Unshakable Hope

Thank you Jesus, for this unshakable hope we have in you! You have risen, you have conquered death! You are the Son of God! You are our compass, and we will rise with you when you return. And thank you that even at this moment, you are doing a transforming work in our lives through the Holy Spirit and through your sovereign will! No matter what circumstances we face, no matter what trials, pain, rejections, loss, we still can stand firm. For we are not living for the things of the world, and of the present. Though they may be important, our inheritance is in your eternal kingdom, our joy is in you. May you be exalted forever, we worship you forevermore, and our lives we live to the fullest as we hold onto this hope and follow you :)

And I just want to testify how good Jesus is! I've been having flu symptoms over the past few days. I felt really giddy, had headaches and runny nose everyday. I even develop sore throat today, and it got worse with each passing minute; especially before and during service. But as I align myself to this unshakeable hope, to Jesus and just worship him, I realize that the headache started to fade away, the sore throat too. After service, I no longer had my headache and sore throat! Praise the Lord! We do not just have this hope, but we also have many promises that you give us, and your love that never fails! We really love you God :)

Center of it All

This is the first time I'm preparing for a sharing for LG, and Vincent will guide me along :) Hope that this script version speaks to you too!

Center of it All

God is our creator, our father, our savior, our Lord, our friend. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscience. While we do know these, how does it affect our lives?

1. Our Creator

-Genesis 1

-God created the heavens, the earth, light, waters, skies, land, living creatures. It all came from God in the beginning.

-I am a limited resource, you are a limited resource, but let us connect to the unlimited source which is God.

-v26 (Man is created in God’s image, our source is in God. Just as the fishes live by water, we live by the presence of God. Without him, our souls are dead.)

-Isaiah 51:1-2 (Look to the rock from which you were cut. Remember Abraham your father who was blessed and made many)

-Look to the source, and know where your resource comes from. Abraham can’t count the stars, or the sands on the shore, all which God created and is making him into a great nation.

-1 Chronicles 29:14-16 (David always look back to God, even in Psalm)
-Don’t forget where you come from, instead of looking at your circumstances and resources, remember God your creator.

-He is the Jehovah Jireh. (Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church shared this, even though he had a father who was poor, his father told him “Don’t you be broke and not tell me about it, don’t you get out there and not have what you need and don’t tell me about it. You don’t think I have much. But if I have money, you have money”) How much more would our heavenly father provide for us?

2. Sovereign

-Isaiah 46:9-10 (God is God. He will accomplish all he sets out to do.)
-Joseph’s Life (From dreams, to persecution by brothers, by Potiphar’s wife, to King of Egypt) (Genesis 45:3-7 Joseph declares it’s God’s will)

-Israelites delivered and prospered (God allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened to show his glory. Deuteronomy 8:1-5, 17-18)
-God moved King Cyrus heart to release the Israelites to rebuild his temple and land (Ezra 1)

-God allowed Satan to attack Job (Job 1:21-22, 2:10)

-God willed for Jesus to be persecuted and crucified (Mark 14:35-36, Romans 11:32 Bound men to disobedience)

-Peter’s destiny (Matthew 16:17-18, Matthew 26:33-34, even though Peter lack faith at times, even though he denied Jesus, Jesus still said that he will build the Church through Peter)

-God is sovereign in everything. Even in our decisions, failures, achievements and relationships. And even in the calamities and providence of the world. You may wonder where does your free will play a part in this, but God can facilitate and move through our decisions to fulfill his purposes.

-This is a cause for joy, for we know that God works for the good of those who love him. And that nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:28-32, Philippians 1:6)

3. Jesus

-Colossians 1:15-23(The Supremacy of Christ, all from Christ, Christ over all)

-John 1:1-4, 10-14 (The Word Became Flesh, Jesus is the Word)

-John 6:26-27, 32-35 (Jesus the Bread of Life, never hungry or thirsty)

-John 14:6 (Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life)

-John 15:5 (The Vine and the Branches; remain in him and bear fruits)

-The Book of Hebrews (Jesus, superior to Angels, made like his brothers, greater than Moses, the Sabbath for people, the great High Priest)

-Hebrews 10:19-25 (A Call to Persevere)

-Luke 9:23-26 (Take up the Cross)

-Revelations 3:20 (Jesus knocks at your heart)

-Matthew 6:25-34 (Do Not Worry, “Work and don’t worry, cuz worry don’t work.”)

