1. 我以禱告來到你跟前
我要尋求你 我要站在破口之中
在那裡我尋求你
2. 主我是軟弱及無助
你卻是我的力量
以你親切的手引導我
那就是我的得勝
# 每一次我禱告
我搖動你的手
禱告做的事 我的手不能做
每一次我禱告 大山被挪移
道路被鋪平 使列國歸向你
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
我多麼需要有你
我多麼需要有你
有你天天與我親近
我時刻不能忘記
是你賜我每個氣息
# 我多麼需要有你
有你天天領我前行
我時刻不能忘記
是你掌管我的生命
繽紛的世界 奪不去我的眼
我要定睛在你榮面
因為離了你 就像風箏斷了線
飄落在天地之間
忙碌的生活 奪不去我的心
我要安靜在你面前
因為你同在 是我一生的等候
是我一生的尋求
有你天天與我親近
我時刻不能忘記
是你賜我每個氣息
# 我多麼需要有你
有你天天領我前行
我時刻不能忘記
是你掌管我的生命
繽紛的世界 奪不去我的眼
我要定睛在你榮面
因為離了你 就像風箏斷了線
飄落在天地之間
忙碌的生活 奪不去我的心
我要安靜在你面前
因為你同在 是我一生的等候
是我一生的尋求
有一天
有一天 你若覺得失去勇氣
有一天 你若真的想放棄
有一天 你若感覺沒人愛你
有一天 好像走到谷底
那一天 你要振作你的心情
那一天 你要珍惜你自己
那一天 不要忘記有人愛你
那一天 不要輕易說放棄
# 這個世界真有一位上帝
祂愛你 祂願意幫助你
茫茫人海 雖然寂寞
祂愛能溫暖一切冷漠
這個世界真有一位上帝
祂的雙手 渴望緊緊擁抱你
漫漫長夜 陪你走過
祂愛你 伴你一生之久
有一天 你若真的想放棄
有一天 你若感覺沒人愛你
有一天 好像走到谷底
那一天 你要振作你的心情
那一天 你要珍惜你自己
那一天 不要忘記有人愛你
那一天 不要輕易說放棄
# 這個世界真有一位上帝
祂愛你 祂願意幫助你
茫茫人海 雖然寂寞
祂愛能溫暖一切冷漠
這個世界真有一位上帝
祂的雙手 渴望緊緊擁抱你
漫漫長夜 陪你走過
祂愛你 伴你一生之久
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Through Christ
When the darkness tries
to hide my way
Your word is the light
that guides my faith
I will trust in You (x2)
When my heart is weak
& I've lost my way
I will lift up my eyes
and choose to say
I will trust in You (x2)
(chorus)
I can do all things through Christ
I can move a mountain if You
Are the strength of my life
I can do all things through Christ
When You are the strength of my life
In Your presence I find
strength renewed
I find courage to stand
& a hope that is new
I will turst in You (x2)
(bridge)
Whatever trials come my way
I will worship You always
Forever trust in Your unfailing love
Whenever doubt and fear press in
I still hear Your voice within
Forever trust in Your unfailing love
to hide my way
Your word is the light
that guides my faith
I will trust in You (x2)
When my heart is weak
& I've lost my way
I will lift up my eyes
and choose to say
I will trust in You (x2)
(chorus)
I can do all things through Christ
I can move a mountain if You
Are the strength of my life
I can do all things through Christ
When You are the strength of my life
In Your presence I find
strength renewed
I find courage to stand
& a hope that is new
I will turst in You (x2)
(bridge)
Whatever trials come my way
I will worship You always
Forever trust in Your unfailing love
Whenever doubt and fear press in
I still hear Your voice within
Forever trust in Your unfailing love
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Building Your Life
Last Thursday, I was to share in chapel at work; the first chapel for the year. Though I had been nervous about sharing, I thank God for bringing me to the topic and for even blessing me myself with the sharing... God was placing something in my heart towards the end of 2009 and was affirming it through my sharing. I hope to also share this with you and hope it will bless your heart.
New Year, New Hopes
I love new years, partly because it is a time I can draw the old year to a close, keep the sweet memories and let go of the pains. On the other hand, new years will usually bring hope; hope that things could perhaps be better.
New years have traditionally been a time for me to reflect upon the past year and how things have been. At the end of 2009, I participated in my first watch night service. Not knowing what to expect, I went to the service all excited and left it being all awed by what God has done in my life, not only in 2009 but also in the years preceding it from the time I came back to Him. It became very clear to me how God has placed me in a rehabilitation programme and helping me to rebuild my life.
So as 2010 starts, God continues to drive home this point as I saw how real He is in my life. Sure, it has not been smooth sailing all the way, but only thing I realised is that God has never left me and has helped me to weather through it all.
As I was preparing for the chapel sharing, I prayed and asked God to guide me to what He wanted me to share. Following my reflection at the watch night service, quiet time and also at the first department devotion for the year, He brought me to Luke 6:46-49 and spoke about building our lives.
2010 has started and while many of us try to set things right for the new year and make resolutions, let me ask:
How would you like to build your life this year?
All of us are building our lives all the time, so how would you like to build it this year?
From the parable of the wise and foolish builder, we can see similarities between building a house and building our lives.
Lesson 1: The Master Plan
Just as a house require a master plan, so do our lives. What's your master plan? Do you believe that God has His plans for you.
In Genesis 15, we see how God made a covenant with Abraham for offspring as many as the stars and to give his offspring the promised land. God has His plans for Abraham to be made into a "great nation" and that He will bless him and make his name great and he will be a blessing to many (Gen 12:2-3). That came to pass as his descendants grew and how Christ also came from his lineage. God has His plans for Abraham, as He did with Moses, Jacob, Joshua, David, Paul and so on and He has His plans for you.
Are You Happy?
I recall 5 years back my life was in a low period; everything from work, friendship, family was falling apart. But interestingly, God began to draw me back to Him during this period and ministered to me time and again in various circumstances from Jer 29:11. The verse appeared again and again and even appeared on my current workstation when I reported to work.
Over the span of 5 years, God brought me back to church, brought me to my current workplace, put me into ministry as well as restored relationships and granted me with new relationships. Just last week, a day before chapel, an insurance agent came to me on the streets and asked me "are you happy with your life?" and I found myself responding to myself in my heart "yes"... I have come to realise how I am not only happy but joyful how life has changed from the time I came back to walk with the Lord, and to see how every step of the way He had blessed me and blessed others through me.
