Frank's blog about Integrity

This is sooo true, and Yes, I want to be in it, by God's grace. Change me, Lord...

This was what Frank wrote:

"Integrity, honesty, responsibility. I begin to put a post-it note on my steering wheels with those words written on there. I am the first one to confess I have the flaky, full of excuses tendancy in me, but now I am going to put a stop to it.
Let’s learn to say no, when we can’t commit to something, instead of “maybe” “i’ll let yo know.” Let’s learn to be commited to the things we have promised, even if it means dragging your lazy ass out of bed and put on a smile for your friend.
I have the confidence that as I change my lifestyle, not only will my social life improve, but also in my career.
Just watch, those who live a lifestyle with Integrity, honesty, responsibility, will outshine those who don’t. Are you in with me?"

Yes, Lord... Burn them away...

Daily Office, Week 2 Day 4 - Midday / Evening Prayer

Yes, Lord... Burn them away... The selfishness, self-centeredness, jealousy, fakeness, pretense, impatience, and all the "other motives" behind why I do things I do.
Save me from the poison that flows in my veins, from that which keeps me from your Light.
Fill me with You like a sponge is filled with water, and may I continue soak myself in You.
Transform me... make me over into my true self, the way You originally intended me to be.
I want to be my true self, God... But I don't know how... I need You!

Single-Minded (Part 2)

God's not demanding. He doesn't want to take from us, He wants to give to us. But when our hands are cluttering so many things that clutter our lives, He cannot give.

So, I surrender all, God...

Detoxify my soul

Single-hearted pursuit of the things of God

My heart to be completely Yours...

Compassion

Read Gracy's blog n found it very reminding and it's very 'me'.

Here's what she said:
"I tend to have less compassion in the areas where i have more strength.
And yet, Jesus who is perfect has compassion over my struggles, over my darkness, over all areas of my life.
compassion...
love the people and walk with them from where they are, not where we think they should be, but where they are."

And I went, "yeaa..."

Single-Minded

I was listening to Edmun Chan's sermon "Single Minded" on my way back home yesterday. So I was very convicted that I've been in that category of a double-minded Christian. Somehow, on fire for God, but double-minded; simply want God but also any other things.

And having realizing this, I guess my greatest need of life in my this point of life is: To be a single-minded christian, to focus on and pursuing that of the things of the Kingdom of God, things that really matter. Only then, my whole life will be changed. Direction will be there, excitement will be there, passion will be there. Forgive me, Lord, for my double-mindedness all these while, and please help me to train my eyes to focus on You and Your things only.

Matthew 622
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

In it's original language, it's actually "if your eyes are single" (which is stated in KJV).

Another quote that I got from e sermon was:
"Not to have is alright, because I'd rather have it in God's time" [Edmund Chan]

Excited to listen to the next half of the sermon later on the way going home again...
Speak to me, Lord...

Our God is Far Greater

“Our God is far greater than words can make known,
Exalted and holy, He reigns on His throne.
In infinite splendor He rules over all;
Yet He feeds the poor sparrows, and He knows when they fall.

He rides the wild heavens, He strides thro’ the seas;The high mountains tremble to hear His decrees.
His voice with great thunderings sounds from above;
But to His own children He whispers His love.

His power is great and will ever endure,
His wisdom is peaceable, gentle, and pure.
But greater than all these glories I see,
Is the glorious promise that He cares for me.”

[Can't find the title, author of this song]

Rumor... Is it necessary?

A reminder to myself and whoever reading this:

Ketika tergoda untuk menyebarkan cerita buruk tentang orang lain, pertimbangkanlah: Apakah cerita itu benar? Apakah itu berguna? Apakah itu menggugah semangat? Apakah itu perlu? Apakah itu baik? Jika tidak, lebih arif apabila kita menutup mulut.

[When we are tempted to spread a rumour (something bad bout others), consider this: Is the story true? Is it useful? Is it encouraging? Is it necessary? Is it good? If not, it's wiser to shut our mouth]

APABILA ANDA TIDAK MENYEBARKAN FITNAH ORANG LAIN TIDAK AKAN DAPAT MENERUSKANNYA --Charles Swindoll

[IF YOU DON'T SPREAD RUMOUR ABOUT OTHERS, OTHERS WON'T BE ABLE TO PASS IT ON - Charles Swindoll]

Beautiful Christian Woman

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

[A quote sent by Rachel Yong]

You Can, because He Can

You Can, Because He Can

I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. Job 42:2 NKJV

You can ask the Lord
because He will not give you a wrong answer.
You can wait upon the Lord
because His timing is always perfect.
You can trust in the Lord
because He makes no mistakes.
You can hope in the Lord
because He holds your future.
You can rest in the Lord
because He is in control of your life.
You can lean upon the Lord
because He is completely faithful.

