Got free things must share, so here goes! Free one, don't waste!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Never felt the urgency to keep fit until now
Received rather disturbing news from my doc yesterday. Found out that I have high cholesterol and fatty liver. Lab tests not very good. Body is deteriorating fast as I age. Never have I felt the urgency to keep fit until now. Last time when I heard that our body is temple of GOD, never think much about it. Now sort of regret never keep my body in good shape. In fact, I have even "abused" it with these months of indulgence in my fave foods such as cheesecakes.
No more cheesecakes, egg mcmuffin and even the "Lor" egg from my school canteen =(
Now planning to increase my exercise routine as much as possible...thru the fun way! Bought a WII Fit game yesterday. It comes with a foot mat which can detect exercise movement. The game comes with exercises like yoga, jogging, dancing and even walk on a tight rope! Tried the game yesterday and think it helps abit (never have I sweat so much by playing a game). The mat even detect weight and put my BMI at 29 (overweight).
Really hope can exercise more. Am buying less fatty food from supermarket like full-grain bread and fruits, but dunno how long I can resist the temptation of say, KFC...
Anybody can help me lose some fats? Lack the motivation to keep fit. Perhaps I must be forced to exercise more...
No more cheesecakes, egg mcmuffin and even the "Lor" egg from my school canteen =(
Now planning to increase my exercise routine as much as possible...thru the fun way! Bought a WII Fit game yesterday. It comes with a foot mat which can detect exercise movement. The game comes with exercises like yoga, jogging, dancing and even walk on a tight rope! Tried the game yesterday and think it helps abit (never have I sweat so much by playing a game). The mat even detect weight and put my BMI at 29 (overweight).
Really hope can exercise more. Am buying less fatty food from supermarket like full-grain bread and fruits, but dunno how long I can resist the temptation of say, KFC...
Anybody can help me lose some fats? Lack the motivation to keep fit. Perhaps I must be forced to exercise more...
humbled by the call ...
These few weeks have been some very prayerful ones for me ... not that I don't pray frequently but I guess I have been driven to my knees for the task that is ahead of me.
Since taking on the BB/GB chaplaincy role, some of the teachers and officers have been getting in touch with me trying to arrange for meetings to discuss the CE programs for the next half a year. I have been busy and on some days, I really don't want to do anything else besides just resting.
And now that I have volunteered to stand in the gap ( I guess I am the only 'bridge' that is heavy enough in office) to be the temporary chaplain till a new one one comes along ... and thats if we intend to find a new one; I am facing daunting days ahead. Am really fearful of what lies ahead of me - not knowing what to expect, not knowing whether there are unseen and unspoken expectations of me. I just want to serve in whatever small ways I can and just be as faithful as I can be.
I am not the visionary sort of person - I am ... well a team kind of person. Without a team, I guess I may not be able to work well. And because of this, I am afraid ...
The Lord has spoken to me the last few days. First, he used his servant Rev Brooks to remind me with the words "don't give up and Don't give in" and for that I am thankful.
Secondly, I found encouragement in this passage in Our Journey (May 4 2008) which was on 2 Chronicles 2:5-6.
5 "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"
Here is an excerpt of what the writer Crawford W. Loritts shared.
"One of the things I've noticed about truly great Christian leaders is that they never seem to get over the sense of amazement that God would use them and that he would trust them with His assignments. I saw this aspect in Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Also Bill McCartney, the founder of Promise Keepers. I saw it in John Perkins, reputed to be the father of Christian Community Development.
When God gives us an assignment, it should fill us with a sense of humility. This is divine paradox. God trusts us most when we are most aware of our inadequacies. We do need to nurture our abilities and give them all to God. But God trusts us most when we're aware of how inadequate we are. All of us are not really qualified for what God has called us to do. Think about that.
God has an amazing sense of humour. I look at my own life. I am totally unqualified for anything that I have ever done for the Lord, and that's not false humility. When I consider my background, my inadequacies, and all of my imperfections, it's amazing to think that God woould use me as public speaker. Yet He does - and that he will do the same for you. He gives us this priviledge sp that we might honour and glorify Him.
Solomon was feeling some of this in 2Chronicles 2:5-6 when he poured out his heart to God and thanked Him for this enormous priviledge, for which he felt inadequate: "Who am I to do this?"
What do we learn from Solomon's prayer?"
