www.biblestudytools.com

We discussed about 1 John 5:6 about Jesus who came not only by water but by water and blood yesterday in cellgroup. So I was trying to search for some commentaries and found this powerful website: www.biblestudytools.com which also then led me to www.crosswalkradio.com

Wonderful... :)

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...

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]

Jesus, I will not quit!

I just wanna thaaank God for feeding me with so much grace, creating (or rather reviving) the confidence in me, not of myself, but of Him, of His love again this beginning of year. I believe that this is gonna mark my year-start and by God's grace continue running this year better than last year. Thaaank You, God...

I just realized that I've been so hopeless, shameful, discouraged, disappointed with myself, especially in my spiritual life, and of course that 'lost-ness' in life. I felt everything's just gone. Even the talents that I used to think as God-given to me were also gone as I disobeyed Him and His will again and again. I literally lost everything... lost confidence, lost direction, lost passion, almost loosing hope, then...

1. Ps Benny Ho's sermon on Sunday, 17 Jan 2010 (Hope for the Hopeless)

My hope is in the God of hope! Not in myself, not in my strength to please Him (that fails again and again), not even in my faith, but in Him! So, who am I to lose hope? Oh.. there's still hope for me.. to be spiritually revived again, to be used by Him again, to be drawn near to Him again. Yes, there's hope...

Romans 5:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Note: was supposed to tell Joy a deadline for me to answer her regarding being A&C leader after the service. I was almost wanting to say "No" right away, seeing how I'm doing as a Christian, seeing how my relationship with God had become. But after the sermon, I was so excited to see what God's going to do in my life this year that I changed my answer to "let's see how I'm improving in 3 months. Reason being, I don't want to lead out of myown emptiness"

2. Asher Tribe Gathering today, 29 Jan 2010 Exhortation by Tuck Leh

Watching the video below, when Derek was struggling with the pain, I really saw myself in it: hopeless, sin, strengthless, disappointed with myself, lonely, pain, lost... all were there. People are passing by and I was struggling, alone... I really felt myself not worthy of anything anymore. And then, when Derek got up and started running again, I found myself saying, "Yes Lord... I will not quit!" I want to continue running, and finish the race. And I know that my Father is running with me, giving me support and strength.

Note: About the role of leadership, I'm still not confident to myself as in whether I'm able to lead, what I can give etc. But I know, God's the One who's providing me with all those, and I came to know 1 thing: I want to do it. So how? hmm..

Yes! I really love the way God uses BBTC to bless me, to shape me. God.. I am now excited again to experience all that You're gonna do in my life. Help me Lord that this won't be just an overnight fire, but may this be something that stays in me that sustain my desire and excitement to seek You and grow in deeper knowledge of You.

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)

我高舉雙手 - I Give You My All

This song, once again is very relevant to 'xian zai de wo'. Actually, it has always been describing about me.
These few days, have always been thinking (on the way to work, early morning in bus 506): I don't love God enough as yet.. I really long to have the very close and intimate relationship with God, being and living kind of life that's pleasing in His heart, from inside out, but.. I am still struggling and 'striving' so hard with it.
I haven't prayed enough, haven't loved enough, haven't read Bible enough, haven't obeyed enough, haven't lived His will.. No... it's just too far from 'there'. I am not yet a God's lover, or a devoted Christian..

And once again.. I asked God to help me..

God.. forgive me.. and help me be.. help me be... I want to repent.. Repent from my disobedience, from my self-centeredness, from not 'zhuan xin' towards You.

Here's the song:

我高舉雙手
I Give You My All
詞：謝秉哲 Eric Hsieh 曲：游智婷 Sandy Yu
English Translation: SOP & John Liu

我攤開我的雙手
How can I give You a gift
想要給甚麼
That’s worthy of my King
卻一無所有
When all I have is Yours?
我獻上我的身體
How can I give You my life
想報答甚麼
To glorify Your name?
可是卻虧欠那麼多
When my life is weak, You are strong
主卻用溫柔雙手
But You cover me with perfect love
抬起我的頭
Speak the words of peace
輕輕對我說 恩典夠我用
In my weakness, Your grace is enough

﹝副歌﹞
我高舉雙手 觸摸的手
I give You my all, give my everything
倒空生命 只願愛更多
Humble myself to worship You my King
我高舉雙手 願觸摸的手
I give You my all, I give my everything
定睛仰望十架 成我力量
Before Your glory, before my King

Copyright 2009 Stream of Praise Music. CCLI# 5482553
讚美之泉版權所有﹝ 不要放棄 •滿有能力﹞ 我高舉雙手

Blue Christmas

Have been feeling blue since that saturday night weird sad dream. Have been quite tired recently. But usually, though tired, but if it's due to the busy-ness of practise etc I would still be so energetic. This time is a bit different, veryyy tired.. may be because now older already also lol.. Was really very tired on Sunday, and I think partly because of the dream also that affect my mood, haha.. 'kam tou tak?"

