Last Wednesday morning, I had a lump growing quickly just below my ear right cheek. While having breakfast, it began to swell badly. As long as I didn't chew any food, the swell went off. It came back again during lunch, soon I realised that I couldn't even eat anything beside drinking water. I went to the doctor later in the evening but he didn't know what to do so he prescribe pain killer which I have at home.
I had a lunch appointment with Mentor E the next day. I didn't wish to cancel as not to dissapoint her because she had reconfirmed with me a few times. When I met her up, she was surprised by my condition and was anxious about it. We went round Bugis Junction food court but there was no porridge for me and she refused to eat there.
At last, I took pumpkin soup for lunch and she bought a packet of rice and a cup of pure lemon drink. That place does not allow outside food but they graciously let her had her food there. She felt bad and bought a can of coke. She asked me to take back the pkt cup of pure lemon drink which I hesitated because of my gastric but anyway I took it home.
We finished lunch quickly because she wanted to take me to a medical shop which she used to go. It was very near her house, the lady simply prescribe me 2 pkt of tablets after hearing what Mentor E decribe my pain from the swell. I went home took one dose of the medication and went to nap.
In the mist of my nap, my CBSI (bible study) leader called. She made a wrong call to me but somehow she realised I wasn't well. She told me to make lemon honey drink. She told me that it is good for the throat. I have honey but no lemon. Remembering the cup of lemon drink in the fridge, given by Mentor E. I decided to mix it with honey and drink.
Amazingly by the evening with only a dose of medication, I recovered. I was able to chew some food. I thank God that He sends friends in time of my needs, telling me what to do. My neck and shoulders ache went off for a few days but it's back again. I have done massage and try exercising my neck, it didn't seem to work. Well!, I have all sort of advice, alot of them didn't work. I am just putting up with it at the moment.
Since last Tuesday, my body has a kind of burning feeling. I tends to sweats. Well! I am not going to allow my aches to hinder me from living normally. I will just live as much as I can.
In fact, few days before Chinese New Year, I experienced a bad night. I was simply feeling tired and lying on the bed for a rest. I felt breathless and right upper chest pain. While closing my eyes, I felt that I was liked leaving this world. I have no thoughts, my mind simply went blank, my breath very slow. So I talk to the Lord, " It will be great to be with you, I will have my body make whole and no more pain. I will spend eternity with you, enjoy your presence and worshipping you but I have very little time left on earth, I wish to spend it wisely for your purpose and be used of you to be that channel for your glory."
Somehow, I went to sleep without knowing. I woke up the next morning feeling better and I talked to myself, ' So, I wake up, the Lord didn't take me.' I went on my routine, sent Racheal to school then walk round the field opposite 3X. Spending time talking to God and praising Him for who He says He is.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Lord's vessel
I am impacted my this article and would like to share it.
PDA-ing for Jesus by Edmund Wong -Ministry staff, RAYS(young adults) Covenant.
Ps 2:8 'Ask of me and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.'
Some time ago in 2006, I shared over the pulpit about my friend Winston, who by God's grace came to know Jesus after 10 years of my sharing the gospel with him. I'm thankful to have witnessed how he grew in the faith through the foundational lessons that we did together after that. He is now growing in a church near his home and a member of a cell group there.
Ever since then, I have asked the Lord for more PDA (Personal Revival, Divine Appointments, Active Obedience) encounters. I wanted to win more people to Jesus. And in the past two years, the Lord has brought numerous divine appointments into my life, besides my own family. I bumped into ex-schoolmates whom I had lost contact with for many years (and needless to say, in my subsequent times with them, out came the evangecube!) I got to spend time over meals with my neighbour from another country, who said that people back where he came from hardly talk about religion. I met cab drivers who were captive audiences for the gospel. And interestingly, many of them were open and interested to talk about their faith and hear about mine. The most dramatic divine appointment I had was with an international student whom I met on the bus. I struck up a conversation with him and we've ended up meeting regularly since then. He asked for my prayers for various difficulties that he faced, and saw those prayers answered. By another divine appointment, he was connected to a church that has a fellowship in his native dialect.