(Meet Me in the Meadow - by Roy Lessin)

Make a Certain Breakthrough

And I, speechlessly wept during this song in Sunday service yesterday...

Make A Certain Breakthrough© Ann Chan & Ruth Ling 2006

Verse 1
In my life of searching for the plain and simple way,
Many paths were so winding, the roads were never straight,
Then the Spirit of God broke through and healed my broken wings,
And showed me the way into His heart

Chorus
And I know that God is leading in a clear and certain way,
My one life for your purpose, Jesus, I offer up this day,
To follow you completely, to do all that you say,
Cleanse my life, fill me up, And use me this day,
Make a certain breakthrough, Make it today

Verse 2
In these days of danger, Lord, we rest upon Your grace,
With Your tender and skillful hands, You shape this stubborn clay,
Yes You calm my inmost being, giving courage to hope again,
And to build this one life in power and faith

Come Bless the Lord (CBTL) 2009 - The Kingship of Christ

Last year I attended the CBTL as a very new comer in BBTC :)
And this year, I'll be joining the choir on stage ^^

This afternoon, we had our 2nd practise, after 2nd service, 2pm-5pm. Yayy... I have ministry-activity (kesibukan) again ;) Thank You, God...

So, Jessie, our Worship Pastor gathered everyone for a message and words of encouragement for a start. The theme this year is about the 2nd coming of Christ as a King who come. Jessie shared that once she was asked by someone, "How much do you believe in the 2nd coming of the Lord?", and so she passed this question on to all of us. When I asked myself, I said, "I believe". But wait... I asked, "But how much are you looking forward to it?", to this I'll say, "I am yet to be excited about it and looking forward to it". I guess, perhaps it's partly because I haven't really been able to 'see' that glorious and "woww..." scene, and partly also because if it happens now at this moment, I don't think I'll be that person who receives any reward, simply because I haven't done anything for Him on the earth. So, the message really stirred me. Before I can sing with a heart of excitement on the 2nd coming of the Lord, my heart really need to be touched by God and His truth. So, as I'll be reading the book of Revelation, Daniel and Joel (as 'instructed' by Jessie), I ask of You oh Lord, the one who revealed to John in the Patmos those days, to open the eyes of my heart n my spirit, to receive a revelation from You, and I'll be able to 'see' the days, that the end times is here, that we're running out of time to save as many souls as possible, before I face You in that new Jerusalem.

Another sentence that captivate my heart:

But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." [2 Samuel 24:24]

Yes, God... You deserve my all of all in my service to You. May it be pleasing to You, God...

Btw, I enjoyed the practise pretty much this afternoon ^^

Rest for the Weary

Fashion Photographer Captures Jesus in 21st Century
By Michelle A. Vu
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Sep, 10 2009 02:00 AM PT

A veteran fashion photographer who is used to having his works featured in Vogue, GQ and Elle, will release his most “rewarding” collection – “Journeys with the Messiah” – on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

"I was in New York prepping for a photo shoot a week after 9/11 and saw many people searching for something," recalled Michael Belk, who created the Jesus photo collection out of his Christian faith. "Similar to 9/11, I think many Americans don't know where to turn in the midst of the current worldwide financial crisis.”

Belk says he hopes his “Journeys With the Messiah” collection will help people who are anxious and looking for answers to find peace by knowing there is someone to turn to.

The photos are a retelling of the stories of 1st-century Jesus to a 21st-century audience. Included in the collection are photos of Jesus with Nazis, prostitutes, Ferraris and motorcycles, as well as Wall Street executives and high rollers that creatively address modern-day social problems such as genocide, materialism, addiction, poverty, and hypocrisy.

In the photo entitled “The Second Mile,” Jesus is shown walking and talking alongside a Nazi soldier. The messiah is carrying the soldier’s backpack as well as his gun.

“Jesus’ teachings on this subject (forgiveness) were revolutionary: ‘Love your enemies as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you. Forgive people seventy times seven.’ Jesus reminds us that, just as God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others,” wrote Belk in the accompanying journal entry for the photo.

Each of Belk’s images is accompanied by a written journal entry of a 21st-century take on a 1st-century story or parable.

In another photo, “Rest for the Weary,” a man in a suit and tie is shown collapsed on the steps of a building. His head rests on Jesus’ lap while his suitcase is opened with papers scattered about.

“I am writing this in March of 2009 while the world is in a serious economic upheaval,” Belk’s journal reads. “Fortunes have been lost, retirement incomes are gone, and the basic necessities have become a struggle for man.”

But then he writes, “In truth, we assign too much importance to issues that, in the end, will be of non consequence. Have you ever heard of a man on his deathbed who asked to see his stock portfolio one more time? Could the time we spend worrying be better spent in quiet, soothing fellowship with the One who created it all and promises more?”