For me, I sense the inadequacy in me as well - the inadequacy of serving the Lord in LP and the schools and the BB/GB companies. I feel so unworthy at times knowing that there are probably others who can do a better job than me? Sometimes doubts fill my mind as to whether I can do anything at all for Him? It's a mammoth task ahead for me I feel.
And yet, the Lord seems to be preparing me for what is ahead. I need to trust in the Lord. I need to look at those who have gone before me - like Solomon, the apostle Paul, his protege Timothy and even YK - to know that the Lord was with them in their different trails in life (TRAIL -The Real Adventure In Life).
Doing Poject Timothy with the Young Adults have opened up my eyes and heart to Paul's message of encouragment to his protege, Timothy. I see myself as a Paul entrusting the gospel to the young Timothys (the young adults) in LP and entrusting them to do the same wherever they are in their ministry. Yet at the same time, I see myself like a young Timothy myself entrusted with that same responsibility to share the gospel with the schools and Young adults of LP and feeling the very same fears that Timothy felt when Paul entrusted the churches to him.
Paul sensed Timothy's feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence. He was also timid and shy. Timothy also had a recurring stomach problem which Paul encouraged him to have some wine to help (which I have been doing quite often I must say).
I had the opportunity to attend the Graduation Service of both Trinity Theological College and Singapore Bible College two weeks ago and the interesting thing was that both school Principals used the same charge Paul gave to Timothy to all the graduating students.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
this was another ancouragement to me because those were the very same words that I heard at my own graduation in May 2007 (how time flies ...).
And today as I read the scriptures again, the following verse came through in Psalm 147:10-11.
[10] His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
[11] but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
It's another reminder from the Lord that serving him is not about having the abilties and strengths of a horse or how fast I can get things done. But what the Lord desires is really we his servants fearing Him and putting our hope in His steadfast love no matter what happens.
Just like the question that Solomon posed: "But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"
Just like Solomon, I ask myself who am I to serve the Lord as his servant. The Lord who can move mountains and feed the many sparrows can also choose others to do his work. Yet he has given me this opportunity to serve Him. I can only serve him with much fear and trembling but I do know he whom he has chosen He will also prepare and uphold.
I often tell the young adults that all I will want to do in LP is to be faithful in the small things. I do not have big objectives or high aims in ministry. All I will want to do is "for the Lord to use me in whatever small ways I can".
In the words of Crawford W. Loritts who shared in the earlier devotion above, she said in closing, "We do not deserve to be used of God. We're just humble instruments and channels of his love and blessing to others. We are unworthy servants serving an all-worthy God."
Something for us to think about:
How do I respond when God calls me to do something for which I feel totally inadequate?
On another note, Boon designed yet another award winning tshirt for the BB camp. I must say that this friend of mine is a genius when it comes to design. Seriously, he should consider quitting his present job and work from home and just design tshirts. His design probably was meant as another encouragement from the Lord in my fears and struggles in ministry.
I am equally impressed with his explanation of his design.
"The design concept -
1. The Fist represents TO PERSEVERANCE (I gather he meant 'To Persevere')
2. The Cross represents GOD as our strength and HE is the main focus of our faith in time of trials.
3. The Circle means Complete, it is full with no starting and ending, not lacking of anything."
Boon, kudos to you for your inspiring design. May you continue to stick close to God always and may He always watch over you and Fern.
I pray that my simple and humble sharing may encourage some of you reading this. To God be all Glory, Honour and Praise.
Since taking on the BB/GB chaplaincy role, some of the teachers and officers have been getting in touch with me trying to arrange for meetings to discuss the CE programs for the next half a year. I have been busy and on some days, I really don't want to do anything else besides just resting.
And now that I have volunteered to stand in the gap ( I guess I am the only 'bridge' that is heavy enough in office) to be the temporary chaplain till a new one one comes along ... and thats if we intend to find a new one; I am facing daunting days ahead. Am really fearful of what lies ahead of me - not knowing what to expect, not knowing whether there are unseen and unspoken expectations of me. I just want to serve in whatever small ways I can and just be as faithful as I can be.
I am not the visionary sort of person - I am ... well a team kind of person. Without a team, I guess I may not be able to work well. And because of this, I am afraid ...
The Lord has spoken to me the last few days. First, he used his servant Rev Brooks to remind me with the words "don't give up and Don't give in" and for that I am thankful.
Secondly, I found encouragement in this passage in Our Journey (May 4 2008) which was on 2 Chronicles 2:5-6.
5 "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"
Here is an excerpt of what the writer Crawford W. Loritts shared.
