Monday, November 24, 2008
-1:34 AM
Prayer list:
1. Singapore-Malaysia Melaka Church Camp
I pray that the youths get bonded closer to each other,
revival within the church,
youths gain from it spiritually,
and a safe and fun trip.
2. US Trip
I pray that we will be able to withstand the cold,
we have fun and are safe,
and they will be sales for us to shop.
3. Clique outing
I pray that we really have fun,
have a safe trip,
and there will be no awkwardness,
but we really get closer before we finally separate.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Follow up (21/2/09):
Everything went incredibly well, much better than I expected.
Thank you Lord for listening, and blessing,
for always giving so much more than I ask. (:
-1:08 AM
Why is it always so difficult to keep on the righteous path?
When we need God in our lives,
we do everything and anything to get in the favour of God,
so we can get what we desire and pray for.
But once our trials pass,
we gradually forget His importance in our lives,
and lose focus of our purpose and role in life.
Maybe we are all born to come out differently,
having different characters, influences and talents.
But somehow, we have to find our way through all this,
and effectively use what God has given us,
to live a holy life and fulfill the purpose He has for us.
When we possess more of a certain gift,
surely we lack in other areas.
But we can't possibly use our weaknesses as an excuse
to avoid doing certain things God wants us to do.
Perhaps we must learn from such challenges,
to emerge stronger than before.
It will definitely be tough, but life was never easy in the first place anyway,
but let's just be assured that God will always be there for us.
It isn't easy to grow in righteousness, or shine for God,
we need to really put in effort and overcome our own obstacles.
Pray, too.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
-12:11 AM
There may be times in our lives,
where it may seem God is not answering our prayers,
and things just don't seem to go the way we want them to.
But God does respond to our requests,
but it may be a 'Yes', 'No', or 'Wait'.
We may not be able to accept his final decision on various matters,
even if we feel what we want is clearly justified.
No matter how hard it may be to swallow it down,
let's just trust Him,
despite not understanding His will or plan,
because He knows what's really best.
-12:02 AM
Praise the Lord!
After torturous months of mugging, and 12 tough papers,
I have finally completed my A levels.
One person I have to thank,
for my entire journey till this present day,
and that is God,
who has been always there with me,
providing strength and support in my times of weaknesses.
No words can express my gratefulness and love I have for Him,
because my full dependence on Him,
and the fact that He had brought me through,
reminds me of His importance in my life.
His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses,
His grace is sufficient for me.
All I have, is what you have given,
I could have completed nothing without you.
Monday, November 17, 2008
-11:37 PM
Psalm 51.
We sin in life, from the very moment we are born,
and we need God's cleansing and forgiveness.
Let's pray for a pure heart, and that God never forsakes us.
And if we should ever sacrifice ourselves to the Lord,
let's submit to Him with a remorseful heart.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God you will not despise." --Psalm 51:17
He will always be there,
to welcome us back with open arms.
Friday, November 14, 2008
-8:14 PM
In life, we often sin and go against God's will.
Although our God is loving and forgiving,
we can't expect Him to be always so gracious to our faults,
when we don't admit our wrongs to Him,
or even bother to change ourselves.
At such times, God will step in, to punish us.
We can't expect to go on sinning, without any conviction to repent,
without God's intervention, because He will fight to bring us back to the righteous path.
It's really what's best for us,
even if we face failure in life,
it is so as to remind us that we need God in our lives,
and that we are straying away from Him.
"Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and have pity
and leave behind a blessing-
grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God."
--Joel 2:13-14
Let's not wait until God has to punish us,
before we realize that we aren't doing the right things.
-12:27 AM
Love one another.
I find it hard, to love someone unselfishly and genuinely, all the time.
My innate competitive nature makes me yearn to beat others, even friends,
and sometimes I may not have been entirely honest to them,
like not sincerely wanting them to do well.
I pray Lord, that you forgive me for me dishonesty and selfishness,
and that you can give me the love and generosity to want others to do well too.