The Christian photographer reminds the reader Jesus said not to worry but to “seek His Kingdom first” and God will take care of our needs. Also, Jesus invited those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.

“Maybe we should give it a try,” Belk suggested.

One of the aims of the photo collection, the 61-year-old photographer said, was to strip away the “religion” part of Christianity that has turned so many people away, and share the core message of who Jesus was and what He taught.

Belk believes the photos carry messages that God wants to say to people in the world struggling with countless problems right now.

In 2008, despite the economic downturn, Belk took time off of fashion photography and spent his own money to finance the project that took more than a year and a half to complete. The project cost $600,000.

Pre-production took 10 months and more than 100 extras were needed. An Italian actor played Jesus and a production company from Rome and a film crew from the U.S. were hired.

Belk directed what he calls “the most grueling, but most rewarding shoot” of his career.

All of the photos were shot in Matera, Italy (filming location for “The Passion of the Christ”).

The fashion photographer-turned-Jesus’ camera man is considering to exhibit the collection worldwide in counterintuitive venues such as mass transit stations, corporate headquarters and projections onto urban buildings. He also hopes the images will be used in a greeting card line and small group curriculum.

Limited edition photographs, posters, 108-page photography book, DVD, and screensavers and wallpapers are available for sale. Proceeds from the sale of the photos will fund the worldwide exhibit tour.

Source: http://www.gospelherald.net/article/entertainment/45572/fashion-photographer-captures-jesus-in-21st-century_pageall.htm

真實的悔改

Feeling very discouraged and down n tired ministering to Lydia. Sometimes I just feel she's just way too sensitive and self-centered and tend to misunderstand my care / 'hao yi' towards her.
But I kept telling myself that I will persevere.. I will love her, care for her..

And, suddenly, when the intro of this song "真實的悔改" started, a thought came in my mind:
I cannot blame her for this. Instead, I should ask myself these questions: "Have you prayed enough? Have you been 'puo qie' enough before God? Have I really xian shang wo zhi ji? Have I really put enough effort? Have I really been obedience?"

Yes God... I want to 'Zhen shi de hui gai'. I pray that You'll bless all the seed that I'll learn to sow and turn them into fruits for Your kingdom... Yes, I long to see..

'Craving' for being a volunteer - "Good Work"

Last night watched "Star for a Cause". This time is Michelle Chia joining a group of volunteer from Eden Foundation from Taiwan, serving in a small and very poor village in Philipines, Himaco. From the name, I was pretty sure that it's a christian foundation. So this morning, I tried to check out their website, and yes, it is! In fact, it's Liu Hsia's foundation. For me, Liu Hsia is not of a stranger, knew about her through Heavenly Melody, when they produced the song/album "Ba Ai Liu Xia" which lyric is written by Liu Hsia.

So, I really 'craving' for being a volunteer, if possible, a Christian-mission-driven oversea short term voluntarily work, so it's not only doing good, but also bringing Christ's love. I hope it's not just an emotional force. Well, I don't think it is, because I have always been desiring to be able to be a volunteer or go for a mission trip. And recently, it's really not only based on feeling anymore, but I know for sure that I am created, saved, and being a Christian, to partner with God to do good works, and through that, to let the world know that I am a disciple of God, and to share Christ's love for them.

Some bible basis:

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Colossians 1:10
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

2 Timothy 2:21
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

2 Timothy 3:17
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

And see this promise.. wow..
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Yes, Zhu, wo yao...

While typing this, my mind was directed to a series of sermon of "Financial Freedom" by SP Dan Foo that touched mostly on sowing, sowing and sowing generously. And yes, I truly think that it has got to do with generousity. So here's the wonderful verse of promise in the bible: 2 Corinthians 9

In term of this, I learned and was confirmed pretty much by the teachings in BBTC also, esp. SP Dan Foo. Yeah, I come to realize more and more that BBTC has really blessed me much in term of "making - the things that I know and have been knowing all these while - make sense, being confirmed, affirmed, and into application."

Knowing God [3]

And this was what I highlighted last nite (17 Aug 09):

Page 25
'Poor souls,' our friends say of us, 'how they've suffered' - and that is just what we feel about ourselves!
But these private mock heroics have no place at all in the minds of those who really know God!

When I read the 2nd point about knowing God v.s knowing about God, "One can know a great deal about godliness (simply by the sermons, books, company, etc) without much knowledge of God", "It is just sooo ME!"

Page 27
The question is, can we say, simply, honestly, not because we feel that as evangelicals we ought to, but because it is plain matter of fact, that we have known God, and that because we have known God the unpleasantness we have had, or the pleasantness we have not had, through being Christians does not matter to us?
CAN I??? OHHH...

Knowing God [2]

Page 17
Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives.

We're cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God.