Believe it or not, I have come to realised how God has brought me...
And the latest "coincidence" is when different ones of you shared with me how the Lord spoke to you through the verses cards I have given out at the beginning of the year; different verses for different ones of you. And I thank God for that.
So will you let the master builder, who knows the plan, build your life or will you want to build your life according to your fancy? The Lord has His plans for your life.
Lesson 2: Strength to Build the House
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Genesis 15:1 (NV)
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Life is full of trials and whoever did say that a Christian's life is smooth sailing? The truth of it is, trials will still come and the only difference is that we have a God who IS with us through the storms; we have "Immanuel" ("God with us"), one who we can rely on for strength.
At the watch night service, I have come to realised how God has brought me through the various trials of my life; trials which I had thought I would not survive; trials which made me break down and questioned God how long He would allow me to go through it.
At the end of 2009, I have come to see how God has given me to strength every step of the way... to forgive others (something which had gripped and tormented me for years in 2005), pull through in ministry and in facing challenges in relationships in my life. Particularly in ministry, at the moment when I was the lowest, God sent me Isa 41:10 and assured me through various other scriptures that He will send help. It's funny how sometimes verses jumps out at you when you least expected it and it is the same with the verses which spoke to me. For weeks and months, friends have been encouraging me with verses but it was not until a colleague opened his diary to write something that the verse Isa 41:10 just popped out to me at that point in time and ministered to my heart. As I continued to hanged on, God continued to assure me through various other verses in my quiet time which spoke to my heart and gave me strength.
As I stood on the stage with the cell at the end of Kent and Elly's wedding last week, I have come to see how the cell has grown and I can only thank God for giving me the strength to pull through it all and to be able to see what I see today.
Are you building your life with your own strength? God reminds us that He is God Almighty and that He will not leave us. Why build your life yourself when the master builder can give you strength; strength to overcome challenges?
Lesson 3: The foundation that has the power to hold it all together
The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in construction, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
In the same way, the Holy Spirit in you not only will help you to overcome challenges but also will help you to achieve with power from God.
In Acts 3-4:22, we saw how both Peter and John were empowered by God and what the power from God can do. The power from God brings...
Lesson 4: The importance of upkeeping the house and having the right occupants
How would you like to build your life this year? Would you like this to be a year when you draw even closer to the Almighty God, trusting and entrusting your life to the Master builder? Will you be a wise builder and build your life on Him, His word and His will for you?
For different ones of us, we are at different stages. For some of you, you might be needing to come back to the Lord and trusting that He has His plans for you, plans to prosper you and not the harm you, plans to give you hope and a future... for some of you, you might need to learn to rely on God's strength, especially when everything else is not working in your strength... for some of you it might be to hold on to God for His spirit to empower you and yet for some, it is to learn to upkeep our lives and have the right occupant, the Holy Spirit, on our lives. Whatever the stage, I invite you to just say a prayer for yourself and entrust yourself into God's hands...
What are you building your life on?
New Year, New Hopes
I love new years, partly because it is a time I can draw the old year to a close, keep the sweet memories and let go of the pains. On the other hand, new years will usually bring hope; hope that things could perhaps be better.
New years have traditionally been a time for me to reflect upon the past year and how things have been. At the end of 2009, I participated in my first watch night service. Not knowing what to expect, I went to the service all excited and left it being all awed by what God has done in my life, not only in 2009 but also in the years preceding it from the time I came back to Him. It became very clear to me how God has placed me in a rehabilitation programme and helping me to rebuild my life.
So as 2010 starts, God continues to drive home this point as I saw how real He is in my life. Sure, it has not been smooth sailing all the way, but only thing I realised is that God has never left me and has helped me to weather through it all.
As I was preparing for the chapel sharing, I prayed and asked God to guide me to what He wanted me to share. Following my reflection at the watch night service, quiet time and also at the first department devotion for the year, He brought me to Luke 6:46-49 and spoke about building our lives.
Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
2010 has started and while many of us try to set things right for the new year and make resolutions, let me ask:
How would you like to build your life this year?
All of us are building our lives all the time, so how would you like to build it this year?
From the parable of the wise and foolish builder, we can see similarities between building a house and building our lives.
Lesson 1: The Master Plan
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Just as a house require a master plan, so do our lives. What's your master plan? Do you believe that God has His plans for you.
In Genesis 15, we see how God made a covenant with Abraham for offspring as many as the stars and to give his offspring the promised land. God has His plans for Abraham to be made into a "great nation" and that He will bless him and make his name great and he will be a blessing to many (Gen 12:2-3). That came to pass as his descendants grew and how Christ also came from his lineage. God has His plans for Abraham, as He did with Moses, Jacob, Joshua, David, Paul and so on and He has His plans for you.
Are You Happy?
I recall 5 years back my life was in a low period; everything from work, friendship, family was falling apart. But interestingly, God began to draw me back to Him during this period and ministered to me time and again in various circumstances from Jer 29:11. The verse appeared again and again and even appeared on my current workstation when I reported to work.
Over the span of 5 years, God brought me back to church, brought me to my current workplace, put me into ministry as well as restored relationships and granted me with new relationships. Just last week, a day before chapel, an insurance agent came to me on the streets and asked me "are you happy with your life?" and I found myself responding to myself in my heart "yes"... I have come to realise how I am not only happy but joyful how life has changed from the time I came back to walk with the Lord, and to see how every step of the way He had blessed me and blessed others through me.
Believe it or not, I have come to realised how God has brought me...
- ... spiritual and emotional restoration through Riverlife, as I began to learn about His word and was ministered to by His word as I listened and applied it to my life;
- ... emotional restoration and restoration to my confidence through my current workplace as He gave me good genuine colleagues, used my skills and blessed me in my work ministry;
- ... spiritual and character growth through the cell ministry which He has called me to, as I learned to rely on Him and do His will. Not only have I grew spiritually the most during these years of ministry, I have also come to encounter God as real, and
- ... emotional and character growth through the restoration of relationships, granting and blessings of relationships in my life.
And the latest "coincidence" is when different ones of you shared with me how the Lord spoke to you through the verses cards I have given out at the beginning of the year; different verses for different ones of you. And I thank God for that.
So will you let the master builder, who knows the plan, build your life or will you want to build your life according to your fancy? The Lord has His plans for your life.
Lesson 2: Strength to Build the House
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Genesis 15:1 (NV)
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Life is full of trials and whoever did say that a Christian's life is smooth sailing? The truth of it is, trials will still come and the only difference is that we have a God who IS with us through the storms; we have "Immanuel" ("God with us"), one who we can rely on for strength.
