I was thinking of one of my favourite hymns. It was inspired by one of the psalms.
As the deer panteth for the water
so my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart's desire
and I long to worship You
For You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone, may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
and I long to worship You
I'm quoting Psalm 42 in the King James Version which I find really beautiful. The psalm is actually 'darker' than the hymn. But what I like about the psalms is that it's so real and passionate. These are real challenges that the psalmist is going through. And yet in all, He did not turn away from the Lord.
Sometimes, when all else fails, surely, the only refuge and hope and source of comfort is in the Lord. For without Him, what is life? All then, what awaits then, is death and darkness.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God
Have you ever came to a place, when you are aware that you thirst?
Not everyone is aware. It manifest itself as a sense of meaningless with life, a vacuum in the soul, a disquiet unknown disastisfaction. My friend, you are thirsting.... as I had.
My soul panteth. It longeth for the Lord. To drink after the living waters and be filled. And rested. And in peace.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Forever
Actually, this song is called "All Heaven declares"
But what struck me today at worship is, because of us, because of me, He'll forever be the Lamb.
God was never a human being. Being Almighty God - I mean, look around you, the beauty, vastness and majesty of creation - came from God! To give all that divine power up to take on human form, confined and small. The Lion of Judah, became a lamb. The God of the Universe became a sacrifice.
Pastor Lian shared something. She said the measure of love (yes, love can be measured), is in how much Someone is willing to give up. Imagine what God was willing to give up. Not only in terms of power and all, but what He was willing to undergo.
The perfection and the holiness taking on and becoming sin itself. How that must have tortured His spirit. Indeed, His physical suffering (think of The Passion) must have been only a fraction of what He must have been going through in the spiritual realm. And for that reason, I kneel before Him in worship and adoration!
Forever You will be!
The Lamb upon the throne
I gladly bow my knees
and worship You alone!
All heaven declares
the glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
with the beauty of the Lord
But what struck me today at worship is, because of us, because of me, He'll forever be the Lamb.
God was never a human being. Being Almighty God - I mean, look around you, the beauty, vastness and majesty of creation - came from God! To give all that divine power up to take on human form, confined and small. The Lion of Judah, became a lamb. The God of the Universe became a sacrifice.
Pastor Lian shared something. She said the measure of love (yes, love can be measured), is in how much Someone is willing to give up. Imagine what God was willing to give up. Not only in terms of power and all, but what He was willing to undergo.
The perfection and the holiness taking on and becoming sin itself. How that must have tortured His spirit. Indeed, His physical suffering (think of The Passion) must have been only a fraction of what He must have been going through in the spiritual realm. And for that reason, I kneel before Him in worship and adoration!
Forever You will be!
The Lamb upon the throne
I gladly bow my knees
and worship You alone!
All heaven declares
the glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
with the beauty of the Lord
Friday, April 28, 2006
Prayer before sleep
It's 2 am in the morning Lord. I don't know why I'm still in front of the computer. Got a long day ahead tomorrow. Running! Urgh, I'm not very enthusiastic about running. :(
So be with me Lord.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Hmm.. what's it all about? Ah well.. I'm going to rest in You and obey You and I don't know how I ought to pray Lord, so I'll pray in tongues, for it is the rest and the refreshing.
My lids are a little heavy, but I'm reluctant to go to bed. Just want to linger a little more in Your presence. Today, You feel comforting to me.
Abba, I decided to dwell in things and words that edify me. I'm not going to force myself but shall just be like a sheep and follow the life within me. Give me the revelation of what it means to have You as my Shepherd.
I'm looking forward to the sign language class on Saturday. Well, I guess it's more of a background class than the actual sign language itself. Still, quite excited.
And You do remember my shopping list? When do we go shopping? When do I get that iPod? hee.. also that Nokia phone and that spa retreat.. :)
Lord, I declare that I'll lose the fats in all the right places tomorrow. Oh.. there was this funny article in the newspapers today about bosoms and all. And I'm reminded when I carry a toddler on my lap and he's facing me and resting his head on my bosom, so naturally and comfortable - well, it's a tender picture isn't it? Of softness and warmth - a womanly comfort - a different sort of gentleness from a father's. Hmmm...
Did you laugh when I mused that it's not a man I want but a family? Ahh.. You know what I mean.. LOL
Just crossed my mind, today's sermon about human love - saccharine sweet and unreliable.
Abba, give me an understanding heart. Fill me with the spirit of wisdom Lord. Let the law of kindness be on my lips. Teach me to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. You said that length of days are in wisdom's right hand and on her left, is honour and pleasures forevermore. With long life You satisfy me, and show me Your Yeshua.
Oh, it'll be a pleasure to wake up to goodness and mercy pursuing and hunting me down all the days of my life.
Oh Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. To rest in Your glory and sing praises to Your name.
Isn't it some kind of wonderful? It just struck me that whoa, it's eternal life starting now! And it's Your zoe life.
That You love me so much, You would protect me from ALL my enemies. And that includes my flesh. Not me Lord, You. I'm Your sheep Lord, totally reliant on You.
You beloved daughter, in whom You are well pleased! :)
Did I ever thank You Abba.. how much Your support means to me? How much Your belief in me means to me? To have Someone believe in me regardless of my failures. To have Your love unceasing regardless of the times I let You down. No wonder the bible says, Your love ENDURETH.
Have I tested You much Lord? Yet You still delight in me.
Am I always on Your mind Lord? Tell me again...
You are my strength, my hope. The tower that I lean on. The refuge I run to.
Beautiful Lord,
Wonderful Saviour,
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands,
crafted into Your perfect plans
How come You're always joking with AJ Lord? What about me? Show me more of Your humour Lord, You know I like to be jolly. I love Your tender, wry, sparkling, ironic humour. All creation has Your fingerprints. The giraffe, the elephant and the many-handed octopus. Tell me a joke everyday?
Amaze me Lord with Your creation everyday?
Embrace me, kiss me, love me, hold me - keep me still in Your comfort my Love.
My Lord, my King, my Saviour, my Yeshua, my Best Friend.
I love You.
So be with me Lord.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Hmm.. what's it all about? Ah well.. I'm going to rest in You and obey You and I don't know how I ought to pray Lord, so I'll pray in tongues, for it is the rest and the refreshing.
My lids are a little heavy, but I'm reluctant to go to bed. Just want to linger a little more in Your presence. Today, You feel comforting to me.
Abba, I decided to dwell in things and words that edify me. I'm not going to force myself but shall just be like a sheep and follow the life within me. Give me the revelation of what it means to have You as my Shepherd.
I'm looking forward to the sign language class on Saturday. Well, I guess it's more of a background class than the actual sign language itself. Still, quite excited.
