I've been back from Missions trip! With 4 wonderful team members - Jorris, Lemmuel, Magdalene & Lestari. Really enjoyed the funny times, the joy of serving the people, the team effort, everything! Unfortunately, Santono was unable to join us.
I have too much to blog. But its written in my own journal. I am addicted to missions. No matter how far the people are, we must move forward to find them, get them, help them. The effort must really be great. If we have powerful teams, like how Jesus trains the Twelve, we can go anywhere and we won't be afraid.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Yes we will not fear anything for we know God is with us. I find that whenever we are plunged into missions, we have no choice but to know God is there. All da time! Last night I came back alone from Kuching. Its my first time travelling alone and the airport I'm arriving at is at Johor, not Changi. There is some fears of travelling on a budget airline alone, taking a taxi from JB to customs. How I wish I could stay with the team haha. However, I have to leave. I know only God is with me now; the dependency on Him just increased. As Christians, its impossible to be alone because God is omni-present. Somehow that fact deepened into us when we are overseas.
With that greater dependency on God, that's probably why we see and feel and know God is with us every step of the way during the trip. Many hiccups occurred but we never panic. Its almost an unspoken understanding that if God is not with us, we wouldn't be here. Precisely because Jesus is so real, we need to get out of our country and fulfill His plan in as many places and people as possible! It should not be just tourism mindset to get experience of other cultures or places but its missions mindset! We should step out to evangelize in our local area, to get into missions globally, God is with you! We should not fear to teach God's Word, share testimonies witnessing or personal conversion story!
Really thank God for the trip!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Stanley 18th on year 2008
One eyes-closed, one bug-tooth. We are brothers! Happy 18th Birthday Stanley!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Got a 24 7 duty this week. And battalion duties on saturday. I thought I could go on off on tues and wed so I might possibly teach in Maturity class. However, there was parade for a new commander of which I wasn't informed as I was then on overseas trip.
Thank God for the smooth first maturity class. Think Joy and Chris did a good job! Thank God for the mini farewell late at night for Mingxiu. Colin, Shareen, Andrew, Liyan and Huimei were there. Wish you all the best! haha
Well, hope to see my people again soon. And while I'm in camp I promised God last night, I'll work hard to be a soldier and in working for my people at the available time I have. Let's work hard to study the Word of God, writing what God has spoken to us, praying for our people and fellowshipping with God.
Thank God for the smooth first maturity class. Think Joy and Chris did a good job! Thank God for the mini farewell late at night for Mingxiu. Colin, Shareen, Andrew, Liyan and Huimei were there. Wish you all the best! haha
Well, hope to see my people again soon. And while I'm in camp I promised God last night, I'll work hard to be a soldier and in working for my people at the available time I have. Let's work hard to study the Word of God, writing what God has spoken to us, praying for our people and fellowshipping with God.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Hong Kong 4-8Sept!
It was a really an enjoyable and unforgettable trip to Hong Kong this time. I really enjoyed the contents of this trip, though I wasn't exactly excited about the container (the place itself). Basically Hong Kong really looks like what I see on TV shows!
It was great to know our brothers and sisters from this place. Most of them can speak English and some fluent Mandarin too. One of the things I discussed with a brother called Alex is that we need to have Cantonese praise and worship songs. This might be a way that can attract Hong Kong-ers to church to worship :)
I really enjoyed all of the teachings and worship time as well as times spent talking with the pastors and leaders. I've had the privilege to ask our Hope Manila to pastor out for dinner. We had to miss that night's worship time though.. but it was truly worth it to "suck" as much as I can from him; his spirit, his life, his ministry etc.. Also gotten a few contacts from a few other leaders. Really appreciate their open heart. I really thank God for keeping me focused and my eyes fixed on the LC for the first 3 days yupp. God really spoke alot alot, God indeed moved in the spirit of many people. God touched my heart. How much more should we be faithful to God!
Acts 26:19
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Paul proved himself obedient and faithful since the day he received that vision from God.