At the watch night service, I have come to realised how God has brought me through the various trials of my life; trials which I had thought I would not survive; trials which made me break down and questioned God how long He would allow me to go through it.
At the end of 2009, I have come to see how God has given me to strength every step of the way... to forgive others (something which had gripped and tormented me for years in 2005), pull through in ministry and in facing challenges in relationships in my life. Particularly in ministry, at the moment when I was the lowest, God sent me Isa 41:10 and assured me through various other scriptures that He will send help. It's funny how sometimes verses jumps out at you when you least expected it and it is the same with the verses which spoke to me. For weeks and months, friends have been encouraging me with verses but it was not until a colleague opened his diary to write something that the verse Isa 41:10 just popped out to me at that point in time and ministered to my heart. As I continued to hanged on, God continued to assure me through various other verses in my quiet time which spoke to my heart and gave me strength.
As I stood on the stage with the cell at the end of Kent and Elly's wedding last week, I have come to see how the cell has grown and I can only thank God for giving me the strength to pull through it all and to be able to see what I see today.
Are you building your life with your own strength? God reminds us that He is God Almighty and that He will not leave us. Why build your life yourself when the master builder can give you strength; strength to overcome challenges?
Lesson 3: The foundation that has the power to hold it all together
Acts 4:11 (NKJV)
This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone'
This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone'
The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in construction, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
In the same way, the Holy Spirit in you not only will help you to overcome challenges but also will help you to achieve with power from God.
In Acts 3-4:22, we saw how both Peter and John were empowered by God and what the power from God can do. The power from God brings...
- ... salvation - "But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand...Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:4, 12)
- ... healing - "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (Acts 4:10)
- ... courage and wisdom - "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13)
Lesson 4: The importance of upkeeping the house and having the right occupants
Matthew 12: 43-45 (NIV)
43"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
43"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
How would you like to build your life this year? Would you like this to be a year when you draw even closer to the Almighty God, trusting and entrusting your life to the Master builder? Will you be a wise builder and build your life on Him, His word and His will for you?
For different ones of us, we are at different stages. For some of you, you might be needing to come back to the Lord and trusting that He has His plans for you, plans to prosper you and not the harm you, plans to give you hope and a future... for some of you, you might need to learn to rely on God's strength, especially when everything else is not working in your strength... for some of you it might be to hold on to God for His spirit to empower you and yet for some, it is to learn to upkeep our lives and have the right occupant, the Holy Spirit, on our lives. Whatever the stage, I invite you to just say a prayer for yourself and entrust yourself into God's hands...
What are you building your life on?
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead
Chorus
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood
I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead
Chorus
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood
Thursday, 7 January 2010
牽引 (Cantonese Gospel Song)
A Cantonese Gospel Song, despite the language barrier (I do not speak Cantonese at all) but I love this song because it express God's love and faithfulness beautifully. Hope you will be blessed by this beautiful song!
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Reflection: Closing 2009
Wow, in a few hours' time, 2009 is going to come to a close. For some of us, it might have been an easy year and for some it might have been a rough year.
2009 has its equal shares of ups and downs for me but I am still thankful to be able to sit here. I remember Elder Freddy sharing at service at the end of last year, that despite our circumstances, we can still thank God for placing us where we are, because it is really true that we have it better than others in other parts of the world. Our life circumstances, for example, are relatively better and our life expectancy is anything from 78-80 years old as compared to some which is 39 years old. So, amidst all the downs, I still find that I can still be thankful for much which may have been taken for granted.
Indeed, as I reflected the year, I still thank God for the wisdom He has provided me at work, for blessings in my relationships, for friends, for the lives I have seen changed by Him, for blessing my ministry (which I had so wanted to give up) and for healing that He has given me in my back problem and even in my life.
Something which I like about new years is the hope it brings; for some it signify a new start and hope that perhaps things can be better. And yes, as Christ-followers, we can have it better because we have the hope that we are entering the new year with God. And while trials are a part of parcel of life, we know we don't have to deal with it alone.
Was doing my quiet time this morning and was reading from Psalm 50.
Psalm 50: 14-15
"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
No matter how easy or rough the year has been, let us round up 2009 in thanksgiving and praise to God for how He has been faithful in our lives. Honor the Lord as He has delivered you. The Lord reminds us that he is "The Mighty One" and that we can continue to look to Him.
John 15: 1,4 (NIV)
"I am the true vine... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
John 16:33 (NIV)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
At chapel today, I was ministered to by an old hymn in The Salvation Army's song book, sang to the tune of the hymn "Thanks to God":
Thank you, Lord, for all your goodness:
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank you, too, for present mercies
And your blessing on my way.
Thank you for each revelation,
And for what you choose to hide;
Thank you, Lord, for grace sustaining
As I in your love abide.
Thank you, Lord, for sunlit pathways,
Thank you, too, for byways rough;
Thank you for the fruitful summers
Also for the winters tough.
Thank you, Lord, for fragrant flowers
Growing right amid the weeds;
Thank you for the peace you give me
Even when my spirit bleeds.
Thank you, Lord, for wayside roses,
Even for the thorns beside;
Thank you for the prayers you granted
And for those that you denied;
Thank you, Lord, for precious comfort
In my hours of grief and pain;
Thank you for your precious promise
Life eternal I shall gain.
Authors: August Ludvig Storm (1862-1914),
Translated Flora Larsson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 552
2009 has its equal shares of ups and downs for me but I am still thankful to be able to sit here. I remember Elder Freddy sharing at service at the end of last year, that despite our circumstances, we can still thank God for placing us where we are, because it is really true that we have it better than others in other parts of the world. Our life circumstances, for example, are relatively better and our life expectancy is anything from 78-80 years old as compared to some which is 39 years old. So, amidst all the downs, I still find that I can still be thankful for much which may have been taken for granted.
Indeed, as I reflected the year, I still thank God for the wisdom He has provided me at work, for blessings in my relationships, for friends, for the lives I have seen changed by Him, for blessing my ministry (which I had so wanted to give up) and for healing that He has given me in my back problem and even in my life.
Something which I like about new years is the hope it brings; for some it signify a new start and hope that perhaps things can be better. And yes, as Christ-followers, we can have it better because we have the hope that we are entering the new year with God. And while trials are a part of parcel of life, we know we don't have to deal with it alone.