"One of the things I've noticed about truly great Christian leaders is that they never seem to get over the sense of amazement that God would use them and that he would trust them with His assignments. I saw this aspect in Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Also Bill McCartney, the founder of Promise Keepers. I saw it in John Perkins, reputed to be the father of Christian Community Development.
When God gives us an assignment, it should fill us with a sense of humility. This is divine paradox. God trusts us most when we are most aware of our inadequacies. We do need to nurture our abilities and give them all to God. But God trusts us most when we're aware of how inadequate we are. All of us are not really qualified for what God has called us to do. Think about that.
God has an amazing sense of humour. I look at my own life. I am totally unqualified for anything that I have ever done for the Lord, and that's not false humility. When I consider my background, my inadequacies, and all of my imperfections, it's amazing to think that God woould use me as public speaker. Yet He does - and that he will do the same for you. He gives us this priviledge sp that we might honour and glorify Him.
Solomon was feeling some of this in 2Chronicles 2:5-6 when he poured out his heart to God and thanked Him for this enormous priviledge, for which he felt inadequate: "Who am I to do this?"
What do we learn from Solomon's prayer?"
For me, I sense the inadequacy in me as well - the inadequacy of serving the Lord in LP and the schools and the BB/GB companies. I feel so unworthy at times knowing that there are probably others who can do a better job than me? Sometimes doubts fill my mind as to whether I can do anything at all for Him? It's a mammoth task ahead for me I feel.
And yet, the Lord seems to be preparing me for what is ahead. I need to trust in the Lord. I need to look at those who have gone before me - like Solomon, the apostle Paul, his protege Timothy and even YK - to know that the Lord was with them in their different trails in life (TRAIL -The Real Adventure In Life).
Doing Poject Timothy with the Young Adults have opened up my eyes and heart to Paul's message of encouragment to his protege, Timothy. I see myself as a Paul entrusting the gospel to the young Timothys (the young adults) in LP and entrusting them to do the same wherever they are in their ministry. Yet at the same time, I see myself like a young Timothy myself entrusted with that same responsibility to share the gospel with the schools and Young adults of LP and feeling the very same fears that Timothy felt when Paul entrusted the churches to him.
Paul sensed Timothy's feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence. He was also timid and shy. Timothy also had a recurring stomach problem which Paul encouraged him to have some wine to help (which I have been doing quite often I must say).
I had the opportunity to attend the Graduation Service of both Trinity Theological College and Singapore Bible College two weeks ago and the interesting thing was that both school Principals used the same charge Paul gave to Timothy to all the graduating students.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
this was another ancouragement to me because those were the very same words that I heard at my own graduation in May 2007 (how time flies ...).
And today as I read the scriptures again, the following verse came through in Psalm 147:10-11.
[10] His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
[11] but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
It's another reminder from the Lord that serving him is not about having the abilties and strengths of a horse or how fast I can get things done. But what the Lord desires is really we his servants fearing Him and putting our hope in His steadfast love no matter what happens.
Just like the question that Solomon posed: "But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"
Just like Solomon, I ask myself who am I to serve the Lord as his servant. The Lord who can move mountains and feed the many sparrows can also choose others to do his work. Yet he has given me this opportunity to serve Him. I can only serve him with much fear and trembling but I do know he whom he has chosen He will also prepare and uphold.
I often tell the young adults that all I will want to do in LP is to be faithful in the small things. I do not have big objectives or high aims in ministry. All I will want to do is "for the Lord to use me in whatever small ways I can".
In the words of Crawford W. Loritts who shared in the earlier devotion above, she said in closing, "We do not deserve to be used of God. We're just humble instruments and channels of his love and blessing to others. We are unworthy servants serving an all-worthy God."
Something for us to think about:
How do I respond when God calls me to do something for which I feel totally inadequate?
On another note, Boon designed yet another award winning tshirt for the BB camp. I must say that this friend of mine is a genius when it comes to design. Seriously, he should consider quitting his present job and work from home and just design tshirts. His design probably was meant as another encouragement from the Lord in my fears and struggles in ministry.
I am equally impressed with his explanation of his design.
"The design concept -
1. The Fist represents TO PERSEVERANCE (I gather he meant 'To Persevere')
2. The Cross represents GOD as our strength and HE is the main focus of our faith in time of trials.
3. The Circle means Complete, it is full with no starting and ending, not lacking of anything."
Boon, kudos to you for your inspiring design. May you continue to stick close to God always and may He always watch over you and Fern.