Wow, though we've only been at HK for a few days, I really miss the bros and sis' in Singapore and they were on our mind in prayers. I will think of how is caregroups, service, are they ok, leadership etc... haha but I know in such situations, we can only count on God and commit everything into His hands!
A number of people fell sick during the trip too. Yeah sometimes it is our responsibility to ensure they have rest also and not just being concerned of their fun itinerary because primarily, health is more important than the fun right? Protection. Though this is the first time for most of us to HK but there will definitely be opportunities in the future; this I'm just pretty certain.
There is a lot of work to be done - we r truly excited about the Great Commission. I've seen so many people excited about the vision and they are so serious about it. I no longer feel overly burdened anymore because all of us are determined to finish the cake, the world. There are so many more people who are going through tough times and we all rejoice because "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.." it develops our character, our skill in building the church, our faith and our victory!
A few people asked me about Scotland. It seems like whenever people ask me about my plans after NS or what is the country I have burdened for, it will always link back to Scotland as one of the options. It is an opening door for me. I have never thought of going Europe before because it is really expensive and I ain't particularly drawn to the Western society because I feel the Africans need Jesus more. However if it is really an opened door right in front of me, I think I should not choose but walk into it in obedience to the Great Commission. But who knows? God has great plans and I never say anything is confirmed until it is confirmed. We should not just go to countries we like or cultures that interest us because if we don't book any available country then we'll never be able to finish the "cake". We book the "piece of cake" of first - by prayer, by preaching. If someone goes ahead of us, praise God! If there is no one else but us, then hallelujah we r counted into this great plan of His!
Won't the vision be a piece of cake if everyone thinks this way?
And what we all ought to do is to be faithful in the little things and God will add upon us! Be a shepherd of one to three persons if you are not yet a shepherd. Be a shepherd first! Shepherd and follow up faithfully. Be dilligent and faithful in prayers of people and ministry + our own spiritual life, very important. Samuel as a leader considered it a sin to not pray for Israel! We have to pray!
With God, we can! See u all on the 14th Sept alright!
It was great to know our brothers and sisters from this place. Most of them can speak English and some fluent Mandarin too. One of the things I discussed with a brother called Alex is that we need to have Cantonese praise and worship songs. This might be a way that can attract Hong Kong-ers to church to worship :)
I really enjoyed all of the teachings and worship time as well as times spent talking with the pastors and leaders. I've had the privilege to ask our Hope Manila to pastor out for dinner. We had to miss that night's worship time though.. but it was truly worth it to "suck" as much as I can from him; his spirit, his life, his ministry etc.. Also gotten a few contacts from a few other leaders. Really appreciate their open heart. I really thank God for keeping me focused and my eyes fixed on the LC for the first 3 days yupp. God really spoke alot alot, God indeed moved in the spirit of many people. God touched my heart. How much more should we be faithful to God!
Acts 26:19
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Paul proved himself obedient and faithful since the day he received that vision from God.
Wow, though we've only been at HK for a few days, I really miss the bros and sis' in Singapore and they were on our mind in prayers. I will think of how is caregroups, service, are they ok, leadership etc... haha but I know in such situations, we can only count on God and commit everything into His hands!
A number of people fell sick during the trip too. Yeah sometimes it is our responsibility to ensure they have rest also and not just being concerned of their fun itinerary because primarily, health is more important than the fun right? Protection. Though this is the first time for most of us to HK but there will definitely be opportunities in the future; this I'm just pretty certain.
There is a lot of work to be done - we r truly excited about the Great Commission. I've seen so many people excited about the vision and they are so serious about it. I no longer feel overly burdened anymore because all of us are determined to finish the cake, the world. There are so many more people who are going through tough times and we all rejoice because "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.." it develops our character, our skill in building the church, our faith and our victory!