-The Parable of the Lost Son (The younger went astray, but the Father hugged him, kissed him, celebrated and provided for him. The elder was blinded by serving, the Father reminded him, “All I have is yours, take it.”)

Response:

-God is sovereign, God provides, God is the way, so whatever we face, let us submit these things to God in prayer, let us seek him first.

-You may be very far from God, or burnt out from ministry and work, but God is telling u, u can always come to him, he will surely provide for u!

-Jesus is the center of it all, let’s move to have a more intimate relationship with him, and follow him.

-Jesus is the Word, and the Word points to Jesus, the Word points to his promises, the Word points to truth. Therefore, let us commit to meditating and applying the Word. (Possible Challenge: Read a chapter of Hebrews each day)

Personality Test from Talentoday

Does these results match with your perception of me? Try out the test too :)

"When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe." -Acts 28:23-24

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

Acts 28:23-24

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

Acts 28:23-24

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Persuasion#sthash.SRAlsDsj.dpuf

SEAL (Spirit Empowered Anointed Leadership)

However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

1 Corinthians 2:9

In case you don't already know, I was an autistic child. I was often bullied when I'm young, and I even did really badly for my studies in the past. I was very addicted to games and I did not like to talk to people or go to school when I was sec 1. Looking back, one can only declare that God has transformed my life. Radically, all through the love of Christ.

This post that I'm sharing today, is about how I am just a human, and even a soft-spoken, incapable, struggling and flawed one. Yet, despite of who I am, God used me in ways I could not imagine to be his salt and light.

Start of Christian Journey SAGA (Before NS)

So, even after I became a Christian in sec 2. I still got bullied sometimes as I was still autistic. However, the difference was that Christ's love in my life drove out insecurities and low self-esteem, and compelled me to initiate to talk to and reach out to people. And amazingly, my first sheep was my class bully, who still continued to bully me after coming to Hope. We were desk buddies throughout sec 3. I was very incapable as a shepherd, but I did what I could to do life with my sheep. He had to leave to study in HK at sec 4, but he started to desire to walk with God more just then.

Then came sec 4, I became desk buddies with Shaun. We shared about interests, and eventually he came to Hope. He could not really experience God, and eventually he left, to focus on A levels and commitments. I was still an inexperienced counselor, and had difficulties conveying the reality of God and the personal relationship we were created to have with Jesus to Shaun. However, through God's sovereignty, he placed both of us in the same school (SAJC, without us planning beforehand). Furthermore, we were in the same CCAs, we studied and failed together all the time(LOL!), and the school's motto is "No One Is Here By Chance". When A levels ended, Shaun came to Hope again, and said the prayer to receive Jesus in his life personally for the first time. That was just a few days before I entered NS.

2013 till Present (NS)

My BMT phase of NS was a "valley of baka" for me. I was initially down because I could very well pass NAPFA and not serve the extra 2 months of BMT. However, when I entered, I was motivated to excel and train up. While I did become fitter, my medical problems aggravated. I had a serious tail bone and lower back pain, I was more easily giddy and I had lots of difficulties hearing what my commanders and bunk mates said. Also, during the first month of my BMT, I had a serious throat infection and I ate antibiotics for weeks. I was also well-known to be the company's most blur recruit, as I always missed instructions due to hearing problems and also because I'm naturally blur.

I was often on status (Meaning that I cannot participate in training, but just watch or do Sai Kang). I missed lots of trainings, and I started to ask God, what am I even doing here? I can't even go through everything with my section mates and support them, so how can I show your love to them? And I also wondered if I could ever make up for all the missed trainings. Eventually, I even chao keng and get MC once as I was so sian. I felt cui, and more far from God than usual. (Unable to love my section mates, chao keng, not finding much purpose in BMT)

Yet, at such a time God blessed me with miraculous A level results. And also posted me to Paya Lebar Airbase when I down PES and could not complete BMT. I saw how gracious God is and how he always hope in me and has plans for me, no matter how cui I was in BMT.

