
10. Upgrade comp's RAM (4GB DDR3) and graphics card (1GB ATI Radeon card). - Stop procrastinating haha.
11. Windows 7
12. Find a life partner

Following, Leaning, Pressing, Absorbing, Changing.

2010-01-08T00:54:00.003+08:00

We become who we follow.

How is it possible? I came to realize when I was chatting about fasting. Fasting is an act of dependency on God, and the renouncing of your flesh, and showing it who's boss.

I began to ponder...how come when people fast, they carry so much anointing? Then I figured it has to do with the leaning on God factor. Of course, consecration is another thing.

You cant eat wanton with soup unless you unpack the wanton right? Who would put the whole packet, including the wrapper into the soup? o.o Thats how I see consecration, or in another word, sanctification. How 'pure' are we for God to fill?

We may have a big capacity, but if half of it is full with the wrong things, then God can only fill us to HALF. :O

So...yes...the leaning...

I found out that leaning on someone is also a form of pressing. Why do I say so? Just lean on someone. Now lean harder. Dont tell me, you find yourself floating further away from the person. ^.O

More than just an act, it is a GESTURE, I would say, a gesture of pressing in.

Thats why Adam, my cgl always shares with us, that he always hangs out with pastor and other spiritual giants, because in the fellowship of the wise, you will be wise. We've all heard that before.

In the context of fasting, when we lean on God, we press into God, we then absorb His wisdom, His anointing, His revelation, etc...and once it has become a part of us, we are now changed into someone better. We then have, what we call, a spiritual BREAKTHROUGH.

So who are the ones closest to you?
The ones you LEAN on?

You may not know it, but spiritually, you are pressing into that person. Thats how we become who we follow, we absorb his/her character traits, even flaws if we're not careful.

Hanging out with an angry person, will make you angry. Not immediately, but over a prolonged period of time, because when you lean, you press in, and then you absorb.

Some people manifest during deliverance, but they've not done anything wrong. :O Then why? Could be..its because of the people you associate with. You need discernment to tell which 'friend' of yours has a life that's well...not right.

Leaning, pressing in and relying too much on that person will have 'side effects' in your personality and ultimately, your lifestyle.

A quiet person can end up violent, all because of wrong...COMPANY.

WE always hear the term, wrong company, but we never truly realized how powerful those relationships are.

Ps Robb, one of my favourite speakers made this powerful statement:

"It is foolish to think that we are in control of our lives, when in fact, our destiny is shaped by the ones to whom we grant access".

Everything physical is also the same in the spiritual.

When we build close ties with someone, we invoke something in the spirit realm, that causes that 'absorption' and ultimately, the person we eventually become.

Thats also why, you dont have to be a fool.
Just hang around one and you'll be one.

Similarly, you may be a 'low-grader', but if you hang around those who succeed in life, you will end up becoming that person whom you follow, successful and making an impact for your generation! ;)

If you have bad lifestyles or habits, then why not start looking at the people closest to you. Of course, being close is one thing, you can be close to someone and yet not lean/press into him/her. So yea, use the 'common sense' approach haha.

1. Who you lean on, you press into.
2. Who you press into, you absorb.
3. What you absorb, changes you.
4. That which changes you, changes your life.

Good night all! :D

Proverbs 23 NLT

2010-01-07T20:58:00.001+08:00

29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.

31 Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you.

32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper.

33 You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.

34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.

35 And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can have another drink?"

Mind Your Body - Knowledge Is Power!

2010-01-07T18:57:00.003+08:00

"A flushed face is an indication of e lack of dehydrogenase, an enzyme, that breaks down alcohol."

"When alcohol is broken down by the liver, fatty acids are released."

"Hangovers and its symptoms are the result of alcohol poisoning in the bloodstream."

"Teens that have a habit of sleeping after midnight are more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts."

"Brisk walking help relieve stress, anxieties, and improves sleep." - So dont always take your own sweet time! LOL.

"Too much sugar impairs the cells in your immune system which are responsible for fighting viruses". - So is it true people who stuff themselves with chocolates tend to fall sick easier? You decide. :D There are lots of other ways to make one happy without food or even sleep.

And from my opinion, people who sleep a lot, especially to get away from problems, tend to be less responsive and proactive. They end up not being competent in problem solving activities.

RANDOM FACEBOOK UPDATES

If a child is refrained from playing in the rain when young, he/she wont be able to develop immunity against colds. You have to let his/her body learn 'countermeasures' and how to fight.

Give a child the freedom to develop in his area of interest and you raise up a legend by the time he grows up. Mozart, Einstein, all had silly dreams when they were young, yet they did not despise the days of small beginnings. And you should never despise that spark of creativity that a child has.

Change

2010-01-07T08:31:00.009+08:00

The Five Love Languages

My primary love language is probably
Quality Time
with a secondary love language being
Acts of Service.

Complete set of results

Quality Time:		11
Acts of Service:		7
Words of Affirmation:		6
Physical Touch:		4
Receiving Gifts:		2

Information

Unhappiness in relationships, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. Sometimes we don't understand our partner's requirements, or even our own. We all have a "love tank" that needs to be filled in order for us to express love to others, but there are different means by which our tank can be filled, and there are different ways that we can express love to others.

Take the quiz

Have I changed over my ns years? I think so, I guess some things and people affect me. I dont deny that our destiny is shaped by the ones we call 'friends'.

WOA has dropped..hmm maybe its because of people who dont reply or take effort to press into people's lives, and its always me doing everything. Oh wells, it doesnt really matter anymore haha. Somehow unknowingly, my emotions are being accustomed to being alone all the time..:o AOS used to be the bottom 2 for me..:O

My previous love language was...

WOA - QT - GG - PT - AOS

Quite a drastic change haha. And now, words dont really affect me anymore haha. Either that or some people just have nothing really nice to say.

Ive learnt and experienced that...

When you're lying in hospital, unconscious, its no longer the words that mean the most, especially if you're not fluent in their language and always feel stuck and depressed over not being able to communicate fluently to assure that person, but its the little things we do, the time we spend, that means the most to me. 2009 has been a year where the hospital is like my 3rd home, apart from my own home and church.

Loving someone is not just about talking the talk, most people will say "You can count on me", but yea, count on you, Im still counting...to see when they will start to move, lol. Ive learnt to make trips down to the hospital at least once a week, sometimes twice, for the past 1.5 years. I told myself, since I cant speak fluently in dialect, the least I could do is to lay hands and pray. Not just praying from afar off!

How does Jesus love us? He intercedes for us, at the same time, we have His what?

PRESENCE!

Afterall, you cant love someone without LOVING someone right? Haha. Love is useless without the presence. Until you learn to cherish the presence of God, you'll find it hard to understand the importance of the presence of someone you love.

This is a real-life example of what people can bring out in you. Haha. Under different circumstances, my love language changes..hmm.

The Start Of 3/12

2010-01-07T08:03:00.004+08:00

Tithing finances is saying, 'God, I put You first in my finances',
And heaven is open over our finances.

You can pray for all the blessings, yet if heaven is not open, whats the point?
No matter how great the breakthrough, it cant come to you.

Tithing the month itself is saying, "God, I put You first in everything I do for this month", and heaven is open over the entire month.

To avail yourself is not to have nothing else better to do,
To avail yourself is to CHOOSE to put aside what you are already doing,
For something that's more important.

Its not about how busy you are,
Its about who's more important to you.

If He is not your Lord of "ALL", He is not your "LORD" at all.

Outdated Updates

2010-01-07T00:52:00.002+08:00

I think I forgot to blog about 2 things:

1. My overall Staff Assessment Report grading for end 2009, is 82% / 100.
2. Ive been selected to march in the parade of the handing over of the Commissioner or Police.

Weekends coming...

Manliness?

2010-01-06T08:21:00.005+08:00

Muscles, garangness and the ability to drink doesnt define a man. Because there are muscular jerks, garang fools and drinkers who end up looking pregnant (with a tummy) as they get older.

Whooooaaaa! A real man! Yea right. Let me give up the priority seat to you next time ok? Oh sorry, I thought you were pregnant. You mean you werent? Oh sorry, I thought you were transsexual then...

Whooooaaaa! You can really drink! A real man! Congratulations on your third wife!

Whoaaaaaaa! So macho and garang! A real man! Yea right, garang what garang? GARANG GUNI ah, garang!

Next time why not you just marry Mas Selamat, since he's muscular (he escaped SG all by himself, it shows he's fit!), he's garang too, VERY garang. He's a real man you know? He can even protect you...by blowing up aeroplanes.

Yea, go paste his poster all over your room and fantasize all day!

"Real man"? What rubbish are you talking about?
"Ohhhh, but I sooo love him!!!!!!"

Yea right. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
If your words are like rubbish, its because on the inside you're like rubbish! LOL.

Prayer

2010-01-06T01:49:00.002+08:00

Back to the lifestyle of prayer and the Word.

Even though things are okay for me,
Lord, I will still seek Your face.
I will not turn to you only when I need something.

Just finished my prayer-partner chain :) Excited for great things to happen!

The Lonely Road

2010-01-05T06:48:00.006+08:00

For a start,

Ive not been 'really' blogging haha. Most of the time Im just posting notes, but for a change, Im gonna post what I really feel, the things that go on in my life, etc. So...cut me some slack okay? hahaha. :P

I know there will be those who will comment and msg me and tell me, 'ohhh andrew, u shouldnt be so negative, blahblahblah', hey! Am i your friend or not? Yes, having 'disciplers' are good. Yet sometimes, I need FRIENDS too right? People who are willing to listen, to sympathize, to just...share my life together and walk this road together with me, isnt that what friends are supposed to do? Stick through thick and thin? Haha.

I get the feeling some people just want me for my revelations. Haha! OOPS! Did I hit a nail? LOL. Nah, it doesnt matter to me haha, its your life and I dont wanna be too much of a busybody. God rewards, not me. Besides, its not just 'my' revelation, but its God's.

Anyway, back to the point, haha...

One thing Ive learnt from Evangeline, as well as from the life of some pastors, that a successful leader, tends to walk alone for a long time, sometimes even YEARS, walking alone, for some reason. Maybe its because of the price they were willing to pay.

And its those years spent alone, when God draws so close to them. With literally no one around them, and no one to rely on, these great men and women of God learned to lean on God. And its those tough times that makes a cheerful person.

You know, I have quite a number of non christian friends and they live really happy lives. I have a friend, who had a treat to a meal her 21st birthday, thats all! And that alone has made her feel she has the whole world! I mean, honestly, I was blown away. That the little things in life, really mean alot to some people who have learnt to be grateful.

Yes, people dont always have what we have, they may not be that 'sophisticated', yet they learn to treasure the simple things in life. Sometimes we want so many things, yet when we do get them, are we really happy? Most of the time, the things we want are merely things to cover up certain hurts or emptiness.

Sometimes, you gotta learn from the non christians, really. Im not sharing some theology, its truth man! lol. If you wanna learn to be happy, learn from those who ARE happy! DUH! Of course dont learn the wrong things, have some COMMON SENSE.

I was watching a TV show last night, showing some really inspirational stories of people with handicaps going through life like a champion and I began to relate so well with it. That you will never be a cheerful and grateful person, if you always have everything. True?

You will never understand the true value of friendship, until the day it has been taken away from you, and so on...same with other aspects. Thank God for a great familly, and a few close friends, these are the simple things in life we should never take granted for.