Was doing my quiet time this morning and was reading from Psalm 50.
Psalm 50: 14-15
"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
No matter how easy or rough the year has been, let us round up 2009 in thanksgiving and praise to God for how He has been faithful in our lives. Honor the Lord as He has delivered you. The Lord reminds us that he is "The Mighty One" and that we can continue to look to Him.
John 15: 1,4 (NIV)
"I am the true vine... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
John 16:33 (NIV)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
At chapel today, I was ministered to by an old hymn in The Salvation Army's song book, sang to the tune of the hymn "Thanks to God":
Thank you, Lord, for all your goodness:
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank you, too, for present mercies
And your blessing on my way.
Thank you for each revelation,
And for what you choose to hide;
Thank you, Lord, for grace sustaining
As I in your love abide.
Thank you, Lord, for sunlit pathways,
Thank you, too, for byways rough;
Thank you for the fruitful summers
Also for the winters tough.
Thank you, Lord, for fragrant flowers
Growing right amid the weeds;
Thank you for the peace you give me
Even when my spirit bleeds.
Thank you, Lord, for wayside roses,
Even for the thorns beside;
Thank you for the prayers you granted
And for those that you denied;
Thank you, Lord, for precious comfort
In my hours of grief and pain;
Thank you for your precious promise
Life eternal I shall gain.
Authors: August Ludvig Storm (1862-1914),
Translated Flora Larsson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 552
Friday, 25 December 2009
一世人跟隨你 (Hokkien Gospel Song)
求你教示阮數算自己的日子
互阮得到智慧的心
因為佇你看千年親像過昨暝
閣親像睏一醒
阮一生誇口只有勞苦和憂愁
緊緊過去無留什麼
求你早起時用你慈愛充滿阮
互阮一世人歡喜
阮一生欲跟隨你阮的心
獻上給你
阮一生欲跟隨你欣慕你
和你徛起
阮一生誇口只有勞苦和憂愁
緊緊過去無留什麼
求你的美妙掂佇阮的頂面
願你的榮光顯明
互阮得到智慧的心
因為佇你看千年親像過昨暝
閣親像睏一醒
阮一生誇口只有勞苦和憂愁
緊緊過去無留什麼
求你早起時用你慈愛充滿阮
互阮一世人歡喜
阮一生欲跟隨你阮的心
獻上給你
阮一生欲跟隨你欣慕你
和你徛起
阮一生誇口只有勞苦和憂愁
緊緊過去無留什麼
求你的美妙掂佇阮的頂面
願你的榮光顯明
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Important Reflections in Life
Today we celebrated my brother in law birthday. My younger sis told me that she had been a free thinker for many years. Actually all along I consider that she is a backslided believer. To hear that from her made my heart feel so painful and I can feel that my heart just sank then. How could she have received Jesus in her life so many years back and then now behave she dun really know him at all? I asked if it is because of me. She was shocked when she heard that, she said she had became free thinker because of her hubby-my brother in law who is a staunch Buddhist. This probably gave her more space and more flexibility to deal with different situations in life, and she say can worship other Gods as they wish. To her it seems like her husband is her everything in life. How about the Lord Jesus in her life? Where are you my Lord Jesus? Can you come back to my younger sis's life once again? Why has Christian faith become just a religion and a set of ritual to her? To think that she felt that I came back from the wake and was concerned I go shower soon due to some superstitious thinking. About my friend's grandmom who had passed on lately, I told my sis to me the ritual (even if it is Taoist one) is not everything but I only hope that her grandmom has indeed received Jesus into her heart, that is all that really matters. At the end it seems my dear sis could not really identify with what I had said, the trace of her childlike faith as in the past is no longer there now, I felt really deeply grieved at the change I see in her now. I really feel very sad and burdened whenever I think of my family salvation. I felt guilty at times maybe I felt I have not prayed hard enough for their salvation. But I really wanna to thank God because of the courage to share with her about my thinking of our Christian faith and also about my friend's grandmom passing on with my sis, and though I am upset but I am glad God let me know of her spiritual state better.
In fact as the year is ending off very soon, I hope to do some reflections of life since 2 years back then. Ever since I was restored back to the Christian community (my cg) in 2008 when I aspired and wanna to be committed to be part of cell, the community God had put me in, this is also a year which the foundation in my life is laid again. Before that I was quite distracted by many issues in life and I was so far away from God. God had been faithful to me, never he had forsaken me despite some tough challenges and temptations to go back to the old ways. It is a year when I experienced restoration and healing in my life. I am really thankful to what God had done in my life. Year 2008 is also a special time God began to place in my heart a burden for my family salavation, my mothers and my 2 sisters (especially my younger sis who moved from christian to backslided Christian to a free thinker), God ignited me a passion and love for my family never like before even though many times I lamented at my imperfections.
Then in this year 2009 which will be passing on in 19 days times, there are many things I really wish to give thanks to. This is a year when I started serving God in the ministry and also contributed more to part of cell life, learning to build God's community where he has placed me in. Even there were down moments but as I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus and surrender it all to him, I felt it had always been joyful and privileged to be serving God and his people, I thank God for all I had learn in this spiritual journey with the Lord, perseverance, faith and trust in him, full surrender of troubled emotions to the Lord. I am thankful I am learning to let go of my old self, of course this year there is lots of tough battles, dealing with negative condemnations and lingering hurts, many times my emotions acts to deceive me, all I can say it is tough but again I learn to look beyond myself to serve God and his pple, learning to let go and to see from pple's perspectives and have a clearer communication (having a clearer expectations may help). Going through Mission Trip in September helps me further to look beyond myself and having a closer glimpse of mission on God's heart, my life and many of those who went on the mission trips, our life have been transformed!
God also brings me to different groups of Christian community in my life, that goes bey0nd my own cg (CG is still the source despite I did learn a lot and blessed through many of these community). I felt encouraged and experienced spiritual growth as I established deep bonds with these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (regardless of church background and denominations) and we encouraged each other along this journey. And I thank God that through christian community he placed me in he has blessed me with the friendship and support of a fellow sister in Christ who is also my dear prayer partner. Even though she maybe quiet in her own ways but I thank God for her being supportive and her friendship that really means a lot to me. Somehow we are able to encourage and pray for each other naturally, iron sharpen iron is the word that describe about our friendship and partnership.