I look back and rediscover that God loves to answer prayers that align with His Kingdom agenda of reaching the lost. 2008 is a year of unprecedented harvest for our church. This Easter as we prepare for a season of reaching our pre-believing F.R.A.N.S. (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbours, Strangers) through our small group outreaches and Easter services, may you go with faith, believing that God has sent PDAs into your life so that He can bring the harvest in-through you!
PDA-ing for Jesus by Edmund Wong -Ministry staff, RAYS(young adults) Covenant.
Ps 2:8 'Ask of me and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.'
Some time ago in 2006, I shared over the pulpit about my friend Winston, who by God's grace came to know Jesus after 10 years of my sharing the gospel with him. I'm thankful to have witnessed how he grew in the faith through the foundational lessons that we did together after that. He is now growing in a church near his home and a member of a cell group there.
Ever since then, I have asked the Lord for more PDA (Personal Revival, Divine Appointments, Active Obedience) encounters. I wanted to win more people to Jesus. And in the past two years, the Lord has brought numerous divine appointments into my life, besides my own family. I bumped into ex-schoolmates whom I had lost contact with for many years (and needless to say, in my subsequent times with them, out came the evangecube!) I got to spend time over meals with my neighbour from another country, who said that people back where he came from hardly talk about religion. I met cab drivers who were captive audiences for the gospel. And interestingly, many of them were open and interested to talk about their faith and hear about mine. The most dramatic divine appointment I had was with an international student whom I met on the bus. I struck up a conversation with him and we've ended up meeting regularly since then. He asked for my prayers for various difficulties that he faced, and saw those prayers answered. By another divine appointment, he was connected to a church that has a fellowship in his native dialect.
I look back and rediscover that God loves to answer prayers that align with His Kingdom agenda of reaching the lost. 2008 is a year of unprecedented harvest for our church. This Easter as we prepare for a season of reaching our pre-believing F.R.A.N.S. (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbours, Strangers) through our small group outreaches and Easter services, may you go with faith, believing that God has sent PDAs into your life so that He can bring the harvest in-through you!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Type of Christians
Ever seen I spoke to KL last Thursday 14/2/08, the thought of christians having a love relationship with Christ keep coming to my mind, at what stages are we. During our conversation, all of a sudden, my thoughts run and grading came into place. N1, N2, K1, K2 P1 - P6 (PSLE).
N1 begins only when a christian desires the things of God, aware of God's presence under special circumstances and become a seeker. Even no none goes with him or her, that person is willing to make a difference alone consistantly with obedience and an open heart to learn. I am sure there will be struggles but the Lord sees the heart. Then that person can move on to next stage quickly. Otherwise, will stay stagnant until commitment from the heart is ready.
There are christians who are aware of God's presence and blessings under certain circumstances and rejoice for that very moment, then done with, not a seeker, no desire for the things of God. Most of the time living a self-centre life, waiting to be bless by God but sometimes at will, can serve with great zealousness and this type of christian has not reached N1 yet. Just a norminal christian. Not realistic in the walk with God.
There are a handful who zealously study the scriptures from cover to cover and memorise verses seriously. Observe God's law and many forms. Desire to follow and obey God sincerely according to their perception of God, unaware of God's presence and His directions. Many christians presumingly thought this is definitely what God would have them to do. I have been in this situation for almost 30 years. It is a very sad thing, I have salvation because I believe in my heart that Jesus came to die to give me eternal life but I have no relationship with Him.
I also realised that christians can surrender his or her life to God at will. They are in control not God. They actually tell God what they want to do for Him. This is not what God wants, He wants our total obedience in submission to Him, in everything. His will is always right and the best.