Did I choose to live a lonely life, withdrawn from people? Of course not. No one would even desire something like that unless he/she is, well...not right? haha. But someone how God has led me to this life, that somehow, I dunno why, I find people withdrawing, not me. Well, I do sometimes, but I dont know, haha. It just feels this way. My love tank isnt getting any deposits.

I mean, thank God for people to L4D with, to watch movies with, to even have a simple meal with haha. I really treasure everyone. Thank you, thank you :) But if there arent any, well, life still goes on right? I mean, I cant force people to do things and Ill never will. I dont think God forces either. ;)

There are even times He would 'allow' a mistake...those we consciously make when we choose to insist on our own ways, He'll just say, "if you really want it, you can have it". At the end of the day, we just end up learning the hard and painful way...the chastening of the Lord..haha.

Of course, if you're smart, you'll be teachable and proactive to avoid the 'caning' of the Lord. If you're always getting 'caned' in order to learn your lessons, then something is not right. You've not grown to that stage of 'spiritual adulthood' or rather, another term would be, 'spiritual MATURITY' yet. :O

In life, what you want, you seldom GET. It is only GIVEN to you.
By God, according to His discretion.

I know God is doing a work in me. What work? I dont know. But I know its great enough for Him to put me through such great fire like these.

The most precious diamonds are often placed in the hottest furnaces.

Some people cant imagine what its like growing up with no friends in school, before 13 rather. They just cant imagine what it would be like. Well, what is your capacity? If you dont have the capacity to go through something, or if you dont want and are afraid to go through such things, then God wont force it upon you.

I posted a revelation on FB a few hours ago...that...

The greatest victory in life is total surrender to the Right Person.
All of us want life to be easier.
But how many actually come to a point where God fights for you instead?

The key..? One word:

Relationship.

Short

2010-01-05T01:45:00.001+08:00

When people start having cliques.
The individual friends dont matter to them anymore...

Self Realization (Long Post)

2010-01-04T23:58:00.004+08:00

Many times I talked about having the right friends determine your destiny. And Ive been reflecting through it, that all these while, I was making the very mistake I shared about.

I began to see my life, the people around me, those whom I pressed in, all the time, its always me going "Boo!", "Yo!", "Heyyy", "Haaarlooo", very seldom, people even bother to do the opposite by being the first to msg me, call me, or anything like that.

Sometimes, I feel silly, other times, I feel neglected and unloved. Like, are all these 'friends' DEAD? Why is it so hard to even have a reaction from you?

As a result, because of some 'friends', my christian walk has stagnated, 'diverted', etc. It wasnt healthy for me. Many times I would feel confused, should I withhold my finances? Yet God will speak to me through the sermon on the mount, "And do not withhold from anyone who borrows..." That I should be a lender and not a borrower.

And other times, when I feel that Im always the one pressing in, being involved in other people's lives, and I feel tired and depressed, I would think that just ignoring these people is better, it will just make me happier. Yet God will again remind me, "Obedience is greater than sacrifice".

Thats why I kept on giving, pressing in, loving, giving my time, giving my energy, etc. Because I love God and I wanna be obedient to Him. People say, I should, for once care about myself. Well, its good that I should, yet at the same time, what would my life be if I've always cared about myself instead of caring for others?

I wouldnt be the Andrew I am today.

Ive learnt to have the 'Spare Heart' mentality. That yes, I will still reply people, I will still give my best to encourage, to provide, etc, I will still give my all, my whole heart to that person...

YET...

I will always keep within me a 'Spare Heart'. Knowing that some people are just out there to steal away my heart, to 'make use' or to benefit from my sacrifices, and I know it can lead me to depression. Therefore, this year, Ive decided. Ill give everyone my 'many' hearts. (Its like a duplication of my WHOLE heart, haha)

Whether you return my heart to me, its none of my business. Its between you and God because you are holding onto something that doesnt belong to you, my time, my energy, my sacrifice. Hahaha.

I will still keep a Spare Heart within me, and not be bothered or affected by those who ARENT around me. That way, Im still able to give my heart, my all, my attention, my love, my sacrifices, to those who ARE around me. :D

You're still welcome to come back. You're still welcome to approach me. But Ive decided. I wont take you seriously. Ill just give you what you want. :D Its pretty simple, whatever you sow into my soil, you'll reap from it. Whatever you dont, well, you can go sow somewhere else :)

I believe that the things Ive sown, I will reap. I know that God is a good God. And He repays accordingly. :D So its okay, ultimately, Im accountable to God. And Ive learnt to fear God more than men. :D

This year, Im gonna take my relationships to another level.

I dont wanna a smart alec anymore. Where God leads me, I will go. When its time to cling, Ill cling. When its time to let go, Ill let go. At the same time, when God doesnt move, I dont. I just learn to be happy and enjoy every moment, with anyone, wherever I am :D

This is what we call...BALANCE. (Ive learnt that the hard way. lol. Ive been so exposed to hypocrites every now and then, its pretty easy now to tell who is and who isnt. ;) Afterall, Ive been a little 'too' immersed into them the past one year :S)

Many people have convicted me by saying that I should be more wise. And I wanna take every opportunity I can to grow, so Im learning my own limits and all...:)

For those who want me to be a better person, Ill do my best not to let you down, just tell me what I need to do. :) Im no longer gonna waste my time on people who dont need me, when there in fact are those who have invested their lives into me.

If Im always distracted by the negative, wont I be a bad steward then?

I wanna make sure that as much as I believe that we should all press into each other's lives, I dont wanna let those who have pressed into mine, down. Because Ive grown to know how it feels like.

Again, I dont wanna sound self-centred, yet Ive learnt the importance of balance.

Even Jesus Himself, withdrew from certain people. Does it mean He still doesnt love them? Of course not. Whenever they turned to Him, He would be filled with compassion. And knowing that they're just there for their needs, after feeding/healing them, He departs with His disciples, those who are genuine and serious about following Him. ;)

God is a gentleman, He doesnt force Himself on us. ;)

Just a sidetrack...while chatting with Evangeline I came across an interesting revelation.

How God expresses His love for me, reflects my true love language. :O

OKAY!!! Before you even say anything, I just wanna say, I DONT KNOW to what extent this is true! HAHAHA. But Im just sharing as it came across my mind :D lol.

You see...

In my life..

God hardly sends people to serve me, in fact, I admit I feel shy whenever people wanna 'serve' me or treat me with 'intense respect' lol. Seeing that, AoS is my LOWEST love language. :O

Now, for PT, as much as I feel 'deprived' in this area, I realized God doesnt send, or rather, HARDLY sends anyone to give me a hug. Aww. The last time He did it was in the last service of the year. Once in awhile, people give me a good shrug at the shoulders, etc. Afterall, God knows me better than I know myself.

For GG, Ive seen a fair share of those. I mean, just look at my room. One board full of cards of people Ive received since day 1 I came to church. lol. Im quite a sentimental person and even God agrees. :D Ive mixed this one with PT as well. But God seemed to show me they're swopped and that Im a little more GG than PT :O

True? Im still discovering myself haha. Cus hardly anyone give me PT to begin with, so I dont know to what extent PT fills my love tank :(

Next is QT. Now, I dunno, but Ive always thought this was my primary love lang. Later Ill explain why I think God is showing me that it isnt. No doubt that whoever I spends time with, I tend to build one of the closest relationships with, yet time and time again, God has put this area to the test, as some of you know, I always end up ... well ... 'alone'.

Now, the ultimate revelation of my love language...FROM GOD HIMSELF...

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

After all Ive gone through, this is one area that kept me surviving and staying strong. Evangeline made me realize, that God's way of intimacy with me, which sometimes Ive overlooked...its through WOA. What examples do you say?

One word: REVELATIONS.

When all else have failed!
When friends have left!
When no one hugs!

One thing God has given to me, is REVELATION. Powerful.
Words of affirmation!

I know that Im affected when people dont reply, when they stay away, or when they totally disappear, when there is no interaction. My love tank doesnt need to drain from a person's life by being offended, just leave it alone and it will drain by itself :O

Similarly, I know God loves me, because He speaks to me. :)

This is how God has shown that He loves me.
This is how Ive felt so close to God.
Every single day, my love whispers secrets into my ears.

The very words that bring life and encouragement.

God, thank you for being so loving and romantic with me.
Even though for the past year, Ive failed to realize how much You loved me.
Yet You kept on pouring, You kept on speaking. Thank You so much.
Lord, I will treasure every moment I have with You,
I will treasure every Word that You've spoken to me.
That truly whatever You have spoken, it shall not return to You void. :)

Lord, do a new thing, in 2010! :)

Short Meditations For the Day :)

2010-01-04T19:18:00.005+08:00

If circumstances in your life can affect the way you relate to people,
Whether is it, making you withdraw, making you aggressive, etc,

Then it just goes to show that likewise, the things of the world will affect your relationship with God, because, how you treat people is how you treat God.

Do you get upset with God when things dont go your way?
Do you withdraw from Him when in fact, you need Him the most?

Its not a matter of who you encounter,
But its a matter of who THEY encounter.

It has nothing to do with moods or even the person involved,
What is the level of your EQ? Or rather, what is the level of your RQ?
Your Relational Quotient.

Adam always teaches me, that its not about what goes on in life,
Its about how we react to it.

Bad things happen, but if you react in a bad way, it just makes you bad.
Yet on the contrary, when bad things happen, if you're able to react in a cool way,
That makes you cool.

Choose to act and not react.

What type of person are you today?

Random Pics

2010-01-04T01:42:00.003+08:00

Can tell, someone else was taking the pics haha..not me. Those werent my specs either LOL.

Cool frames.

A remembrance...

2010-01-03T23:29:00.003+08:00

There was once a word was given during worship in cg:

"There is someone here today, who's not been living right. Many times I spoke to you about your problem, but you've consistently insisted on your own ways and ignored My sayings.

Time and time again, I gave you a chance to repent, but you chose willfully not to, time and time again, Ive been true to you, Ive been nice to you, Ive kept silent now and then, yet you failed to realize...

You have broken My heart, which I have given of Myself so freely to you. Today, once again, you are gathered here in My presence. And once again, the holy spirit is tugging at your heart, to stop living your life the way it is...yet its up to you, whether you still want to cling on to that lifestyle of sin and rebellion or not...

This is your last chance, as much as it hurts Me to do it, if you fail to repent today, I will take My presence away from you. You will call and I will not answer, you will seek Me and I will not be found.

For I, the Lord am a jealous God, and I dont tolerate sin. Come back to Me, and I will restore you, seek Me while I may be found..."

The Purpose Of Relationships 2

2010-01-03T09:46:00.008+08:00

The purpose of a relationship, is not to change someone.
But to enjoy someone. Just having the person by your side, is enough. Being together, doing things together, etc. Its about togetherness.

Then you got to ask yourself, once you have him/her, is him/her enough for you?

Now, before you even answer that question, God always comes first, so ask yourself, is God alone, enough for you? Have you come to that stage of maturity yet?

Because unless God alone is enough for you, you will always be in want.
You'll always want more. You'll never be satisfied.

And also, unless God alone is enough, you cant handle breakups.
You cant handle it when you realized you've fallen for the wrong person and you find it hard to say, "Its okay, I can live without that person. At most, Ill find a better one next time." You just cant say no!

What does "enough" mean? Enough.
So when you say, "God alone is enough", what does it mean?
Very simple. You can live without anything else!