And You do remember my shopping list? When do we go shopping? When do I get that iPod? hee.. also that Nokia phone and that spa retreat.. :)
Lord, I declare that I'll lose the fats in all the right places tomorrow. Oh.. there was this funny article in the newspapers today about bosoms and all. And I'm reminded when I carry a toddler on my lap and he's facing me and resting his head on my bosom, so naturally and comfortable - well, it's a tender picture isn't it? Of softness and warmth - a womanly comfort - a different sort of gentleness from a father's. Hmmm...
Did you laugh when I mused that it's not a man I want but a family? Ahh.. You know what I mean.. LOL
Just crossed my mind, today's sermon about human love - saccharine sweet and unreliable.
Abba, give me an understanding heart. Fill me with the spirit of wisdom Lord. Let the law of kindness be on my lips. Teach me to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. You said that length of days are in wisdom's right hand and on her left, is honour and pleasures forevermore. With long life You satisfy me, and show me Your Yeshua.
Oh, it'll be a pleasure to wake up to goodness and mercy pursuing and hunting me down all the days of my life.
Oh Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. To rest in Your glory and sing praises to Your name.
Isn't it some kind of wonderful? It just struck me that whoa, it's eternal life starting now! And it's Your zoe life.
That You love me so much, You would protect me from ALL my enemies. And that includes my flesh. Not me Lord, You. I'm Your sheep Lord, totally reliant on You.
You beloved daughter, in whom You are well pleased! :)
Did I ever thank You Abba.. how much Your support means to me? How much Your belief in me means to me? To have Someone believe in me regardless of my failures. To have Your love unceasing regardless of the times I let You down. No wonder the bible says, Your love ENDURETH.
Have I tested You much Lord? Yet You still delight in me.
Am I always on Your mind Lord? Tell me again...
You are my strength, my hope. The tower that I lean on. The refuge I run to.
Beautiful Lord,
Wonderful Saviour,
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands,
crafted into Your perfect plans
How come You're always joking with AJ Lord? What about me? Show me more of Your humour Lord, You know I like to be jolly. I love Your tender, wry, sparkling, ironic humour. All creation has Your fingerprints. The giraffe, the elephant and the many-handed octopus. Tell me a joke everyday?
Amaze me Lord with Your creation everyday?
Embrace me, kiss me, love me, hold me - keep me still in Your comfort my Love.
My Lord, my King, my Saviour, my Yeshua, my Best Friend.
I love You.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Theology, philosophy, edification
Theology
I am no theologian. So these are only my observations.
I think it's important, in particular for a Christian, NOT to be a theologian.
Theology teaches you ABOUT God.
Being a Christian. Well, it's BEING. And Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship.
When you're in a relationship, you KNOW someone.
How does the bible talk about knowing? How does the Word define "to know"?
It is in the context of "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain"(Genesis 4:1). The most intimate of knowing.
To KNOW God - the most intimate of knowledge.
Whoa. Hope I didn't shock some of you. I mean it.
What did you think?
The bible talks about man and woman being one flesh in the context of marriage and sex.
It talks about the church being the bride of Christ.
It talks about being in ONE spirit with Him.
Theology only talks ABOUT God. The last thing a Christian should do is talk about God. The revelation of the KNOWledge of Him satisfies the soul.
How? When? It's when you, O beloved child of God; you, the bride without spot or wrinkle, KNOWS God. Intimately.
Who He is? What He likes? What kind of conversationalist is He? His personality. His character.
Don't study God as if He were some kind of species - which is what I feel theology sometimes does.
It robs the people of the closeness of a relationship with the One who gave Himself for love and pushes Him so far away by examining Him as if He were someThing. Omnipotent, omniscience etc etc.. Awful! How does this improve my relationship with God?
How do you develop a relationship with anyone?
You talk, you share experiences, you cry, you laugh, you grow up, you recall, you rely, depend, trust, believe.
What makes you think a relationship with God is any different?
Philosophy
Oh dear, philosophy. What can I say about philosophy. But for the grace of God, I guess I'll be a philosopher..
For thousands of years, philosophy has posted its arguments in various permutations. And all it has shown is how well it can build its own maze and get lost in it. The futility of it all is like a cat chasing its tail. Because even when you 'get it', you don't.
Philosophy tickles the mind. Makes one feel very intellectual. As if one is getting somewhere. But really, philosophy is like running on a threadmill. People feel good with all the effort put in and happy in drawing their own conclusions. Conclusions which do not benefit anyone.
Philosophy is all about THE question. The meaning of life? Creation. Salvation. Karma. Mankind. Harmony. Balance etc...
Philosophy is kindergarten in relation to the depth and richness that can be plowed and harvested from the soul. It uses the mind in an attempt to bridge its way to the heart and feed it. I'm so impatient with it because it's futile.
Again, I'm no philosopher. And there's a reason I disdain it.
Basically, all arguments, all studies that purport to reach into the psyche should be able to do so. But hundreds, dare I say, thousands of years have come and gone, and people are still pondering the same questions.
Edifying
What IS edification?
Whatever gives LIFE!
You may think it's a strange definition. Every human being wants 'closure'. We like our line of 'argument' (for lack of a better word) to get somewhere.
But only truth is definite. Be it scientific truth etc.. I want to KNOW something concrete and NOT speculation. So I am impatient with theories and opinions.
It's really strange 'cos a discussion of the Word unveils mysteries and beautiful truths that we feed on. Where words are alive and living and we just sink our teeth into them and meditate. It ends with an answer. An answer that is not an end in itself but is so rich that it brings forth more questions that we feed on, knowing that the answers the we dig into will be richer. It's like digging for gold and actually getting it.
Theology and philosophy starts with a question and ends with more questions. Heavy as gravity and dank with the musk of open-ended arguments that lead no where. It tickles the mind muscles but leaves one hollow inside.
I am no theologian. So these are only my observations.
I think it's important, in particular for a Christian, NOT to be a theologian.
Theology teaches you ABOUT God.
Being a Christian. Well, it's BEING. And Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship.
When you're in a relationship, you KNOW someone.
How does the bible talk about knowing? How does the Word define "to know"?
It is in the context of "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain"(Genesis 4:1). The most intimate of knowing.
To KNOW God - the most intimate of knowledge.
Whoa. Hope I didn't shock some of you. I mean it.
What did you think?
The bible talks about man and woman being one flesh in the context of marriage and sex.
It talks about the church being the bride of Christ.
It talks about being in ONE spirit with Him.
Theology only talks ABOUT God. The last thing a Christian should do is talk about God. The revelation of the KNOWledge of Him satisfies the soul.
How? When? It's when you, O beloved child of God; you, the bride without spot or wrinkle, KNOWS God. Intimately.
Who He is? What He likes? What kind of conversationalist is He? His personality. His character.
Don't study God as if He were some kind of species - which is what I feel theology sometimes does.