Such a christian lives in confusion, very sad. They need guidance from people who can show them by example, how to live that christian life. I felt so amazing how God taught me to understand these things in a short time of a year in 2003, I have never understood it before. As I move on in the past years, I see even more of the love of Jesus shed abroad in the heart of christians where real testimony I witness and their life example touches and greatly impact my life.
From N2 -K2, there is a desire to read the bible, serve, make changes to your life. Some special verses will keep appearing to you to bring about a conviction in your life. And you will have a heart that wants to learn and make a different by being the channel of blessings for the Lord. Always waiting for God's direction to be revealed to you. By K2, you probably have been reading the bible and prayering often before you reach P1. P1 will be the time you give your life to the Lord before a ministry begin in your life. The Lord will fill you with discerning spirit and wisdom to guide you in all that He wants you to do. At this stage, you are rather aware of God's presence. Almost like daily or many time by the moment.
On another hand, one can slip in and out of coma if no commitment to the Lord take place. Soon, discouragement creeps in and doubts too. You won't stay long at P1, you will degrade quickly. The cycle may repeat itself, this is known as 'stuck' christian.
I wrote this in March 2007 in my diary.
One week before the youth went on the mission trip Dec 2006, I share about the word ‘SOLD’.
In order to serve in the ministry effectively, we need to have a good relationship with God.
One Sunday morning before worship, this few words came to my mind. I was wondering how can a christian come to a close relationship with God. There are too many blur christians, unaware of God's presence. Four words just simply flow through my thoughts.
Listening to God’s still small voice is very important. Discerning whether the voice comes from God or from the work of darkness is just as important. After we have heard the voice of God, next is to Obey Him.
And before we can do all this things (Listening, Discerning and Obeying), we have to Surrender our life to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith because our natural man can’t do it. Our flesh is weak; our faith is small and sometimes our hearts
are not willing to do what He wants us to do. Only, after you have surrendered your heart to God and put your complete trust in Him then flow rivers of unimaginable blessings. The Lord’s presence will always go before you, without fail.
In order not to forget these four words, I try to make a word to remember it. The first tries was ‘DOLS’ sound like a puppet kind of life and God does not control our lives. He let us make choices, He allows us to choose and we need to make wise choices in our lives that please God.
On the second try, I formed the word ‘SOLD’, it strike me much. We are bought with a price by the blood of Christ, therefore we are SOLD to Him once we except Jesus into our hearts and at that minute we receive salvation, we belong to Him. What an appropriate word for the four important words that I try to remember and put them in my heart.
And when God wants you to do something for Him, He will speak by the Holy Spirit through the bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
When He speaks, it is usually unique and you are sure that God is speaking. You will know what He says and that is an encounter with God. And you can be sure that what He begins in you, He will also complete it.
If you have lost God’s contact number, please dial 333. (Jer. 33:3) He will sure to answer your call. Be ready to hear Him speaks.
N1 begins only when a christian desires the things of God, aware of God's presence under special circumstances and become a seeker. Even no none goes with him or her, that person is willing to make a difference alone consistantly with obedience and an open heart to learn. I am sure there will be struggles but the Lord sees the heart. Then that person can move on to next stage quickly. Otherwise, will stay stagnant until commitment from the heart is ready.
There are christians who are aware of God's presence and blessings under certain circumstances and rejoice for that very moment, then done with, not a seeker, no desire for the things of God. Most of the time living a self-centre life, waiting to be bless by God but sometimes at will, can serve with great zealousness and this type of christian has not reached N1 yet. Just a norminal christian. Not realistic in the walk with God.
There are a handful who zealously study the scriptures from cover to cover and memorise verses seriously. Observe God's law and many forms. Desire to follow and obey God sincerely according to their perception of God, unaware of God's presence and His directions. Many christians presumingly thought this is definitely what God would have them to do. I have been in this situation for almost 30 years. It is a very sad thing, I have salvation because I believe in my heart that Jesus came to die to give me eternal life but I have no relationship with Him.