I pray that my simple and humble sharing may encourage some of you reading this. To God be all Glory, Honour and Praise.
The Reformation Study Bible
I got The Reformation Study Bible from a book sale last year from Shalom Christian Media (SCM). I think it's a really good deal for what the Bible has to offer. There's going to be a sale by SCM in 11 June. Might be a good time to pick up some good books at good prices. :)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Update on China Earthquake
The PLA (People Liberation Army) has moved into the affected areas for rescue operations. Heard from news that death toll has reached 15,000. It was reported that in Wen Chuan Province, which has a population of 100,000, 60,000 vanished overnight.
The mild-mannered Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was reported to have slammed the phone on officials as rescue operations were not going fast enough because of bad weather / destruction of roads due to earthquake
My bro showed me the picture below and asked me why "gods allow children to suffer". Rescuers were seen pulling out dead bodies of young children. I thought he was upset and thus I never answer him. What would you guys answer if your friends or family members ask u the same question?
From 15th May onwards, UOB account holders can donate to S'pore Red Cross online to provide aid for the Chinese people. More details here: http://www.redcross.org.sg/chinaearthquake_src.htm:
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
True Love
This was abstracted from Our Daily Bread in November 2007.
A baby gift came to a young couple who were new parents. They were grateful for the present, so the mom picked up a thank-you card, wrote a nice note, and got it ready to send. Somehow it got buried in an avalanche of paperwork and was never mailed—and the thank-you was forgotten. The gift-givers waited, but no acknowledgment came.
A rift developed as one family thought the thank-you had been given, while the other thought the lack of a thank-you was a snub. This inadvertent failure to send a card left the gift-giver feeling slighted, unappreciated, and neglected.
Among the most important words we can speak are the two words, “Thank you.” And while it is vital to be grateful, there’s another side of thank you. If we bestow a gift on another, we should do so out of a motive that doesn’t expect anything, even a thank-you, in return. True love gives with no expectations.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “suffers long and is kind” and is never self-seeking. Love keeps no record of wrongs—even if someone forgets to thank us for a kindness. The other side of thank you is a pure heart that reflects God’s perfect love for us. —Dave Branon
yes i agree that when true love given we should not expect to get anything back. God loved us so much that He gave His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. But He never expected anything in return. God carried us through our trials but did not asked for anything in return and yet sometimes we even blamed God for forsaking us. But think about the things He has done for you in the past?
Think of His grace, mercies and blessings that He had shown to us. Do not focus on your present trial but think back of His goodness and you will feel renewed knowing that God is always there for you.
A baby gift came to a young couple who were new parents. They were grateful for the present, so the mom picked up a thank-you card, wrote a nice note, and got it ready to send. Somehow it got buried in an avalanche of paperwork and was never mailed—and the thank-you was forgotten. The gift-givers waited, but no acknowledgment came.
A rift developed as one family thought the thank-you had been given, while the other thought the lack of a thank-you was a snub. This inadvertent failure to send a card left the gift-giver feeling slighted, unappreciated, and neglected.
Among the most important words we can speak are the two words, “Thank you.” And while it is vital to be grateful, there’s another side of thank you. If we bestow a gift on another, we should do so out of a motive that doesn’t expect anything, even a thank-you, in return. True love gives with no expectations.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “suffers long and is kind” and is never self-seeking. Love keeps no record of wrongs—even if someone forgets to thank us for a kindness. The other side of thank you is a pure heart that reflects God’s perfect love for us. —Dave Branon
yes i agree that when true love given we should not expect to get anything back. God loved us so much that He gave His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. But He never expected anything in return. God carried us through our trials but did not asked for anything in return and yet sometimes we even blamed God for forsaking us. But think about the things He has done for you in the past?
Think of His grace, mercies and blessings that He had shown to us. Do not focus on your present trial but think back of His goodness and you will feel renewed knowing that God is always there for you.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Earthquake in Sichuan, China...
Another disaster struck again, this time in China.
Heard from the news that 5000 were killed in the quake in Sichuan Province. 10,000 were injured. People as far as Japan, Taiwan and Bangkok could feel the quake.
Read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Sichuan_earthquake
Some pictures from: http://news.qq.com/a/20080512/003495.htm
Pray for the people affected by the Earthquake. Amen.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Faith
"Though you cannot see the outcome,
Trust the Lord—He knows what’s best;
Be assured He sees your trial,
And He’s with you in your test. —Hess"
Have faith. He will provide and carry you through.