At Paya Lebar Airbase, I never conceived that God would put me in a section where I would work with 2 Satanists, and a Catholic who dislikes Christians. There was tension between me and my upper studies, but it wasn't mainly because I am a Christian. It was because I was blur and unfamiliar with work, and yet my upper studies kept scolding me and made life hard for me (Such as by recommending extras whenever I make a mistake, when it is tolerable). They also think that I have a bad work attitude and that I chao keng, even though I did not and am working diligently.

Because of this, I had to pray daily to God to help me forgive the bitterness I have against them, and for God to move to help them know God's love and for God to use me to impact them. Even so, somewhere I my heart, I still dreaded going to work, not because of work, but because of how I was treated there.

But a miracle happened, God opened the heart of one of the Satanist, Etienne. We got to talk and share about our beliefs and lives more. He decided to come for 2013 August ESS (Keep Calm & Look Up). Though he did not come to know God yet, he was surprised by how welcomed he felt. He eventually received Christ into his life and had been walking really closely with God since then. As I guided and do life with Etienne, God equipped me to be a better counselor and to better love him with God's love.

I also began to realize that God was expanding my influence. He placed my first sheep (Gan Qi) back into my life, by putting him at my neighboring company while I was in BMT. I am still reaching out to him, though he is really busy. He also used me to reach out to friends like Min Jin, Sebastian, Robby, Eugene and Harvey. And even my cousins like Amanda and Alex. And in my army section, my upper studies already ORD-ed, my current section mates are gradually opening their hearts more to God and are open to visit Hope sometime. God also increased my talents, from 1 to 4 sheep.

God also caught me by surprise when I suddenly received the email to join SEAL course. SEAL is a course for those in our Church who are potential future Lifegroup Leaders in NS and Uni. I honestly did not expect it. And I thank God for reminding me as I wanted to be humble, just on the morning of SEAL interview, I saw the daily verse "Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3). As I know that all these influence that God gave me, is by his sovereign will, his grace and his empowerment, just as he had gave to others.

Lastly, I just want to thank God for how he is moving in my family. Though I did not contact my brother much since he study in London, my brother found a community of believers to fellowship and look to Jesus together, though he was far from God before going to London. In fact, he is coming back to Singapore for a break today! And also, God used a person I don't know to lead my mum and dad to go to Church regularly again. We are even going to have a family fellowship/LG this week. All these can never happen, if not for God's grace.

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Spiritual Influence is different from the world. It is not about your loud voice, or impressive communication skills, or even your looks. It's also not about your achievements and confidence. But rather, it comes to those who love God, and commit their lives to God, so that God can do an amazing work through their lives. And at times, you do not even have to be the one that reach out to a person, for even faithful prayers can bring about spiritual influence, for God to move in that person's life to come to know him.

So, no matter what season of life you are in now. Know this: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Son of God

I watched Son of God today and it was great. One thing special about the movie was how the makers introduced the context into it, such as the tension between the Romans and the Jews and the Passover. It also showed some depth to characters like Peter, the Pharisees, Judas and Pilate. These insights help those who watch the movie to better understand how the events unfold that lead to the Cross(All of which happened through God's Sovereign Will). It also helps us to relate to each character better, to see how human and fallible they are, just as we do.

I also love how Jesus was portrayed in the film, his gentleness, his joy, and how he expressed his emotions, showing that he did indeed came as a human, facing trials and temptations, just that he did not sin through it all. It wasn't perfect, but I cannot expect everything out of a 2h movie. The bottom line is that Jesus is shown to be somebody intimate, passionate, loving and gentle as we know in our personal relationship with him.

I didn't cry during the betrayal and crucifixion, but I nearly did when Jesus resurrected and spent the remaining time with the disciples. It would have been great if they also showed Jesus washing the disciples' feet, as it really shows how humble, how loving, how serving Jesus is, even at the point of being overwhelmed by despair. For he did it all for love, to obey the Father's will, and for you and me.

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:2

If u really love Jesus, do watch the movie if u have the time. The Movie will only be showing until this Wednesday(23/4/2014) though. It brings the gospels alive on screen to u(Though it's not 100% biblical in context, it doesn't really deviate and stays true to the message), and help you relate to each characters and especially Jesus better. Reminding u again of what Jesus did for us, and the kind of intimacy we can have with him, as the disciples did.