For they are my brothers and sisters in Christ,
I should want the best for them, like my own earthly family,
and earthly achievements mean nothing, when we go to Heaven.
Many times, I am arrogant too.
I may say something outwardly, but perhaps mean something different inside.
But Lord, you have taught me that I have nothing to boast about, except you,
because all I have, is what you have given to me, and not achieved from my strength alone.
Lord, I pray, that you forgive my hypocrisy, and arrogance,
and that you can constantly remind me because you have given love to me,
I should love others with a pure heart, too.
Let me learn to acknowledge that you have given everyone of us, a special gift,
while I may do well in a certain area, others are much better than me in other areas.
Lord, I pray that you give me an earnest heart,
to always seek to improve myself,
that I won't magnify what I'm good at, but learn to humble myself before you and others.
1 John 3:15-18
15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Love others, just like how God has loved us.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
-3:04 AM
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
:
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When we face difficulties or struggles in life,
we often feel like giving up, because it just seems so impossible to carry on.
We started thinking too much into the problem, magnifying it,
and start calculating the percentage of failure, and its high possibility.
Maybe all odds seem to be against us,
and people around us start discouraging us,
and our mindset starts getting tuned to failure and its horrible consequences.
But let's just put everything into prayer,
and trust that God is watching over us.
Lord will never put us in a situation that He knows we cannot bear,
and even during the toughest of situations, His grace is enough.
When we are pushed to our limits, do we rely wholly on God,
in our times of weaknesses,
do we sense His strength more strongly, and His comfort more reassuring.
It is through such tough times, that we emerge stronger than ever.
Let's not bend under pressure,
but bounce back stronger.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" --Romans 8:31
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
-1:55 AM
Faith should never come alone,
but be accompanied with action.
"Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Issac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." --James 2:21-22
Such an action may have been deemed impossible or unbelievable by some,
but it really takes great faith and trust in the Lord,
that He knows what's best.
It is one thing to proclaim one's great faith in the Lord,
but real action should conclude it.
In the world we live in today,
there are many ways Christians could exhibit their faith,
as a church, or even outside church.
There are many people out there who need that extra bit of love or help,
if God loved as so much, we certainly should spread His love to the rest of the world.
Whether we could contribute by charity to the poor, orphans, elderly or disabled,
or educate and interact with locals foreigners who haven't heard of our God,
there are many ways we can do our best for others who may not be as fortunate.
Let's do what we can, and all we can,
and not let someone die without believing God,
just because they never knew.
While we live in our blessed lives,
let's not forget those who lack.
"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." --James 2:26
Monday, November 10, 2008
-11:29 PM
Why do some people reject Christ in their lives?
Is it because they don't see a need for God in their lives,
or maybe because they don't seem to understand Christianity as a religion.
Actually, Christianity is simple.
To receive salvation, to be forgiven of all your sins, and to lead an eternal life,
all you need to do,
is to accept Jesus into your life. Believe.
Acknowledge that He is the one true God,
and surrender your lives to Him.
It seems almost too good to be true,
but it is, because
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." --John 3:16
Open your hearts to Jesus, and let His words touch your heart.
For all those who believe in Him, be glad,
because the Lord is building a higher place for us,
where we will live eternal lives,
filled only with happiness.
-12:48 AM
The life lesson that we have to learn,
is that we only need one thing in our lives: God.
Our lives are a journey,
and our purpose should be to move closer towards our Heavenly Father,
knowing Him and loving Him more each day,
as we become more sensitive to the blessing He showers on us every moment.
While we may rejoice in moments of happiness,
let's remember to thank Him;
when we encounter trials and tribulations,
let's go back to Him.
He will never forsake or harm us because He loves us wholeheartedly.
When we face seemingly insurmountable adversities,
we learn to rely entirely on Him.
When the world disappoints us time and time again,
we learn the temporal and meaninglessness of earthly occupations,
in comparison to the everlasting and rock-solid God above.
When we sin, and stray from the path of light,
we learn of the Lord's ready forgiveness,
as long as we are willing to turn back and repent.