Trust the Lord—He knows what’s best;
Be assured He sees your trial,
And He’s with you in your test. —Hess"
Have faith. He will provide and carry you through.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Cyclone hits Myanmar...
Just heard from the news that the Cyclone which hit Myanmar a few days ago may have claimed the lives of 100,000 persons. Many relief groups are still stuck in Bangkok because they have not been issued visas by the Myanmar Government.
Pray that the people of Myanmar will get their relief soon.
Amen.
Read more about the disaster here: http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/response/myanmar-nargis/index.asp?gclid=CM6Oy_SLl5MCFQc2egodcFqgTg
Learn how to donate to mercy relief here:http://www.mercyrelief.org/
and
world vision singapore: http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_donation_methods.php
and
Singapore Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org.sg/
What Is The Christian Gospel?
Read a John Piper's Article here today. I found it rather refreshing as we consider the Gospel and it's implications. The text of the article is copied below.
The gospel is not just a sequence of steps (say, the "Four Laws"of Campus Crusade or the "Six Biblical Truths" of Quest for Joy ).Those are essential. But what makes the gospel "good news" is thatit connects a person with the "unsearchable riches of Christ."
There is nothing in itself that makes "forgiveness of sins" goodnews. Whether being forgiven is good news depends on what it leads to. You could walk out of a courtroom innocent of a crime and get killed on the street. Forgiveness may or may not lead to joy. Even escaping hell is not in itself the good news we long for - not ifwe find heaven to be massively boring.
Nor is justification in itself good news. Where does it lead? That is the question. Whether justification will be good news, depends on the award we receive because of our imputed righteousness. What do we receive because we are counted righteous in Christ? The answer is fellowship with Jesus.
Forgiveness of sins and justification are good news because they remove obstacles to the only lasting, all-satisfying source of joy:Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is not merely the means of our rescue from damnation; he is the goal of our salvation. If he is not satisfying to be with, there is no salvation. He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, and the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved.
This is why the New Testament often defines the gospel as,simply, Christ. The gospel is the "gospel of Christ" (Romans 15:19;1 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthians 2:12; 9:13; 10:14; Galatians 1:7;Philippians 1:27; etc.). Or, more specifically, the gospel is "the gospel of the glory of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:4). And even more wonderfully, perhaps, Paul says that the preaching of the gospel is the preaching of "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians3:8).
Therefore to believe the gospel is not only to accept theawesome truths that 1) God is holy, 2) we are hopeless sinners, 3)Christ died and rose again for sinners, and 4) this great salvationis enjoyed by faith in Christ-but believing the gospel is also to treasure Jesus Christ as your unsearchable riches. What makes thegospel Gospel is that it brings a person into the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of Jesus Christ.
The words Jesus will speak when we come to heaven are: "Enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21). The prayer he prayed for us ended on this note: "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory"(John 17:24). The glory he wants us to see is the "unsearchableriches of Christ." It is "the immeasurable riches of [God's] grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).
The superlatives "unsearchable" and "immeasurable" mean that there will be no end to our discovery and enjoyment. There will be no boredom. Every day will bring forth new and stunning things about Christ which will cause yesterday's wonder to be seen in newlight, so that not only will there be new sights of glory everyday, but the accumulated glory will become more glorious with every new revelation.
The gospel is the good news that the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of the never-boring, ever-satisfying Christ is ours freely and eternally by faith in the sin-forgiving death and hope-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ.
May God give you "strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians3:18-19).
Savoring and waiting,
Pastor John
© Desiring God
The gospel is not just a sequence of steps (say, the "Four Laws"of Campus Crusade or the "Six Biblical Truths" of Quest for Joy ).Those are essential. But what makes the gospel "good news" is thatit connects a person with the "unsearchable riches of Christ."
There is nothing in itself that makes "forgiveness of sins" goodnews. Whether being forgiven is good news depends on what it leads to. You could walk out of a courtroom innocent of a crime and get killed on the street. Forgiveness may or may not lead to joy. Even escaping hell is not in itself the good news we long for - not ifwe find heaven to be massively boring.
Nor is justification in itself good news. Where does it lead? That is the question. Whether justification will be good news, depends on the award we receive because of our imputed righteousness. What do we receive because we are counted righteous in Christ? The answer is fellowship with Jesus.