I also started with my reading of God's words this year, not easy because I tried to use many different forms (online reading, different types of bible study plans printout, daily devotions) and there are times I have stopped for a while as I was feeling pretty tiring and unmotivated to read God's words and I remembered I also had a challenging discussion with a fellow brother on reading God's words. Somehow this challenging discussion seems to play quite a significant role to help me to get back to the basics of hearing from God through reading of his words.
For next year I hope that God can help me to continue to grow spiritually through diligent reading of God's word (to be more comfortable with the current bible reading plan), more personal time with God, more time to pray and fast especially for my family salvation (I wanna to experience this hunger to pray earnestly and hungry for God's word), I ask God to expand my heart to serve and love pple even if it requires me to go through a heart surgery-change my heart Lord so that God can use me to do his work. I ask God to expand the ministry in my heart, to be seeking God in any other possible area of ministry that he will be placing me in. May I continue to rise up to his call in year 2010!
In fact as the year is ending off very soon, I hope to do some reflections of life since 2 years back then. Ever since I was restored back to the Christian community (my cg) in 2008 when I aspired and wanna to be committed to be part of cell, the community God had put me in, this is also a year which the foundation in my life is laid again. Before that I was quite distracted by many issues in life and I was so far away from God. God had been faithful to me, never he had forsaken me despite some tough challenges and temptations to go back to the old ways. It is a year when I experienced restoration and healing in my life. I am really thankful to what God had done in my life. Year 2008 is also a special time God began to place in my heart a burden for my family salavation, my mothers and my 2 sisters (especially my younger sis who moved from christian to backslided Christian to a free thinker), God ignited me a passion and love for my family never like before even though many times I lamented at my imperfections.
Then in this year 2009 which will be passing on in 19 days times, there are many things I really wish to give thanks to. This is a year when I started serving God in the ministry and also contributed more to part of cell life, learning to build God's community where he has placed me in. Even there were down moments but as I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus and surrender it all to him, I felt it had always been joyful and privileged to be serving God and his people, I thank God for all I had learn in this spiritual journey with the Lord, perseverance, faith and trust in him, full surrender of troubled emotions to the Lord. I am thankful I am learning to let go of my old self, of course this year there is lots of tough battles, dealing with negative condemnations and lingering hurts, many times my emotions acts to deceive me, all I can say it is tough but again I learn to look beyond myself to serve God and his pple, learning to let go and to see from pple's perspectives and have a clearer communication (having a clearer expectations may help). Going through Mission Trip in September helps me further to look beyond myself and having a closer glimpse of mission on God's heart, my life and many of those who went on the mission trips, our life have been transformed!
God also brings me to different groups of Christian community in my life, that goes bey0nd my own cg (CG is still the source despite I did learn a lot and blessed through many of these community). I felt encouraged and experienced spiritual growth as I established deep bonds with these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (regardless of church background and denominations) and we encouraged each other along this journey. And I thank God that through christian community he placed me in he has blessed me with the friendship and support of a fellow sister in Christ who is also my dear prayer partner. Even though she maybe quiet in her own ways but I thank God for her being supportive and her friendship that really means a lot to me. Somehow we are able to encourage and pray for each other naturally, iron sharpen iron is the word that describe about our friendship and partnership.
I also started with my reading of God's words this year, not easy because I tried to use many different forms (online reading, different types of bible study plans printout, daily devotions) and there are times I have stopped for a while as I was feeling pretty tiring and unmotivated to read God's words and I remembered I also had a challenging discussion with a fellow brother on reading God's words. Somehow this challenging discussion seems to play quite a significant role to help me to get back to the basics of hearing from God through reading of his words.
For next year I hope that God can help me to continue to grow spiritually through diligent reading of God's word (to be more comfortable with the current bible reading plan), more personal time with God, more time to pray and fast especially for my family salvation (I wanna to experience this hunger to pray earnestly and hungry for God's word), I ask God to expand my heart to serve and love pple even if it requires me to go through a heart surgery-change my heart Lord so that God can use me to do his work. I ask God to expand the ministry in my heart, to be seeking God in any other possible area of ministry that he will be placing me in. May I continue to rise up to his call in year 2010!
Saturday, 21 November 2009
What's Your Rug?
We all know what it feels like to have the rug pulled out from under us. I like this video because it nicely illustrates how we can sometimes be standing on wrong rugs... I am guilty of it and have once stood on the rug of career...
Riverlife's Core Value 2: Transformation in People
Hi everyone, thanks for all your prayers for my slip disc. I am getting better by the day and it's amazing how from I was bed-ridden a few days ago, not being able to do anything, to being able to walk a little today. I am amazed at the progress made and even the peace that came upon me yesterday as cell came by. Couldn't have been recovering so well if not for all your prayers and well-wishes. Thanks again!
I was particularly challenged by SP as he asked us a few questions during the sermon. Have you thought about them for yourself?
What would your response to that be? Perhaps about the part on whether our cell group meetings are conducive for transformation and growth, maybe you can also share your views with me how we can help OL3 to grow further for that to be possible.
Spiritual Growth & Transformation
The discussion on being responsible for our spiritual growth and development was particularly insightful too. As Raymond shared, we need to understand what this means contextually in transformation in people.
We are told to grow from strength to strength in our faith. In Ephesians 4:11-15, we are told to grow in maturity and not be easily swayed by deceit in the world:
1 Peter 2 also implore us to grow up in our salvation:
It becomes clear to us that we are to grow in our spiritual maturity. But the question remains why? Why do you think we need to grow? When we become transformed personally, we are obedient to God's word of calling to grow spiritually.
When We Grow... We Make God Known
God's heart is to redeem, reconcile with and restore His people. But He does not only want to stop at one. His heart is for all, who Christ died for so that they can be reconciled to God.
Perhaps, John 10 provides a vivid imagery of this:
Luke 15 also shows how heaven rejoices when sinners repent and those who are lost are found.
This is the heart of God.
And as we grow and shine, we glorify and make God known to others too, as they see our light and praise God:
When We Grow... We Allow Others to be Transformed
Chek Shih also shared about how when we become too comfortable and choose not to grow, we ultimately takes up resources. How do we then reach out to receive more into God's kingdom when our ministry resources are focused on people who refuse to grow spiritually i.e. only wanting to remain as spiritual babies? Instead, we need to raise up more to share God's love and how He can help transform lives through His people and His community.
Are we ready to have our lives brought to the next level with God and also to help others' lives be transformed? We are all, after all, called to the ministry of reconciliation:
How Then Do We Grow Spiritually?