Do also check out the book Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge if u want to know Jesus the way he is. So that you can walk more closely with Jesus and also understand his Word better. This has been one of the most life-changing Christian book I read out of 20+ books. Just as how accepting Jesus into your life is the most important decision you ever made, this book is also important as it draws u closer to the kind of intimacy and walk you are meant to have with Jesus and God.




All for love a father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified

All for love a Savior prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though the know not what they do
Let the cross draw man to You

Job's Cry

“Oh, that I might have my request,
    that God would grant what I hope for, 

that God would be willing to crush me,
    to let loose his hand and cut off my life! 

Then I would still have this consolation—
    my joy in unrelenting pain—
    that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.

“What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
    What prospects, that I should be patient? 

Do I have the strength of stone?
    Is my flesh bronze? 

Do I have any power to help myself,
    now that success has been driven from me?

“A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends,

    even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,
    as the streams that overflow

Job 6:8-15

In all these, Job did not sin by cursing God. Job longed to live blamelessly and let the Joy of the Lord be his strength. He did not understand why he is facing all the pain and anguish. May we be like Job, not shaken in trials, especially since we have this unswerving promise of Christ's love and redemption for us.

While suffering is the chief theme of the book, a reason for suffering is not given. Instead, we are told that God is the highest law in the universe and that often his reasons are known only to him.

We also learn that an invisible war is raging between the forces of good and evil. Satan sometimes inflicts suffering on human beings in that battle.

God is good. His motives are pure, although we may not always understand them. God is in control and we are not. We have no right to give God orders.

This Easter, let's also remember the ultimate act of love that Jesus poured out on the cross. When he suffered excruciating pain, scorning, betrayals, and even felt abandoned by the Father. He willingly underwent these for you and me. We have victory over sin and death. And we are fighting and living our lives from victory as we follow Jesus!

Vivid Dream

Ok so I had this vivid dream last night. I rarely dream, and usually I can't recollect my dreams.

It started off with traveling home with my sheep, and we discussed to watch Son of God movie together this Easter. (I only just asked him and then my LG yesterday)

After which, when I got off my bus. I saw this girl, who in the context of the dream, I have seen walking around my neighborhood several times. She appeared to be somebody who only moved in recently. And for some reason, in my dream I felt that she had been looking for someone, someone like a partner. She was walking about the neighborhood again looking, but nobody else was around in the neighborhood again.

This time round, I felt really compelled to talk to her. So we talked, and I found out that she is a Christian too. And that she was from the Hope Church Community. We met again, in Church, and she was wearing a Hope Tokyo shirt (though I haven't seen one before and it's Hope Tokyo's Anniversary yesterday). She looks like Rosa from Pokemon. (Maybe I've played too much Pokemon, but not recently)

And on her shirt, there was the word "Isaiah", and a verse about Zion written on it. I recollected the verse to be from chapter 35/60. (Although I knew not the context of those chapters, I was prompted to check chapter 35 out. And the chapter was about the restoration of Zion, the joy of the redeemed. In our context, it would be the salvation we receive through Christ, and how Christ is unifying and redeeming his Church/Bride back to him. Chapter 60 was about the glory of Zion, but that is not as prominent to our context today)

I got to know the girl better, and that she lived in US, she got Hope Tokyo shirt though connections, and she was only just settling down in Singapore. We later decided to watch Son of God together. Before we watch the movie, she asked me not to invite others to watch as a group. I consented saying that it was Easter and we watch with our focus on Jesus, but that next time we need to avoid such meet ups as we are not dating. We should know each other more and spur each other on in our journey with Christ in Hope first.

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Ok.. So I don't really know if this dream holds significance. But the part about the restoration of Zion through Isaiah's vision is comforting, as it reminds me of Christ's restoration work in us and that he is coming to redeem us as his bride. Maybe I dreamed about a girl and getting to know her because I only just watched Golden Time anime. But the dream really was vivid, interactive and real.
 
One of the last times I had such a vivid dream was 2 weeks before Hope Conference 2012. I envisioned myself being in a Church with pews(benches), and I was sitting with my parents(Although at that point they weren't really going to Church anymore). We were worshiping, then a huge white blanket(Representing the Holy Spirit) appeared above us and enveloped me. I woke up crying really badly after that.

