This is the condition of my old Bible haha! Except that there aren't that many pen markings all over. Even the cover and some pages of it are damaged and torn. I've changed to a Bible which cover looks like its made from my jeans :)
Looking back, I'm really thankful to God, for his Word really did sustain, guide, provide, refresh, bless, assure etc for me. Verses like Matthew 6:33, 1 John 4:7, Philippians 3:8, Philippians 1:6, Psalms 1:1-3, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, and Romans 8:37-39 and many others really stuck through with me as I delighted more and more on his Word.
Do memorize verses, meditate on them and engrave them in your hearts too. Especially those on God's amazing love, for the HS will speak through u powerfully through them in your daily life!
I've also read many many Christian Books and bought over 20+ books from Tecman since I was in NS!
LIVE Before You Die - Daniel Kolenda (Wake up to God's will for your life)
Life Without Limits - Nick Vujicic
The Me I Want To Be, Becoming God's Best Version Of You - John Ortberg (Good book for newer Christians)
Discerning the Will of God - Benny Ho
When Good Men Are Tempted - Bill Perkins
Grace - Max Lucado
Who Made God? & Answers to over 100 questions - Ravi Zacharias
Who Is This Man - John Ortberg (The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus)
The Holy Spirit - Billy Graham (Recommendation for those who want to know the HS more)
The Shack - WM. Paul Young (Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, Best-seller Fiction, had me close to tears once)
Loving People, How to Love & Be Loved - Dr. John Townsend
The Power of a Praying Teen - Stormie Omartian
Revealing Jesus Devotions - Darlene Zschech (Encouraging, Daily Bread, Points to Jesus)
Unmerited Favor - Joseph Prince
Screwtape Letters - CS. Lewis (Increase your awareness that the Devil can tempt you through 101 ways)
Desiring God - John Piper (Recommended, to delight in God & glorify God)
Be A People Person - John C. Maxwell
Crazy Love - Francis Chan
Destined To Reign - Joseph Prince (Recommended for those who want to experience more of God's grace)
Every Young Men's Battle - Steve Arterburn (Recommended for pursuit to Holiness)
Lead Me, Holy Spirit - Stormie Omartian
Beautiful Outlaw - John Eldredge (Highly recommended, brings the person of Jesus alive and deepen your r/s with Him)
Mere Christianity - CS. Lewis (Very wise)
The Grand Weaver - Ravi Zacharias
The Love Revolution - Joyce Meyer (Love acts, God pioneers through love)
If you want to read any of these, let me know! Haven't read some of these. Some of these are already borrowed and I'm also reading The Love Revolution along and doing Revealing Jesus Devotions currently!
----------
Also thankful for the presents I've received from my LG, my aunt & my grandma!
From my LG, they gave me a sneakers from Converse, which slogan is "Shoes are boring, wear sneakers!" LOL! & that is true for me as I don't have sneakers previously. The sneakers look good and it just so happened to be the perfect fit for my feet. They also gave me an awesome Chocolate Fudge Cake from Chocolate Origins.
My aunt and grandma gave me a bundle of stuff. My aunt gave me instant noodles, yakult and a shirt. My grandma gave me $200. I appreciate the things from my aunt for it shows her thoughtfulness, and even though she herself is in need, she gave to me. And my grandma's $200 is timely as I've been a little low on cash recently :)
My mum came and connected to the Teachers LG in 2nd service today! She was blessed by the panel sharings during service and the dinner fellowship with the LG. She is coming again next week to join them and may join the Mandarin congregation in the following week! Since next Saturday there is Father's Day service, I hope my dad will come along too! Pray for him to come yeah? :)
And for those of you coming for my 21st tomorrow, see you! :D
I'm not promoting McDonald's Slogan; which has the connotation of really liking something. Rather, I'm talking about a kind of "Just Do It" love, one that simply says, I'm Lovin' It.
Since ACTS Conference, there had been many many many testimonies of God moving, through people to heal, and manifest his love and power. Even just today, I've read the testimony of a lady who prayed for and healed 3 people. There's another who prayed for a men with speech problems and another who was demon-possessed and God moved. These are really amazing and I'm in awe.
I want God's love to pour forth through me to those in my life. I'm connecting my mum to Hope. I want to visit my relatives, especially my aunt and grandma who need healing to pray for them, but have not made time yet. I have 3 NSF section mates in camp. For the one that came for half of the Healing Rally, I prayed for his cough on a working day after Conference. He wasn't healed, but I shared more of God's power and about Christianity either way. I'm also putting aside things like manga, anime & games, albeit not totally, so that I can seek God, His love and His righteousness and His Kingdom first. This include things like just helping my mum in her work, or meeting my sheep, or to fellowship and sow on others.
Currently in camp, I work harder and am more intentional than the other NSFs in my section. I would deal with stock checks, stores, records, issuing and sometimes matters even outside of my role. There were many mistakes that were made that I rectify without raising them up to my superiors, because what I can do, I'll do. This was a way in which I want to love my NSF section mates, to show them that I care for them, watch out for them and get jobs done. However, it is often that my superiors would blame me when a mistake arises, even if the mistake was made by others. And often, when others made the mistakes, it gets swept under the carpet.
