I Have Moved, Finally :)

Dear friends, I have moved my blog... so I will no longer be updating this blog... finally, yeah!

What Is Conviction To You?

Pastor Johannes shared on last Sunday about the significance of conviction in the life of a believer. It was a heartfelt message that penetrates right into the heart of many believers. I guess.


From my personal outlook, the key foundation to having a conviction is the fundamental core values in our lives. Without core values, the root of our conviction is easily deracinated, especially when we are challenged with tough or critical situations.


So we need to first take a closer examine at what values are. Values are not simply a set of beliefs, i.e. what we believe in. Values are more than this. They are reflected in our lives. Values are essentially about how we live out our beliefs. More often than not, our deep core values surface when we are faced with challenging circumstances.


For example, if I say that one of my core values is integrity, yet I struggle to tell the truth when I were to be placed in a situation where I have to lie in order to keep my employment, then integrity isn't really the value I hold. It is merely said out of my lips. In fact, integrity is more than just being truthful and honest, integrity is the consistency of actions and principles.


It is therefore, not arduous for us to know the set of core values deep within us. Let me break it into few steps as follows:


1) Invite the Holy Spirit to bring to mind all the positive, significant events that have happened in your life (from birth till now).


2) Do the same for all the negative, significant events.


3) Combine both in chronological order.


4) Divide them into different phases of your life, i.e. 'Childhood', 'Discovering own identity', 'Growing up', 'Adulthood', 'Into the wilderness', etc. (Write in your own words to describe the stages of your life)


5) From there, search for top few consistent responses to each event throughout all phases of your life.


These consistent responses are your core values.


One of my core values is perseverance. When I set my heart to do something, I will persevere through and finish what I wanted to do. Examples of my consistent responses are as follows:


1) IPPT 'Gold' Award (6 times) throughout my years in the Air Force, except the final year when I was struck down with an illness.


2) Completed Singapore Full Marathon in 2005 and 2006. Stopped in 2007 due to an illness.


3) Completed Vertical Marathon in 2006. Stopped in 2007 due to an illness.


4) Workout in gym about two-three times per week and do a 2.4km run per week (Gold timing - under 9.45min). These were done despite various circumstances - fever, flu, heavy coughs, diarrhoea, fatigue, busy schedule with work (overnight deployment and duties), part-time studies in SIM and Church involvements. These are not to show that I was crazy, but simply to highlight the value of perseverance.


5) Down with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2007. Such a tremendous change to my physical body which caused me to be unable to exercise. Held onto God and persevered through those tough times. Thank God that He has healed me. I will never forget His grace and love for me.


Our values may increase/decrease over time, depending on how firm we continue to respond with them. Yes, values can be built on and developed. However, it takes a long period and some trials to confirm a core value. A bad habit is easily developed in a short three days, but a good habit requires more than three weeks.


For example, if you want to have a daily regular time spent with God, you need to do it consistently for at least three weeks before you find the habit starting to live in you. Therefore, the way to break a bad habit is not simply to stop doing it for three weeks, but to replace it with a good habit for three weeks before you see your life taking a transformation effect.


For me, there is a couple of values that I'm still working on, especially in the area of family. I pray that God will help me to develop a strong, core value of family importance so that Christ can be seen by my family through me. It's not just saying about wanting their salvation, but showing by the core value in my life.


Lord, help me...

Devotion - John's Testimony Of Jesus

Reading: John 1:29-34


John (Gospel; First readers: Ephesians; First Hearers: Disciples of Christ)


Purpose:
1) Strengthen the faith of the Church of Ephesus
2) Convince the Church that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God and by believing, there is eternal life
3) Against false teachings on Gnosticism
4) Evangelistic purpose


Observation (1:33)
Who: I (John), myself, him (Jesus), he (God), me (John), He (Jesus), you (John), Spirit, he (Jesus), Holy Spirit
Contrast: did not know... but... He on whom you see the Spirit
Impt. Connective: sent me to baptize
Repeated words: baptize, remain, descend
Repeated idea: I myself did not know Him, but...
How: with water, with Holy Spirit
Where: on whom you see the Spirit descend & remain...