Learning from Professional Development
It's interesting how there is so much correlation between our professional growth and spirtual growth. Chek Shih asked what would we do if we want to advance and grow professionally... well, we will go for the right courses, read the right books, look for the right mentors, join professional groups for growth, spending time practicing etc... It is the same with growing spiritually and in the same way, we can go for the right Christian Education courses, read the right books or even better, reading directly from God's word. looking for mentors or even spiritual growth partners, spending time in our quiet time with the Lord, praying etc.
Learning from Relationships
If the Christian faith is about relationship with God, how can we develop our relationship with God when it is just mainly through books and courses; we need to spend time with the Lord Himself.
In addition, we cannot rely solely on our spiritual leaders to develop our relationship with the Lord in the same way we cannot solely rely on others to develop our personal relationships; we need to develop that relationship ourselves.
Just as people grow closer together in relationships and who may even start to understand and share the same perspective of seeing things, we will also start to see and share God's heart as we continue to spend time with Him.
Are we transformed and helping many others' lives to be transformed?
Video Sermon: Transformation in PeopleThis is the 2nd sermon on this series and SP Vincent re-emphasized the importance of unity and not uniformity. Having a set of core values can be instrumental in keeping unity in the church as they influence the way we conduct ourselves, make decisions and how we disciple others.
This week’s core value is “Transformation in People” and this is about discipleship. God made man in His image (Genesis 1:27) and so, the church is about people. It is about us being created in God’s image though ours is blemished by sin. Yet for those of us who are believers, the Spirit of God transforms us to redeem and restore us into His image. It is about our hearts turning towards God while we grow in our passion for Him and loving people wholeheartedly. This is so because God’s heart is for the people, especially for the poor and the needy (2 Cor 3:18).
SP Vincent challenged us to grow our church into one with “a heart for people” and to seek godly transformation in them. To fulfill this vision, we are to:
1. Commit to reach the unsaved and disciple them
We are to develop a lifestyle of evangelism and obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). There’s no true transformation without salvation and renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Hence, the importance of discipling new believers.
2. Believe in people and their God-given potential
We are to value and love our neighbours (Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25:31-46) and pray for them to fulfill their God-given potential (Ephesians 4:11-12).
3. Be responsible for our own spiritual growth and development
Just as we’ve learnt to feed our physical body, we must also learn to feed ourselves spiritually (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). We are to take personal responsibility for our spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:14).
4. Create conducive environments for life-long learning and growing
Transformation happens when people experience God. Thus, we must seek to create a faith environment where one can experience the spiritual and the supernatural. We may do this through fasting and prayer.
SP Vincent further exhorted us to consider what makes our day. What brings us delight?
What is the church about at the end of the day? Though we may grow weary we must not lose the heart for people. This is because people matters to God and they should matter to us too. Let us examine our “heart capacity” for God and for people, and believe in His transformation work for ourselves and for others.
I was particularly challenged by SP as he asked us a few questions during the sermon. Have you thought about them for yourself?
- What drives you? What do you live your life for?
- What makes your day?
- Do we have a heart to reach and disciple them?
- Do we believe in people, their value and their God-given potential?
- Are we doing our part to grow spiritually?
- Are our gatherings e.g. Sunday services, cell group meetings etc conducive for transformation and growth?
What would your response to that be? Perhaps about the part on whether our cell group meetings are conducive for transformation and growth, maybe you can also share your views with me how we can help OL3 to grow further for that to be possible.
Spiritual Growth & Transformation
The discussion on being responsible for our spiritual growth and development was particularly insightful too. As Raymond shared, we need to understand what this means contextually in transformation in people.
We are told to grow from strength to strength in our faith. In Ephesians 4:11-15, we are told to grow in maturity and not be easily swayed by deceit in the world:
Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
1 Peter 2 also implore us to grow up in our salvation:
1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)
2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
It becomes clear to us that we are to grow in our spiritual maturity. But the question remains why? Why do you think we need to grow? When we become transformed personally, we are obedient to God's word of calling to grow spiritually.
When We Grow... We Make God Known
God's heart is to redeem, reconcile with and restore His people. But He does not only want to stop at one. His heart is for all, who Christ died for so that they can be reconciled to God.
Perhaps, John 10 provides a vivid imagery of this:
John 10:14-16 (NIV)
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Luke 15 also shows how heaven rejoices when sinners repent and those who are lost are found.
This is the heart of God.
And as we grow and shine, we glorify and make God known to others too, as they see our light and praise God:
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
When We Grow... We Allow Others to be Transformed
Chek Shih also shared about how when we become too comfortable and choose not to grow, we ultimately takes up resources. How do we then reach out to receive more into God's kingdom when our ministry resources are focused on people who refuse to grow spiritually i.e. only wanting to remain as spiritual babies? Instead, we need to raise up more to share God's love and how He can help transform lives through His people and His community.
Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Are we ready to have our lives brought to the next level with God and also to help others' lives be transformed? We are all, after all, called to the ministry of reconciliation:
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
How Then Do We Grow Spiritually?
Learning from Professional Development
It's interesting how there is so much correlation between our professional growth and spirtual growth. Chek Shih asked what would we do if we want to advance and grow professionally... well, we will go for the right courses, read the right books, look for the right mentors, join professional groups for growth, spending time practicing etc... It is the same with growing spiritually and in the same way, we can go for the right Christian Education courses, read the right books or even better, reading directly from God's word. looking for mentors or even spiritual growth partners, spending time in our quiet time with the Lord, praying etc.
Learning from Relationships
If the Christian faith is about relationship with God, how can we develop our relationship with God when it is just mainly through books and courses; we need to spend time with the Lord Himself.
In addition, we cannot rely solely on our spiritual leaders to develop our relationship with the Lord in the same way we cannot solely rely on others to develop our personal relationships; we need to develop that relationship ourselves.
Just as people grow closer together in relationships and who may even start to understand and share the same perspective of seeing things, we will also start to see and share God's heart as we continue to spend time with Him.
Are we transformed and helping many others' lives to be transformed?
Sunday, 15 November 2009
From the Inside Out
A song that moves my heart to tears today at the Service.
Yes, May your light shine when all else fades.
May the cry of my heart be to bring praise to my Lord forever, yes let it be so the cry of my heart! May my life be a praise onto him, the love for God and his people never grown cold!
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
Yes, May your light shine when all else fades.
May the cry of my heart be to bring praise to my Lord forever, yes let it be so the cry of my heart! May my life be a praise onto him, the love for God and his people never grown cold!