We all hope for a change in a person, but what does it mean to love someone?
Ps mentioned before, true love is accepting someone fully, and supporting him/her, even if he/she doesnt change!

Its never about finding the right person,
But BEING the right person.

Its never about who YOU end up with,
But its about who THAT PERSON ends up with!

But nonetheless, we have faith that in time, people will change.
BUT...thats got to depend on the level of your relationship with God.

Do you pray together?
Do you do quiet time together?
Do you fast together in agreement?
Do you serve God together?
Do you worship together? Cry and kneel down in the presence of God together?

The place of agreement is the place of power.
The place of disunity is the place of POWERLESSNESS.

If there's no unity in your relationship, it WILL be POWERLESS!

"In a relationship" is not just a status, its a lifelong decision to forsake all your dreams and your aspirations, to pursue each other's dreams!

Whats the point of coming together, when still cling on to your own dreams and aspirations?

Ive learnt in life, that relationships follow a hierarchy:

Acquaintances - You know the person by name, how he/she looks like.

Friends - You get along pretty well.

Companions - You start to hang out together and he/she becomes your 'buddy'.

Good/Best friends - You become open to share your problems with him/her.

Life partner - You make a commitment to forsake all (your dreams, your desires, your ambitions, even your FRIENDS), and cling ONLY to him/her. Does it mean you no longer have friends? Of course not, but his friend is your friend, her friend is your friend. He/she becomes the first person you turn to. Everything becomes mutual. If you two cant get along, forget it. You totally miss out on the point and you'll end up living a lonely, miserable life.

A relationship is supposed to make you happier and enlarge your faith and character, not the other way round! Thats not a relationship, thats a CURSE! lol.

God is not a God of backwardness, everything He does is always from glory to glory, from strength to strength. Walking with God is always progressive! Thats how it should be for your relationships as well. And not always come to a point where you're always stuck.

Many people jump from acquaintances/friends, to life partners, end up what happen? When their relationship breaks, they fall back to their PREVIOUS LEVEL of relationship, which is acquaintances or friends, or whatever it is. Because you two were never close friends to begin with!

Some were worse, from strangers, you become partners. When it breaks, you fall back to your previous level, which is "Stranger". Thats why most people after a break up, they totally abandon each other and find it hard to be close friends!!! There's a sense of awkwardness.

You never take time to build that relationship, you never take time to invest into each other.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Getting along is the most basic key.
Then acceptance and support of vision.

Then mutuality - things you do and agree on together, even hanging out with their friends. No point if only one person sacrifices.

We all know Christ died for us.
He made the first move.

What do we do now to obtain that relationship?
We put Him first, we support His vision, we give and we offer our sacrifice of praise. We turn to Him, we spend time with Him. We abandon all and cling to Him.

Same with your relationships.

How you treat people is how you treat God.

Make things right with God FIRST.
Remember the priority list?

1. God
2. Family
3. Church
4. Ministry

If "1" doesnt work, "2" + "3" + "4" wont work.
If "1" + "2" doesnt work, "3" + "4" wont work.
If "1" + "2" + "3" doesnt work, "4" wont work.

Dont live 2010, the same way you lived 2009.

You can never put new wine into old wineskins.

God's Race

2010-01-03T00:07:00.001+08:00

When you're in God's race of life, what's worse than being the last or losing, is DISQUALIFICATION.

Many times we get so distracted by the people around us that we end up running out of our lanes without even knowing.

Forget the past - failures AND victories.

Look forward and run in such a manner that you may win.
We are not called to run the race, but to finish it.

Dont end up getting what you want and totally miss out on God's best for your life!

I Am Your Brother!

2010-01-01T13:13:00.001+08:00

Hahahaha! This is our thanksgiving theme song! SO FUNNY!

2009 Year-End Reflections

2010-01-01T03:32:00.004+08:00

Many people are doing, or rather, posting about their reflections, sorry I dont have any pictures. So Ill get straight to the point.

2009? Is a very strange year for me.
Apart from serving my NS. I went through 2 funerals back to back over a distance of maybe, 2 months+? I cant remember also.

2009 has been a year of sacrifice for me.
A year of giving.
But sadly, more than all of these, its also the year when I lost the most.

Im not gonna list down what and who Ive lost, if you're the one then God will tug at your heart. Not me, haha, Im just a servant of His, doing my best with the little that I have.

2009 has also been a year or revelation for me.

Thank God for the words He spoke.
More than ever, I receive the most revelations when Im broken or emotionally hurt. Why? I dont know, ask my Maker lol.

They say when you break a heart, what is really inside a person really shows, and that you will never know the depth of your character, until you see how you react under pressure.

It seems that when my heart is cracked, revelations come out, sacrifice and giving, becomes part of my lifestyle despite my circumstances, despite the people around me.

Many of us are familiar with unconditional love.
Why not take it to another level of UNCONDITIONAL OBEDIENCE?

People say, 'Oh, its so hard to account to my leaders, why should I do this, why should I do that', etc. But obedience is the ability to quickly do it and not ask anything.

Dont ever reason obedience, you cant.
God is not against reason, He is beyond reason.

Thats what faith is all about. And without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Someone asked, Andrew, you know you have little, why do you still give so much?

I dont know. Its just in my programming. When Im emo or depressed, the only way I feel better is through giving. Then again, the wrong people will end up 'contaminating' something that's good. I love to give. If I had 1,000,000 right now, Ill keep half, the rest I'll give 100,000 each to my 2 parents, 1 brother, 1 cgl/people within the cg and my best friend. Not forgetting a 100,000 tithe.

Yet its okay to give, even to those who dont deserve it. Why?
If anyone possesses that which belongs to God, it becomes a curse to them.
So its okay, I just bless them. God handles the rest. ;) hahaha.

For those who gave me little cards or notes, I keep every single one of them.
For those who had a meal with me, you are WISE. Hahaha.

I had someone guess my primary love lang, he said, WOA, since i dont talk a lot and Im more of a thinker/feeler.

Close, but not so close. WOA is my secondary love lang.

My primary love lang is QT. Quite rare for a guy. I guess Im a man at physique but woman at heart haha. For some reason I get along better with girls than guys, maybe cus Ive never had a sister before and there's that gap in my heart for that companionship, I never had the luxury of protecting someone, giving to someone, and especially LISTENING to someone, etc.

You do that kind of affection to a guy, he'll think you're gay, or at least, not fully man? lol.
Okay, my other 3 love lang is: PT, GG, AoS. (in order).

Back to QT, even jus sitting down for 4 hours, listening to a girl rant her heart out, can become romantic for me. Thats quality time. Many times we just wanna have fun, go movies, go here, go there, do this, do that, but there' no connection spirit to spirit.

You merely interacting with the outer shell of the person. E.g. the person might wanna watch a movie to forget about his/her problems, so you tag along. You have the fun, you have the time spent, but you're not connected to his/her spirit, dealing with that hurt, sharing that hurt..everything is so external. Thats why friendships dont deepen.

Oh well, I cant thank God enough for always being there for me.

Just came back from thanksgiving cg. It was awesome. Which cg, will have its own video crew, sound crew, dual guitarists and even our own lighting and discoball! And it was all done in a living room! :D

Really wanna thank everyone who had put in a lot of effort.
Even for myself, I woke up at 6 to reach work at 8 plus, had a headache (first time in 6 months, thats how stressed I am :S) since 3pm+ till now, 3am+.

THE FAITHFUL AWARD - "There are three things that will endure – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love."

Thank you everyone who made it possible. :) If Im not wrong, last year I got the same award lol. Anyway, thats my personal revelation of who God is to me. He is faithful, even when we were faithless.

As much as friends and family are concerned, I tried my best to be faithful, even when some were faithless. Its hard, but thats what it means to be like God and I really wanna thank Him for the opportunity to live out, what being faithful really meant, and of course, for the award.

The greatest in the kingdom of God is not a man of faith, nor a man of hope, but a man of love. And love is the desire to benefit others at the expense of self.

It's not the obligation to benefit others at the expense of self, but a DESIRE.

I may have fallen short in other areas in my life, but one thing's for sure today, I am still here. Like how Elisha followed Elijah even though Elijah said, its okay..you dont need to follow me. Elisha in a way, even 'disobeyed' Elijah, at the end of his life, Elijah asked, why....why have you followed me all this way, even though I told you not to?

And Elisha made a powerful statement...'I want a double portion'.
At the end, he didnt just receive Elijah's blessings, but his INHERITANCE as well, WITH INTEREST!

You will never get a double portion by working harder or sacrificing more. I like what Adam said, He became a leader, not because of his own talents or abilities, but because he chose to hang around pastor.

Who are the people around you today?
Whether good or bad, they will unlock your destiny for 2010.

For some, Ive pressed the ENTER button.
For some, Ive pressed the RESET button.
For some, Ive pressed the DELETE button.

2010 will be a year of change! =)

Loving Without Investment + The Seed and the Sower

2009-12-31T14:43:00.005+08:00

After talking to some of my friends,
Ive realized that, its not that I have lousy friends,
Its just that Ive been unwise in my decisions.

Ive been investing into people's lives,
Holding on tight to, and treasuring each individual as best as I could.

But at the end of the day, I realized that I can never please everyone.
No matter how much I sow into people's lives, there will always be others who have sown more.

Though Ive been friends with this person in my life,
Yet I humbled myself to seek her advice since she's now a cgl.

And what she said really makes sense,
That its good to love and to give, but we must be careful who we invest our lives into.

And I began to receive a revelation...

Loving without Investment.

As children of God, we are called to be givers and not takers,
People who have come to serve and not to be served.

But just when is it enough? When is it that you know you have given too much?

The bible stated very clearly. Our hearts, are like the soil.
God, people, our leaders, sow their seeds of love, time, energy and sacrifice into our lives.

Some hearts are like the rocky ground,
The seed falls and nothing happens.

Some hearts are like the thorny ground,
They receive your love, they receive your time and energy,
But they end up choking up your sacrifices, it leaves you feeling confused and unappreciated, because of the things of the world.

And the remaining few hearts are the good ground,
They are soft, they are broken, you sow into their lives, and they bear fruit.

I realized, just because a person is fun to be with,
It doesnt mean he/she has a heart.

Just because a person is your friend, it doesnt mean he/she is good ground.
And any tree that doesnt bear fruit will be cut down.
But we keep on sowing.

The Lord gives seed to the sower.
He doesnt make the one with many seeds a sower.

There is a difference.

If you are someone who doesnt have seeds,
If you are someone who always have nothing to give,
Then it just goes to show you're not a giving person.

God gives seed to the sower.
You become a sower FIRST, then He gives the seeds.

Giving is not something you do, it is something you are.
It is a character, an attitude.

You are not generous because you give a lot.
You give a lot because you are generous.

The sower will always have seed.
The giver will always have something to give.

A man can be poor and yet he can be generous.
A man can have much and yet he can be stingy.

Which soil are you today?

He who has fruits, has seeds in them.
If you have no seeds, its because you have no fruits.

Dont make the same mistake as I did.

No use getting upset over what you dont have,
Instead, rejoice in what you have.

The people around you, bless them.
The people who arent, let someone else bless them. :)

Be faithful in the little things God has entrusted to you.
And your life will prosper.

Breaking Point

2009-12-31T07:50:00.000+08:00

At breaking point...:'(

Even the funerals of two grandparents cannot be compared to how Im feeling now...