*And this is very good:

On January 7th, 1855, the minister of New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, opened his morning sermon as follows:

It has been said by someone that 'the proper study of mankind is man'. I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that

(aiyah.. to be continued...)

Knowing God [1]

Was introduced by Chee Boon (my DTC teacher) this book, was lent by him this book of his precious and very classic edition actually. Started reading it 2 weeks ago, very very touched and relevant, since I call my current spiritual life stage as the stage of "Knowing God", so decided to buy one copy so I can take my time reading and highlighting them while reading. Plus, bit pressured reading Chee Boon's very classic n precious copy, scared of tearing them accidentally, haha... Btw, I stopped reading because busy with Amy, Evian and Cindy's visit. Today is public holiday (replacement of National Day). So started reading again last night and today... Gonna record down those phrase that struck me the best :)

God... I want to know You...

Caution: Yun, know your purpose of reading this!

Page 20:
For this very reason we need, before we start to ascend our mountain, to stop and ask ourselves a very fundamental question - a question, indeed, that we always ought to put to ourselves whenever we embark on any line of study in God's holy book. The question concerns our own motives and intentions as students. We need to ask ourselves: what is my ultimate aim and object in occupying my mind with these things? What do I intend to do with my knowledge about God, once I have got it? For the fact that we have to face is this: that if we pursue theological knowledge for its own sake, it is bound to go bad on us. It will make us proud and conceited. The very greatness of the subject-matter will intoxicate us, and we shall come to think of ourselves a a cut above other Christians because of our interest in it and grasp of it; and we shall look down on those wholse theological ideas seem to us crude and inadequate, and dismiss them as very poor specimens. For, as Paul told the conceited Corinthians, 'knowledge puffs up ... the man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know' (1 Cor 8:1). To be preoccupied with getting theological knowledge as an end in itself, to approach Bible study with no higher a motive than a desire to know all the answers, is the direct route to a state of self-satisfied self-deception. We need to guard our hearts against such an attitude, and pray to be kept from it. As we saw ealier, there can be no spiritual health without doctrinal knowledge; but it is equally true that there can be no spiritual health with it, if it is sought for the wrong purpose and valued by the wrong standard. In this way, doctrinal study really can become a danger to spiritual life, and we today, no less than the Corinthians of old, need to be on our guard here.

So, this is extremely a good start to reading this book. After reading this paragraph, I really paused and 'beng kui' before God's foot to commit my purpose of reading this book, of 'Knowing about Him', of knowing His Word.
And, this is what I desire:
In order to know You better, personally, so as to love You better, serve You better, live my (Christian) life better, delight in You, and that my heart may respond to it and my life be conformed to it.

Ok, continue.. this is from page 21:
And this must be our attitude too. Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of God's attributes, but with the living God whose attributes they are. As he is the subject of our study, and our helper in it, so He must Himself the the end of it. We must seek, in studying God, to be led to God. It was for this purpose that revelation was given, and it is to this use that we must put it.

Title: Knowing God
Author: J.I. Packer
First edition 1973
My copy: 2005 edition

YES!! God... keep me safe from all the distraction and possibility of forgetting my ultimate purpose of knowing You... Lead me to You, and You only, Lord...

Serenity to Accept (a conversation on one Friday)

So, I told him bout the situation I'm in now, the struggle of finding where I'm supposed to be, what I'm supposed to do, n the really calling of my life which is from God.

He just answered, "I think it's because you are having and given a lot of expectations, from outside n inside". And, it just can't be any truer. Exactly, that's the main cause, I think. And I thank God, that He used BBTC to deal with this issue of expectation, condemnation, grace in my life. I am now really much better in term of this. However, this is the consequence, cause I have chosen that 'long-cut', the 'round and round' path.. Well, it's ok.. there are still lot of things in front that I can do to glorify God in my life, I believe, as God's transforming more and more into His image n plan.

He also said, "who say that all the past decisions you made were wrong?", and I must admit, it pretty much comforted (an wei) me :)

And I thank God, for letting him remind me of this,

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference" (He said it in simplified Indonesian)

I have seen this phrase many times in different bookmarks, but this time when he told me that, it's just so applicable to my life in this point of time. And yeah... I really need to do that... Only then, I'll be able to live my life from now on, in a way that I'm not wasting every single breathe of mine, but to really make the whole of me (body, mind and soul) be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, glorifying God, this is my spiritual act of worship. God... need your grace and help and wisdom. And... I guess, that's the conclusion of conversation.

Thank you, fren.. So glad that you still understand me so well and are willing to share and encourage..
(Friday, 10 July 09 03.20pm)

In His Sanctuary!

Psalm 73:16-17
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

Yup, everything'll just be different when you are in God's presence...
Your mind, thought, perspective, 'xin tai', etc...

Wow...

“All the Lord’s ways are LOVING and TRUE for those who follow the demands of his agreement.”

Psalm 25:10

Wow...