Saturday, September 27, 2008
-2:05 AM
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." --Ecclesiastes 9:10
I'm afraid.
The A levels are drawing near,
and I've mountains of things to do.
I regret not being a consistent and diligent student all this while,
and I have to cram everything in a month's time.
I fear that I won't get 5As, that I wouldn't get a place in the university course I want, with a scholarship.
I will either make or break it this round, no second chances, no time to lose.
I love studying, really.
It's fun to study and practise questions, with much satisfaction derived upon completion of questions and papers.
I do not want my two years to go to waste, I just want to have a good ending to my college life.
It means alot to me, and I really cannot afford to fail.
Lord, I pray, with all my heart,that you give me perseverance from now, till the end of A levels, to study really hard and practise so much,that on the day of the exams, I can confidently walk into the exam hall and answer all the questions in the paper.I pray that you lead me away from all temptations and distractions,give me wisdom, take away my fatigue, so that I will be able to learn as much as I can in this last month plus.Lord, I put my A levels into your hands, and trust that you will bring me through it,I ask for 5 As, Lord, and I pray you that you can give it to me.I promise to do my very best, on my part.Of course, I pray that I will be able to glorify your name through this gift of intelligence you have bestowed on me.In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-1:40 AM
I've been rather down recently.
Lousy results. and the A levels looming near.
Somehow, it is during times like this,
where even close friends start to deviate from one another.
Different results,
bring disappointment, feeling others can't understand your plight,
on the other end of the spectrum, guilt, due to one's incapability of showing appropriate concern for your friend.
Well, it's a competitive world.
Everyone wants to win, no one will slow down and wait for you.
So I have chosen to keep to myself, and take a silent stance.
But it's a lonely road.
I'm thankful every single day, because God is always there for me, no matter what.
Friday, September 26, 2008
-12:14 AM
I love Sundays.
going to church. worship. learn about God and His word. hang out with churchmates.
Many times, I think I'm not giving enough to God.
I'm so easily distracted, whether in church, quiet time or prayer.
Even in life, I'm not able to do the right things all the time.
Yes, man is imperfect, but that should not be an excuse for us, I feel I'm not putting enough effort.
"When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?" -- Psalm 8:3-4
Really, who are we that He loves us so much,
that He even came and died for us.
We aren't even worthy.
The things we do, think, or say.
Can we change our lives for Him,
can we learn to appreciate His love and goodness
and all that He has done for us?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
-2:18 PM
Let's look at this verse:
"At my first defense,
no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them. B
ut the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that
through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." -- 2Timothy 4:16-18
How many times have we felt that,
the same kind of disappointment,
when we pin so much hopes on someone,
and yet they just fall short.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try,
some things are really meant to be.
No one is an ideal family member/friend,
we can't expect them to live up to the perfect standards we wish them to be.
What we should be wondering about, is our agenda.
Why do we want so desperately to be recognized for our efforts and be praised or thanked?
Are we doing things with the wrong mindset?
Can we learn to give generously, and leave the results to our God.
What is more precious is his reward and praise,
and not what this world can give.
God will be the one, who will always be there for us,
our source of strength and support,
so we need not fear or be threatened by anything on this Earth.
Let's just do our part, to our best, to fulfill his purpose,
and do everything because we want to glorify his name, and nothing else.
Let's look a bit further, because when the end is here, we'll receive our due reward.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
-2:05 PM
I think many Christians probably know a lot,
as in how to lead their lives,
their purpose on this Earth,
and how when everything fails,
God will still be there standing, waiting for us with open arms when we go back to him.
But the problem is, when it comes to living a holy life, it is totally different.
It is not easy to carry out what we know,
because we are so affected by external influences
and we are not strong enough mentally and spiritually.
Maybe, that's why, when we do our QT,
we often see recurring subjects, that we probably already know,
but somehow, it's always good to have constant reminders
telling us not to stray from the lighted path.
Friday, September 19, 2008
-2:23 AM
Jesus wants us Christians to be witnesses to Him,
that our lives may reflect a kind of Godliness,
so others may see Him in us.