History Repeats Itself

2009-12-30T23:18:00.008+08:00

Sometimes when people look up to you, its not always a good thing.

Because most of them, can only look up, and not sideways.
Its very hard for them to associate with you at their level.

They feel at best with those beside.
They feel most fulfilled with those below.

They cant treat you like a normal friend.
Because to them, you're not normal.

You merely 'serve a purpose' to them,
A means to an end.

The only time you're wanted,
Is when you're only needed.

Sometimes a stranger can mean so much to you.
Even encourage you and make you feel good.

They may not be leaders or people in authority,
But they still do the work of a leader to you.

They may not be your friend,
But they know how to befriend you and do the work of a friend.

Situations dont break my heart.
Friends do.

*Longing for that hug from a stranger...

Falling In Love

2009-12-30T01:40:00.003+08:00

Are you the one who acts?
Or the one who reacts?

Do you respond to emotions when they come?
Or do you control them?

I wouldnt say we have control over everything.
But certain things, we do have control over.

We may not stop ourselves from falling in love,
But we sure can choose to 'do nothing about it'.

Afterall, falling in love is just an emotion.
Its a reaction to biochemicals and hormonal changes.
You can fall in love, you can fall out of love.

True love is not just loving someone you like,
True love is loving someone you DONT like.

Sharings - True Life In Christ

2009-12-28T22:55:00.002+08:00

If a person has not truly died, he has not truly lived.

It took me years to finally have a revelation of what that meant. This year has been a rough, bumpy year for me, nevertheless, I just wanna thank God for being faithful and so good till the end.

A friend was talking to me about "Empathy", and how hard it is today to find people who can really, not just sympathize, but empathize with what people are really going through.

Im sure we all have friends who just chuck us aside every now and then, not failing to realize that sometimes, what we really need, is not solutions, but really someone who can listen to our problems, be that shoulder to lean on, etc...to just...be there. Someone who can really understand what we are going through and how we are feeling.

Many people can listen, but they dont really feel what you feel.

They just go, "yea...okay...I see...hmm...ya...etc"

Empathy is something not easy, to come by, in fact, every great gift in life has to be bought with a high price, in this case, Ive been through a lot as a youth, year after year and I came to think about soil. When is soil considered, good soil?

When it is soft, and 'crumbled'. Thats why we have buffalos tending to farmlands to loosen up the soil, so that the seed can be firmly planted and flourish, therefore, bringing forth much fruit in its season.

Likewise, for empathy and sympathy, its not something we can just attain in the blink of an eye, for me, personally, Ive been through a lot of heartaches to get to where I am, and it all doesnt come easy. There were many things I gave up along the way.

Choosing the narrow way is never easy. Yet, today its so clearly seen, that wide and broad is the way that leads to destruction. Many of us often take the route of convenience, instead of the route of conviction.

Just because something is good, it doesnt necessarily mean its right.

Thats what it means to take up our cross daily, and follow Him, if we wanna be His disciples, not just believers, but genuine disciples.

As I look back in 2009, God has really came through for me. And He will come through for you too. :)

As I reflect back, I began to have a revelation of what it really meant, to say that unless we have truly died, we have truly lived.

What makes a genuine life in Christ?

Is it going to church?
Reading the bible?
Moving in signs and wonders?

Well, I just wanna share my experiences and hope it will encourage you. :)

To live the true life of Christ, to be LIKE Christ, is to live the life that He lived.
To be identified with His death and His resurrection.

There are 4 phases I came to encounter along my walk with God:

Phase #1 - The Spectator Phase

These are those who are new in the Lord. They are just starting out, learning the bible, being hungry for God's Word and God's presence. This is like the crowd who followed Jesus everywhere He went. They had needs and Jesus was there to meet their needs.

Phase #2 - The Disciple Phase

These were those who carry the cross, forsaking all, to follow Him. They were not there just to have their needs met, but to meet the needs of others. They were there to teach and to contribute back to their society and to the marketplace. These are the people who make a difference.

Phase #3 - The Crucifixion Phase

These are those who have followed Christ and grown to such an extent, that they being to face trials and persecutions, temptations, some even suffer for the sake of the Kingdom. Yes, they had their needs met, yes, they have led people and raised up disciples, they couldve even performed signs and wonders and changed their generation for Christ. But yet these are the ones who have truly paid the price. There were things they liked to do, but because of their immense love for God, they gave up their dreams to pursue God's dream.

The life they lived, may be hard, but at the same time, it was fulfilling.

Just because we read the bible, go to church, perform miracles...even if we have carried the cross and forsaken all, yet we are not willing to die to the flesh, deny ourselves and be crucified with Christ, we havent really lived.

Satan could quote bible verses, Satan lingered in the presence of God in His throne room, Satan could raise up false prophets to perform signs and wonders.

Are we bold enough to live out the life God has called us to live, even when the going gets tough? To allow the nails to pierce us, to be raised up as a public spectacle for something we have not done or deserved? To be crucified for all to see. It may be painful, it may hurt a lot and costs us alot, yet the question would be, how far are we willing to go?

The proof of our desire is in our pursuit, pastor always says.

And last but not least:

Phase #4 - The Resurrection Phase

Personally, the heartaches Ive gone through and the rough times have taught me one thing, that true life in Christ doesnt really begin in the Spectator, Disciple or Crucifixion phases, all these are great. We should give our best to desire more of God, to serve others and to live a life of consecration, but it doesnt just stop at the crucifixion phase.

Because I have my own times, when I felt like giving up, times when Ive felt empty and dry, even after serving God and serving people, we do get weary every now and then. And Ive seen people, reaching the pinnacle of their ministry, on the verge of becoming a celgrp leader, and just when they were about to have a taste of destiny, crisis hits and they back down. Sadly, some even give up totally on God. :(

Yes, they may have been in church a long time, they may have served a long time, they may have given up everything to follow Christ, but at the juncture of crucifixion, what is the deciding factor between a true believer and one who isnt?

It is in the resurrection power!

When we are struck down, are we able to get up again, and again, and again, and again?
Have we come to a point where death no longer has power over us?
Have we been resurrected into Christ's new creation?

"That we may know Him and the power of His resurrection"!

And like Jesus, the question would not be, whether have we read the bible enough, whether have we served enough, etc. The question would be:

Have our lives changed so dramatically, that when people look at us, they couldnt even recognise us?

Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, yet it took them awhile before they finally realized He was the Christ.

That is when we can say that truly, our lives have changed.

Such that when people look at our lives, we can truly say that it is not the work of a man, but the work of God! But they say, what if its the work of the devil? In the first place, the devil will never accomplish anything great. ;)

Pastor always says, 'you may be poor today, but if you follow Jesus you'll not stay poor all your life.'
You may be sick today, but in Jesus there is healing, there is deliverance.

He died, so we can receive forgiveness.
He bore the stripes, for our healing.
He became poor, so that we can become rich.

Not just in heaven, but right here, right now, in this lifetime.

In heaven we will all be perfect, is there need for forgiveness?
In heaven there is no sickness, is there a need for healing?
In heaven there is overflowing, unlimited abundance, do we need finances?

Our prayer to God, is for His will to be done, on EARTH as it is in heaven.

Faith is for the now.

I was so inspired by one of my brothers in the cg. He came overseas to study in Singapore. He came from a background of drugs, partying, getting drunk...basically, the 'underground' lifestyle in Canada. He lived in a rented apartment with an unreasonable landlord who not only took advantage of he and his family, but literally cheated his dad tons and tons of money.

Yet today, he is a successful businessman-to-be, graduating with an honors at Informatics. We not even talking about a degree, but something even higher than that. Seeing his life inspires me. Now his family has their own apartment, and he has the whole master bedroom to himself. Not only did he get it at a cheap price, somehow God made a way such that the previous guy who wanted the unit, kept on delaying for some unknown reason, eventually allowing my friend and his family to clinch the deal.

On the spot, their family got the keys and it was on the same day their previous landlord had to chase them out. If not for God, he would still be living in a life of sin and lack. And the amazing thing was, when he moved in, everything in the house was in place, from the rooms, the utilities like water, electricity, etc...even the furniture!

It serves as an encouragement to us, that if God can do it for him, God can do it for me, and He sure is able to do it for you too! :)

Those who are planted in the house, shall flourish in the courts of our God. ;)

Relationships and Friendships

2009-12-26T15:01:00.005+08:00

Certain things have been bothering me,
Certain people have been bothering me.

I came to realize, that we cant please everyone,
Neither can we be close friends with everyone.

To be a close friend, a best friend, or a lover,
Requires exclusiveness.

Why do people leave your circle of friends?
Is it always because of something you did wrong?
Not all the time.

Friends are no longer there, because they're no longer there.
Period. Its as simple as that.
They just choose to stop showing up, they just choose to stop pressing in.

And for the one who is pressing in all the time,
He gets tired and weary and eventually gives up.

Sometimes one side can get so busy, going out with this friend, that friend, and that seed of love is no longer sown into that friend whom they once looked up to or loved hanging out with.

Love is like a seed.
It has to be sown.
AFTER sowing, we have to water it regularly.

Just like friendships, you have to water it.
If you're always the taker, you enjoy having people around because you can FEEL GOOD or because you can BENEFIT, then, from the beginning, your relationship is DOOMED TO FAIL!

Thats not love! That's lust!

Oh, play with me.
Oh, give me.
Oh, follow me.

Always its about 'me' 'me' and 'me'.

Then my friends, sorry to say, it will never work.

Feeling good and loved, should be the REWARD, not the GAIN.
You dont go to people to FIND love, you go to people to LOVE and be LOVED.

What is it that you are seeking today?
Is it love? Is it fun? Is it excitement?
Well, then if thats the case, that is what you seek.

You seek love.
You seek fun.
You seek excitement.
But you DONT SEEK THE PERSON!

How you treat people, is how you treat God.

I emphasized this a lot of times, it applies EVERYTIME.
Do you just go to God when you are in need?
Are your prayers always about bless me, give me, save me, free me, heal me?
Me, me, me?

Then sad to say, you may not know it, but thats how you end up treating people as well. Relationship is not about finding the right person, but BEING the right person. Its a matter of character and attitude!

Its about having that...EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT, or EQ for short.

Many people want to change individuals, but you fail to realize that before you can change someone, you must first ACCEPT him/her for who they are!

You dont change them then accept them. NO!
You accept FIRST, then you change them.

How do I know?
Look at Jesus!

Did He say we must be perfect before we can be saved? NO!
Did He even say you must do good then you can enter heaven? STRICTLY...NO!
He paid the price FIRST, then He said, it is finished. Believe in Me and you shall be saved. Salvation is a free gift, not something you can work for.

Nonetheless, we may not be saved BY good works, but we are saved FOR good works!

He is the ultimate example.

And unless your relationship with Him is strong, unless you have a clear revelation of who God is to you, you wont be able to examplify that same love, that same relational skill to others.

Until you realize the revelation of the extent of His forgiveness, you'll find it hard to forgive.

Until you realize the revelation of the extent of His gentleness, you'll find it hard to be gentle to others.

You become loud, angry all the time, aggressive, attributes that arent even in the character of God.

Having said that, until you realize the revelation of the extent of God's CHARACTER, its hard to have that same character. We cant give what we have not received right?

True friends support each other, they build each other up.
They are always there. Just as how JESUS is always there for us.