Interpretation
The FRs could be questioning about John's testimony of Jesus, since there was false teaching that challenged the identity of Jesus. The repeated idea and important connective show that John did not know who Jesus was at first, as he was only sent by God to baptize with water. The contrast and 'where' statement indicate that it was not John himself, but God who revealed to him the identity of Jesus - on whom the Spirit descended and remained when He was baptized by John in the water. This is the Christ who was to come after John. Having realised these, the FRs would stop doubting about John's testimony and they would find confidence in what he had written about Jesus. The 'how' statement explicates the difference between the way in which John and Jesus baptized, which gives the FRs an understanding that John & Jesus were two different persons, thus clearing another false idea that John could be Christ himself.


Application
Do I doubt about the testimony of others, or even Jesus? If yes, which area? How should I respond about it practically & prayerfully? What does it tell me about personal revelation? What could give me confidence in future?


Specific area: Applied. Gonna make an apology to someone. Thank You, Jesus, for correcting and guiding me to Your loving ways. Amen!


Character seen in John: Humility and reverence for God.

Wisdom In Handling Information

I think many of us have the inclination to judge others, not based on what we know about the person, but rather, by what we heard about that person. This, of course, doesn't reflect much maturity in us to handle what we have received.



If someone were to come to us and start blabbing about another person based on what he feels/thinks, we need to understand that we are simply hearing one side of the story. If we form preconceived judgment on the other person based on what we hear, we are merely passing judgment, instead of making sound judgment. Even if we keep the information on our mind and try not to be judgmental, yet deep in our heart, we become mindful of this person, chances are we would often be maximising our best human gifting (gift of fault-finding) towards this person. We become champions in spotting his/her flaws. That is none but preconceived judgment again.



How then should we handle what we receive from our friend/colleague/others?



1) If we know that we don't have the wisdom to handle it well, we better not listen and be firm & humble to tell our friends that we are afraid that we cannot handle the information.



2) If we are able to handle, be open to listen, but discard what we received. Keeping it only brings unhealthy impression of the person.



3) If we think we are able to handle, yet we feel that we have begun to judge the other person after listening, then we should approach him/her, if possible, to listen to the other side of the story.


It is radically easy for us to fall into this trap of judgment, which is in fact, a form of cooperation with the enemy, who desires to tear down relationships in the kingdom of God. The Church is the body of Christ. Unity involves honouring one another, whether in the presence or absence of the other person. We MUST always give the benefit of doubt. For what makes us different from the world if we, Christians behave just like people in the world? Our values are shown by our actions and deeds, not just what we believe in.

'God, I Am Willing'

As I was reflecting through what Carol said yesterday, I realised it is true. I remember telling God that I’m willing to do anything for Him before I was struck down with AS. There was the point when I discovered that I actually had difficulty surrendering my physical fitness and endurance. Yes, I told God I’m willing but it apparently seemed that I was struggling with willingness at that very juncture.


Then God placed me in a relationship which I didn’t expect. He knew that I’m willing to serve in ministry and pick up various knowledge and skills. The fact that I desire those things means there isn’t really a need for willingness & obedience. Yes, I decided to enter into the relationship as God has shown me what He has for me - someone who is able to complement me; someone who loves her family; someone who is encouraging and affirming; someone who is gentle and generous; someone who will build my weakness; someone who has great compassion; someone who shares the same heartbeat as me – Missions; and the list goes on. Thank God for Carol :)


Now, right after discipleship and biblical training, just when I thought God would ask me to get further equipped and prepare for missions, He called me to a ministry which is the least that I would expect from Him - marriage. Well, this is really a test of my willingness. If I’m not willing to obey Him now, what makes me think that I would be willing to obey Him in future?


There are various concerns which I have pertaining to marriage. Not so much about marriage itself, but rather the life after marriage, whether I would be tied down to the family and miss the point of fulfilling the full destiny which God has intended for me. Nevertheless, God said that I should not try to figure things out by my own human wisdom and understanding, as well as my limited vision, for He is much bigger than all these, and His ways are undeniably much higher than mine. What He wants to do, He is faithful to carry it through. Thus, I simply have to believe in Him and trust that He will fulfil the full destiny of His calling in me, out of His love, grace and mercy. I’m not going to try to fulfil, because there is nothing I can do to carry out God’s work. By grace, God’s work is His. I just have to desire for His will and perfect timing, and He will make sure that I’m in the centre of His perfect will and timing. He will lead me through as long as I’m willing to obey Him at every step that He takes me to.


Psalm 139:9-10 (ESV)


‘If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.’


The kingdom of the world has its own perspectives. But the kingdom of God functions in a diverse way from the kingdom of the world. If I can’t even manage a marriage ministry, I can be certain that I cannot manage other ministries.