It robs the people of the closeness of a relationship with the One who gave Himself for love and pushes Him so far away by examining Him as if He were someThing. Omnipotent, omniscience etc etc.. Awful! How does this improve my relationship with God?
How do you develop a relationship with anyone?
You talk, you share experiences, you cry, you laugh, you grow up, you recall, you rely, depend, trust, believe.
What makes you think a relationship with God is any different?
Philosophy
Oh dear, philosophy. What can I say about philosophy. But for the grace of God, I guess I'll be a philosopher..
For thousands of years, philosophy has posted its arguments in various permutations. And all it has shown is how well it can build its own maze and get lost in it. The futility of it all is like a cat chasing its tail. Because even when you 'get it', you don't.
Philosophy tickles the mind. Makes one feel very intellectual. As if one is getting somewhere. But really, philosophy is like running on a threadmill. People feel good with all the effort put in and happy in drawing their own conclusions. Conclusions which do not benefit anyone.
Philosophy is all about THE question. The meaning of life? Creation. Salvation. Karma. Mankind. Harmony. Balance etc...
Philosophy is kindergarten in relation to the depth and richness that can be plowed and harvested from the soul. It uses the mind in an attempt to bridge its way to the heart and feed it. I'm so impatient with it because it's futile.
Again, I'm no philosopher. And there's a reason I disdain it.
Basically, all arguments, all studies that purport to reach into the psyche should be able to do so. But hundreds, dare I say, thousands of years have come and gone, and people are still pondering the same questions.
Edifying
What IS edification?
Whatever gives LIFE!
You may think it's a strange definition. Every human being wants 'closure'. We like our line of 'argument' (for lack of a better word) to get somewhere.
But only truth is definite. Be it scientific truth etc.. I want to KNOW something concrete and NOT speculation. So I am impatient with theories and opinions.
It's really strange 'cos a discussion of the Word unveils mysteries and beautiful truths that we feed on. Where words are alive and living and we just sink our teeth into them and meditate. It ends with an answer. An answer that is not an end in itself but is so rich that it brings forth more questions that we feed on, knowing that the answers the we dig into will be richer. It's like digging for gold and actually getting it.
Theology and philosophy starts with a question and ends with more questions. Heavy as gravity and dank with the musk of open-ended arguments that lead no where. It tickles the mind muscles but leaves one hollow inside.
Christ Remains
I seem to be in the mood for songs these past two days :) Got this song from this babe
Christ Remains
(by Scott Kripayne/Tony Wood)
When dreams are rudely shattered,
And plans are torn apart
I'm left to try to gather the fragments of my heart
In the darkness hope is there, shining like a flame
Christ remains, Christ remains.
My Provider, my Protector always watching over me
My Comforter, my Counsellor, He is all I need
My constant in the chaos,
My source of strength unchanged
Everyday the same
Christ remains, Christ remains.
When silence steals my prayers, I'm feeling all alone
As the valley of the shadow claims
The dearest ones I've known
Then I crawl toward my refuge,
Our shelter in each day
Christ remains, Christ remains.
Christ Remains
(by Scott Kripayne/Tony Wood)
When dreams are rudely shattered,
And plans are torn apart
I'm left to try to gather the fragments of my heart
In the darkness hope is there, shining like a flame
Christ remains, Christ remains.
My Provider, my Protector always watching over me
My Comforter, my Counsellor, He is all I need
My constant in the chaos,
My source of strength unchanged
Everyday the same
Christ remains, Christ remains.
When silence steals my prayers, I'm feeling all alone
As the valley of the shadow claims
The dearest ones I've known
Then I crawl toward my refuge,
Our shelter in each day
Christ remains, Christ remains.
Never Gonna Let You Go
Never Gonna Let You Go - lyrics
I'm listening to the version sung by Peabo Bryson and Patti Austin :)
I was as wrong as I could be to let you get away from me
I'll regret that move for as long as I'm living
But now that I've come to see the light
All I wanna do is make things right
So just say the word and tell me that I'm forgiven
You and me
We're gonna be better than we were before
I loved you then but now I intend
To open up and love you even more
This time you can be sure
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
Looking back now it seems so clear
I had it all when you were here
Oh, you gave it all and I took it for granted
But if there's some feeling left in you
Some flicker of love that still shines through
Let's talk it out
Let's talk about second chances
Wait and see
It's gonna be sweeter than it was before
I gave some then but now I intend
To dedicate myself to giving more
This time you can be sure
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
So if you'll just say you want me too...
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
Never gonna let you go
I'm listening to the version sung by Peabo Bryson and Patti Austin :)
I was as wrong as I could be to let you get away from me
I'll regret that move for as long as I'm living
But now that I've come to see the light
All I wanna do is make things right
So just say the word and tell me that I'm forgiven
You and me
We're gonna be better than we were before
I loved you then but now I intend
To open up and love you even more
This time you can be sure
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
Looking back now it seems so clear
I had it all when you were here
Oh, you gave it all and I took it for granted
But if there's some feeling left in you
Some flicker of love that still shines through
Let's talk it out
Let's talk about second chances
Wait and see
It's gonna be sweeter than it was before
I gave some then but now I intend
To dedicate myself to giving more
This time you can be sure
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
So if you'll just say you want me too...
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
Never gonna let you go
Baaa...?
Sometimes in CG, we have a quiet worship where we just linger in His presence.
And it's different from the fervency, or emotional intensity in church. It's difficult for me to be still - because I'm used to thinking about this and that, my mind pondering here and there.
But to simply be still and enjoy the waters of refreshing. Just sit back into His arms and relax. Perhaps I'm a little of an active daughter to Abba. Hmph! I think I'm still better than most. I run to Him all the time! :D And of course! I'm His fave!
Today, Kenneth shared about sheep. Baaaa... :D And it takes some imagination to dream of the meadows and that slow pace of life. Sheep, I learnt today, are pretty stupid and totally reliant on the Shepherd.
It's not so much the not being smart part - because the wisdom of man can't even compare to the foolishness of God.
And I'm not going to summarise the notes here 'cos I've got to chew on it a bit. There's something that I'm not getting yet though I believe the revelation is already released within me.
Because though we are sheep, we are no ordinary sheep. We are not lost. We are His. And we follow Him.
The thing is, I realised especially towards the end of last year and this year even, I seem to 'know' things. But I don't use the information all that wisely sometimes. You know, like when one knows something, you would want to act on that information or not act regardless based on feelings. It's an impulsive nature. Whereas to be still and believe on God to resolve it, that takes *sigh* patience and perseverence. Well, do I know it!
And I beginning to understand what it means when Jesus says,
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Wise as serpents. The serpent was the most subtle of creatures. The thing is, we are wise as serpents but we don't strike. I cannot abuse the gifts and insights that God has placed within me.
Solomon abused the wisdom that God gave him and taxed the people. It is recorded that he collected 666 talents of gold in tax. He found favour with the Queen of Sheba who gifted him with 120 talents of gold. Numerical significance.