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you"

Do we wanna be like Christ?
Then are we able to say the very things He said???

Can we say to others 'I will never leave you nor forsake you?'
Can we say to others 'Ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened'?

When it comes to commitment into relationships...

Guys, you have the part to play for setting the right vision, upholding the right standard in that relationship!

For ladies, you have the right to support the vision of that man, that is why women are called the "Helper".

If you know the guy you are attaching yourself to is a jerk, please dont be stupid and say, "even though ure a jerk, but I still love you and want you to be my boyfriend". Then, you better support his vision of being a JERK!

If there's no support, no unity, how can any relationship stand?

Thats why knowing a person is so important. Dont make commitments to be with someone, just because YOU FEEL GOOD around that person! Hello???

Then what happens the moment you dont feel good?
OOPS! Sorry. We are no longer friends.

HOW CHILDISH CAN YOU GET?

Thats the purpose of relationship! Not just having to go through the good times, but the BAD times as well.

Every relationship has to be tested in the fire. Only then, the true value of the 'Gold Ore' will be revealed.

Decide today, not just to be a taker, but a giver.
Dont just take, take, take, and then have the nerve to just WALK AWAY...living a life...IN DEBT! Yes, DEBT. Not financially, but emotional debts.

A debt, is still a debt.

Dont end up making use of others, and then later chucking them aside.

Be faithful in the little things.
And much will be added.

Decide today, to be like Jesus, and not YOURSELF.
Deny yourself right? More of Him, less of you? ;)

Oh, and when you give. You gotta let the seed die.
Only then will it be rooted in the ground and bear forth fruit.
Dont give half-heartedly, holding on to it.

Thats what it means to give unconditionally, not expecting anything in return. :)

Dont have this terms and conditions thingy,
You are having a friendship, a relationship, not a contract.

Sacrifice, Honor, Blessing (Long Post)

2009-12-25T18:41:00.005+08:00

Has anyone offered to send you home?
Has anyone offered to set aside time to spend time with you?
Has anyone offered to buy you a drink?
Has anyone offered his/her seat to you?

These are the things we know as, acts of kindness, or acts of love.

Firstly, dont necessarily associate 'good' things, with 'right' things.
Just because someone is nice to you,
It doesnt mean he/she genuinely did it out of love.

We must always have an open heart and strike a balance.

So how do we react when people offer to do things/spend time with us?
And we know it costs them something?

Do we 'paiseh' and say its okay, or do we accept it?
This is something a bit tough for me to blog about, and I may not necessarily be right about everything, but Ill just share from my heart, my personal convictions, these are the things that make me...me.

We always say, 'when you're happy to give, Im happy to receive'.
On the other hand, there are those who say, 'when you're happy to give, I dare not receive'.

Hmm, its up to you to decide which statement is more weird to you. :D

So...the question now is...

When someone takes that step of love toward us, and it will cost them something, do we say yes, or no?

Personally for me, if I know that if that person chooses to sacrifice his/her time for me, and the person is tired and needs to rest, Ill say, 'why not you take a rest first?'...But I dont stop there. Good social skills will complete the second half of the statement to 'balance' it out, saying, 'when ure feeling better let me know and ill be glad to hang out together with you'.

In the second part, initiative and ownership comes in. Not only concern is shown, but you take charge and you respect the intentions of the person.

Similarly, when someone offers you a seat, especially when MANHOOD is involved, say no if you feel uncomfortable, but when when the guy INSISTS, then just receive it and praise the Lord. Have an attitude, of gratitude.

A true friend will always allow the other party to exercise his/her character development.

Serving is a good attitude to have. Giving is a good attitude to have.
As a true friend, we want to see the people around us grow, and these are things they can practically live out, on a day to day basis.

When you allow a guy to exercise his manhood, not only you strengthen and encourage him to be better, you two begin to build closer relationship by giving and taking.

But of course, if you truly insists its okay, then eventually the guy has to give in. But then, what is the sin of omission? It is knowing what is right but failing to do it. What if its the guy's conviction? You just made him stumble...and the bible warns us of being stumbling blocks.

Of course to other guys, its okay, as long as you're fine with it. Thats great too.

Similarly, guys, if the sisters wanna do something for you, receive it with joy, be thankful, appreciate them. But as men, dont forget to return the favor! ;)

Every good thing comes from God.
Every blessing is from God.

One thing Ive learnt from a cute young girl from another cg, is to never reject a blessing, because if you reject a blessing, you reject God Himself. Can you imagine, I got scolded and convicted by a CHILD! It totally changed my life! haha.

Same goes with genuine love.

If a guy, does something out of love, but in his heart, he intends to make use and manipulate you, then you'll be a fool to let him do it.

But if someone is genuine and out of his/her conviction, does something out of love for you, instead of showing pity and treating serving, giving and sacrifice as something lowly and 'compromising', we should treat such, with honor and with respect.

The greatest in the Kingdom of God, are those who are the servants of all.

So treat them with honor, with respect. These are the greatest in the kingdom. People who give their lives for others.

Im sure when Jesus makes time for us, or He goes a great distance to do something for us...take for instance...dying on the cross...

Do we say to Him, 'eh, no need to die la...its okay, You should live and enjoy life, no need to worry about me.'?

Remember what happened when Peter told Jesus, after Jesus told him that He had to die a tragic death for the sins of the world? He said, 'Lord, it shall not be so!'

And what was Jesus' response?

"GET BEHIND ME SATAN!"

Wow! I mean, just...wow. Was Peter concerned for Jesus? Im sure he was. But Jesus's reaction...why? God wanted something done, but out of our own 'face', our own pride, even though what we did was a good thing, it was not a GOD thing. It was still something we wanted, not something God wanted. So you think being Jesus' disciple is easy? I mean just look at the way He disciples His disciples...

For failing to understand His parable, Jesus 'discipled' them.
"Do you have eyes that cannot see? Ears that cannot hear?", etc.
For failing to heal and deliver people, Jesus 'discipled' them.
"Oh faithless generation!", etc.

And when He disciples, its pretty strong and sometimes, it will even offend.

If we're not for Him we are...?

Against Him.

I feel we need to be more spiritually aware, for every earthly thing, there is always something spiritual behind it.

Sometimes we pray to God for a blessing, and God uses people. Sometimes He wants to bring some things to us, but because of what we feel is right, we hinder Him, and then we go back home, crying to God, "God, why didnt you give me a blessing, a breakthrough? Ive been praying so long!"

Dont you think that will irritate God?

Like.."Here I am, wanting to bless you. You dont want it. And now, you complain that you dont have it..."

Come on, lets grow out of that kiddish mentality.

A person who sacrifices for us, who gives unconditionally for us, yes, it hurts them sometimes, but nevertheless, these people do it with joy, fulfilling the call of God upon their lives.

These are our great leaders, mentors in life, who are willing to set an example for us to follow, yes, we show them our concern, but more importantly, lets respect and honor these people that God has raised up, to be a blessing and an influence for our generation. :)

I remembered my incident where I promised a word to a friend to go jamming. But last minute, I had to attend a multiple service, because I wanted to. In that case, God spoke very clearly to me, swear to my own hurt, keep to my word and meet that friend. Can you imagine it, God Himself asking me to skip an extra service!

Is going extra service a good thing? Yes. But at that moment, God wanted something else done. To cut the story short, I had a fruitful time that day.

Anyways..

If you truly care, we can always learn 'repayment', or in "Christian Lifestyle" terms, restitution. (or was it Victorious Living? Hmm, haha. Cant rem)

Treat him/her to a meal, give them a good birthday gift, send him/her words of appreciation, in this way, the relationship is two-way, and when there is agreement, there is power! :)

When God offers something to us, do we feel 'paiseh' about it?
No, we take ALL WE CAN! lol. Similarly, if we treat God like that, do we treat people the same way, 'unknowingly'? We just wanna 'take all we can' and not be willing to give back to the person.
We'd rather take the shortcut of convenience.

We think:

If the person doesnt sacrifice, then I wont feel the need to repay him/her. So its better if he/she doesnt sacrifice, so I no need to feel compelled to give anything in return.

To me, that is the wrong mentality! We totally missed out on whats the most important.

If we fail to understand the heart of fellowship,
We fail to understanf the heart of God, that longs for fellowship.

God placed people in our lives for a reason.

Imagine you give you offering to God and He says, 'no need la, keep it, I know you need to eat later, I paiseh laa...' then what kind of whimpy God we serve?

He receives it with the same joy you give it.

Then what?

He blesses you back, WITH INTEREST!

Lets not just be takers, but lets be givers. People who are generous. ;)

Jesus says, "I have come to give you life, and life more abundantly."
To us, if we wanna be like Him, can we say the same thing too? ;) Food for thought.

Sacrifices

2009-12-23T16:22:00.001+08:00

If you did not fight hard with your life for something, you have no right to complain over it when you fail to have it. Especially if someone else who had fought harder, is learning to live with it despite having his disappointments.

Castle Age

2009-12-23T14:06:00.003+08:00

Getting high on Castle Age on facebook lol.
I rushed to a battle rank of a Squire at just level 8 :x

Add me! Add me! Add me! LOL.

Drink Driving

2009-12-22T19:00:00.003+08:00

People who drink to drown their sorrows and anxieties end up drowning their discernment to detect such emotions as well.

Alcohol impairs judgement, we all know that. But few know that its not a temporal state of mind, but with every drink and every 'high' you get, you sever brain connections in your emotional and analytic section of your brain.

In the long term, damage and 'modification' in the brain becomes permanent.

Thought the effects wears off over time, these connections in your brain do NOT regenerate back. Apart from your eyes, and your ears, your brain is the only tissue/organ in your body that does not regenerate its cells.

From birth to death, you have the same eyes, ears, and brain.
While tissues and bones regenerate as we grow, these do not.

As a result of frequent alcohol intoxication, people not only 'forget their problems and anxieties', they actually dont feel it. What does it mean? It means exactly what it says, they lose the ability to discern such emotions.

Thus, people who drink a lot tend to have misunderstandings, loss of temper control, insensitivity, etc, especially in a relationship.

Since these people 'force' their brain to a high frequently and cutting off emotional and analytical connections, the brain is not able to process negative emotions as accurate anymore.

Not only does it affect them emotionally, in terms of abilities, they are also impaired. The lose focus, and get distracted and impatient easily.

The effects of drinking may be temporal, but the damage is long-term.

Knowledge is power. If you dont have the knowledge, you dont have the power, to live a successful, meaningful and fulfilled life - Maximizing your potential, both in your service to God, in your relationships with people.

Drinking once in awhile is okay, but still, its bad enough to 'modify' your brain, the moment your emotions start to change or you enter a state of high. Then again, live by your convictions.

Just as how irregular heartbeats can kill e person, irregular activity in the brain can also have its effects. Of all the things in your body, you choose to play with your brain? There's no wisdom in that. Thats foolishness.

People dont understand when you tell them: If you drink, dont drive.

Their english is so poor that they misinterpret it as, "If you're drunk, dont drive". Come on, how stupid can you get? But if you're really that illiterate, then let me help you to rephrase that:

If you're a drinker, dont be a driver!

Period! Full stop, end of story! You are just downright irresponsible.

They say real men can drink a lot. Well, you can drink a lot and still be a LOSER IN LIFE! WAKE UP!

Its not about whether ure drunk or not. The fact remains, you have consumed alcohol, your brain connections have been modified, in some ways, its effectiveness, IMPAIRED!