When conference came, my mum offered to drive me there. On the way, I believe God moved in her heart. She decided to sign up part time for the Conference all of a sudden, even though it was troublesome and expensive. I totally did not expect that. During the opening ceremony, when we watched and worshiped God's glory and works, I do not know why, but I suddenly started crying badly and I could not hold myself back even though my mum was beside me. It was the first time I cried during worship.

The following day of Conference, there was a morning service opened to all visitors. My dad decided to come along for it. So my parents were there. And through the conference, I realize that the a recurring theme was the Holy Spirit, and for us to yield to the Holy Spirit in our lives.

After the conference, I realized the extend of how the events during Conference were a fulfillment of the dream 2 weeks before. I was really touched and amazed by God. It was also around that period that my walk with God really blossom and I started to yield to God more, to know Jesus much more, experience him, baptized as Isaiah, and live for his glory.

Well, if I do not know what to really make out of my dream yesterday, you won't either. I'll just share it because of how vivid and real it was

Golden Time

Thank God! After seeing the doctor yesterday, he told me that my nose is healing quickly. Though it's still swollen. I no longer have to wear the nose cast/bandage 24/7 and I can start going out soon :)

My nose looks significantly different from before, at least to me. Hope it doesn't come as a big surprise to u when u see me haha

I finished this anime called Golden Time recently. It's the best romance anime after Toradora! The main character, Banri, lost all his memories at the end of high school. But he chose to start anew, entering Uni and then fell in love with Koko. Things got complicated when his identity and memories start to jumble up. But in the end he did not lost himself; he and Koko stayed together through it all.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 
-1 Peter 4:8

I did not exactly spent my time that well yesterday and the half day today. But other than being infatuated with this anime, I also took time delighting in God's presence and Word; infatuated in his love too. Therefore, though I wasn't "productive". I felt like it's just enough to be at peace in God and seek him. Worship can be an end to itself, meaning that we don't need to receive a revelation or anything from it, but just delight in his presence. Everyday, I want to spend Golden Time with God :)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."
-1  Corinthians 13:4-8

Funny Scenes

Just want to end this post off with this quote by C.S Lewis:

"If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

In Spirit & Truth

"How and whom are crucial, not where. Worship must be vital and real in the heart, and worship must rest on a true perception of God. There must be spirit and there must be truth. So Jesus says, "The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." The two words spirit and truth correspond to the how and whom of worship.

Worshiping in spirit is the opposite of worshiping in merely external ways. It is the opposite of empty formalism and traditionalism. Worshiping in truth is the opposite of worship based on an inadequate view of God. Worship must have heart and head. Worship must engage emotions and thought.

Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half-full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living). On the other hand, emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the discipline of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship."

-John Piper

Do note that spirit does not simply means our own emotions and affections. It refers to the Holy Spirit that stirs in our hearts to worship God. But it is expressed through our emotions, affections, while rooted in truth.

Consider The Source

Entrusted or Entitled?

Our family, our talents, our influence, our finances, our time, our body, our resources. Do we take them for granted or do we steward them remembering that God entrusted these to us?

A: "10% that's just so much"
B: "Is it? Cuz I kinda thought the 90 he let me keep is just so much! You want to flip it? You keep 10 God keep 90?"

Our tithe, do we give to God? Or do we simply BRING back 10% of what he gave.

Relationship or Reluctance?

For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his one and only son. Do we give/serve to God out of love, or out of reluctance and obligation?

Out of the overflow of the heart, you give.

Hebrews 12:2 (fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God)

Obedience or Optional?

Should I murder my friend before I go to Church? No, it's just wrong to murder my friend before I go to Church, and other times as well. It's not even to be considered.

"I'll pray about it." You don't pray about what God just told you to do.

"Oh look, I'm paying 20% for transport, 50% for food, 20% for recreation, 10% for gifts. Oh no, God there's none left over for you." Do we bring the first fruits of what God gave us? Or do we squander it away?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life which is truly life.)

Multiply or Maintain?

Malachi 3:10 (Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.)