A few people asked me about Scotland. It seems like whenever people ask me about my plans after NS or what is the country I have burdened for, it will always link back to Scotland as one of the options. It is an opening door for me. I have never thought of going Europe before because it is really expensive and I ain't particularly drawn to the Western society because I feel the Africans need Jesus more. However if it is really an opened door right in front of me, I think I should not choose but walk into it in obedience to the Great Commission. But who knows? God has great plans and I never say anything is confirmed until it is confirmed. We should not just go to countries we like or cultures that interest us because if we don't book any available country then we'll never be able to finish the "cake". We book the "piece of cake" of first - by prayer, by preaching. If someone goes ahead of us, praise God! If there is no one else but us, then hallelujah we r counted into this great plan of His!
Won't the vision be a piece of cake if everyone thinks this way?
And what we all ought to do is to be faithful in the little things and God will add upon us! Be a shepherd of one to three persons if you are not yet a shepherd. Be a shepherd first! Shepherd and follow up faithfully. Be dilligent and faithful in prayers of people and ministry + our own spiritual life, very important. Samuel as a leader considered it a sin to not pray for Israel! We have to pray!
With God, we can! See u all on the 14th Sept alright!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
4-8 Sept - Hong Kong LC
9-13 Sept - Macau and China
14 Sept - NYP Reunion with the Alumnis!
15 Sept - First Maturity Class for all for FREE
Its been a long time since I last visited a caregroup of ours. I really see the value that every care member do everything and perform the role and tasks given excellently. I remember in the past, nothing we do is routine but we always seek to do whatever that warms people's heart and let people see the love of God, whether through bulletin by drawing caricatures of every member, the beautiful handwritten or typed-out lyrics, and not forgetting the worship that soaks us in the presence of God!
There is so many elements we need to be laying...
Teaching in balance.
Miraculous signs and wonder, people praying, sick healed..
Excellence in everything we do...
Leadership training....
Using spiritual giftings.....
Bearing fruits of the Spirit in our daily walk......
Missions minded and prayerful for it.......
Powerful praying community........
Caring for the needy.........
And much more, this is the most exciting project for God is so real!!
9-13 Sept - Macau and China
14 Sept - NYP Reunion with the Alumnis!
15 Sept - First Maturity Class for all for FREE
Its been a long time since I last visited a caregroup of ours. I really see the value that every care member do everything and perform the role and tasks given excellently. I remember in the past, nothing we do is routine but we always seek to do whatever that warms people's heart and let people see the love of God, whether through bulletin by drawing caricatures of every member, the beautiful handwritten or typed-out lyrics, and not forgetting the worship that soaks us in the presence of God!
There is so many elements we need to be laying...
Teaching in balance.
Miraculous signs and wonder, people praying, sick healed..
Excellence in everything we do...
Leadership training....
Using spiritual giftings.....
Bearing fruits of the Spirit in our daily walk......
Missions minded and prayerful for it.......
Powerful praying community........
Caring for the needy.........
And much more, this is the most exciting project for God is so real!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Can we, Asians, think?
On saturday, I bought many books, 16 of them altogether! Due to the Hope sale, the books are just 3 for $1. I hope to read finish all of them before my ORD haha. One of the interesting book I bought is titled "Can Asians think?" When the book caught Joy's eye, her reaction was like "ohh we are Asians, of course we can think!" Contrastingly, my reaction is like "oh I'm an Asian so I'm wondering if I can think." Haha. This contrast in response was later to be unveiled when I read the first chapter of the book. Can Asians think? The answers: Yes, no, maybe. 'Maybe' poses the strongest argument so far.
Briefly
In the past, the East has often seen the West as more superior. Their rise in economic powers and colonialism has given us that impression. Asia seems to be lagging behind. China was once a thousand year civilisation that has invented paper, gunpowder and even currencies. But after the 18th century, the West has risen. Europe and the US were the superpowers. The only more modern and perceived as a more democratic Asian nation was Japan then.
Asia has always wanted to emulate the West's success. The influence of the West also spread during the Cold War. Some Asian thinkers believed that to succeed is to follow the way of democracy, of which the West at that time, is strongly propagating.