Its like you saying:

"Oh! Im sitting on the toiletbowl. But Im not shitting or urinating WAT..."
Yea right. Then what are you doing? POSING FOR A FAN PORTRAIT!?!

Dont tell me you drink so much until you forget how to use your brain!

No use getting a criminal record just because you stink of alcohol. Really. Its not worth it. Worse still, you stink of alcohol and you tell the officer, 'but Im not drunk wat...'

Ya..you have a tummy, but ure not fat! O.O

Online Bibles

2009-12-21T22:45:00.006+08:00

http://bible.crosswalk.com is a good site if you're looking for online bible reading.

Im soo hooked to it. Check out the NLT version of the book of Wisdom, Proverbs, here:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/proverbs/10.html

Great verses include:

"Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise."
"Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge."
"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything."
"A worthy wife is her husband's joy and crown; a shameful wife SAPS HIS STRENGTH."
"Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted."

OUCH! HAHAHA!

Not only you read with your sight,
You can click on the 'Listen Audio" button. :)

With the combination of sight, sound and reading along on your own, you activate also speaking forth the word. Great for your quiet time.

You see the Word. - If you can see it, you can have it.
You hear the Word. - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the Word of God.
You SPEAK the Word. - If a man does not doubt, he shall have whatever he SAYS.

What are you waiting for today? Get filled in the Word!

Abide in Him and He in you. :D

Decent Entry, Finally!

2009-12-21T00:07:00.004+08:00

I realized something...Ive been blogging about nothing other than notes for the past dunno how many weeks, or even for months.

So pardon me, cus this entry will or rather, may not have much revelations in it. Just need to pen down certain things thats going on in me during this season...

I must admit, the 'withdrawal syndrome' has got a hold of me once again...

For many, xmas is the most happening season of the year, yet for me, most of the time, its the most depressing...one or two people will know why... and I guess, there are people who can identify with that need, that burden...

This month Ive spent quite an amount of money, first of all, and I dont want to spend again. Whenever my bank account goes below 3000 I go emo for some reason...

Sometimes I just dont know, on one hand, Im aiming for 10,000 in my account by end of this year, which isnt gonna happen anymore, so I guess ill aim for that next year. And then 1,000,000 before Im 30.

Yet at the same time, this verse keeps on hitting me in my spirit, "and do not withhold anything from anyone who borrows..." part of the sermon on the mount, and these are beattitudes we're talking about.

So I dunno, on one hand, I want to be the head and not the tail, yet on another hand, we are called to give, and keep on giving. Wisdom is good. But does wisdom overtake the concept of obedience?

Can wisdom come to a point where it can be used as an excuse not to obey?

To me, obedience is still greater than sacrifice.

Hmm..I dont know, what do you guys think? People who are in need, you feel 'obliged' to take care of them, and at the same time, you're obeying at the expense of yourself. Which is probably the right thing to do...but I dunno, Im confused.

And these people who borrows are not squanderers of money, they're genuine in lack, maybe because of a family issue, etc. What do you do, when you come to a point like that?

You want to be a blessing. Yet most people avoid opportunities to bless.

They want to be a blessing but they dont want to give!

How can you bless unless you give? Like...DUH!

We are blessed to be a blessing.

If you dont like to give, you will NEVER be a blessing.

And since you wont wanna be a blessing, you will never be blessed!

Its only when you come to a point of willingness to bless, willingness to give, only then will God give you the grace and the empowerment for every good work.

Ah Ma's neighbour, the one whom I prayed for twice only, has just recently been admitted to AH...with pancreatic cancer, i think. Even though I do not know him personally, yet I feel so compelled to visit him weekly to pray for him.

Even though my schedule is already so packed, and worse if people last minute this and last minute that.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

You expect me to make changes that cant be made on the spot.

HAHA! Ouch. Kidding. lol.

But yea, I dunno, really compelled. Sigh, is it because Im so used to this 'hospital life' for almost 2 years? Or is it because I really feel that I need to do something. If I have to fight once more, I will. In fact, Ill be GLAD to kick the spirit of infirmity's face! Satan, I told you before, even if you just show your face, I make sure you have no more face to show! :@ RAAAAHHH!!!

I dont care who is sick. You let me see a sick person, no matter who he or she is, you will jolly well get it from me you serpent!

Pardon my outburst...lol

Ive come to a point where I really cannot tolerate sin, I really cannot tolerate sickness. People will then say...but you cannot take matters into your own hands. Well, okay, I wont. If its God's 'plan' to bring something good out of it, then so be it. But it wont stop me from obeying His word, to take authority and dominion over the evil one!

God is in control? Yes. I let Him have the control.

I just do my part as a faithful servant, to do His will, and His will is that none should perish, but that all to come to repentance, that the weak can say I am strong, that the poor can say I am rich! That if we lay hands on the sick, they WILL recover.

Recently, Ive been feeling stoned, I wont say Im feeling down but, just lost, just tired. Ill still do my best. Im beginning to miss those days in poly once again...

Those lonely lunches I had at the canteen in front of the scenery...just me and God, no one else. It was so quiet, so peaceful. Those times, I had no friends, yet He was all I had... It was just so intimate, so romantic...

Im beginning to feel myself being drawn back to that point in time once again...where you just want to please Him and no one else...not even the standards man has placed on me, but His desires..having that relational experience with Him...

I dunno, I just feel myself drawing away from so many people, or maybe...they werent there in the first place, all talk, no action...

Random Shots - Bored. LOL. (Dug up from past)

2009-12-20T12:00:00.005+08:00

Fun, Fun and More Fun?

2009-12-20T11:22:00.002+08:00

Fun is good.

But those who only seek after fun will never come to a place of seriousness in your life.

You fail to make decisions, you fail to plan.
You fail to organise your life, you fail to prioritize correctly.

You just want fun, fun and more fun.

Your relationships dont last,
Your lifestyle is no good,
You're all over the place.
You're not firm about things.

You waver with the crowd, waver with circumstances.

Stop for a moment.
Stick your feet to the ground.

Do something with your life!

Lessons

2009-12-20T02:47:00.005+08:00

Most things are caught, not taught.

But the wise will make sure they avoid learning things the hard way.

If you're stuck in a situation, you dont need to be a rocket scientist to know, its because nothing has changed.

What are you doing about it?

Stop pondering and start doing.

Short and Sweet

2009-12-19T01:50:00.001+08:00

Ive been itching to say a lot of things, but Ill summarize it in one statement:

If you're a person who doesnt like to reply people,
You will attract the like-minded, people who dont like to reply you.

Period. End of story. Full stop.

Ouch.

Breaking Through Through Relationship

2009-12-17T22:18:00.006+08:00

Hmm, its been said that our primary calling is to a RELATIONSHIP with God, not a religion.

That being said, what does a relationship with Him means? Exactly what it sounds like. A relationship. DUH! lol.

And so, sometimes we wonder why we dont get our breakthroughs, well, for a start, examine our lifestyle now. At the level where we're at now, how often do we spend time with God? Already we are so busy, you think God will entrust us with a higher position or a larger growth in cg?

No lover in the right mind would do that. That being said, that person would no longer be called a lover but a dictator.

I began to realize, to God, we matter more to Him than anything else. He loves us deeply, He died for us, etc. And if giving that promotion, giving that breakthrough...as good as it may seem...if by doing that we become so busy, we have no time for God, we burn out, we dry up, we drift away from that intimacy with God, then am I right to say that God rather not let you have that breakthrough! True? :O

If you want God to trust you with greater things, you must first be faithful in the little things. Let God know that even if the breakthrough or the promotion comes, that He will still have His 'bf'/'gf' with Him, every single day.

If He cant have a relationship with us, then sorry, its hard for that breakthrough to come.

If I have a wife and she's gonna go overseas to study for like 6 months to a year plus, Ill plead with her to stay if possible, take a local degree or something, just dont go because Ill miss her, she's more important than that degree, which she can get locally. I know its hard, I know it may be expensive, but at least we are together, we can overcome anything, we have each other.

Same with God, He wont let you go...

At where you are now, right here, right now, is there intimacy between you and God?

"For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God" - How many times have we not given Him that attention, that appreciation, that WORSHIP? Yet, He keeps silent and loves us behind our backs?

That is the power of love. That is true commitment in a relationship.

Swines and Dogs

2009-12-17T20:17:00.005+08:00

Many things have happened recently and in the midst of my struggles, sometimes even crying myself to sleep, God began to encourage...well, not really encourage but speak to me in this one strange verse..

Mt 7:6 - "Don't give what is holy to unholy people. Don't give pearls to swine! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you." (NLT)

In some translations it says "Do not give dogs what is sacred". This is solid meat man, this is powerful stuff! When in the whole bible do you mention them referring to a group of people as DOGS? Yes, there are brood of vipers, and all that, but DOGS? God must've meant business here.

What are swines and dogs? No matter how precious a pearl is, swines will just see it as any other object. They tend to step over it, they dont appreciate it and sometimes even walk away from it. These pearls are your revelations, your blessings, your precious life experiences from God, etc. Pst Kong did a sermon once about it, like 1-2 years ago, cant really remember when.

Dogs on the other hand, they eat away your leftovers, leave nothing behind and sometimes even bite from the very hand that feeds them. Ive been reminded how unwise it is to take what is meant for you to share it with irresponsible people. Now, it may seem a bit unreasonable to withhold things from people, but even God Himself holds back certain things and even hinders some people, all in His sovereignty and divine plan and purpose.

If God's purpose is for you to have something, and you give it away, the moment you do that, that thing, that experience, that gift and revelation, has been considered 'out' of that purpose, out of that will. Its like you casting away your own destiny. The spirit of Cain, who exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup!

Not only does it show an unwise stewardship on our part, it becomes unfruitfulness when what God has given to you, thats meant to be sown into someone else's life and to bring in an increase, a growth, ends up in vain.

Likewise, on the contrary, if we're not careful, we will end up on the other side of the spectrum, being "Christian Swines" and "Christian Dogs". We dont appreciate the things of God, we trample over those in authority and we neglect those whom God has placed in your life. You live for the blessing more than the blessor, be it God, or even your friends, your leaders, who gave and sacrificed so much for you.

We despise revelation and we say spiritual things are BORING, dull, plain and we limit God, we doubt Him, etc.

These are your spiritual swines and dogs, and the bible is very strict, that blespheming against the Holy Sprit is a very serious matter. Okay, Im going off topic with the blespheming part, haha. But yea.

Dont despise the things of God, dont neglect the His people, and touch not His anointed ones.

It has been a painful experience for me, but I learnt many things, and I began to feel identified with the sufferings of Christ Himself. I know how it feels like to seek fellowship and no one replies you, I know how it feels like to give of yourself and no one appreciates you, I know how it feels like to be alone and everyone else out there is either too busy or having fun, I know how it feels like to have great plans, good intentions and people doubt you or worse, even get suspicious of you.

Arent these things the same way some people treat God? How you treat people is how you treat God. It just hurts God so much, it breaks His heart, even though sometimes He doesnt say.

Sometimes I think back and I begin to say, "God Im so sorry for how Ive treated you, seeing everyone treat me like that, I begin to understand how You really feel. God, I want to be always available for you, I dont want to leave you alone anymore. When You speak to me, God I will reply and I will press into You. God, I will set aside time to spend time alone romantically with You, whether is it shopping alone, eating alone, God the little that I have, I give it to You..."