Forgiveness of sins and justification are good news because they remove obstacles to the only lasting, all-satisfying source of joy:Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is not merely the means of our rescue from damnation; he is the goal of our salvation. If he is not satisfying to be with, there is no salvation. He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, and the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved.
This is why the New Testament often defines the gospel as,simply, Christ. The gospel is the "gospel of Christ" (Romans 15:19;1 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthians 2:12; 9:13; 10:14; Galatians 1:7;Philippians 1:27; etc.). Or, more specifically, the gospel is "the gospel of the glory of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:4). And even more wonderfully, perhaps, Paul says that the preaching of the gospel is the preaching of "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians3:8).
Therefore to believe the gospel is not only to accept theawesome truths that 1) God is holy, 2) we are hopeless sinners, 3)Christ died and rose again for sinners, and 4) this great salvationis enjoyed by faith in Christ-but believing the gospel is also to treasure Jesus Christ as your unsearchable riches. What makes thegospel Gospel is that it brings a person into the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of Jesus Christ.
The words Jesus will speak when we come to heaven are: "Enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21). The prayer he prayed for us ended on this note: "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory"(John 17:24). The glory he wants us to see is the "unsearchableriches of Christ." It is "the immeasurable riches of [God's] grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).
The superlatives "unsearchable" and "immeasurable" mean that there will be no end to our discovery and enjoyment. There will be no boredom. Every day will bring forth new and stunning things about Christ which will cause yesterday's wonder to be seen in newlight, so that not only will there be new sights of glory everyday, but the accumulated glory will become more glorious with every new revelation.
The gospel is the good news that the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of the never-boring, ever-satisfying Christ is ours freely and eternally by faith in the sin-forgiving death and hope-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ.
May God give you "strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians3:18-19).
Savoring and waiting,
Pastor John
© Desiring God
Monday, May 5, 2008
When Trails Come
"When Trials Come"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart TownendCopyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told
Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow
I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good
When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in it's shadow I shall run
'Till He completes the work begun
'Till He completes the work begun
One day all things will be made new
I'll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I'll praise your faithfulness of old
I'll praise your faithfulness of old
Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Keeping fit to finish the race......
Today tried to keep fit by hiking......at my block :p
Went up to 40th storey and down again...feet like wanna break...no joke...i didn't even have much things with me
View from 40th storey. Sorry for the noise as these are pics from my handphone:
Saw a lot of rubbish at the staircase landing though. Should I call Town Council? Might be fire harzard:
Hopefully I can have the discipline to exercise everyday and not over-eat. Body isn't feeling good nowadays. Pray for me ok?
Went up to 40th storey and down again...feet like wanna break...no joke...i didn't even have much things with me
View from 40th storey. Sorry for the noise as these are pics from my handphone:
Saw a lot of rubbish at the staircase landing though. Should I call Town Council? Might be fire harzard:
Hopefully I can have the discipline to exercise everyday and not over-eat. Body isn't feeling good nowadays. Pray for me ok?
Saturday, May 3, 2008
EUNOS FLAT TRAGEDY......
From http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,163729,00.html
HIRE MEN TO KILL THEM
EUNOS FLAT TRAGEDY HUSBAND SHOUTED: 'I'M GOING TO KILL YOU ALL'
By Celine Lim
May 03, 2008
HE would get drunk and abuse his wife whenever he lost money gambling.
Click to see larger image
Chen Xiang Li even embezzled more than $20,000 from his company to pay off his gambling debt last year, said a church pastor who tried to help him.
His wife had taken the gas cylinder deliveryman, 41, to the One Hope Centre in Joo Chiat to seek help last November.
However, it was not enough to keep Chen from going off the deep end.
He tried to kill his family at 5am on Tuesday before leaping to his death from their 17th-storey Eunos Crescent flat.
A more accurate account of what took place that morning has emerged after The New Paper spoke to his wife's pastor.
Mrs Chen, a hairdresser in her 30s, had told him what happened.
Details of the China-born Chen and his problematic life have also emerged.
Reverend Louis Chai, 47, Mrs Chen's pastor and a counsellor with One Hope Centre, said Chen had not been serious about dealing with his gambling problems.
Click to see larger image
'He was not very forthcoming with us. We don't know if he had any other debts,' he said.
'He went for counselling as he wanted his wife to return to him.'
Mrs Chen had taken out a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against her husband three years ago.
She had also previously left home with their daughter, 7, to 'avoid danger' from his abuse.