"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever." --Psalm 73:25-26
God alone is sufficient,
what more do we need in life?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
-1:25 AM
I think God had already thought out my life in detail,
even before I was born.
From the day I was born,
I was given exposure to Christian influence,
which I am really thankful for.
Without God's guiding light,
I think I may not be as educated or decent as I am now.
He has sheltered me from much storms and winds,
providing nothing but the best for me.
Despite that, I think I really took a step closer to Him this year,
like loving to read and know about His word,
worship with passion and fervor,
and feel inclined to spread His gospel, even beyond my country's boundaries.
I want to do so much more for Him!
Miraculously, He is preparing me for this journey.
This is the first year I have been given an opportunity to participate in a church camp,
and this camp is rather large-scale, and focuses on youth and evangelism.
I'm really excited. and I pray that I can really benefit from it.
It's really reassuring that even if I don't know about tomorrow,
He is already setting His plans for me in motion.
"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." --Ephesians 3:8
The best things in life should be shared.
Friday, November 7, 2008
-10:33 PM
I think I'm a disobedient girl.
I feel awful about making God forgive me time and time again,
when I don't do the right thing, or change to be a better person
though I promised Him I would.
It's really hard, but sometimes I just wished I would put in a bit more effort,
to show more of a certain character, and less of others.
I shall really try to change,
because I don't want to go to Heaven,
and tell God I haven't lived a life I have been proud of, or even tried to.
You can't expect to change and influence others,if you can't even change yourself.Another problem I can't seem to come to terms with,
is that I still can't seem to accept God's will at times.
I can't make myself pray for God's will to be done in my life sometimes,
especially when it involves something I really want,
for example my A level results.
I hope that He won't use this to teach me a lesson,
or show me I can live through whatever He gives me.
Though I know, as a Christian,
we should trust, because He really knows best,
but I must admit I'm guilty of being selfish at times,
to the point that I still can't let go of certain things in life.
I can perhaps promise Him that
I'll use the achievements that I prayed for to glorify His name.
Maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better,
and I guess He may want me to glorify His name
through other things like setbacks and suffering.
Because it is through this,
can I strengthen my character, and build up my trust in Him.
I pray that I can learn to surrender my life wholly to Him.
All I need is you.
-1:01 AM
Reflector, by PlanetshakersSince I've found your loveI've never needed anything to fill my heartEven when i fallYou're always there with open arms to pick me upFrom the start i knewNo one else could make me feel the way you doEveryday i want to growJust a little bit closer, just a little bit closerI want to be a reflectorI want to shine with your gloryI want to let the whole world know that you'reLiving in meI want to burn with your fireShine my light a little brighterI want to let the whole world know thatJesus Lives in me
-12:22 AM
"He must become greater; I must become less." --John 3:30
Who makes the Earth spin?
Who makes the Sun shine, the stars sparkle?
Who adorns this universe with its wonders and gorgeous landscapes?
Who breathes life into humans, animals and every living thing?
He, our heavenly Father, who watches over all of us, every moment,
He, Jesus, who died on the cross for us,
He, who loved us more than we could ever imagine.
Humans are self-absorbed creatures,
always putting ourselves on center stage,
thinking about our achievements and dreams.
But God, should be the one in the spotlight,
where we are today are given by Him.
We can accomplish and have nothing, without Him in our lives.
We should never grow arrogant, with our life trophies,
but if we should ever boast,
"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (2 Corinthians 10:17).
Instead of thinking of ourselves as the main actors or actresses in our lives,
we should be the background, the props,
that serve to enhance the goodness of God.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
-9:56 AM
One of my favorite verses in the Bible: Isaiah 40
Comfort for God's People
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever." 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.
-8:54 AM
"I am in pain and distress;
may your salvation, O God, protect me." (Psalms 69:29)
It's only 2 days into A levels,
and I feel almost dejected already.
Despite knowing I have God's backing,
my lack of discipline and unsteady conviction in our Lord's ability
is causing me to waver in my faith.