In John 6, Jesus fed the 5000. He asked his disciples what to do(to test them), they focused on the lack of resources. But when the child offered the 5 loaves and 2 fishes "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish."

Later in the chapter,
Jesus said "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
Disciples "Sir, from now on give us the bread."
Jesus declared "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." 



Multiply, Obedience, Relationship, Entrusted. There is MORE. He is the SOURCE :)



Really blessed to have checked out "Consider The Source" Series by Elevation Church over this weekend.

As I've been recuperating at home. I felt kinda empty(how can this be?). I felt more prone to sins, especially in procrastinating and indulging. I felt limited, by my physical condition, and my MC??

But that is, I have not been looking enough to the source. I do not want to keep looking to the resources, and give myself excuses.

The temptation to laze back is strong. I feel "entitled" to do so. But truth be told, even if I cannot go for Service, even though I cannot go for work, even though I cannot go for meet ups, shepherding and outings. All that I have, I still can steward for God. The work my mum entrusted me for her business, interceding for others, preparing for shepherding, playing the piano, delighting in God's word and more.

I've had enough of my lack of discipline for the past few days.

My God's not dead,
He's surely alive.
He's living on the inside,
Roaring like a Lion.

All these are easy to say, I didn't even spend the earlier half of my day well. But I want to always Consider The Source.

If you want to check this great sermon series out, go to: http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/consider-the-source 

Edit:

Just to add in a quote from the book Desiring God which resonates with this post.

"Saving faith is the confidence that if you sell all you have and forsake all sinful pleasures, the hidden treasure of holy joy will satisfy your deepest desires. Saving faith is the heartfelt conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also that He is desirable. It is the confidence that He will come through with His promises and that what He promises is more to be desired than all the world."

NS Journey (Thus Far 110414)

I was devastated when I had to enlist 2 months earlier in December, to go through the additional Physical Training Phase of BMT. I exercised and played sports frequently in J2; and even in the midst of my A levels examination in November, I was still exercising almost daily. I was confident that I can surely pass the Napfa Re-test in November. But a week before the re-test, I accidentally strained my leg muscles so badly that I could barely walk for days. Nevertheless, I went for the re-test, but had to fall out immediately because I could not bear the pain. I was really downcast-ed when I realized that I was fated to enlist early and was often drowned in sorrow before the enlistment.I knew that God is good and that he has plans for me, but I could not shake the sadness away.

Around this period while I was downcast-ed, Shaun decided to join me for my Church service before I would be stuck in Tekong. During the service, he accepted Christ as his savior personally! I was filled with such great joy because he was a brother that I've known for years and I really wanted him to experience God's love himself!

On the day of enlistment, I met Caleb/Yiren, who was in the same enlistment batch as me. And it just so happened that God placed us both to be in the same company and even the same platoon! Later on, God also placed us in the same LG(aka Cell Group)! By enlisting in this batch, God made me met this brother who is very real in his heart to love God and serve him! :)

In the 3 months of BMT that I went through, God helped me to discover that I was much more blur and air-headed than I could ever imagine. I made a few mistakes everyday, and could even be known as the Company's most blur recruit!! :( There was even once when I was falling in for dinner with my platoon, and only realized that I was in a different attire from everyone else after a long while! :'(

Given this chance to know myself, I strove really hard to be a much more alert person. God was also really gracious, by putting me in Jaguar Company, which was known to have one of the best welfare in Tekong. My Commanders were patient with me, they did not throw their anger on me, but instead they guided and watch over me. My section mates were also really kind. They often gave me help and extra reminders, despite of the problems that I caused them. I was able to train myself to be less blur than before, and became more independent! If God had placed me in the normal 2 months BMT and in another company, things would be much more difficult than I can ever imagine.

In the midst of my BMT, a new batch of enlistees arrived for their BMT in the neighbouring Kestrel Company! And by God's plan, he made Gan Qi/Alvin, my first sheep/mentee, joined Kestrel Company. Gan Qi left to study and live in Hong Kong a few years back. Now that he returned to Singapore to serve NS, I really got the chance to talk to him more as he was at my neighbouring company. And I can invite him to join Hope and seek God together again! :) I really thank God for these divine arrangements he made!