Pastor Lian and Pastor Prince have been preaching on wisdom. And today's message, there was a bit of a link.. I just feel a desire to pray in tongues more for the next few days. Ohh.. I'm sleepy now... shalom.. :)
And it's different from the fervency, or emotional intensity in church. It's difficult for me to be still - because I'm used to thinking about this and that, my mind pondering here and there.
But to simply be still and enjoy the waters of refreshing. Just sit back into His arms and relax. Perhaps I'm a little of an active daughter to Abba. Hmph! I think I'm still better than most. I run to Him all the time! :D And of course! I'm His fave!
Today, Kenneth shared about sheep. Baaaa... :D And it takes some imagination to dream of the meadows and that slow pace of life. Sheep, I learnt today, are pretty stupid and totally reliant on the Shepherd.
It's not so much the not being smart part - because the wisdom of man can't even compare to the foolishness of God.
And I'm not going to summarise the notes here 'cos I've got to chew on it a bit. There's something that I'm not getting yet though I believe the revelation is already released within me.
Because though we are sheep, we are no ordinary sheep. We are not lost. We are His. And we follow Him.
The thing is, I realised especially towards the end of last year and this year even, I seem to 'know' things. But I don't use the information all that wisely sometimes. You know, like when one knows something, you would want to act on that information or not act regardless based on feelings. It's an impulsive nature. Whereas to be still and believe on God to resolve it, that takes *sigh* patience and perseverence. Well, do I know it!
And I beginning to understand what it means when Jesus says,
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Wise as serpents. The serpent was the most subtle of creatures. The thing is, we are wise as serpents but we don't strike. I cannot abuse the gifts and insights that God has placed within me.
Solomon abused the wisdom that God gave him and taxed the people. It is recorded that he collected 666 talents of gold in tax. He found favour with the Queen of Sheba who gifted him with 120 talents of gold. Numerical significance.
Pastor Lian and Pastor Prince have been preaching on wisdom. And today's message, there was a bit of a link.. I just feel a desire to pray in tongues more for the next few days. Ohh.. I'm sleepy now... shalom.. :)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
My confession
One of my favourite songs... It's a rather personal song for me 'cos it reminds me of me. When I listen to this song, I feel like I'm swept away.
"My Confession" beautifully sung by Josh Groban.
I have been blind, unwilling to see
The true love You're giving.
I have ignored every blessing.
I'm on my knees confessing
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am staggered by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart is turning,
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
I have been wrong about You.
Thought I was strong without You.
For so long nothing could move me.
For so long nothing could change me.
Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am captured by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart is turning,
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
You are the air that I breathe
You're the ground beneath my feet.
When did I stop believing?
Cause I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am staggered by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
Hear my confession
"My Confession" beautifully sung by Josh Groban.
I have been blind, unwilling to see
The true love You're giving.
I have ignored every blessing.
I'm on my knees confessing
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am staggered by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart is turning,
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
I have been wrong about You.
Thought I was strong without You.
For so long nothing could move me.
For so long nothing could change me.
Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am captured by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart is turning,
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
You are the air that I breathe
You're the ground beneath my feet.
When did I stop believing?
Cause I feel myself surrender
Each time I see Your face.
I am staggered by Your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart
Falling into place.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
I can't hide
Now hear my confession.
Hear my confession
Monday, April 24, 2006
Enjoying Yeshua
A few thoughts have been going through my mind this week. It's all because I think too much.
Prior to this post, I wanted to post another called "Ruthless" but it didn't sit well with me.
Why 'ruthless'?
Just a few days ago, I determined in myself - my self thoughts went like this:- Does not the Word says gird your mind? Meditate on the word day and night, keep them in the midst of your heart for they are health and life! To be in the world but not of the world and hence to bring every thought captive to the word of Christ. My heart shall belong to Jesus and Jesus alone! To keep myself for my Beloved; to live only for Him. To cherish the Word and my inheritance for it came at a great price.
But even as I was thinking on this, it didn't feel quite right.
Where is love and compassion? But we don't walk by feelings right?
Then again, would not being 'ruthless' be like the pharisees? Saul was a pharisee of pharisees - though his heart was for God. Well, I want my heart to be for the Lord but I sure as heaven don't want to be a pharisee. Jesus reserved the harshest words for pharisees. He called them "a brood of vipers"
But I'm not talking about being 'ruthless' to others but to self. Cruxifying the flesh so to speak. And I'm reminded, that it is NOT me who does the cruxifying; that I am cruxified (past tense) with Christ, therefore I no longer live, Jesus Christ now lives in me. And the life that I live, I live to the son of God.
Perhaps because my motivation, this 'ruthlessness', stems from fear. That of anyone taking the place of Jesus in my heart. I have lived life without Christ and am living life with Him. And I can't fathom, how I will be able, having once tasted the sweetness to turn away from such majesty and love. I wouldn't be able to bear it. And hence, I subconsciously told myself that nobody can touch my heart. And of course, in some ways, I was putting myself under law for the more I thought about it, the more afraid I was that I would one day fall to temptation.
It's like commanding someone not to think of a pink elephant and saying it in his face repeatedly. Of course, in that someone's mind would be a pink elephant.
Then a few days ago, I was listening to Pastor Lawrence's message. And it really resonated with me and brought me back to 'basics'. Ahh... 'basics', what an oxymoron of a word. 'Basics' can be so profound.
Pastor Lawrence was sharing that he can be doing the 'christian' things.. still being in the Word, reading the bible, praying, attending for service. I know that, I do that; because I WANT to. I want to know more and more about Jesus Christ. About Him. And I ask Abba for the hunger as well. But it didn't satisfy me enough.
And through Pastor's sharing, I realised why.
I'm reading the Word, praying, attending service for knowledge. But I've forgotten the main reason that I do all these things is to ENJOY Yeshua. To breath in His fragrance and savour Him; to admire the perfection of His work and His majestic beauty. To be refreshed and reminded of His love. To go, not to a book, but to Him alone and drink of His living waters. That I may not thirst.
All these things that we do culminate to only one purpose. Enjoying Jesus. Enjoying Yeshua. Just that one thing. To sit at His feet and listen and rest and draw from His fullness.
Not to focus on myself. Not to depend on myself to keep myself for Christ. For surely, it is Jesus who holds me, not I Him. It is God who has put me in Christ, not me. It is the finished work that guarantees eternal reconciliation with Him, not me. It is His love that sustains me, not my love for Him.
Back to basics. Back to enjoying Jesus. His love keeps my heart for Him alone.
Psalm 27:1, 4-6
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?...
One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Prior to this post, I wanted to post another called "Ruthless" but it didn't sit well with me.
Why 'ruthless'?