This shouldn't be the case,
but sometimes I feel regretful for not putting in that extra bit of effort,
for being unable to abstain from the computer or bed,
I will never touch this books ever again,
it's not like I can learn from my mistake and do better,
my final lap! So why aren't I doing my very best?
But the Lord has been good to me.
He encourages me often,
and it seems as if I have always have someone to fall back on,
when my world seems to be falling apart,
and it seems almost hopeless.
Because there is nothing that is impossible for Him,
and so I trust. Trust He will bring me through.
"
See I don't know how, but there's powerIn the blue skies, in the midnightWhen I'm on my knees" --On My Knees, Jaci Velasquez
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
-10:55 PM
《迈向新的生命》
在这黑暗的时代 我活在其中
在繁忙的生活 我迷失了方向
多么迷漫的生命 我不愿走下去
恳求怜悯的天父 引领我归向你
我迈向新的生命 以往将成为过去
你要亲自与我同在成为我生命的主宰
我迈入新的生命 以往已成为过去
你已亲自与我同在 赐平安喜乐 跟随我
我迈向新的生命 以往将成为过去
你要亲自与我同在成为我生命的主宰
我迈入新的生命 以往已成为过去
你已亲自与我同在 赐平安喜乐 跟随我
赐平安喜乐 跟随我
Monday, November 3, 2008
-11:59 PM
There are many occasions in life
that make us feel weary and we lose hope,
but God says "Behold, I'm the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:37)
Obviously not.
When circumstances don't turn out the way we want them to,
or we don't seem to understand God's will,
and even if there may be evidences against us,
let's learn to trust and rely on Him.
In the presence of God, nothing is impossible for Him,
He is able to flip any situation around,
all He wants is for us to believe in Him.
We can be assured that He loves us genuinely,
and He will never disappoint us when we need Him most.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift up up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. --1 Peter 5:6-7
Let's not be misguided or lulled to believe what the world says,
but let us all simply fix our eyes and hearts on the Holy one,
He will provide.
-4:35 PM
It's amazing.
After I read the verses last night,
I have not felt jittery till this very moment,
despite the fact that tomorrow will be my worst day -
physics and maths, my two weaker subjects both at once.
It's a weird feeling,
just before I had the worst panic attack ever,
since I don't even remember feeling this stressed before exams,
but now, I feel almost a sense of assurance,
that God really can bring me through.
It doesn't matter that others may seem to put more effort than me,
or appear to have an advantage over me,
but as long as God wills it, I can still win this battle, with Him leading the way.
I will follow your light without fear,
even in the darkest of nights.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
-11:52 PM
A few more hours of sleep, and my exams begin.
I've never felt so stressed in my life,
maybe because I feel unprepared for it,
and unable to rise up to my expectations.
But in times like this, I learn more than ever, to trust in God.
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." --Psalm 94:19
When we have nowhere to go,
stuck in a situation that seems to be heading towards darkness,
do not fear, or worry,
but lie, in the arms of our Heavenly Father,
and trust that He will bring light into our lives.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." --Philippians 4:6
"He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." --Matthew 8:26
I trust, and believe you'll bring me through. I can do this.
The times that feel most useless and vulnerable,
are the times we realize, the shining light of God, amidst the darkness.
-4:51 PM
Lord, I need you more than ever.
I cannot do this alone, only you can bring me to my victory.
This means more than anything to me,
though you may criticize my sloth, lack of discipline,
I just come before you and pray that you bring me through.
You said "Seek, and you shall find."
Lord, I pray that you can give me wisdom and strength, to get my 5As.
Even though I may have slacked many a time, I did study hard too.
But I pray that you can give me that extra boost,
I really do not want to walk out of the exam hall,
with a sigh of regret or disappointment,
but more like "Praise the Lord, I clinched that paper, because of Him."
Lord, I am aware that it is solely you, that brought me thus far, and will bring me further.
So I pray that you can let me ace this round of exams,
because it really means a lot to me,
I promise I will remember it is for your glory, and that you were the one who provided.
Let me soar on eagle wings,
lead me where you will take me.