Rev Chai said: 'Chen showed up for counselling with One Hope less than five times. He stopped coming after he realised he couldn't win his wife back.
'Previously, he had gone for family counselling, but he didn't always show up for sessions. I don't know if he had sought any psychiatric help before.
'Mrs Chen said her husband continued to be unpredictable and violent even after we helped him deal with his debt (to the company).'
The company was unaware of his latest embezzlement until Rev Chai and another counsellor had gone with Chen to see his boss.
Click to see larger image
They worked out a repayment plan together, where about $1,000 would be deducted from his salary each month until the debt was paid off.
Chen had confessed to keeping the money he collected from his deliveries, said Rev Chai.
'He told us he issued false receipts for payments, using old receipt books he had kept.
'We later found out that he had prior embezzlement problems, but since he had cleared his previous debts, the company kept him on.'
Rev Chai said Chen had indulged in 'various kinds of gambling'.
Early this year, Mrs Chen was granted a domestic exclusion order by the Family Court, which took effect a month ago.
Rev Chai explained: 'The order meant that Chen had to vacate the family home to avoid causing physical danger to his wife and daughter.
'But even after he left, he kept calling the home. He threatened to kill them, threatened suicide and even said he would hire assassins to kill them.'
Click to see larger image
TNP Illustration: CEL, CHNG
Even after Chen's death, his wife is afraid to return to their flat because of the last threat, said Rev Chai.
He said they were concerned that an assassination attempt might be in the offing.
'We can't be sure that Chen was making an empty threat. His wife and daughter are in hiding now.'
He said the daughter is 'very traumatised and angry' at what her father did. News of his death has been kept from her.
After persuasion by the counsellors, Mrs Chen agreed to reveal what she had been through as her husband's family did not know about his history of violence.
Rev Chai said: 'Chen has been making himself look like the victim. He told his family in China that his wife has been trying to dump him.
'Mrs Chen thought of filing for divorce before, but held back because their daughter is still young and because of the pressure from his family.
'But she had recently sought legal advice for a divorce as she was worried for her daughter's safety.'
The couple had met in Chen's hometown in Fujian province, China, in 2000.
Mrs Chen moved to Singapore soon after they got married. She became a Singapore citizen a year ago.
Rev Chai said: 'The domestic violence started soon after they were married. Chen had slapped, shoved, and pulled his wife's hair in the past.
'She confided in church members and there were many attempts to get him to change. In 2005, he even took out an advertisement in the Chinese newspapers to apologise to his wife.
'This is Chen's second marriage. His first wife had also been a victim of domestic violence.'
It is not clear at present if a wake will be held for Chen. Mrs Chen wants to keep his funeral low-profile, but Chen's first wife wants a more elaborate arrangement.
Rev Chai said Chen's family would arrive here in a few days, and the decision would be made then.
He said: 'Mrs Chen is traumatised, but trying to control her emotions. She has broken down many times in private since the incident.
'Her story is to warn people that gambling can destroy families,' he added.
Helpline: 65471011 (9am to 6pm)
E-mail: help@onehopecentre.org
Could the pastor at the counselling centre done more abt the matter? A man's life has been lost and the family is now at loggerheads whether they should cremate the husband's body immediately or have a wake for him.
It is interesting to note that the man won $350,000 at the lottery after his divorce to his first wife. Think he squandered everything away through gambling. He was not reported to the police by his employers when he embezzled 20,000 from his company.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Lord of the Storm
Mark 4:35-41 (New Living Translation)
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
I had an insteresting MSN convo with a friend from another church and we were talking about the storms we face in our lives. And during our convo, something I said somehow became the talking point of our convo.
friend: (11:48:12 AM)
hmm Lord of the STorm?
frind: (11:48:15 AM)
what a nice title for a new song
friend: (11:48:16 AM)
haha
stan says: (11:48:26 AM)
ya it means he is the lord of everything my friend
stan says: (11:48:45 AM)
so if he puts u through a storm, he will get u out of it too
stan says: (11:53:35 AM)
when ur in a boat in a storm, where can u run to?
stan says: (11:53:44 AM)
u will still be in the boat right
stan says: (11:54:15 AM)
but when u know who the lord of the storm is, it doesnt matter anymore
stan says: (11:54:19 AM)
storm or no storm
frind says: (11:54:33 AM)
hmm good point.
stan says: (11:55:02 AM)
so u can run, but the lord of the storm still wants u to know its not about the storm anymore
stan says: (11:55:06 AM)
its about who the lord is
stan says: (11:55:47 AM)
so till u stop running and just give up trying to run, you won't be able to know the lord of storm
stan says: (11:56:18 AM)
i bet this must be one of those rare insightful poetic moments i have
This is a familiar passage for many of us - the so called 'stormy' passage. Really, I am beginning to wonder if Jesus wanted to teach them something about himself and also how this stormy passage that he is bringing his disciples through will reveal the very thing that will probably stick in their minds for life.