God is knocking at the door of our hearts everyday, longing to fellowship with us, longing to have a chat with us, to give us good gifts and a great destiny, but just how many times we have let Him down, yet He readily forgives us? Ive knocked onto the door of some people's hearts, but they turn me away, the same way they turn Christ away, with their busy-ness of ministry.

I long to share my life but people seem uninterested, the same way God wishes to share His plans with us yet some of us are always occupied. When we pray, we only ask God for things. There's no love, no affection, no intimacy. God is just a vending machine to you, the same way some have treated me.

"Bless me, protect me, anoint me, encourage me, teach me, lead me, show me, etc" - Everything is me, me, me. Its not wrong, dont misunderstand me, but where is the element of relationship?

The question today will be, are you "using God"? Or are you loving Him?

The christian life is not a one-way street, it takes 2 to make things work. Now, if nothing's happening in your life, then ask yourself, are the 2 working together? Who are the 2? You and God. Are you both in agreement? Or does God have His plans and you have your own plans? Are you guys in sync? The place of agreement is the place of power.

Hold on tight to these pearls that Christ paid a big price for. Treasure the people around you, cling onto the revelations God has given to you like they mean your life, your food, your means for survival. Im a very silent, peaceful and sentimental person, though many would disagree after seeing my YouTube haha, but yea, I value people's feelings a lot and I meditate a lot, like my friend says, I remember every single word and every single thing anyone has done or said to me.

But like sentimentality...

The sentimental value of the blessings, revelations and people God has placed in your life,
Reflects the level of your intimacy with God.

When your best friend gives you a present, do you not hold on tight to it?
When you lose it do you not cry? Because it meant so much to you.

Likewise, what are you doing with what and who God has given to you today?
Are you emotionally attached to God?

Its one thing to love God,
Its another thing to BE IN LOVE with God.

Are you two living like married singles?

You do things because you have to, because its a routine, etc.

Check your relationships. They tell a lot about your walk with God.
A friend also reminded me of the "Kisser or Cleaver" sermon.

Its weird cus everytime my heart breaks, I blog a lot, like A LOT, really A LOT. Haha. I guess its risky to break my heart because, whats on the inside will come out. Hahaha.

If my reaction is drastic, like from a funny chatty guy to a solemn, silent and serious persona, then you know that the Andrew you live with, has been hiding behind a shell. :S And I do admit, I am most of the time...to feel accepted, to meet the demands of ministry, etc. Im working on it, but sometimes you cant help it, things are moving so fast, you just got to adapt on the spot. =/

Sometimes even though you're hurt, you have to be cheerful for someone. I know how it feels like and I believe people can identify with that. Im really doing my best, but sometimes, I feel Im not doing enough. There's no...'constructive feedback', no 'response', and I really dont know whether people feel better, inspired, or just downright bored with me.

Everything is a one-way street for me, maybe its because your relationship with God is also a one-way street? Haha. Okay, I shall not say anymore, I think its clear enough...

I may not have the ability to lead, Im not even a connect group leader or a committee member in cg, Im just a normal teddybear who plays guitar with a lot of thought and emotion, ultra thick on the outside to bind and rebuke every demon and evil spirit and to start a war with hell every single time I get provoked with the Devil, but inside, soft like marshmallow, even when people scold me, I just take everything in, like a sponge, keep quiet and smile.

Okay, Im getting VERY off topic, cus Im typing this on notepad at my workplace since I have no internet access and I cant help but to pen down my thoughts, or rather...keyboard down my thoughts haha. Ill be copying and pasting it directly when I get home. Im doing my work too, dont worry. :O

Teachability, Deliverance and Prophetic WoK

2009-12-17T08:17:00.005+08:00

If a person is willing, teachable and open, if a person is sincere and truly desires change, God will speak. I learnt that on tuesday as I SMSed Evangeline.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, I received an SMS in the midst of a conversation that made me manifest at work, yes (not violently but...through the softer approach). You think you can only move the hand of God in church, and when laying on of hands? Think again.

Basically when I read the message halfway, I felt as if my graves have been dug up, things deep down that I just brushed aside and moved on in life, not dealing with it. Because sometimes circumstances kinda prohibit me from doing so...

At one moment, you're discouraged, at the same time, before you even get encouraged, someone comes to you and needs help, you know you gotta encourage the person, so you stir yourself up, put in some faith and love, and you encourage him/her.

Whether the person actually thanks you is another thing, but anyway...yea. Somehow after that, you too feel a bit better and you're okay, not knowing that you have actually 'brushed' aside that hurt, that problem. And when you're okay, I mean, you ARE okay, not putting on an act of something but, genuinely okay.

Some people think that if you're so quick to forgive and forget, to them, you're weird. Like...how can someone change moods so suddenly and instantly? Well, I can. And when Im okay, Im REALLY okay. Even if it seems impossible to be okay, instantly, well...I have.

So I'll just end off with what she said that really pierced me...when I was reading the first half, I almost burst, then somehow, the messages were delayed and you have that "Missing Text" thingy, that gave me that delay in time to make my way to the toilet before I manifest full-blown :S So yea, I continued reading on and I just broke down like nobody's business...

For those who were interested to know what the Word given to me was, it commends on your hunger for spiritual things, for those who didnt ask, well, it just shows that you just want to play and have fun. Thats all.

"You have a similar temper as mine, a strong sense of justice...

:) Its alright to want to love and protect someone.. But 1st of all, you got to break away from your own self. You're also someone who carries a lot of hurts. Different from mine of course.. But I really feel, the 1st step will be to ask God to take away every past hurts towards people around you. You remember every single thing that people do and say to you, good and bad. But somehow, the bad stuffs win over the good stuffs. Lots of times, what people did against you, might not affect them, but it affects you badly and in turn, you remember these things and they turn you into someone doubtful about yourself.

You struggle with your own self esteem even though you try to hide it. You are a very good bro who cares for others. But can you think for a moment, about your own well being. Take care of your mind and esteem yourself. You can do more de...more than what you're doing now! :) Im always inspired by your revelations, that is your gifting. Next will be to help others literally to break through. But 1st, break through in yourself and in the way you see yourself. Dont care how others see you, it's not the now that matters, but the future. :)

Andrew, you're called to rise up. You don't need to wait till NS to end, you don't need to wait for someone to appreciate you in order to rise up. It starts with recognizing how God 1st loved you the way you are before anything else. :) Every leader will definitely go through what we go through. Yes, there are people who rise up because they can grow groups. But desire to be a leader of influence that will rise up to fulfill the call of God and this wont be easy. But God will bring you through. Stay broken... A true shepherd knows how to fill themselves to overflowing, and then allowing the overflow to fill others. Be tat true shepherd. :) And when the time comes, God will bring the promotion. :)"

Template Changes

2009-12-16T12:51:00.003+08:00

Ive decided to revert back to the simple, easy to read and neat template. :)

And also since my tagboard is inactive, Ive decided to remove it.
Partly also because some posts I double post on my facebook and people comment there instead of here, but in the event you wish to comment, you can still click onto the comment link at the end of every post.

Then again, not every post will be copied onto my facebook, the general and more personal ones will remain here while the more 'practical' ones, mainly the revelations, sermon notes, etc, goes to my FB besides here.

Ive got something to blog, but Ill do it later when I have the time.

If you think the anointing of God can only flow in church, via laying of hands, or a face to face encounter, then you're seriously limiting God! ;)

One Life, Live It!

2009-12-14T08:09:00.005+08:00

Your life will be the character of the one who controls it.

If your life sucks, its because your character sucks.
But if you put it in the hands of the Perfect One, then your life will be perfected by the perfection of His character.

We all will die one day. When? Only He knows. But as He has promised, the end WILL be unexpected. Could be tomorrow? The year after? Few years down the road? Just because you're young, dont for a moment think that you still have a long life ahead and end up complacent.

Will you be the foolish one, to waste your entire life away, all your passions, all your energy on something that will not last? You get stressed, worked up, anxious and worrying about things that will never have any eternal impact.

What does it mean to really live life?

Its not merely to have the best in life, but to GIVE the best TO life!

So that the day we die, at least we leave behind a legacy for people to remember.

People will not remember what you have,
People will only remember what you have given.

The legends in life are not those who have owned the most,
But those who have GIVEN the most.

What is the one thing you have given to others, to society, today?

We only have one life,
Dont EXIST through life,
LIVE it!

The Man With The 1 Talent

2009-12-13T23:11:00.004+08:00

Whenever we read the parable, we always see this man as the lazy and wicked servant who hid his talent (be it in terms of finances or gifts, etc)

However, on the train just now, when a member of mine began to share his testimony on how God gave him a direction in his life from that parable...

I began to have a different perspective...

Some of us, we have our "One Talent"s, be it, a broken family, bad academic results, wrong job, etc, things that are deemed insignificant and at times, discouraging or even down right unfair and painful.

But what did the servant do?

He hid his talent. Why? He was...AFRAID.

At times we may feel afraid of what is going in our lives, but we know and we know, that these things happen EVEN THOUGH we walk upright with God, and we know that we know, in a way, these things are situations God has allowed to shape and mould our character.

But let me encourage you, just as how God spoke to that servant, "The least you could do is to deposit it in the bank so that I can receive it with interest..."

What does 'BANK' mean to us? For me, I had a revelation of bank being the 'system of the world', or in short, the 'world' itself.

The one talent that we have, painful, shameful, intimidating as it may seem, if it is PART of the PROCESS of following the Lord, then know that God is in control.

Dont become like that lazy and wicked servant.

Even what God has given to us, may not seem to have any potential to multiply, even if what God placed in our lives seem pathetic, never hide it, never be afraid of it, never feel ashamed of it, because the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.

But deposit it into the BANK, the world, the society...and let it be a blessing to others!

We say that God wastes no bad experience, this is what is all about, this is what faith really is...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen...perceiving things which are not as though they were!

What do you have in your hands today? Is it your abundance? Is it your means of survival? Is it your most despised possession?

Whatever it is, if its that one talent, do something about it.

And I believe when we put the little into the Master's hands, it will become much! That is why in the parable it said, that when we deposit that ONE TALENT into the BANK, into society to be a blessing, your testimony, it shall come back to us with INTEREST!

Looks at the servant, he called his Master the one who "reaps where He has not sown and gathered where He has not scattered seed" when in fact, the Master did SOW the seeds.

But even that, the Master didnt defend Himself and say, "How can you say that?" or "I did not reap where I have not scattered seed!" The Master accepted what the servant said, in a sense, but despite it, He still said that the least he could do was to deposit it and get it back with interest.

Even if God is unreasonable, even if God is unfair, which He ISNT, but EVEN if He is that stingy 'God' some people claim Him to be, He still believes in the little that you have! That is the demonstration that indeed, with God ALL things are possible!

If you are a businessman, be the best businessman you can be.
If you are the average student, be the best student you can be.
If you are the less fortunate ones, then STILL strive to be the best in that which you already are, faithful in the little things, and much will be added!

:)

Gratitude

2009-12-12T07:58:00.001+08:00

If you're not easily contented, you wont be easily grateful, you will find it hard to be satisfied in life. In fact, you will be MISERABLE! Those who seek the best in life, tend to lose themselves to get it. But those who are faithful in the little, MUCH will be ADDED because only God can give you that which is greater than what you already desire.