China started to open its economy to the rest of the world and since then has seen tremendous growth in its economy. The 4 Tigers of Asia - Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has also seen great rise economically. From then til now, we have seen China's success despite it still not turning to democracy. More and more people are starting to believe that democracy is not the only political ideology that can achieve success for a nation.
Even til now, China is still continuing to face problems on its home front. Although the growth of Asian nations were phenomenal, it has yet to attain to the stability and peace that Western nations has enjoyed. (this book was published in 1998) Even US today faces war on two countries, perhaps there is no Western nation that will see a civil war nor huge conflicts within (except perhaps for Ireland). The issue of Taiwan still exists, there is still Vietnam, The Philippines and a state of a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the political systems that we have.
This proves one more thing. The problems and state of Asia is so diverse and unique to each nation, we cannot merely copy Western methods to solve these problems and advance forward in the economic and political world front. In another sense, we are forced or driven to the wall to think.
In the past, Asian nations has seen the West as more superior, and would like to emulate them. But today, countries such as China have grown so much, by adopting positions and policies that is peculiar to its own culture, refusing democracy. From a probably more extreme Mao period, to present-day after the Olympics, it has now become more 'balanced' and pragmatic in the world stage. It has been adapting more and more comfortably in its niche role in the world. Because of this, many Beijing-ers agree that China will be asked to be involve more in the world such as interventions and peace making etc.
In the US, Barack Obama poses hope to the nation which has been in 8 years of war and goose-chasing in the Middle East, allowed China to run closer and closer in its tracks. He is a more popular candidate outside US perhaps of his more favourable media attention. However, his main task of proving himself is not only on its foreign relations (or impressions), but problems homefront as well. So far, none has asked the question "can the Westerners think or not?" as their intellect superiority still looms. The question "can Asians think?" is a question only Asians can answer. Longing to see how China does in the next 4-5 years will be equally anticpative to how US perform in front of many watchful eyes. Whether can Asians think is still a "maybe". We can be sure that when the answer comes to "yes" it will be a great surprise to many.
AHM
Saturday night, Karshun and I met up to go to Charlie's house to stay overnight as Charlie was fetching us to the Army Half Marathon. We are all tired at night so we slept very quickly. Charlie and I ran 10km but Karshun ran 21km. 10km was quite a breeze but I think 21km will really be challenging!
The place was quite muddy. I thought they should cover the ground with something rather than setting up barricades near the Padang for the event. The soles of my shoes came off, it was tangling 3/4 of its length and slapping mud to the person standing behind me every step I took. It was quite funny to me. It was really easy to start a mud war there, especially the area where you can collect your bananas, 100 plus and mineral waters. Met some of my secondary school friends, Sispec mates, as well as Minister Teo!
Oh, in the end, the soles went off entirely. One shoe was without a sole aka its "soul" lol. But Kar Shun refreshed us by letting us use his house bathroom, thereafter I went to meet some RP and NYP guys for a meaningful time at Kai En's house near Bt Batok and Bt Gombak. The 3 of them Charlie, Kar Shun and Kelvin went to service with a tired state of mind but it was really tiring day overall. Had headaches and fatigue after the run.. haha
Briefly
In the past, the East has often seen the West as more superior. Their rise in economic powers and colonialism has given us that impression. Asia seems to be lagging behind. China was once a thousand year civilisation that has invented paper, gunpowder and even currencies. But after the 18th century, the West has risen. Europe and the US were the superpowers. The only more modern and perceived as a more democratic Asian nation was Japan then.
Asia has always wanted to emulate the West's success. The influence of the West also spread during the Cold War. Some Asian thinkers believed that to succeed is to follow the way of democracy, of which the West at that time, is strongly propagating.
China started to open its economy to the rest of the world and since then has seen tremendous growth in its economy. The 4 Tigers of Asia - Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has also seen great rise economically. From then til now, we have seen China's success despite it still not turning to democracy. More and more people are starting to believe that democracy is not the only political ideology that can achieve success for a nation.