I also realised that christians can surrender his or her life to God at will. They are in control not God. They actually tell God what they want to do for Him. This is not what God wants, He wants our total obedience in submission to Him, in everything. His will is always right and the best.
Such a christian lives in confusion, very sad. They need guidance from people who can show them by example, how to live that christian life. I felt so amazing how God taught me to understand these things in a short time of a year in 2003, I have never understood it before. As I move on in the past years, I see even more of the love of Jesus shed abroad in the heart of christians where real testimony I witness and their life example touches and greatly impact my life.
From N2 -K2, there is a desire to read the bible, serve, make changes to your life. Some special verses will keep appearing to you to bring about a conviction in your life. And you will have a heart that wants to learn and make a different by being the channel of blessings for the Lord. Always waiting for God's direction to be revealed to you. By K2, you probably have been reading the bible and prayering often before you reach P1. P1 will be the time you give your life to the Lord before a ministry begin in your life. The Lord will fill you with discerning spirit and wisdom to guide you in all that He wants you to do. At this stage, you are rather aware of God's presence. Almost like daily or many time by the moment.
On another hand, one can slip in and out of coma if no commitment to the Lord take place. Soon, discouragement creeps in and doubts too. You won't stay long at P1, you will degrade quickly. The cycle may repeat itself, this is known as 'stuck' christian.
I wrote this in March 2007 in my diary.
One week before the youth went on the mission trip Dec 2006, I share about the word ‘SOLD’.
In order to serve in the ministry effectively, we need to have a good relationship with God.
One Sunday morning before worship, this few words came to my mind. I was wondering how can a christian come to a close relationship with God. There are too many blur christians, unaware of God's presence. Four words just simply flow through my thoughts.
Listening to God’s still small voice is very important. Discerning whether the voice comes from God or from the work of darkness is just as important. After we have heard the voice of God, next is to Obey Him.
And before we can do all this things (Listening, Discerning and Obeying), we have to Surrender our life to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith because our natural man can’t do it. Our flesh is weak; our faith is small and sometimes our hearts
are not willing to do what He wants us to do. Only, after you have surrendered your heart to God and put your complete trust in Him then flow rivers of unimaginable blessings. The Lord’s presence will always go before you, without fail.
In order not to forget these four words, I try to make a word to remember it. The first tries was ‘DOLS’ sound like a puppet kind of life and God does not control our lives. He let us make choices, He allows us to choose and we need to make wise choices in our lives that please God.
On the second try, I formed the word ‘SOLD’, it strike me much. We are bought with a price by the blood of Christ, therefore we are SOLD to Him once we except Jesus into our hearts and at that minute we receive salvation, we belong to Him. What an appropriate word for the four important words that I try to remember and put them in my heart.
And when God wants you to do something for Him, He will speak by the Holy Spirit through the bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
When He speaks, it is usually unique and you are sure that God is speaking. You will know what He says and that is an encounter with God. And you can be sure that what He begins in you, He will also complete it.
If you have lost God’s contact number, please dial 333. (Jer. 33:3) He will sure to answer your call. Be ready to hear Him speaks.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Lord of our Lives
Yesterday, surprised by my niece, Yi Ling's visit. I invited her to WEB and she agreed. Do pray for her salvation. During WEB, Ps 8 was read, I felt the word was so beautiful.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
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?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the seas.
O LORD, OUR LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (NIV)
Experiencing God's bk pg 130 by Henry T. Blackaby
Absolute Surrender
God frequently requires adjustments in areas you have never considered or been open to in the past. You may have heard someone say something like this: " Don't ever tell God something you will NOT do. That is what He will ask you to do. "God is not looking for ways to make you "squirm." He does, however, want to be Lord of your life. Whenever you identify a place where you refuse to allow His lordship, that is a place He will go to work. He is interested in absolute surrender. God may or may not require you to do that very thing you identified, but He will keep working until you are willing for Him to be Lord of all. Remember, because God loves you, His will is always best for you! Any adjustment God expects you to make is for your good. As you follow Him, the time may come that your life and future may depend on your adjusting quickly to God's directives.