CG + Testimony

2009-12-11T22:50:00.003+08:00

CG was great. Sean's testimony is the best. Really feel so happy for him.

Anyway, since I failed to share mine, I shall do so here.

Haha.

Today I received multiple financial blessings, from my welfare dept :D

1. $140 worth of Choice vouchers which can be used in Cold Storage, Giant, Shop n Save, Guardian, 7 Eleven and Market Place.

2. $5 NTUC voucher

3. $7 Shaw Brothers movie voucher.

4. And an entitlement to a flexi-benefit claim worth $80, for sports items - clothes, shoes, rackets, bags, etc.

If I had passed my IPPT, I would be entitled to $130 instead, but oh wells, I dont really know what to buy with $80 worth of claims of sports EQ haha. :x hmm.

Service is gonna be great tmr.

31hrs to go. :D

On a side note, who wanna lan on sunday!?!?!?!?! HAHA!

Dunno what to blog about haha

2009-12-11T06:47:00.002+08:00

Stop existing,
Start living!

Take responsibility and ownership over your own life and do something instead of sitting round the premises, waiting for the promises!

Start praying, start reading the Word, start fasting,
DO SOMETHING!!!

God moves only when you move!

So what if you're busy with school?
So what if you're busy with work?

To be a disciple is to FORSAKE ALL, and follow Him,
Pick up your CROSS, and follow Him.
Choosing the narrow way, even if it hurts!

DENY YOURSELF!

If all you want is a comfortable life, your life will be comfortable, as simple as that. You will never accomplish anything, you will never go anywhere.

Only the hungry and the faithful shall eat the good of the land.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Imagine God sitting in heaven and all He hears is your complains and grumbles,
instead of you putting your faith and the authority He has given you, to work.

Your life never changed because YOU never changed!

Quality Service Workshop

2009-12-09T06:44:00.003+08:00

One thing Ive learnt during the workshop, which I was 'selected' to go on monday afternoon haha:

Bahaviour is a choice.
Having a good attitude requires practice, practice and practice.

And more importantly, a good friend who allows you to make mistakes so that you can be put in an environment to learn and grow.

Its been proven through studies that when emotion is high, logic is low.
Likewise, when logic is high, emotion is low.

That is why you can never get anything into an angry person,
Same for a fool who is falling in love with the wrong person.

Before you solve a problem, you must solve the emotion.

Learn to act and not react!

Post Death Bloggings (LONG POST!)

2009-12-07T17:41:00.005+08:00

Many things have happened recently, and Ive been thinking through a lot of things.

Some people see death as the end of life,
While others can see death as the end of sufferings.

Life is like an internship, we come, we do our assignment on earth, we go.

What does it meant to be 'attached' to the world?
Exactly what it means, attachment to things/people in this world.

Everyone wants meaningful relationships. Yes, people are important.
But people are not the foundation. The Word is.

That is why we are called brothers and sisters in Christ, we are co-workers, and together, we are the BODY of Christ...for God's purposes in our lives, it is through these 'colleagues' that we learn to love, learn to give and learn to mature and handle life.

What does it mean when bible says that the power of death has been broken?

More than just the physical victory over death, and stepping into God's presence when we leave, it is the POWER that is broken.

In layman's terms, death has no effect, death has no power.

Some people ask me, do I not care? Yes I do.
Some people ask me, how come Im not affected? I am.
Its one thing to be affected, its another thing to be carried away.

Death is a selfish spirit. (Death IS a spirit by the way, thats why its called the SPIRIT of Death).

More than just the departure of a loved one which seems selfish to leave us all alone, for the mourner, it can be deemed selfish the moment we choose to hold on to that which is not ours.

We must be careful that we dont come to a point where we think we own a single thing on this earth, because honestly, we dont. We are all just stewards, of not just material things, but PEOPLE as well.

At the end of the day, God is not going to say, 'well done, good and faithful son, well done, good and faithful pastor, well done, good and faithful leader'...No. The only commendation we will receive is, 'well done, good and faithful SERVANT.'

What is it that we have contributed to the lives of those around us? Do we take from others more than what we can give?

For every person in your contact list, if you were asked to list the things you have given to that person, what would it be? How many will there be?

But honestly, at the end of the day, God will hold us accountable over everything and everyone He has entrusted to us. Have we properly looked after them? How good is your stewardship?

Another reason why Death is selfish is because we tend to get worked up, over how the person can bless US, its about OUR benefit, what WE can, or COULD HAVE gained, etc. I dont know whether you notice or not, but that seems to be the trend. It is the occasion where we want to TAKE the most.

Its like saying NO to God Himself.

Its okay, to miss someone, that is human nature, but be careful not to come to a point where you try to BE God in that situation, or it affects you so badly that you keep wanting and wanting and wanting, instead of giving, giving and giving. Or worse, you get angry at God.

Throughout this period, I have learnt many things...

In fact, many things have happened. They say fire purifies, and I believe so strongly.

Many people tell God, God, use me. God, I want to be a blessing.

But to do that, you have to position yourself for God to use.

Use my example as an illustration, I discovered who really cared, who really didnt. I mean, for those who smsed me, or asked me how I was doing, I really appreciate it all esp my cg and a few others who came down, whoever you are, love all you guys.

There are those who were busy, whom I cant blame...cus 'some' are always busy hahaha, its like a tape recorder playing over and over, or those who simply couldnt be bothered.

Even if you're genuinely 'busy' at least give me the assurance or let me know. Instead of creating 'suspense' for me. Im someone who walks away from dead ends. Dont expect me to understand if you're not gonna express it.

PS: For those who are innocent, haha stay innocent, sorry, I was too caught up and everything occured between midnight and sunrise to inform you guys. :(

I mean, honestly, there's no greater opportunity to be a blessing than to be there for someone who's in need. Btw, Im not gonna dwell on all the 'wrong people', Ill just state a truth that is fair and unbiased so that it can apply even to myself.

So for those who prayed to God, God, make me a blessing, you arent really sincere when you prayed that prayer because you ignored an opportunity, and you could bless but you chose not to, you chose your comfort...especially if you're enjoying your holidays or term breaks and with nothing to do.

Especially if you said something and you didnt do it, then if we are like that, how are we like God? Whatever God says, doesnt fall to the ground. Whatever you say, does it fall to the ground?

Back then, I posted something about A.S.K. - Asking and u shall receive, Seek and u shall find, Knock and it will be opened.

We all want to be like God, but have we come to a point where we see what God sees, thinks what God thinks and SPEAK what God speaks? Are we able to, like God, say to others, 'Ask and u shall receive, seek and u shall find, knock and the door will be opened'?

Can we provide?
Can we be found?
Can we be open and honest and proactive?

Back to the death incident...

Ive been thinking what God gave me not, one, not two, but THREE encounters in ONE DAY! One of which was an angelic encounter.

Its one thing to encounter God, its another thing to encounter God AND angels.

Maybe God probably knew, at that point, I was really broken, and God wanted to give me that assurance, that comfort. And if I believe correctly, He couldnt find anyone at that time, who's AVAILABLE.

So what happened? He did everything Himself.
Pst once said, "If you're not interested or you're too busy, God can always find someone else"

There was no one to comfort me, it was 230am past midnight, everyone, or rather, most of us were asleep (what a bad time right? hahaha)! So in that situation what did God do? He did find two of my cg members who were awake. To one, He spoke a bible verse, to the other, He moved in his heart to go down to the hospital with me...IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ALL THE WAY TILL 5AM.

Now, frankly speaking, I was AMAZED. I was even more surprised that there were EVEN people still awake! LOL.

So anyway, I needed comfort and love and God knew it. I mean, He knows our needs.

All he had, were 2 faithful members who arent even in ministry yet, they are just NEW MEMBERS, but they were available, and God placed in them that ANOINTING TO DO THE WORK OF ANGELS. And that night, they were like angels to me.

God knew I was at my breaking point, He needed to do a miracle for me and I did pray that something will happen, at least to give me that peace and assurance.

And Jesus probably asked Father God, 'Who do we have?' and Father God probably said, "Lets see, all we have is 2 new members, but I will make them do great things, in them, I will place the anointing to have the power of a miracle!"

True enough, these 2 members, young and new as they may be, became the angels and the miracle I had been praying for, in that time, in that season.

Friends, God needs things to be done. While men is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men. That is why we are His BODY, His hands, His feet, His eyes, His ears, His mouthpiece.

And if you want God to use you mightily, then stop being "IN USE".

We are His body, and very often I realized that God uses people the most.

When poeple need a guitar, I can provide, when people need finances, I know I can give, its within my capacity to do so, when people need a listening ear, I can travel all the way to the east just to be there, these are things within my means, but more than that, I take every opportunity God can work through me.

Some of my blog readers told me once, "Im so blessed by you, how do you do it?" And its simple. All blessings come from God. I just chose to be that "Wrapping Paper" God could use.

Every opportunity I can speak a word, I take it.
Every opportunity I can give something, I take it.

Relationship precedes ministry.

For me, personally, my relationships are my ministry. We are here not to be served, but to serve, and to give of our lives for others.

You can be so into your celgrp MORE than your celgrp MEMBERS.
You can be so into your job MORE than the income you gain that can be a blessing to your friends and families.

Yes, leadership is good.
Yes, earning money and being efficient at work is good.

But lets not forget, at the end of the day, when we stand before God, who will be the ones who will come and shake our hands and say, "Thank you".

At the end of the day, "who will have everything you have worked for?" I make a decision to give and keep on giving, to encourage and keep on encouraging, to bless and keep on blessing, to share and keep on sharing even though some people find me a 'bother' haha.

Im just passionate haha. Whenever I have a revelation, Im excited to share it, because I know I can strengthen someone. :)

I may not be a leader myself, I may not be the most experienced or the most smartest or the most eloquent, but whatever I have, I wanna make the best out of it.

Giving becomes easy, the moment we receive the Giver Himself. ;)

If God can do it, if a gaming geek like me can do it, so can you.

Holed Up

2009-12-05T12:45:00.006+08:00

Something, or rather, someone, has been missing in my life for some time now.
Its strange because I got over it awhile back.
Now that my life's empty again, I begin to miss what means to me the most.
And only one person came to mind...
Back then, I had other people to 'distract' me.
But now, hardly anyone is there anymore.
No one feeds that emotion anymore,
And when you're at your hungriest, you think of the most delicious food.
Its like the first thing you crave for after fasting.

The feeling of being talked to.
The feeling of not being alone.
The feeling of mischief and fun.
The feeling of being young again.
The feeling of giving to someone.
The feeling of sharing with someone.
The feeling of just knowing someone is with you.

Just because I know people are with me,
It doesnt mean they are.

Its like you shitting on your pants.
The toilet knows its purpose is to relief you.
You know you gotta go, but you're just not in the toilet.

So, are you a pants-shitter?

Only babies and the immature do that.

How can you love someone without loving someone?
How can you support someone without supporting someone?

They say love is blind. God is love. Therefore, genuine love isn't blind. It is fully aware, fully active, fully responsive.

If love is not visible, its not there, period.

Love is more than words, it is an act. Salvation doesn't come because you heard a sermon, or you know a story, salvation comes when you believe in it and you dedicate your life to live the lifestyle of a true believer.

Rant

2009-12-05T00:57:00.001+08:00

Talking to some people is like asking me to pay respects to them. You have the Life of God and yet act as though you're attending a wake!