Even til now, China is still continuing to face problems on its home front. Although the growth of Asian nations were phenomenal, it has yet to attain to the stability and peace that Western nations has enjoyed. (this book was published in 1998) Even US today faces war on two countries, perhaps there is no Western nation that will see a civil war nor huge conflicts within (except perhaps for Ireland). The issue of Taiwan still exists, there is still Vietnam, The Philippines and a state of a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the political systems that we have.
This proves one more thing. The problems and state of Asia is so diverse and unique to each nation, we cannot merely copy Western methods to solve these problems and advance forward in the economic and political world front. In another sense, we are forced or driven to the wall to think.
In the past, Asian nations has seen the West as more superior, and would like to emulate them. But today, countries such as China have grown so much, by adopting positions and policies that is peculiar to its own culture, refusing democracy. From a probably more extreme Mao period, to present-day after the Olympics, it has now become more 'balanced' and pragmatic in the world stage. It has been adapting more and more comfortably in its niche role in the world. Because of this, many Beijing-ers agree that China will be asked to be involve more in the world such as interventions and peace making etc.
In the US, Barack Obama poses hope to the nation which has been in 8 years of war and goose-chasing in the Middle East, allowed China to run closer and closer in its tracks. He is a more popular candidate outside US perhaps of his more favourable media attention. However, his main task of proving himself is not only on its foreign relations (or impressions), but problems homefront as well. So far, none has asked the question "can the Westerners think or not?" as their intellect superiority still looms. The question "can Asians think?" is a question only Asians can answer. Longing to see how China does in the next 4-5 years will be equally anticpative to how US perform in front of many watchful eyes. Whether can Asians think is still a "maybe". We can be sure that when the answer comes to "yes" it will be a great surprise to many.
AHM
Saturday night, Karshun and I met up to go to Charlie's house to stay overnight as Charlie was fetching us to the Army Half Marathon. We are all tired at night so we slept very quickly. Charlie and I ran 10km but Karshun ran 21km. 10km was quite a breeze but I think 21km will really be challenging!
The place was quite muddy. I thought they should cover the ground with something rather than setting up barricades near the Padang for the event. The soles of my shoes came off, it was tangling 3/4 of its length and slapping mud to the person standing behind me every step I took. It was quite funny to me. It was really easy to start a mud war there, especially the area where you can collect your bananas, 100 plus and mineral waters. Met some of my secondary school friends, Sispec mates, as well as Minister Teo!
Oh, in the end, the soles went off entirely. One shoe was without a sole aka its "soul" lol. But Kar Shun refreshed us by letting us use his house bathroom, thereafter I went to meet some RP and NYP guys for a meaningful time at Kai En's house near Bt Batok and Bt Gombak. The 3 of them Charlie, Kar Shun and Kelvin went to service with a tired state of mind but it was really tiring day overall. Had headaches and fatigue after the run.. haha
Saturday, August 23, 2008
JUMP
Jesus U Must Praise = JUMP
Just came back from JUMP concert. I'm starting to feel like 21 especially the song about Jump came out. The song was by Planet Shakers. Its great to praise Jesus and dance as we rejoice but whenever I hear the lyrics "I think it's time to just get up and jump around now Everybody jump around In the house of God" it just makes me feel funny. Let's just get up and jump around? haha
Anyway it was great to see the brothers, even some who are new; they were at ease to just praise the Lord and dance! I see that some of our people really have leadership potential. They are hungry for God's Word and they are sensitive to correction to change in amazing speed. Many of them will be greatly used by God. The desire and right motives coupled with these qualities I believe will make them good leaders :) All of us should desire to be shepherds to our new bros and sis just like a bigger brother looking after the younger one. Its that natural.
God is moving! Let's move in His way and see results in His timing!