Just a few days ago, I determined in myself - my self thoughts went like this:- Does not the Word says gird your mind? Meditate on the word day and night, keep them in the midst of your heart for they are health and life! To be in the world but not of the world and hence to bring every thought captive to the word of Christ. My heart shall belong to Jesus and Jesus alone! To keep myself for my Beloved; to live only for Him. To cherish the Word and my inheritance for it came at a great price.
But even as I was thinking on this, it didn't feel quite right.
Where is love and compassion? But we don't walk by feelings right?
Then again, would not being 'ruthless' be like the pharisees? Saul was a pharisee of pharisees - though his heart was for God. Well, I want my heart to be for the Lord but I sure as heaven don't want to be a pharisee. Jesus reserved the harshest words for pharisees. He called them "a brood of vipers"
But I'm not talking about being 'ruthless' to others but to self. Cruxifying the flesh so to speak. And I'm reminded, that it is NOT me who does the cruxifying; that I am cruxified (past tense) with Christ, therefore I no longer live, Jesus Christ now lives in me. And the life that I live, I live to the son of God.
Perhaps because my motivation, this 'ruthlessness', stems from fear. That of anyone taking the place of Jesus in my heart. I have lived life without Christ and am living life with Him. And I can't fathom, how I will be able, having once tasted the sweetness to turn away from such majesty and love. I wouldn't be able to bear it. And hence, I subconsciously told myself that nobody can touch my heart. And of course, in some ways, I was putting myself under law for the more I thought about it, the more afraid I was that I would one day fall to temptation.
It's like commanding someone not to think of a pink elephant and saying it in his face repeatedly. Of course, in that someone's mind would be a pink elephant.
Then a few days ago, I was listening to Pastor Lawrence's message. And it really resonated with me and brought me back to 'basics'. Ahh... 'basics', what an oxymoron of a word. 'Basics' can be so profound.
Pastor Lawrence was sharing that he can be doing the 'christian' things.. still being in the Word, reading the bible, praying, attending for service. I know that, I do that; because I WANT to. I want to know more and more about Jesus Christ. About Him. And I ask Abba for the hunger as well. But it didn't satisfy me enough.
And through Pastor's sharing, I realised why.
I'm reading the Word, praying, attending service for knowledge. But I've forgotten the main reason that I do all these things is to ENJOY Yeshua. To breath in His fragrance and savour Him; to admire the perfection of His work and His majestic beauty. To be refreshed and reminded of His love. To go, not to a book, but to Him alone and drink of His living waters. That I may not thirst.
All these things that we do culminate to only one purpose. Enjoying Jesus. Enjoying Yeshua. Just that one thing. To sit at His feet and listen and rest and draw from His fullness.
Not to focus on myself. Not to depend on myself to keep myself for Christ. For surely, it is Jesus who holds me, not I Him. It is God who has put me in Christ, not me. It is the finished work that guarantees eternal reconciliation with Him, not me. It is His love that sustains me, not my love for Him.
Back to basics. Back to enjoying Jesus. His love keeps my heart for Him alone.
Psalm 27:1, 4-6
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?...
One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sex
I knew that every relationship has a spiritual parallel. Haven't thought too deeply into sex but had an inkling what the spiritual truth of it was. Had it confirmed today. You may find it interesting.. :)
From a book by Michelle Mckinney Hammond
I find most women do not stand on principle when it comes to sex because they do not understand the depths of what sex is really all about. For everything in the spiritual realm, there is a natural parallel. Sex could be considered a natural parallel to the spiritual act of worship. What is sex? What is worship? It is giving all you have and all you are to the one you love. It is completely yielding yourself to your lover, submitting to him, praising him. Deep, isn't it? Small wonder those people who worshiped idols always included sexual orgies as part of their rituals. Even the heathen understood the spiritual implications of sex.
From a book by Michelle Mckinney Hammond
I find most women do not stand on principle when it comes to sex because they do not understand the depths of what sex is really all about. For everything in the spiritual realm, there is a natural parallel. Sex could be considered a natural parallel to the spiritual act of worship. What is sex? What is worship? It is giving all you have and all you are to the one you love. It is completely yielding yourself to your lover, submitting to him, praising him. Deep, isn't it? Small wonder those people who worshiped idols always included sexual orgies as part of their rituals. Even the heathen understood the spiritual implications of sex.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Blue skies and kisses
Listening to sermon yesterday on my CD player. Pastor was saying that blue is the colour of grace in relation to the colour of the High Priest's robe.
Like the blue in the sky.
God has painted the sky blue to remind us of His grace.
So, there I was sitting in the bus, listening to the sermon, looking up at the vast blue sky. That's God's grace. That's the extent of His grace. Undeserved, unearned mercy.
God puts His fingerprints on our lives. His presence is everywhere about us if we had but eyes to see.
Then today, as I stepped out of the house, there was a light shower.
At first I felt irritated, 'cos I did not have an umbrella.
Tried to look on the bright side. Showers of blessings right? Yeah right.. who am I kidding? Then I realised, it REALLY was a light shower. The droplets were feather-light. The same feeling one has when one sprays perfume.
I don't remember feeling such light droplets before.
Out of the blue, it reminded me of kisses. Light kisses from heaven, descending like a midst about me. And two lines of a song rose within me and I started humming, "kisses for me, save all your kisses for me.. bye bye baby bye bye!" :D
Felt lightly embraced as I walked to the bus-stop. A smile and a ditty on my lips. :)
Like the blue in the sky.
God has painted the sky blue to remind us of His grace.
So, there I was sitting in the bus, listening to the sermon, looking up at the vast blue sky. That's God's grace. That's the extent of His grace. Undeserved, unearned mercy.
God puts His fingerprints on our lives. His presence is everywhere about us if we had but eyes to see.
Then today, as I stepped out of the house, there was a light shower.
At first I felt irritated, 'cos I did not have an umbrella.
Tried to look on the bright side. Showers of blessings right? Yeah right.. who am I kidding? Then I realised, it REALLY was a light shower. The droplets were feather-light. The same feeling one has when one sprays perfume.
I don't remember feeling such light droplets before.
Out of the blue, it reminded me of kisses. Light kisses from heaven, descending like a midst about me. And two lines of a song rose within me and I started humming, "kisses for me, save all your kisses for me.. bye bye baby bye bye!" :D
Felt lightly embraced as I walked to the bus-stop. A smile and a ditty on my lips. :)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Glory (Exodus 33)
What is God's glory?
(In brackets, my comments)
Exodus 33:16-23
For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”
(separate = sanctified. The church is known as 'the called-out' ones; in the world, but not of the world. Why? He goes with us. We are different from non-believers; there is a reservoir of strength and joy within us they know not of.)
So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”
('found grace' - how awesome it is when Almighty God is gracious to us. But does He know us by name? Yes, yes and yes! We are inscribed on the palm of his hands)
And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”
(THE question. What is God's glory?)
Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
(God's glory is His goodness. To what extent? To me, when we sing of God's glory, I'm reminded of the hymn below.)
But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”
And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
(Jesus is The Rock. It is God who puts us in Christ. Go to biblegateway, do a phrase search of "in Christ" and "in whom" in the New Testament - awesome! The beautiful portion is, we experience God's goodness and glory because we are in Christ - in the Rock of all ages. We are nothing without Jesus.
And yet, if it is Almighty God who has put us in Christ because of the perfection of His work on the cross - how then can we, by our actions lose our salvation and be out of the Rock? To say so would mean that Jesus did not do a perfect work. For if Christ is not resurrected, we will be still in our sins.)
One of my favourite hymns...
Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb!
Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb!
For You are glorious!
and worthy to be praised!
You're the lamb upon the throne
and unto You
we lift our voice in praise!
You're the lamb upon the throne!
Why do we sing glory?
It's His goodness... I see the cross.
Why do we lift our voice in praise?
We can't help it... I see the cross, His goodness and His love for me!
Worthy, worthy to be praise! Hallelujah! Jesus, the lamb of God!
(In brackets, my comments)
Exodus 33:16-23
For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”
(separate = sanctified. The church is known as 'the called-out' ones; in the world, but not of the world. Why? He goes with us. We are different from non-believers; there is a reservoir of strength and joy within us they know not of.)
So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”
('found grace' - how awesome it is when Almighty God is gracious to us. But does He know us by name? Yes, yes and yes! We are inscribed on the palm of his hands)
And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”
(THE question. What is God's glory?)
Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
(God's glory is His goodness. To what extent? To me, when we sing of God's glory, I'm reminded of the hymn below.)
But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”
And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
(Jesus is The Rock. It is God who puts us in Christ. Go to biblegateway, do a phrase search of "in Christ" and "in whom" in the New Testament - awesome! The beautiful portion is, we experience God's goodness and glory because we are in Christ - in the Rock of all ages. We are nothing without Jesus.
And yet, if it is Almighty God who has put us in Christ because of the perfection of His work on the cross - how then can we, by our actions lose our salvation and be out of the Rock? To say so would mean that Jesus did not do a perfect work. For if Christ is not resurrected, we will be still in our sins.)
One of my favourite hymns...
Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb!
Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb!
For You are glorious!
and worthy to be praised!
You're the lamb upon the throne
and unto You
we lift our voice in praise!
You're the lamb upon the throne!
Why do we sing glory?
It's His goodness... I see the cross.
Why do we lift our voice in praise?
We can't help it... I see the cross, His goodness and His love for me!
Worthy, worthy to be praise! Hallelujah! Jesus, the lamb of God!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Wind
Acts 2:1-4
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. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Isaiah 40:
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Song...
Did I ever tell You
You're my Hero
You're everything I wish I could be!
I can fly higher than an eagle!
For You are the wind beneath my wings...
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. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Isaiah 40:
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Song...
Did I ever tell You
You're my Hero
You're everything I wish I could be!
I can fly higher than an eagle!
For You are the wind beneath my wings...
Nostalgia
Thought of a song today... had various 'likes' and infatuations growing up and 2 crushes. Maybe it's 'cos I had lunch with a good friend today who recently got attached. We knew each other in university - and well, my first crush was in my 2nd year - that was about 6 years ago.
6 years is a pretty long time and the feelings have long been gone. But it was 8 months whilst it lasted - I even had a 'theme song' for us... and today, it just popped into my mind.
but if I let you go
I will never know
what my life would be
holding you close to me
Will I ever see
you staring back at me?
How would I know
if I let you go...
by Westlife
I must say though, 'likes', infatuations or crushes aside; I'm glad to say that my first love is and always will be Yeshua.
Never knew love till I met You... (should be a title of a song :))
Hmm.. like in limbo land but quite contented? It's just feeling a little weird - like I'm a perfectly happy single wondering wandering... hmmm...
I guess this musing happened because I believe God guards my heart but Pastor also said "it's better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all" - encouraging us to take risks... :S Maybe he's speaking to the guys. I just don't have the inclination to.
It's like you have everything and then there's a suggestion (in my mind) that I'm missing out on something? But search as I might, I don't think so.
Ahh... Lord, whatever. You know my heart in this. I'm SO over it since last year. Now, I just want to focus on the ministry that you've placed in my heart. The marketplace! :)
edit: Wrote the above yesterday... just now, reading the birthday present that Jeri gave. There was this paragraph which was 'timely' ;) and confirmed what was in my heart:
"It is the job of a real man to find his woman, pursue her, and capture her heart. It is the job of the woman to be ready to be found - a much easier job description. But it will only be easy if you have your head and your heart together."
6 years is a pretty long time and the feelings have long been gone. But it was 8 months whilst it lasted - I even had a 'theme song' for us... and today, it just popped into my mind.
but if I let you go
I will never know
what my life would be
holding you close to me
Will I ever see
you staring back at me?
How would I know
if I let you go...
by Westlife
I must say though, 'likes', infatuations or crushes aside; I'm glad to say that my first love is and always will be Yeshua.
Never knew love till I met You... (should be a title of a song :))
Hmm.. like in limbo land but quite contented? It's just feeling a little weird - like I'm a perfectly happy single wondering wandering... hmmm...
I guess this musing happened because I believe God guards my heart but Pastor also said "it's better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all" - encouraging us to take risks... :S Maybe he's speaking to the guys. I just don't have the inclination to.
It's like you have everything and then there's a suggestion (in my mind) that I'm missing out on something? But search as I might, I don't think so.
Ahh... Lord, whatever. You know my heart in this. I'm SO over it since last year. Now, I just want to focus on the ministry that you've placed in my heart. The marketplace! :)
edit: Wrote the above yesterday... just now, reading the birthday present that Jeri gave. There was this paragraph which was 'timely' ;) and confirmed what was in my heart:
"It is the job of a real man to find his woman, pursue her, and capture her heart. It is the job of the woman to be ready to be found - a much easier job description. But it will only be easy if you have your head and your heart together."
Monday, April 17, 2006
My birthday outing!
Yesterday (Saturday), the gals celebrated my birthday with me! It was wonderful!
First, we had a late lunch at (get ready now, long name coming up!) Crystal Jade Ginseng Chicken and BBQ. They had generous portions there and the food was really delicious! We got the set menu for 2 - but shared amongst 3 persons.
Jeri and me were at the table. We got to 'BBQ-ed' our beef and chicken. It was our first attempt. When John came, he shook his head and remarked at our 'burnt offerings' (actually, it wasn't that burnt!) and proceeded to take charge of the cooking... so sweet :D - so that we are able to enjoy the meal more.
Later, Jove and Cindy arrived (John had to leave halfway) and we proceeded for a leisurely walk from Centrepoint all the way to Fullerton. Then we sat down at Bakerz Inn for mostly desert. Ahh.. so nice. We talked and shared and chilled out.