During the 3rd month of my 4 months BMT, I went out-of-training/course because I down PES due to my hearing problem. My hearing problem had been around for years and is serious, but I was still told to go for normal combat-fit BMT, and only down PES in the 3rd month. At the same time, my mum and brother just suddenly told me that they will be going to China to work in a week's time. For my mum, she could be staying there for years, and for my brother he could be staying there for months till the start of his University course, which might not even be in Singapore.

My brother and mother were so dear to me and they meant almost the whole family to me. When I heard of this news, I was so depressed that it felt as if my soul left me. Over the next few days, I was always on the verge of tears, and even during my Church's service, I still felt like my soul had left me. During the next book in, on the ferry, my buddy noticed that I wasn't fine, so he simply asked, "Are you ok?" When he asked, I could not hold my sorrow in anymore and I started crying really badly, even though I was in the middle of the ferry, with all my fellow recruits. My life felt so dry and empty, even though I knew God is with me.

When I woke up on the next day, I no longer felt so sad, and soon after, I received a letter to inform me that I was being posted to the RSAF HQ (Republic of Singapore Air Force, Paya Lebar Airbase). It was a camp where there is better welfare, and I could book out daily, so I could spend more time with my mother and brother before they leave to China. I was so thankful to God, for he answered my prayer in this unexpected way, for me to spend more time with my family, and also for pouring his grace so abundantly into my life, when I felt like I was at the lowest point of my whole life then.

At Paya Lebar Airbase, I bumped into Robby (my childhood best friend)! It was really amazing that God destined for me and Robby to be in the same camp, out of all places I could be posted to. And I was the only few in my whole company that was posted to Air Force, and to the HQ!

Also, if not for all the exercising I did in J2, along with the Physical Training Phase of BMT that I went through, I would not have been able to become fitter, although I am still unfit. I might have been overweight by now, if not for all these exercising and the PTP phase! God made it such that I never managed to pass my IPPT in BMT, even though I was fit enough to, so that when I got posted to Paya Lebar Air Base, I would still continue to exercise, to maintain a more healthy lifestyle and not become overweight haha :)

In a month's time, my mum and brother came back to Singapore and even lead her to start a StarArk Educational Business in Singapore. By then, I became a lot more independent and I also learned to treasure my mum and brother more than before! :) The business was just launched about 2 months ago, and it is rapidly gaining influence. God has been showing his blessings in ways such as providing free furniture, providing an office just opposite to my Church, or letting various talented guys from my Church help my mum in the business.

I am currently a Supply Assistant at Paya Lebar Airbase. In my section, I directly work with a few NSFs and a few Regulars. Among them, there are my 3 upperstudies(Who ORD-ed last year Sep), 2 whom were Satanists and 1 who was a Catholic but dislike Christians. I was often tekan-ed daily, mainly because I am blur. However, by God's grace, I got to talk to one of them (Etienne) more. He shared with me more about how he became a Satanist and his life. And I invited him to visit Hope Church. He received Jesus in his life and is walking closely with God now. My other 2 upperstudies are also open to visit Hope sometime.

Currently, I'm working with different NSFs, and there are work politics which are common in NS. But I'm thankful to God, because he soften the hearts of my section mates, such that they are willing to visit my Church sometime soon. Perhaps even this year's Easter! Also, as for Etienne. God used him amazingly recently. Just last Tuesday, he started reading this book on how a woman Satanist turned her life around to come back to God. Then on Friday night, he bumped into this brother and sister over supper. After sharing more about God, he found out that the sister was at the brink of selling her soul to Satan as she was at her lowest point in her life. She chose not to after hearing about Etienne's life and wants to seek God more again.

Thank you for such grace in my life God! I am so excited for the journeys that we are going to have together in the future! They may be tough, or even heart-wrenching, but I want to always follow after you and put my faith in your love and grace, and know that you are God, I am not. Joel means that God is Sovereign, and he is my LORD. Isaiah means that God is my personal savior, and the one that helps me. So I baptised as Joel Isaiah Koh, because I want to declare that God, you are God, I am not, you are sovereign, but you are also the one that loves me so much that you died to save me and will always be there to help me in your amazing grace! :)

So dear brothers and sisters, thank you for reading this super long testimony!! I pray that in all that you face in life, may you anchor God to be your hope and know that he longs to bless and love you. It is said in Matthew 6:33 In the context that we do not have to worry, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (health, finance, love, spiritual walk, rest and more) will be given to you as well." and I pray that you will claim one of this many good promises that God gives to us! Amen

ORD LOH!!!! 090414

Yeahhhhh

So

Actually

I meant that I'm going for my nose operation today. (Operationally Ready Date LOL)

They're gonna break all my nose bones and I'll probably have to be hospitalized for 1 or 2 days, then about 2 weeks at home :(

Please pray for me that I won't be in agony after the operation and that it will go well! Thanks :)

Update:

Its night over here!