Just came back from JUMP concert. I'm starting to feel like 21 especially the song about Jump came out. The song was by Planet Shakers. Its great to praise Jesus and dance as we rejoice but whenever I hear the lyrics "I think it's time to just get up and jump around now Everybody jump around In the house of God" it just makes me feel funny. Let's just get up and jump around? haha
Anyway it was great to see the brothers, even some who are new; they were at ease to just praise the Lord and dance! I see that some of our people really have leadership potential. They are hungry for God's Word and they are sensitive to correction to change in amazing speed. Many of them will be greatly used by God. The desire and right motives coupled with these qualities I believe will make them good leaders :) All of us should desire to be shepherds to our new bros and sis just like a bigger brother looking after the younger one. Its that natural.
God is moving! Let's move in His way and see results in His timing!
Monday, August 18, 2008
God is really good. That is why I am able to be at home at this time! Praise God!!
Talk about obedience. Its easier to be obedient actually. It may actually be called silly but obedience is actually humbly telling ourselves "God is smarter so God I let you make the choice, I'll choose your choice."
In fact, all the things we've studied, geography, science, history etc etc - none of them, even nature's law are above God. Laws of nature as we term it, are actually laws of God which nature has to obey. God can do anything and some times He can even reverse or "subdue" the laws for a moment, if its according to His will. Following and being fully obedient to God is the smartest way. Its the highest way. Man struggles on his own when he follows his own way and then wants God to help him. The more we follow God however, the more we walk into His plan, the more anointing comes because we are doing His will and the more success we see.
Obedience takes faith. Yep yep, I wanna obey You Lord. Help me! Small things or big help us obey You Lord so Your face may shine on us!
Weekend's gonna be tiring! Friday we're gonna have JUMP concert at Fort Canning Green, Saturday night we're gonna have DMM and Sunday early morning is the Army Half Marathon but I'm only running a short 10km.
Till then, I pray for all of NYP Hopetians to do well and able to focus on their studies. At the same time Lord, help them be a salt and light to the world. Let their unity be evident to all. Let them do everything knowing its for the extension of Your Kingdom! Give them good grades. Give them this burning desire to be excellent in everything, even ministry as well! In Jesus' Name Amen.
Talk about obedience. Its easier to be obedient actually. It may actually be called silly but obedience is actually humbly telling ourselves "God is smarter so God I let you make the choice, I'll choose your choice."
In fact, all the things we've studied, geography, science, history etc etc - none of them, even nature's law are above God. Laws of nature as we term it, are actually laws of God which nature has to obey. God can do anything and some times He can even reverse or "subdue" the laws for a moment, if its according to His will. Following and being fully obedient to God is the smartest way. Its the highest way. Man struggles on his own when he follows his own way and then wants God to help him. The more we follow God however, the more we walk into His plan, the more anointing comes because we are doing His will and the more success we see.
Obedience takes faith. Yep yep, I wanna obey You Lord. Help me! Small things or big help us obey You Lord so Your face may shine on us!
Weekend's gonna be tiring! Friday we're gonna have JUMP concert at Fort Canning Green, Saturday night we're gonna have DMM and Sunday early morning is the Army Half Marathon but I'm only running a short 10km.
Till then, I pray for all of NYP Hopetians to do well and able to focus on their studies. At the same time Lord, help them be a salt and light to the world. Let their unity be evident to all. Let them do everything knowing its for the extension of Your Kingdom! Give them good grades. Give them this burning desire to be excellent in everything, even ministry as well! In Jesus' Name Amen.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Obedience
For the past week, I have been sick and it took a turn and have gotten worse on friday, which is the day I am performing for my duty. It was a terrible 12 hours!
Oh YES, obedience is once again reminded to me. On saturday, the verse in 1 Samuel 15:22 kept on ringing on my head.