Thank You, Father. Thank You for Your patience and love.

Devotion - God Is Sovereign

Reading: Exodus 1:8-14


Exodus (Historical Book & Law; First readers: mainly second generation Israelites)


OBS (1:12)
Repeated words: more, multiplied
Who: they (Israel), Egyptians, people of Israel
How: in dread of people of Israel
Contrast: But... more oppressed, ...more multiplied, spread abroad
Emphatic: more


INT
The FRs were probably afraid of the journey ahead of them (unchartered waters) and out of fear, they wanted to work things out according to their own human wisdom. They were impatience and lack of trust towards God. Here, the contrast 'BUT' that Moses wrote indicated that even as the Egyptians tried their ways to oppress and reduce the growth of Israel, they could not stop them from multiplying. This shows that God is able to bring His will to pass, despite humans trying to use their own ways to prevent it. The emphatic statement 'MORE' shows the greater power of God over all things. The truth in this passage will help the FRs to realise that God is sovereign and bigger than what they thought, that He will carry what He desires to completion, despite their own 'interference'. Hence, they could simply stop trying to figure out their own ways, but to place their trust fully upon God, waiting with patience for Him to move them to their destiny.


APP
How does the truth help me? I was reminded of what Joyce Meyer said in one of her teachings, 'If God is able to control everything, God is able to control others.' God is sovereign and He is able to work things out according to His perfect will. Instead of trying hard to convince others or figuring out what I should do in order for God to deliver His promise, I can simply place my trust in Him, for He will carry it through unto completion. Amen!


Specific area: Applied. Hallelujah!


P.S: If we think that we can do something in order for God to deliver His promise, we have failed to understand the greatness of His love & marvellous grace. We would become like the legalistic Pharisees and other pagans.

SBS - School Of Biblical Studies

God showed me the next step of my ministry - marriage. Yes, I was astonished when I first received from Him, because in my mind, I had always thought of doing more 'things'. 'D' personality likes to move fast, but God often works differently - He has to slow me down, just as how He slowed down the old Testament prophets, those who liked to advance a step faster than Him. A classic example would be Moses, who ended up spending forty years tending sheep.


Yes, though my primary focus is on marriage, I'm now doing part-time SBS with YWAM. These three weeks will be intensive as they're full-time.


More to update :)

The Start of DTS

It has been quite some time... Yes, I did mean to write... but I wrote all of them in my DTS journal. That was when I learnt what the disparity between normal journaling and Christian journaling is.


Some of the YWAM-ers often say, 'DTS really starts only when it ends.' So true... it's time for me to walk out what I have learnt in DTS.


Once a YWAM-er, always a YWAM-er.

MPC Break-Out Session With Daniel & Rachel

It's really wondrous how God led Hannah & I to Daniel & Rachel, especially when we thought of consulting them for advices. I trust that their experiences as a married couple who went for Church planting in Johannesburg with their then, newborn baby will equip us with better understanding and know-hows on the challenges that would surface.


I'm looking forward to meeting them on this Saturday! Praise God!


Father, I commit this break-out session into Your loving hands...

Engineering Can Help Shape Singapore's Future Economy?

EDB chairman, Mr Lim Siong Guan says engineering can help shape Singapore's future economy:


Mr Lim said an engineering degree is a “smart choice” for undecided undergraduates, as those with an engineering degree will be able to switch to other majors easily. This is unlike undergraduates in other disciplines who will find it hard to switch to engineering.


Source: Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia


What do you have to say about this?

There Is None Like You

There Is None Like You - Don Moen & Paul Wilbur


There is none like You,
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.


There is none like You.
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.


Your mercy flows like a river wide,
And healing comes from Your hand.
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
There is none like You.


There is none like You, (There is none like You, Lord)
There is none like You.


I can search for all eternity Lord,
There is none like You.
I can search for all eternity Lord,
There is none, (there is none)
There is none Lord,
There is none like You.

Celebrity Morph

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

When You're Attracted To Someone...

"Me too! ... We like the same things! ... He's like me ... We have the same interests and hobbies ...


If you find yourself feeling attracted to someone because he/she thinks like you, talks like you and is like you, you're probably in love with yourself." - heard off a pulpit.


Source: A friend whom I got to know in DTS (April 08)


Hmm... sounds quite true... we always find it easier to love someone like us... but our heart's capacity to love will only increase when we begin to love someone who is different from us.