I think I'm a selfish person.
Sometimes I want God all to myself,
I feel like I deserve so much more,
when actually I don't (as I am such a great sinner).
We may see many flaws in other Christians,
and we may feel unjustified when we see that they are so blessed.
But how can I forget,
that every single one of us is precious in His eye,
and that He loves us equally.
Evangelism is not an easy task,
it requires courage and a determined mindset.
But God loves us so much, and sacrificed so much for us,
the least we could do is to tell others about Him.
If we really want to thank Him,
if we really want to exhibit love for the people around us, and even the degenerating world,
then we should tell them about the world's greatest gift,
that God is the way to salvation.
If we want the world to be saved, we can't be selfish this once,
we should let our passion drive us onwards.
I pray that the Lord can give me a strong and fervent desire to share my faith with people around me and maybe even strangers,
I pray for wisdom and courage to do so,
and that these people will be able to respond to Him,
because they will be able to feel that God is more than any other.
-12:12 AM
When life is in the pits,
and all I want to do is curl up in a ball,
and imagine I'm invisible,
God will give me a reason to smile again.
Pray, pray, pray very hard,
because all is never lost,
when God is by your side.
He will carry you through the rocky roads and darkest valleys,
so don't weigh yourself with needless burdens and worries,
and let Him lead the way.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
-2:03 AM
Don't we all feel like a lost sheep sometimes?
Where we go around life blindly bumping into walls, pushed along and around by the crowd,
and feel that we have no control over our lives, and find no significant purpose to live on?
It's really depressing to find that no matter how hard we try,
no one truly understands us or even care.
I like reading the book of Luke.
It's like a collection of stories,
where we learn about Jesus, His teachings and what He did for us.
We must know that God's love for us,
need not be blatantly obvious or gigantic for us to know of His presence,
but it can be seen in every single moment of our daily lives.
even the smallest things we may not see or know.
"The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." --Luke 19:10
God came to Earth with a noble and selfless purpose,
despite knowing that He would suffer and die,
He wanted to bring us sinners out of the darkness, and into the light
because He saw us as being more important than Himself.
In life, there are so many things, that mesmerize us and capture our attention,
that we get too self-absorbed, and be overly preoccupied with things that really don't matter.
Many times, God hasn't been the first place in our lives,
and we often lose our focus in life, and forget our purpose in this world.
He gave His all to us,
yet how many of us are willing to dedicate our whole life to Him,
and really give up our all?
God loves you, every single one of you,and that's why He was willing to die on the cross.He suffered, so we could live.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
-1:39 AM
In Psalm 26:2, it says "Examine me, O Lord."
I wonder how many of us can say that confidently,
and readily undergo God's inspection.
We're afraid often in our lives, to know the truth.
Because it breaks down the walls we erect, that we use to block out our flaws and ugliness.
But if we know we're ashamed of our deeds and thoughts, then why do we still do them?
We should live a holy life, so when we go to Heaven, we can proudly stand before Him as he scans through our past life.
Let's learn what is God's purpose for us,
understand His word, and obey them.
Let's keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate reward God has in store for us,
and not stray from the righteous path.
Let's not yield to temptations,
and stand strong during trials and tribulations.
Let's speak words of wisdom,
that will help others, not break them down.
Let's never waver, or doubt Him,
but fully trust and rely on Him.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
-1:53 AM
Many a times, I pray for wisdom.
The ability to discern right from wrong, and of course, mental strength to go the right way.
Although I would absolutely love to have a high IQ and EQ to survive in this world,
but more so, I hope that I could make less reckless and regrettable decisions,
and really, do the right things.
Solomon, the wisest man on Earth, prayed for wisdom and God granted his wish.
When I was young, I read his story, and I was really in awe of Solomon, because I was thinking how wonderful it would be to be so wise.
And of course, I loved Proverbs, because it contained so much intelligent words that reached deep into my heart.
But, he had a fatal flaw.
He loved many foreign women, and had many wives and concubines.
"Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord." --1 Kings 11:6
God told the Israelites not to intermarry with foreigners, because they would be led astray, and turn towards other gods.
But Solomon did not listen, and fell into the trap.
God was angry, and punished him.
It is sad to know that some people have so much potential, yet they allow their desires and selfish thoughts to get in the way between them and God, and thus they stray from the path of light.
No matter how superior you think you are, or how well you are doing now,
without a heart that's turned solely on God and nothing else,
you are eventually heading towards failure
Trust that He knows best because He loves us wholeheartedly,
and abide by His law and commandments,
then that's being smart.
Monday, September 15, 2008
-1:42 AM
There are many Christians out there,
but how many of them are living a Christian life?
Christianity should not be merely treated as a social activity or an emotional relief,
but instead, we should be convicted that what we choose to believe in is the truth, and live by it.
This verse sums it up,
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. " --2 Timothy 1: 8-13
Let's lift our heads high, and be proud that we are Christians,
let's show our love for others by proclaiming and sharing to our loved ones and the people around us that He is the true God, that He is the only way for us to lead eternal lives.
Friday, September 12, 2008
-1:51 AM
In the dark of the night, you really feel what it is like to be empowered and entirely consumed by silence.
At the same time, it's also a really good time to do your quiet time, because it's only God and you, one to one.
"
One way, Jesus. You're the only one that I will live for." --One Way, Hillsong
There's only one way to gain access through the Heavenly gates, and that is to believe in Him.
Why do we doubt, or draw back from Christianity as a religion?
Hopefully not because of total ignorance, if it is, then we Christians must really work harder in spreading His gospel.
Is it because we're afraid of hearing the truth? That it's too overwhelming and unbelievable for us?
God is an amazing ruler of the entire universe and more, who is truly unfathomable.
But it should be because of His omnipotence and love for us, that we willingly entrust ourselves into His hands, and believe because He is the Only One.
"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the
life. No one comes to the Father except through me." --John 14:6
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
-1:26 AM
I feel so drained and demoralized, from my exams.
And it's only the start. 1 more week to go.
All I can think of right now is:
Jesus, give me strength, bring me through this, and let my effort pay off. Let me ace this thing.
Jesus, take the wheel. I'm really tired, and helpless without you to carry me through this.
Friday, September 5, 2008
-1:38 AM
Sometimes, I feel a surge of jealousy when I hear that some people are really close to God.
It's so wonderful to be given so many opportunities in church to serve Him, have an in-depth understanding of the Lord and His words, get prayed for and slained by the pastor, and have special gifts from God.
I really wish to have such an intimate relationship with God too,
but somehow there are so many things pulling me back.
surely there is more to this.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
-2:28 AM
Let God be the leader in your life.
He is the greatest gift in our lives.
Jesus said, "
When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" --Exodus 16:13
He promised to be there with us forever, as long as we believe, and He lives within our hearts.
When our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will exhibit the fruits of the spirit in our daily living, and be a living testimony for Him as we tread our way through the tedious journey of life.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
-6:09 PM
the assurance of Salvation.
Believe, and you will be saved :D
"
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." --1 John 5:13
Monday, September 1, 2008
-5:12 PM
When God tested Abraham,
"
You have not withheld from me, your son, your only son." --Genesis 22:12
It brings us to an important lesson,
are we willing to give our all to Him, the one who provided and gave us all that we have right now?
- We must surrender our all to Christ.
- Failures or losses in life should be seen as God's will, and we should trust Him to provide the necessary.
Can we entrust everything we have to God, and never waver in our faith?
We should commit ourselves to Him each and every day, thanking Him for His countless blessings,
so that when he tests us, we will be able to stand up to it.
It's not easy letting go, or releasing what we love or worked so hard for.
We may not understand His works, but let's just trust and believe.
It may be easy to say, but definitely difficult to do.
Maybe we have our priorities wrong in the first place.
What is our purpose on the Earth, why do we amass worthless things that will mean nothing in Heaven?
"
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and dust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."--Matthew 6:19-21
Yes, we should still strive to do our best in life, but we should not forget that it is for His glory and not ours.