Then we decided to check out Clarke Quay. So we walked there. I haven't been there for some time but it was really bustling. I almost gate-crashed a wedding dinner - almost, 'cos I had no guts. It was at this beautiful Chinese restaurant called Peony-Jade (lovely name!) restaurant. It was in a pseudo-shophouse and had a staircase leading up to where the banquet was held. A beautiful designed elegant entrance. I thought it was a wonderful idea to hold the wedding dinner in a restaurant like this instead of traditionally in a hotel. Of course, if I had the cash, I would have my dinner on a cruise-ship. :D
There were a lot of foreigners around - a very worldly place I suppose, but I always liked a busy atmosphere. I do like the city. Though looking at the pubs and clubs and couples, I did feel a little sorry? for them. It looked like this was the lifestyle - the only way they know how to 'relax'. Hmm.. what's the word? There was a weary worldly air about them. Me? I felt like a curious kid, more there to see the architecture and design of the place. It's really cool! Very post-modern feel.
I really enjoyed myself with the fellowship and just exploring the places we have here. :)
Here are the birthday pics that Jeri sent! I had some trouble but finally managed to get them up! Hallelujah!
Here's Abba's beloveds! Cindy, me and Jeri in front of the Durian - a local landmark :D
The babes: Jeri, Jovy and moi and the lovely skyline
Glowing Cindy and me, pretty as can be :)
In front of the merlion, holding that cute bouquet that Jovy gave :)
First, we had a late lunch at (get ready now, long name coming up!) Crystal Jade Ginseng Chicken and BBQ. They had generous portions there and the food was really delicious! We got the set menu for 2 - but shared amongst 3 persons.
Jeri and me were at the table. We got to 'BBQ-ed' our beef and chicken. It was our first attempt. When John came, he shook his head and remarked at our 'burnt offerings' (actually, it wasn't that burnt!) and proceeded to take charge of the cooking... so sweet :D - so that we are able to enjoy the meal more.
Later, Jove and Cindy arrived (John had to leave halfway) and we proceeded for a leisurely walk from Centrepoint all the way to Fullerton. Then we sat down at Bakerz Inn for mostly desert. Ahh.. so nice. We talked and shared and chilled out.
Then we decided to check out Clarke Quay. So we walked there. I haven't been there for some time but it was really bustling. I almost gate-crashed a wedding dinner - almost, 'cos I had no guts. It was at this beautiful Chinese restaurant called Peony-Jade (lovely name!) restaurant. It was in a pseudo-shophouse and had a staircase leading up to where the banquet was held. A beautiful designed elegant entrance. I thought it was a wonderful idea to hold the wedding dinner in a restaurant like this instead of traditionally in a hotel. Of course, if I had the cash, I would have my dinner on a cruise-ship. :D
There were a lot of foreigners around - a very worldly place I suppose, but I always liked a busy atmosphere. I do like the city. Though looking at the pubs and clubs and couples, I did feel a little sorry? for them. It looked like this was the lifestyle - the only way they know how to 'relax'. Hmm.. what's the word? There was a weary worldly air about them. Me? I felt like a curious kid, more there to see the architecture and design of the place. It's really cool! Very post-modern feel.
I really enjoyed myself with the fellowship and just exploring the places we have here. :)
Here are the birthday pics that Jeri sent! I had some trouble but finally managed to get them up! Hallelujah!
Here's Abba's beloveds! Cindy, me and Jeri in front of the Durian - a local landmark :DThe babes: Jeri, Jovy and moi and the lovely skylineGlowing Cindy and me, pretty as can be :)In front of the merlion, holding that cute bouquet that Jovy gave :)
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Sunday!
Today's worship was awesome! And so was the choir item :D This phrase keeps ringing in my heart... "Arise my Love! Arise!"
'cos You came near, from the everlasting
to the world we live,
the Father's only Son...
You lived, You died,
You rose again on high!
You opened the way
for the world to live again
Hallelujah! for all You've done!
To give us life, He gave His...
and the wonderful proclaimation!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
Hallelujah!
Oh! Today is the day! Where Jesus, the Christ rose from the dead! Arise my Love! Arise! Triumphant! Oh, what a triumph! To burst open death's doors! Crush the head of the serpent! And O now, high and lifted up! Exalted forever! My Lord and King! Arise my Love, arise!
To serve a LIVING God! Awesome!
But today Pastor pointed out, more than any other depiction of God in the bible, is His identity as our Shepherd.
Psalm 23
What a refreshing! What beauty and majesty! What love! Altogether lovely! Altogether wonderful to me!
Who is there like You Lord?
'cos You came near, from the everlasting
to the world we live,
the Father's only Son...
You lived, You died,
You rose again on high!
You opened the way
for the world to live again
Hallelujah! for all You've done!
To give us life, He gave His...
and the wonderful proclaimation!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
My redeemer lives!
Hallelujah!
Oh! Today is the day! Where Jesus, the Christ rose from the dead! Arise my Love! Arise! Triumphant! Oh, what a triumph! To burst open death's doors! Crush the head of the serpent! And O now, high and lifted up! Exalted forever! My Lord and King! Arise my Love, arise!
To serve a LIVING God! Awesome!
But today Pastor pointed out, more than any other depiction of God in the bible, is His identity as our Shepherd.
Psalm 23
What a refreshing! What beauty and majesty! What love! Altogether lovely! Altogether wonderful to me!
Who is there like You Lord?
Seeing the beauty in others
Today I went for 4th service - and I was in the queue going to church. I was alone in the queue, just trying to meditate on what Easter meant in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Suntec. Was quite excited about going to church 'cos I was going to see Him!
It was already 4.25 pm and service was to start at 4.15 pm. Beside me, a lady began to grumble.
Now, she wasn't dressed well, was skinny, approximately was in her 50s - and she began complaining to me, a total stranger. Her face was in a frown and she started going on about why it was so long, why the people haven't come out yet, why did we always have to queue up, how she was told to come early etc etc. She didn't seem like a pleasant person.
Well, my mind could come up with a dozen reasons. 'Pastor is feeding the sheep; oh glorious revelations! Still many people come, well worth the wait etc etc..' but I didn't say it 'cos I felt it wasn't worthwhile to justify to her - she didn't seem to be in the mood to listen. And well, I think Abba asked me to keep my mouth shut. So I just smiled sympathetically, kept quiet, looked ahead, around occasionally. Not someone I wanted to carry on a conversation with. I just wanted to mind my own business.
After a while, she piped down 'cos I guess, I was not responsive. Then she wished me, "Happy Easter!" and smiled. We shook hands.
And I felt ashamed. Because I realised that I had been silently judging her by her words and conduct and dismissing her as someone who 'hasn't had that revelation of grace yet - or else she would be patient and wait cheerfully' Yet she had been the one to initiate the greeting.