And so their rough passage began with Jesus asking them to 'go across to the other side'. So the disciples took Jesus in their boat and they proceeded in their journey.
And then all hell broke loose - a storm came up and waves were breaking into the boat and water was everywhere in the boat and boat was fast filling up with water.
Picture a sinking boat ... The disciples were all panicking helter skelter wondering what to do and fearing for their very lives. And there was Jesus enjoying the comfort of a pillow sleeping at the back of the boat. On one end of the boat, it was panic stations, alert red for all hands on deck. While on the other end, Jesus was catching his cat nap.
I am glad that in the midst of all the confusion and panic the disciples must have felt, they were clearheaded enough to run to Jesus for help.
And Jesus awoke and rebuked the storm with these words, "Peace! Be Still!" And the storm ceased and there was great calm after that. And he saved his words to his disciples for last, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?
And the disciples were filled with great fear and asked one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"
In my convo with my friend, I mentioned to her "The Lord of the Storm". Do you know who the Lord of the storm is? When storms happens in our lives, do we trust our own instincts or do we trust in the Lord to pull us through?
Honestly, if we are out on a boat in a storm with Jesus in it, there is no escape. We can run around in the boat but where can we run to. There is no where else for us to run to in the boat except to jump off the boat. By making our own decision to jump off the boat or abandon ship, will it help us?
How does knowing that Jesus is the Lord of the storm help us understand the storms that happens in our lives? Will it is be possible that the Lord of the Storm is actually leading us into the storm so that our faith in Him can be strengthened?
Ultimately, when we know who the Lord of the Storm is, the storms don't matter ... The Lord wants us to know it's not about the storms anymore - it's about knowing who the Lord of Storm is in YOUR LIFE!
Only when we know who the Lord of the Storm is, we know for sure He will not only lead us through it but He allows us to go through it that we might finally know who He is - the one who says, "Peace! Be Still!"
Now where have the breeze gone to lately?
Operation Rescue
I was reading Our Journey this morning and I thought today's reading can bring encouragement to those of us struggling in our journey.
2 Peter 2:5-9 (Contemporary English Version)
5And during Noah's time, God did not have pity on the ungodly people of the world. He destroyed them with a flood, though he did save eight people, including Noah, who preached the truth.
6God punished the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [a] by burning them to ashes, and this is a warning to anyone else who wants to sin. 7-8Lot lived right and was greatly troubled by the terrible way those wicked people were living. He was a good man, and day after day he suffered because of the evil things he saw and heard. So the Lord rescued him. 9This shows that the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their sufferings and to punish evil people while they wait for the day of judgment.
When we do things God's way and wait on HIs timing, we get a chance to see how He works.
David knew he was next in line to be king of Israel. Rather than staging a dramatic take-over, he faithfully served in the army and played his harp in the palace to soothe King Saul's stress. Things were going great until Saul developed an insane jeoulousy that drove him to try to kill David. When David was being hunted by Saul, he found himself in a cold cave crying out to God, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long ...? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" (Psalm 13:1-2 NASB)
Like David, when we feel that God has forgotten us, we are prone to plan our own escape. We say, "I know what I'll do. I'll ... no that won't work. Here's what i'll do ... no, I don't think that will work either." It's a total despair of seeming to be locked in with no apparent way out.
Take courage! God already knows how He will deliver you. He is in the business of making ways of escape. Peter assures us, "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials" (2 Peter 2:9). So you can count on it: When you are faithful and patient through trouble, God will, IN HIS TIME, exercise options of deliverance that are far beyond what you ever dreamed!
Your response: When was the last time I was in a tight spot with no righteous options at my disposal? What was my response? Read Psalm 13. How did David resolve his despair?
- Joe Stowell from Our Journey
My friends, sometimes we panic whenever we face trials of many kinds. We start making and charting our own escape plans. Persevere on even when things don't make sense. God will provide a way out and come to our rescue.
"I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name
By which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow You"
Be still and wait upon the Lord!
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