The adjusting is always to a Person. You adjust your life to God. You adjust your view points to be like His veiwpoints. You adjust your ways to be like His ways. After you make the necessary adjustments, He will tell you what to do next to obey Him. When you obey Him, you will experience Him doing through you something only God can do.
Kinds of adjustment
In circumstances
In relationships
In thinking
In commitments
In actions
In beliefs
Pg132
You cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. Adjustments must come first.Then you can follow in obedience.. Keep in mind - the God who calls you is also the One who will enable you to do His will.
Today's Sunday msg by Ptr E How To Live Through A Bad
Five Keys for turning A TEST into a TRIUMPH:
1) That which we must FACE - reality of suffering
2) That which we must KNOW - Jesus Christ our comfort
3) That which we must WANT - God's divine will
4) That which we must DO - Entrusting God in every bad time ( He has a purpose)
5) That which we must HOLD FAST TO - God's promises
Lastly, go watch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMo
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
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?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the seas.
O LORD, OUR LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (NIV)
Experiencing God's bk pg 130 by Henry T. Blackaby
Absolute Surrender
God frequently requires adjustments in areas you have never considered or been open to in the past. You may have heard someone say something like this: " Don't ever tell God something you will NOT do. That is what He will ask you to do. "God is not looking for ways to make you "squirm." He does, however, want to be Lord of your life. Whenever you identify a place where you refuse to allow His lordship, that is a place He will go to work. He is interested in absolute surrender. God may or may not require you to do that very thing you identified, but He will keep working until you are willing for Him to be Lord of all. Remember, because God loves you, His will is always best for you! Any adjustment God expects you to make is for your good. As you follow Him, the time may come that your life and future may depend on your adjusting quickly to God's directives.
The adjusting is always to a Person. You adjust your life to God. You adjust your view points to be like His veiwpoints. You adjust your ways to be like His ways. After you make the necessary adjustments, He will tell you what to do next to obey Him. When you obey Him, you will experience Him doing through you something only God can do.
Kinds of adjustment
In circumstances
In relationships
In thinking
In commitments
In actions
In beliefs
Pg132
You cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. Adjustments must come first.Then you can follow in obedience.. Keep in mind - the God who calls you is also the One who will enable you to do His will.
Today's Sunday msg by Ptr E How To Live Through A Bad
Five Keys for turning A TEST into a TRIUMPH:
1) That which we must FACE - reality of suffering
2) That which we must KNOW - Jesus Christ our comfort
3) That which we must WANT - God's divine will
4) That which we must DO - Entrusting God in every bad time ( He has a purpose)
5) That which we must HOLD FAST TO - God's promises
Lastly, go watch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMo
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Home at last
I am so glad that my two sisters had arrived Singapore safely from Shanghai. The flight was delayed for 8 hrs, can't imagine myself waiting at the airport for 8 hrs. It was due to the heavy snowing. I was on my way to the airport at 3.15pm but received sms from them that they just boarded the flight. So I made a U-turn home. Teletext show that 3.40pm before I left to pick them. Thank God that He saves me the trip to the airport.
Many people were stranded in many part of China. Now, I thank God that it was just only a 8 hrs of waiting instead of never get a chance to go back to their hometown to spend time with their love ones.
Thank God that my brother Mark fly back home safely yesterday due to work stuff.
* Glad to hear that my sister in law (Mark's wife) has a baby boy. I make the right guess. The first grandson in my family line.
Many people were stranded in many part of China. Now, I thank God that it was just only a 8 hrs of waiting instead of never get a chance to go back to their hometown to spend time with their love ones.
Thank God that my brother Mark fly back home safely yesterday due to work stuff.
* Glad to hear that my sister in law (Mark's wife) has a baby boy. I make the right guess. The first grandson in my family line.
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