Then she started talking about her work. Her english wasn't very good and I had difficulty making out what she was trying to say. But I felt that Abba just wanted me to listen to her - so I just nodded - and listen. She just wanted someone to listen to her. We started sharing; and as she talked, her face started 'glowing' and she started smiling. Oh! What a difference a smile made! She started giving glory to God... and the more she shared, the more she smiled.
Oh! She looked so beautiful when she smiled! Like she was lighted up within! Don't know where it was from, but suddenly, I just felt she was so wonderful, so worthy to be loved - how much Jesus loved her. And I leaned over, put one arm about her, to give her a hug.
She turned back to give me a hug too! A more proper one! With two arms! :D
The queue started to go in....
Then during worship, my mind recalled this incident. And I realized, that the love that I 'suddenly' felt for her was God loving her through me. I mean, He put me a position to virtually see a transformation in this beloved sister. From being sour-faced and griping about the queue to the glorious radiance on her face. I could literally see the Christ in her! When she started smiling, she was so beautiful! Obviously, it was not physical - she was reflecting His light.
He showed me how He sees us and loves us. I finally understood what my leader was telling me about God using me as an instrument to love others. Being a conduit is such a privilege! To literally be able to feel - it's supernatural! Because before God is able to touch that person, He touches my heart first! What an Easter present!
During worship, I was so moved when He thanked me for loving her, even in that short span of time. Yet I know the love I felt, is not mine, it's Him. In that few moments when I was with her and felt close to her, really, it's those moments on retrospect, that Abba's heart and mine are beating as one. It's abiding in His love.
I finally understood the true spirit of these verses in the gospel:-
Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Because from my perspective, the lady I was loving was her, but not really her. For those few minutes, I was loving Jesus in her. And that was why I was able to love her.
It was already 4.25 pm and service was to start at 4.15 pm. Beside me, a lady began to grumble.
Now, she wasn't dressed well, was skinny, approximately was in her 50s - and she began complaining to me, a total stranger. Her face was in a frown and she started going on about why it was so long, why the people haven't come out yet, why did we always have to queue up, how she was told to come early etc etc. She didn't seem like a pleasant person.
Well, my mind could come up with a dozen reasons. 'Pastor is feeding the sheep; oh glorious revelations! Still many people come, well worth the wait etc etc..' but I didn't say it 'cos I felt it wasn't worthwhile to justify to her - she didn't seem to be in the mood to listen. And well, I think Abba asked me to keep my mouth shut. So I just smiled sympathetically, kept quiet, looked ahead, around occasionally. Not someone I wanted to carry on a conversation with. I just wanted to mind my own business.
After a while, she piped down 'cos I guess, I was not responsive. Then she wished me, "Happy Easter!" and smiled. We shook hands.
And I felt ashamed. Because I realised that I had been silently judging her by her words and conduct and dismissing her as someone who 'hasn't had that revelation of grace yet - or else she would be patient and wait cheerfully' Yet she had been the one to initiate the greeting.
Then she started talking about her work. Her english wasn't very good and I had difficulty making out what she was trying to say. But I felt that Abba just wanted me to listen to her - so I just nodded - and listen. She just wanted someone to listen to her. We started sharing; and as she talked, her face started 'glowing' and she started smiling. Oh! What a difference a smile made! She started giving glory to God... and the more she shared, the more she smiled.
Oh! She looked so beautiful when she smiled! Like she was lighted up within! Don't know where it was from, but suddenly, I just felt she was so wonderful, so worthy to be loved - how much Jesus loved her. And I leaned over, put one arm about her, to give her a hug.
She turned back to give me a hug too! A more proper one! With two arms! :D
The queue started to go in....
Then during worship, my mind recalled this incident. And I realized, that the love that I 'suddenly' felt for her was God loving her through me. I mean, He put me a position to virtually see a transformation in this beloved sister. From being sour-faced and griping about the queue to the glorious radiance on her face. I could literally see the Christ in her! When she started smiling, she was so beautiful! Obviously, it was not physical - she was reflecting His light.
He showed me how He sees us and loves us. I finally understood what my leader was telling me about God using me as an instrument to love others. Being a conduit is such a privilege! To literally be able to feel - it's supernatural! Because before God is able to touch that person, He touches my heart first! What an Easter present!
During worship, I was so moved when He thanked me for loving her, even in that short span of time. Yet I know the love I felt, is not mine, it's Him. In that few moments when I was with her and felt close to her, really, it's those moments on retrospect, that Abba's heart and mine are beating as one. It's abiding in His love.
I finally understood the true spirit of these verses in the gospel:-
Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Because from my perspective, the lady I was loving was her, but not really her. For those few minutes, I was loving Jesus in her. And that was why I was able to love her.
Couplehood
It's wonderful how God is able to speak even through the movies.
Without the Word, a movie is just a good story; with the Word, Abba can be involved in the most innocuous of scenes.
To the wives who have been told to submit to the husbands, as unto the Lord.
Well, it can seem like a command - as if we have the choice taken out of our hands - 'cos the bible says so? And as if to comfort ourselves, we put the qualifer "as unto the Lord"
In the movie, "Take the Lead" there was a short scene where Antonio Banderas was teaching two teenagers how to dance the waltz. He tells the girl to follow the guy because he will be leading her. She says, hands on hips, "what? so now he gets to be in charge?"
And Mr B replies, "no, no. The guy proposes the next step, it is the girl's choice to follow."
And in a relationship, is it not a dance between a couple?
The bible says the man is the head of the household and the woman is to submit. But there is a glory in submission. Firstly, man and woman are created equal but different. There is a beauty in the woman respecting her husband as head of the household and submitting herself - it implies that she is more 'powerful' (for lack of a better word) and hence submits herself to him. Secondly, the initiative still lies with her - it is ultimately, her choice.
Without the Word, a movie is just a good story; with the Word, Abba can be involved in the most innocuous of scenes.
To the wives who have been told to submit to the husbands, as unto the Lord.
Well, it can seem like a command - as if we have the choice taken out of our hands - 'cos the bible says so? And as if to comfort ourselves, we put the qualifer "as unto the Lord"
In the movie, "Take the Lead" there was a short scene where Antonio Banderas was teaching two teenagers how to dance the waltz. He tells the girl to follow the guy because he will be leading her. She says, hands on hips, "what? so now he gets to be in charge?"
And Mr B replies, "no, no. The guy proposes the next step, it is the girl's choice to follow."
And in a relationship, is it not a dance between a couple?
The bible says the man is the head of the household and the woman is to submit. But there is a glory in submission. Firstly, man and woman are created equal but different. There is a beauty in the woman respecting her husband as head of the household and submitting herself - it implies that she is more 'powerful' (for lack of a better word) and hence submits herself to him. Secondly, the initiative still lies with her - it is ultimately, her choice.
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