A God Who Loves Us

"God has nothing to gain by misleading those who sincerely wants to follow HIM."
- Anonymous


During the period when I was at a crossroad, different people came into my life. Some suggested this way, while some the other. But God showed me otherwise. I was kinda perplexed and questioned God why there seemed to be few doors opened for me when I deemed that there should only be one from Him.


'My Father in heaven is not a God of confusion, but a God of confirmation, a God who wants the best for me.'


As I pondered on the preferential suggestion, something inside of me was against it. As far as I was concerned, I only desired the way of God, not the way of man.


'Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.'
- Proverbs 19:21


The persistence of man, together with the running deadline were waging a war within me. Not long after, I found myself meditating the following passage...


'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.'
- 2 Cor 4:8-10


Structures are formed to aid men in executing plans and making decisions. However, structures do not define men. They're means of control, not means to control.


Some people believe that certain things should be done first, before the remaining should even be considered. It is true to a certain extent...


Some people believe in methods. Methods are good but they shouldn't define what we do. For instance, I have come across people and books that follow certain methods to pray for healing. Jesus did otherwise.


Jesus drives out an evil spirit
Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
- Mark 1:25-26


A man with leprosy
"Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.
- Mark 1:41c-42


Jesus heals a paralytic
He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.
- Mark 2:10b-12


The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man
For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
- Mark 5:8


A dead girl
He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around.
- Mark 5:41-42a


The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man
After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ). At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
- Mark 7:33-35


From just these few passages on Jesus' healing, we can perceive that there is no methodology in the way Jesus healed these people. We don't go to those who are deaf and mute and begin to put our fingers into their ears, spit and touched their tongues, looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to them, 'Be opened!'


God is a God of power, authority and love. Jesus healed by the stature that He has. There is no method. Simply words. Because there is power in spoken words.


'Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. '
- Genesis 1:2


'And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.'
- Genesis 1:3


First, there was God's Spirit. Then there were spoken words. We can see that spoken words have power and authority when God's Spirit is present. In the same way, Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead with spoken words. Holy Spirit was already in Him when He was baptised by John the Baptist.


'As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.'
- Matthew 3:16


Looks like I'm drifting further away from the main topic. In a nutshell, I just want to bring about the message that God is not a God of structures & methods.


'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'
- Isaiah 55:9


Since May, I had been praying for the direction that God wanted me to go. I knew it's theology, but in my mind, I was wondering, 'When and where?' There were various seminaries for me to choose from but I simply wanted the one God wanted me to be in.


During Church camp, God spoke to me, 'You're going into a new direction. Do not say that you can do it or you want to do it for me. Instead, wait upon me.'


Hence, I decided to wait upon God to speak when I returned from Church camp in June. While waiting, I headed to ATCEM (Asian Theological Centre for Evangelism & Missions) to find out more about their core curriculum. In my heart, I was ready to go into one of its Master Degree programme.


On the week when I was about to set off for Church camp, I received an email from my ex-YWAM leader (who led me to Vietnam for STM) and she invited me to attend a week's course with DTS, YWAM. As I couldn't make it for that week, I requested for other topics (one topic per week) for me to choose from.


Finally, I decided to go for the last topic, 'Holy Spirit & Evangelism'. My 5-day experience with DTS was mind-blowing. In a small class of 20 over students from 7 different countries, it was the first time I encountered such a wide cultural disparity. Though the lessons taught weren't something new, the Spirit impartation by the pastor (from KL) was awesome. I could feel the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the week, especially during the ministering time when he came to prophesy on some students. I, too, received a Word from the Lord concerning my future service to Him. Things about the present were spot on.


Each Praise & Worship moment was indeed very ministering. I haven't felt like this for a long time. Though the constellation was small, the atmosphere was much greater than that in Church. Thus, I understood the importance of having a condusive environment for the Holy Spirit to reside in.


'If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.'
- 1 Cor 12:26


Sins in the congregation may grieve the Holy Spirit and thus, resulting in a less condusive environment for Him.


'When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.'
- Acts 2:1-2 (NKJV)


The disciples were all with one accord in one place. They stood together as one voice (Acts 2:14). We should honour one another, whether in the presence or the absence of the person. There should be consistency in our responses towards one another in a corporate setting. Else, we're unable to experience what the Twelve experienced in the early Church.


At least Acts 2:1-2 came apparent during my visit with DTS, YWAM.