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
Saturday, 14 November 2009
寶貴十架 (The Precious Cross)
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus I thank you.
你的身體 為我而捨
Your body that is sacrificed for me,
帶我出黑暗 進入光明國度
bringing me out of darkness, entering into the kingdom of light,
使我再次能看見
allows me to see again
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus, I thank you.
你的寶血 為我而流
Your precious blood that is shed for me.
寶貴十架上 醫治恩典湧流
On the precious cross, the flow of your healing grace
使我完全得自由
leads me to gain freedom completely.
# 寶貴十架的大能賜我生命
The power of the precious cross that gives me life
主耶穌我俯伏敬拜你
Lord Jesus I bow and worship you
寶貴十架的救恩是你所立的約
The saving grace on the precious cross is the new covenant you establish
你的愛永遠不會改變
Your love is never changing.....
Lord Jesus I thank you.
你的身體 為我而捨
Your body that is sacrificed for me,
帶我出黑暗 進入光明國度
bringing me out of darkness, entering into the kingdom of light,
使我再次能看見
allows me to see again
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus, I thank you.
你的寶血 為我而流
Your precious blood that is shed for me.
寶貴十架上 醫治恩典湧流
On the precious cross, the flow of your healing grace
使我完全得自由
leads me to gain freedom completely.
# 寶貴十架的大能賜我生命
The power of the precious cross that gives me life
主耶穌我俯伏敬拜你
Lord Jesus I bow and worship you
寶貴十架的救恩是你所立的約
The saving grace on the precious cross is the new covenant you establish
你的愛永遠不會改變
Your love is never changing.....
爱，我愿意 (Love, I do)
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul,
在愛中得自由釋放。
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul
在愛中得自由釋放
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, you are my Lord
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, You are my Lord!
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul,
在愛中得自由釋放。
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul
在愛中得自由釋放
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, you are my Lord
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, You are my Lord!
Being, Not Just Doing
Hi there,
Sorry for the misleading title in the earlier post "Being, Not Doing"... just to clarify that we need to also remember our being in God and not just doing or even doing for the sake of looking righteous. It is a fine balance to reach and I am still learning as well.
Jesus said in Matt 28:19 "therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..." and James 2:26 (NIV) also said that "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." So there is also doing part in the Christian walk.
The Christian faith is not one which focuses on just what we do but also who we are; children of God and who we are refined and transformed to be; Christ-like.
A personal lesson for me is that the starting point for me is in the "being" and loving God, and the actions will naturally follow. I remember a sermon on the 2 greatest commandments (Matt 22:34-40) and the pastor mentioned that when we love God, we will naturally fulfill the first 4 commandments and when we love our neighbours, we will naturally fulfill the other 6 commandments. It was refreshing because I have come to realise it was not an easier "standard" but it is something which starts from the inside... that as we love God and our neighbours, we will fulfill His commandements.
For me, I can tend to be focused on "doing" sometimes to help with my self-esteem. But at the end of the day, God reminds me that I am His child and that I can depend on Him and need not strive for human praise. But what matters most is how I am walking with Him, growing in Him and receiving others into His Kingdom. Well, it's a fine balance and I am learning. I have to always keep myself in check to see if I am indeed focusing on doing, for the wrong reasons.
So, yes, the title should read "Being, not Just Doing" and I have amended it. Forgive me for the mistake and may God continue to watch over you and help you walk stronger and stronger in faith.
Being, Not Just Doing
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Psalm 23 for the Workplace
Hi everyone,
Came across this interesting article which is a good reminder, especially to us in the Onelife zone in this phase of our lives.
PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things
without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that he is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop— for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every insurance plan there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!
Came across this interesting article which is a good reminder, especially to us in the Onelife zone in this phase of our lives.
PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things
without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that he is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop— for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every insurance plan there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!
Friday, 13 November 2009
Being, Not Just Doing
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Choice
Choices @ the Heart of Life
Choices are at the heart of everything. Just as I was listening to the sermon last week on "Battling with Passion" and as I went about the week preparing for cell, reflecting on the things that happened throughout the week, I came to think more and more about choices.
How do you make choices in life? At cell, some of us has shared how some of us make choices based on our end goals in mind, some make choices base on opportunity cost and consequences, some base it on exprience, some base it on feelings, while some seek advice from friends and some seek the Lord.
I always remember the time I made a choice which I still remember ultimately changed my college life. It was the second intake for college and I was given a choice to change my subject combination. Then, I was taking "A" levels Chinese. Though I did not understand why I choose to take "A" levels Chinese (given I didn;t seem to have the flair for it) but I made the choice to continue on with my subject combination because I had not wanted to leave my friends who I have come to know. And, well, as they say, the rest is history and I chartered this part of my life story and made a decision based on my feelings.
Everyday in our lives, we are confronted with choices to make. From our attire, to our meals, to how we respond to various matters, we make choices everyday. Even in our spiritual life, we are faced with choices, starting from the choice we make to make Jesus our Lord and Saviour, to the challenges we face daily in making choices which would impact our walk with the Lord e.g. making priorities about our quiet time, participation in church, ministry, prayer meetings, cell vis-a-vis other priorities in life or even making choices between succumbing to temptation vis-a-vis choosing how God would like us to respond as children of light. Choices are real and part and parcel of our life.
Choices & Life
Just last week, I have had the opportunity to speak to 3 very different people who made different choices... one was sharing with me about his younger days and how he was in triads and how he met his wife who changed him. As he shared about the horrors of what happens at the gallows for some of his friends, I can see him being all relieved that he has turned back in time to not be in the shoes of some of hos friends. Equally, I have also spoken to different ones who responded very differently to trials and also in their choices to either let God triumph over circumstances or circumstances "over" God.
In Pastor Chye Aik's sermon the previous week, he spoke from Galatians 5. To me, as I read, it spoke to me clearly about life and the choices we make.
In Galatians 5: 16-18, we see that there are two extremes: life by the Spirit and life by the flesh...
There is a clear conflict between the two and we are to choose from them.
And Galatians 5:19-25 further goes to show the outcome of life by the Spirit and by the flesh:
Verse 21 mentioned that those who live life by the flesh "will not inherit the kingdom of God" but those who live by the Spirit will experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a choice we have to make.