Today, feeling as if as Christmas is nearer, the feeling is even 'bluer', lost in the crowd.

I told God, "God, I don't know why and what kind of feeling is this, but would you remove this and replace it with the joy and peace which is from You, which despites of circumstances?

And, this song meant a lot to me (sang in last Sunday worship) and made me ponder my ups and downs, lonely struggles, and tears that no-one knows throughout this year. For me, the greatest meaning of Christmas this year is: He is with me. Thank You, Jesus...

Intro: Bb Dm7 Eb F
Verse 1:Bb Dm7 Eb FsusTogether in this place of worship Your greatness we proclaim.Bb Dm7 Eb Fsus FWe stand as one in giving You all glory and aclaim.
Prechorus 1: Gm7 Bb CTo You our hearts are open, F Bbto You our hands we raise. Eb Bb Cm7 Fsus FCome take the place of honour in our lives.
Chorus: Eb F Eb FsusEmmanuel our God is with us. Eb FPrince of peace, Mighty One, Eb Fsusthe ever living God.
(x2)Instrumental: Eb F Eb FVerse 2:Bb Dm7 Eb Fsus See the praises of our Saviour rise to open skies.Bb Dm7 Eb Fsus F With the dawning of redemption, Your glory will arise.
Prechorus 2: Gm7 Bb C For You alone are worthy, here inF BbZion You are praised. Our Eb Bb Cm7 Fsus FLord and King forever You will reign.
Chorus: Eb F Eb FsusEmmanuel our God is with us. Eb FPrince of peace, Mighty One, Eb Fsusthe ever living God. (x2)
Coda: Eb F Eb Fsus Eb F Eb Fsus
Prechorus 1: Gm7 Bb CTo You our hearts are open, F Bbto You our hands we raise. Eb Bb Cm7 Fsus FCome take the place of honour in our lives.
Prechorus 2: Gm7 Bb C For You alone are worthy, here inF BbZion You are praised. Our Eb Bb Cm7 Fsus FLord and King forever You will reign.
Chorus: Eb F Eb FsusEmmanuel our God is with us. Eb FPrince of peace, Mighty One, Eb Fsusthe ever living God. (x6)

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

Padang update

The numbers by The Strait Times Wed 07 Oct 09. Glad that many countries had started volunteering. I'm thinking what I can do, which organization to donate through... Thinking of the possibility of some ppl who might take opportunity to 'steal' some of the money really hurt my heart. Oh Indonesia... Oh God, pls don't let them have any chance to do so, so all the help n money will 100%-ly go to the needies..

End of DTC class..

So we are required to do a 50-100 words write-up on what we've learned from the course. And this is what I wrote:

To summarize, it’s about knowing “who God is” and “what I am”, and thus what kind of Christian I want to be. I have been a Christian all my life. But it is in this class that I, from the Words, know why I do the things I do.

The class has come to an end, but it has brought a significant impact in my life as a follower of Christ. It has made me want to continuously know God more, know and understand His truth so that my heart may respond to it and my life be conformed to it, and to obey with love, joy and peace in heart.

It's 111 words, though.. hehe.. Btw, I had a good time flipping through the 3 DTC books and writing down those quotes that I wrote all over the book during classes in a notebook that I think I'll continue to write whatever quotes I get in future in it.

It's 4:13pm now, hope I'll have enough motivation later to go for my first jogging here in Bedok Reservoir Park :)

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

Taiwan 88 - Typhoon Morakot

Typhoon Morakot, the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in half a century, hit the island’s southern and eastern areas on Aug. 7 and 8. It dumped more than 80 inches of rain on the island and stranded thousands of villagers in mountainous areas in the south. Over 21,000 villagers were rescued to safety.

President Ma Ying-jeou said Friday he estimates more than 500 people have died because of the typhoon. The official death toll, however, is 123.

Most of the deaths are in Shiao Lin village, which lost more than half of its population. Some 380 people are thought to have died in Shiao Lin, due to landslides from the surrounding mountains.

(Sun, 16 Aug 09 - gospelherald.net)

On Aug. 24, 18 Christian celebrities of Taiwan from the film and music industry gathered at an event organized by Chinese Christian Relief Association to use their songs and talents to fund-raise for the reconstruction efforts for the victims of Typhoon Morakot.

The celebrities gathered included some of the heavy-weight super-stars in the music and movie industries, and they are Yueh Sun, Tao Da Wei, Van Ness Wu, Jam Hsiao, Kai Pao-Yu, Samuel Tai, Augustine Yeh, Vicky Chen, Vivien Chen, Jimmy Hung, Sien Vanessa, and etc. Together, they’ve recorded the EP and MV for the song “Taiwan, I Love You”, which will be given as a gift for donations made towards this particular fund-raising effort.

Version of Taiwan Pastor’s singing “Taiwan I Love You”:

'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...

Nuovo Cinema Paradiso

I watched this in Gracy's blog n like it very much.