On the last day at DTS, we gathered in groups of five and began to exercise faith by prophesying on one another. I received three more prophesies which are in line with what I have received before.


The pastor approached me and told me that he had been thinking about me since he gave me the Word a day ago. He shared certain perspectives and encouraged me not to enter a seminary yet. Though I was reluctant at first, I decided to pray about the timing.


Sent an email to my ex-YWAM leader to inquire the reason for inviting me to DTS and she responded, 'Your name just kept appearing on my mind during that period.'


I asked God for confirmation if He wanted me to go for a complete DTS first before going into a seminary. Not long after, I received the confirmation that I've prayed for.


Due to various questions being posted to me when I shared about my decision, I wanted more assurance from God. During a prayer meeting, God spoke to me through a brother using Joshua 1:6-9.


"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."


When I returned home that night, I received an email that discouraged me. 'God, I thought this is where You want me to go? Why did it seem that I'm the only one who have heard from You? Did I hear wrongly?'


Then I happened to stumble upon a brother's blog without the intention of reading his entries when I saw the same verses declaring before my pair of weary eyes. Joshua 1:6-9. Wow! I shouted with joy and immediately messaged Hannah to inform her about what the Lord was doing.


Unfortunately, my faith grew dimmer after another series of persistent dissuasions. I began to consider if this is the right season to enter DTS. Should I go next year?


I pleaded with God to be patient with me by showing me another confirmation. I felt as though I was Gideon! July came. Then August. It was in mid-August when God moved powerfully as I experienced His hand in my situation.


Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6


I went to attend a prophetic seminar held by Rusty Russell at City Missions Church. It was a full day teaching and there was an altar call halfway through the seminar. Rusty Russell, together with all his disciples (trained prophets) began to prophesy on each and everyone who went there.


As I was one of the last few, I waited and asked God, 'Father, I heard what You have spoken to others through the prophets. Those are not what I'm asking for. I'm asking for the right direction. Is this DTS in September the one You want me to go? Oh Lord, reveal to me and I will comply.'


Soon it was my turn. What was spoken forth by the prophet caught me flabbergasted. 'God knows what you're asking for. He will reveal to you where He wants you to go. He will show you the right direction. Have faith in God and trust in Him. Do not stay at your comfort zone. Step out in faith and experience...'. This was part of the prophesy he gave me.


True enough, in that evening, God answered a very specific prayer that I had made few days ago. I remember I made this prayer, 'Father, I have enough from what I heard from men and my inner thoughts. I just want to hear from You. Speak to me through someone else. Only these words '....................................................' and I'll know that You're speaking.'


In the evening after attending the prophetic seminar, a sister messaged me with the words that I asked God for. I didn't even share with her what I was praying for! Hallelujah!!!


God is working when we're praying.


I shared what God had shown to me and proceeded to apply for DTS with YWAM. As YWAM would need to pray through about my application (not everyone who applies will surely get in), I left the upshot to God, knowing that if God is for me, I will definitely get in.


One week ago, I went for an interview with the DTS school leader. Some thought-provoking questions were being posted to me, without the need for an answer. Yes, I don't deny that it did induce some fear within me but it was soon overcome by the peace from God.


On Tuesday, I received the acceptance letter from YWAM through email. Yeah!!! Praise God! Wonderful, magnificient Father! God is indeed a faithful God who never fails to deliver His promises.


DTS (Discipleship Training School), or nicknamed as Deep Thorough Surgery or Die To Self is a 5-month intensive Christian discipleship course which fosters character formation and intimacy with God. It comprises of 11 weeks lecture, 8 weeks outreach to an Asian country, followed by 1 week re-entry. As this course promotes communal living with people from different backgrounds and cultures, it is 'residential', meaning it is made compulsory to stay in.


Guess I still can't escape army days...


Father, I thank You for Your amazing love and grace...
I thank You that before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely...
Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered...
I thank You that You have planned the direction I should go...
For Your works are beautiful...
Grant me the grace to glorify You in this course...
As I ask You to fill the whole of my heart with Your Spirit...
Remove what should not be inside...
And replace with all that are from You...
Strip off my pride, talents, giftings and skills in this course...
So that I will only depend on You...
So that You can truly work through me...
Give glory to Your name!
Thank You, Lord...
In Jesus' name...
Amen!

Year Book

Got the link from Rachel's blog and tried on myself... wahaha...




1950


1960

1970

1994

Looks like I look better when I'm old haha...