The operation went well thank God!

And God is amazing! There were no more class C wards, so they put me in a class A for class C price!!

And if I wasn't in A, I would have to suffer more. The doctor took cartilage/bone from one of my ribs to use to reconstruct my nose. So I'm having much more pain at my ribs than my bandaged nose.

I am also still super giddy and am struggling to type this. I have a 38.5 degree fever too! So.. Really thank God for class A!

And since I got a rib removed like Adam.. My soul mate will appear soon :)

Haha jk

Oh and I may not be able to go out for 2 weeks because I need to recuperate from the surgery! See y'all soon

A Level Results (Collected in 2013 March)

I was doing badly in my studies, even up till the A levels. With the exception of Bio, I was constantly failing (U grade) and getting bottom percentiles in my subjects. Many people believed that I can never do well in my A levels and just hoped that I would not do too badly. I had also placed little faith in myself to excel, but I chose to study to the best I can as I live for God, serve him and follow him.

As I was collecting my A level results, I had a defeatist spirit in the sense that I KNEW(that's how I felt) that I didn't do very well. I could only pray to God, that if it was in his will, that he would place me in the course he felt was best for me, possibly Biological Sciences(BBC/B), which I thought that my results might not even be good enough then. My GP/Homeroom teacher asked me with concern, about what I would do if my GP failed(she was joking haha), before she passed the results to me and I was believing that to be true.

But when I got my results, God really gave me the largest MIND-BLOWN by giving me results that I would never dream to get. I was so shocked, and was so grateful that I kept asking God then, that what did I do to deserve such grace? And all along, I had this desire to go into business, but I thought to myself that the business course is too far a dream for me. Currently in 2014, I'm also helping my mum in her StarArk Business, along with a few guys from Church. God lead her into starting the business, so that she can share more about the good news to people through it, and also use it to fund her other Christian Music Business.

My results are AABB, which is just nice for the 10 Percentile of SMU Biz during my year. I applied to SMU Biz this year, and I just hade complete peace and assurance from God that he will put me into SMU, even before I went for the interview (It really is Supernatural Peace, not as the world gives). This is abnormal as I'm usually nervous for interviews; and I didn't even prepare for SMU interview. During the interview, I see God's hand in it as the interview topic was to discuss on kindness, and how it is needed in society, and how kindness can play a part in businesses. The extract on kindness even talks about Church values in it. I unexpectedly enjoyed the group interview, and knew that SMU is for me. I received the acceptance offer within 3 days from the interview, although I heard it usually takes a few weeks. May God continue to lead me and my family in business, and humble me; for my A level results, and direction towards Biz is given to me by God.


Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.)

Note: These verses were said to the Israelites to remind them that they could only have such prosperity because of God's sovereignty, to deliver them from Egypt, to give them the promise land, because of God's covenant to Abraham etc.

1st Post (A Little Self-Intro)

My name is Joel Isaiah Koh

I'm a Christian. And I'm in Hope Church Singapore, NS Ministry, Foxtrot LG

I'm currently serving as a Supply Assistant in Paya Lebar Airbase (8 more months to ORD LOH!!!!)

I've applied and been accepted to SMU Biz

I love anime&manga, sports (except soccer, update on 15/11/14 I'm starting to like soccer too), jap food, playing the piano and reading Christian books! :)

People know me for my Koh jokes

I really really really love God, and God is very very very real in my life.To the extent that I see his guidance, love and blessings daily.

And that's the reason why I'm starting this blog, so that I can share not just about my "interesting" life, but about how God can help each of us live our lives to the fullest when we have a personal relationship and follow Jesus!