But how do we live by the Spirit? Basically, it does come down to choices we make... Indeed, I don't think there is a "7 step formula" for being able to live by the Spirit. But, when I reflect upon it and also look at my own spiritual walk, I wonder why is it that some people seem to have some much passion for God that keeps them going despite all circumstances? What about Jesus; Son of God, born as Son of man? What kept Him going that, amidst all the agony of knowing He is to be crucified on the cross, that He would go on to say the familiar "not my will, but yours be done", ultimately dying a horrible death on the cross for our sakes? The passion of Christ? To me, it became clear it is a choice.
As I did my quiet time last week and read from John 8:12-30, several things spoke to me:
As I look back at my life and realised how, thanks be to God, I have matured relatively in how I make choices in my life. But even so saying, at present, I do still struggle with some decisions I which have a big bearing on my ministry and life. But as I reflect, I have realised how I have moved from choices made based on "me-centric-ness" ("me, me, me") to more or less "God-centric-ness" ("God, what's your will for this?"). And it becomes clear that yieldnesses to God is so critical in our life by the Spirit because unless we yield ourselves and the choices we make to God, we will be living life based on ourselves, our flesh, our emotions, our strength.
Do you know who you are and where you are going?
Do you know that despite all circumstances that God is always with you?
Do you know the Father's heart and His purposes for you; not only to restore you to Him and refine you but also to restore many others to Him, what Paul calls the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21).
I have to admit that it can be a journey of uncertainty but God is an Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him:
I know I am had been saved by grace by God;
I know that I am redeemed and restored by God through all the work He has done in my life;
I know that I do not need to go through life alone and can trust in Him becaase I saw how He provided and brought me out of the pits when I held on;
I know that God is a sovereign God and has His plans for me;
I know He has restored me to be a blessing to many others
I know that I am a child of God;
I know where I am going after passing on from life.
To live life by the Spirit, choose to see all He has done in your life and choose to yield to Him. Do not do life alone or with your own strength. Nothing is everlasting, not even our lives, our riches we have, our jobs, our ministry, except for God, His will and His love.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
Choices are at the heart of everything. Just as I was listening to the sermon last week on "Battling with Passion" and as I went about the week preparing for cell, reflecting on the things that happened throughout the week, I came to think more and more about choices.
How do you make choices in life? At cell, some of us has shared how some of us make choices based on our end goals in mind, some make choices base on opportunity cost and consequences, some base it on exprience, some base it on feelings, while some seek advice from friends and some seek the Lord.
I always remember the time I made a choice which I still remember ultimately changed my college life. It was the second intake for college and I was given a choice to change my subject combination. Then, I was taking "A" levels Chinese. Though I did not understand why I choose to take "A" levels Chinese (given I didn;t seem to have the flair for it) but I made the choice to continue on with my subject combination because I had not wanted to leave my friends who I have come to know. And, well, as they say, the rest is history and I chartered this part of my life story and made a decision based on my feelings.
Everyday in our lives, we are confronted with choices to make. From our attire, to our meals, to how we respond to various matters, we make choices everyday. Even in our spiritual life, we are faced with choices, starting from the choice we make to make Jesus our Lord and Saviour, to the challenges we face daily in making choices which would impact our walk with the Lord e.g. making priorities about our quiet time, participation in church, ministry, prayer meetings, cell vis-a-vis other priorities in life or even making choices between succumbing to temptation vis-a-vis choosing how God would like us to respond as children of light. Choices are real and part and parcel of our life.
Choices & Life
Just last week, I have had the opportunity to speak to 3 very different people who made different choices... one was sharing with me about his younger days and how he was in triads and how he met his wife who changed him. As he shared about the horrors of what happens at the gallows for some of his friends, I can see him being all relieved that he has turned back in time to not be in the shoes of some of hos friends. Equally, I have also spoken to different ones who responded very differently to trials and also in their choices to either let God triumph over circumstances or circumstances "over" God.
In Pastor Chye Aik's sermon the previous week, he spoke from Galatians 5. To me, as I read, it spoke to me clearly about life and the choices we make.
In Galatians 5: 16-18, we see that there are two extremes: life by the Spirit and life by the flesh...
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
There is a clear conflict between the two and we are to choose from them.
And Galatians 5:19-25 further goes to show the outcome of life by the Spirit and by the flesh:
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Verse 21 mentioned that those who live life by the flesh "will not inherit the kingdom of God" but those who live by the Spirit will experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a choice we have to make.
But how do we live by the Spirit? Basically, it does come down to choices we make... Indeed, I don't think there is a "7 step formula" for being able to live by the Spirit. But, when I reflect upon it and also look at my own spiritual walk, I wonder why is it that some people seem to have some much passion for God that keeps them going despite all circumstances? What about Jesus; Son of God, born as Son of man? What kept Him going that, amidst all the agony of knowing He is to be crucified on the cross, that He would go on to say the familiar "not my will, but yours be done", ultimately dying a horrible death on the cross for our sakes? The passion of Christ? To me, it became clear it is a choice.
As I did my quiet time last week and read from John 8:12-30, several things spoke to me:
- Jesus knows where He is from and where He is going (v14)
- Jesus knows He does not stand alone but with the Father (v16, 29)
- Jesus knows Father God (v19)
- Jesus knows the Father's purposes for Him (v28-29)
As I look back at my life and realised how, thanks be to God, I have matured relatively in how I make choices in my life. But even so saying, at present, I do still struggle with some decisions I which have a big bearing on my ministry and life. But as I reflect, I have realised how I have moved from choices made based on "me-centric-ness" ("me, me, me") to more or less "God-centric-ness" ("God, what's your will for this?"). And it becomes clear that yieldnesses to God is so critical in our life by the Spirit because unless we yield ourselves and the choices we make to God, we will be living life based on ourselves, our flesh, our emotions, our strength.
Do you know who you are and where you are going?
Do you know that despite all circumstances that God is always with you?
Do you know the Father's heart and His purposes for you; not only to restore you to Him and refine you but also to restore many others to Him, what Paul calls the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21).
I have to admit that it can be a journey of uncertainty but God is an Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him:
I know I am had been saved by grace by God;
I know that I am redeemed and restored by God through all the work He has done in my life;
I know that I do not need to go through life alone and can trust in Him becaase I saw how He provided and brought me out of the pits when I held on;
I know that God is a sovereign God and has His plans for me;
I know He has restored me to be a blessing to many others
I know that I am a child of God;
I know where I am going after passing on from life.
To live life by the Spirit, choose to see all He has done in your life and choose to yield to Him. Do not do life alone or with your own strength. Nothing is everlasting, not even our lives, our riches we have, our jobs, our ministry, except for God, His will and His love.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
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