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Samuel is actually rebuking Saul for not obeying. Saul acted in disobedience even though he says that he wanted those animals for God. Obedience is really something we have to keep ourselves on our toes all the time. It is our natural tendency to disobey, to do what seems "smarter" and more "beneficial" in our eyes than to obey. As our knowledge increases, it can be easy to just depend on our own judgment, analytical and whatever abilities we have instead of turning to the Word and apply obedience to God in whatever situations.
God demands full obedience. God is grieved that Saul(verse11) was made King and did not fully heed the Lord's instructions. Actually, being a leader is not really about talent and skills. Its really obeying God fully. Obedience helps us be more effective leaders as it enables God's blessing to come upon our lives. If our hearts are really true after God, there is no way God can't use us.
So let's really watch out for obedience in our daily walk with God and in ministry. Ask "what God wants?" Not what I want nor what seems good alone but what God really wants. Striving to God's standard should be our ideal. It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and then we start to compare ourselves to them. Instead of pursuing what God wants in our lives, many leaders have ran after other people's achievements and get caught up in a rat race that don't belong to them. Obedience will make our vision clearer. If we start obeying step by step, more things will be revealed to us yea..
I am not ashamed of the vision God gave to me and I wanna be fully obedient to Him and to the vision. God, help me, I know I have acted in disobedience many times but help me to stand up against it. To act according to Your will, instead of mine. Lord really help me and empower me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Oh YES, obedience is once again reminded to me. On saturday, the verse in 1 Samuel 15:22 kept on ringing on my head.
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Samuel is actually rebuking Saul for not obeying. Saul acted in disobedience even though he says that he wanted those animals for God. Obedience is really something we have to keep ourselves on our toes all the time. It is our natural tendency to disobey, to do what seems "smarter" and more "beneficial" in our eyes than to obey. As our knowledge increases, it can be easy to just depend on our own judgment, analytical and whatever abilities we have instead of turning to the Word and apply obedience to God in whatever situations.
God demands full obedience. God is grieved that Saul(verse11) was made King and did not fully heed the Lord's instructions. Actually, being a leader is not really about talent and skills. Its really obeying God fully. Obedience helps us be more effective leaders as it enables God's blessing to come upon our lives. If our hearts are really true after God, there is no way God can't use us.
So let's really watch out for obedience in our daily walk with God and in ministry. Ask "what God wants?" Not what I want nor what seems good alone but what God really wants. Striving to God's standard should be our ideal. It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and then we start to compare ourselves to them. Instead of pursuing what God wants in our lives, many leaders have ran after other people's achievements and get caught up in a rat race that don't belong to them. Obedience will make our vision clearer. If we start obeying step by step, more things will be revealed to us yea..
I am not ashamed of the vision God gave to me and I wanna be fully obedient to Him and to the vision. God, help me, I know I have acted in disobedience many times but help me to stand up against it. To act according to Your will, instead of mine. Lord really help me and empower me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Perplexed
Today in DMM, Huimei taught a timely lesson about Determination, Dillgence and Perseverance. I feel we haven't been determined enough in terms of goal setting and reaching for the goals. Yeah we shall be more single minded in serving Jesus! It reminds me of everything we do, we should do it for God. Whether eating, resting, cutting hair, we do it all with people and to win people! Winning inside and winning outside.
If we set out to do something, we must finish it. Missions!!
I don't know if this is humility or pride. Its kinda both. I wanna change something because I feel its not up to standard and its not God's way yet. Because a lack of this thing, many problems arose that I can feel is also causing a misbalance in the way we apply truth. But I feel that people ought to accept what I suggest since its clearly in the Bible! (at least to me!!)
This thing is not even new lol! I'm not being creative, just trying to be faithful. So the pride comes when I feel I do not need to explain or persuade because this is something they ought to do. But I'm constantly reminded to deny my rights. If I do not deny, nothing will be done. Yet at this time when the results look so blur to me, I'm trying hard to give my best even though I couldn't see what's coming ahead. Then there comes a time for me to be humble and ask God to work instead of I work.
Its times like this I'm perplexed of the things I'm pursuing. But I'm still pursuing it. Haha.
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