This had been rather tiring for me, but I've renewed my soul each day to continue to work and to love, for I want to believe that my labor in God is not in vain. And that my section mates, or even superiors may one day know his love. In this NS environment I'm in, intentionality to get things done well and to cover for others backfired at me; causing me to take blames even when I'm working at times the others rest. It has been the same for my IC, who took a lot of crap and had to rectify them all. Furthermore, my whole section is going to be posted out of the squadron at around September. This means that, after the major audits, we will no longer be part of the squadron. In light of this, I can just lay low and heck care about issues since my section will post out soon. But I know that this isn't honoring to God.
There are times when I really felt quite frustrated and sian about these issues in camp. However, I also see that it is foolish to fill my mind with negativity and work, as it can draw me from looking to God, to his Kingdom and his goodness. This is indeed a molding ground for my character. At the same time, I've decided that while I continue to work hard and look out for my NSF section mates, I'll be more clear to them that I'm covering for them and that I'm helping them, and that they need to help me and need to get work done well too. I also want to believe that a seed is planted in their hearts, and that when they know God's love, they will be changed to see life, to see work and to see people more the way God does.
Today, I've also prayed for the other 2 of my NSF section mates. For one of them, I shared with him more about the miracles God is doing and then prayed for his skin condition. He did not receive any healing yet. For the other who is autistic, I prayed a prayer of blessing for him to be able to communicate better, to be a channel of God's love and to find more people that will love him.
God, even though my section mates did not receive healing and do not know you yet. I pray that you'll begin to move in their hearts more and still heal them if you will. Even though there is probably just a few months before my section will be posted out and separated, I pray that you'll move and let them come to know you. It isn't easy to love in such an environment God, but Jesus, that is where I can partake and channel more of the kind of love you poured out to others. You died for us amidst the persecutions, rejections and scorning. You love the unlovable. May I be like Paul, who say that he considers all things a loss compared to surpassing greatness of just knowing you Jesus.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. -Colossians 1:24
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer... Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him,we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him.
-2 Timothy 2:3-12 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:18&28 We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope
does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our
hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us
-Romans 5:3-5
I recently came to know this brother called Gerardus, and I just added him on Facebook yesterday. To my surprise, many of the things he shared resonated with my heart and what God was speaking to me in this period of time. It also further confirms the Word that was ministered to me during SEAL Camp, which is to really bring God's love to people, even in persecutions and sufferings. Gerardus shared quotes like these:
"Suffering
is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the Savior;
in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering, the
purer the love."
"If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great plans for you and certainly wants to make you a saint."
"It is loving the Cross that one finds one heart, for Divine Love cannot live without suffering."
God you win. So, no matter what, I'm Lovin' It. Just as how God loves us, even if we are
flawed, or even if we do not yet know him. He looks at us and says, I'm
Lovin' It & his love never fails. God, I just pray that the seeds of your love will begin to sprout, and that you may pour forth your love tangibly and powerfully. For I want to see your Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. I want to see your glory, and I can't wait for the day that we all live in your love.
Just had SEAL Camp over the weekend and I can say that it was one of the most memorable camp so far!
On the first day of camp, I had a headache and despite taking Panadol, it did not go away. Before the programs started, me, Caleb and Matthew prayed together for camp and for my headache. But as we started praying, I realize that the pain went away, we also prepared our hearts through that prayer.
At night, there was a dialogue session with Pastor Jeff. And even before the dialogue, during dinner, Pastor Jeff was really intentional to talk to each of us and know us. I gleaned from him that Intentional Love is key, just as how God pioneered in his love. As we pioneer and move in love, God will move in his love too. He also shared that Teachability is very very important even when we become leaders or even pastors, for that is how we can continue to grow, and continue to be humble to acknowledge God and those he appointed. The last thing I take away would be the importance of having a sustainable rhythm of work and rest. so that I can rest well and keep serving God till the end of time.
When the 1st day ended, I had a time of spontaneous worship with other brothers and sisters. And we even harmonized and mixed songs together. We also keep singing Forever forever (literally) with mash up and harmonizing. For some reason, I couldn't fall asleep that night. I lie on my bed for hours before falling asleep at 5am. And then woke up at 7 for my 2nd day.
On the 2nd day, we had a series of workshops after breakfast. The workshops were Teaching, Worship, Facilitation and Leading the Opposite Gender. I learned a lot during Teaching workshop, as the pointers that were shared broaden my horizon greatly. There is no need to prepare new teachings all the time, existing ones are fine, and what is truly important is to make it relevant and applicable to the group. When I share about something to improve on I can point to my mistakes, and when I am sharing something good, I can affirm somebody. Conclusion is key as it is where people apply and respond. Ultimately, it is God who moves and people don't just look at the teaching but how you live your life. There are many other valuable pointers too. The Opposite Gender workshop wasn't as applicable, but it was enjoyable. It taught me how to relate and help girls without crossing lines. And it also helped me get a better picture the God-given roles of guys and girls.
We went to service afterwards, and my mum joined me on that day. There were many young people so she was uncomfortable, but she was still blessed. I was blessed too, just by coming to Church together, as it is one step closer towards serving God together as a family with one heart beat. She will be connected to the 2nd service teacher LG or the adult group soon. Also had a great fellowship dinner with Zion at Old Changi before heading back to the camp site. More fellowship to come :)
When we were back, we were supposed to sleep early. But we(the guys) celebrated Douglas' Birthday in the dorm, we suddenly had an open session of sharing. I was really encouraged to see how each of them are just.. guys, but by God's grace we are here today. This is just as what our camp shirt writes, "By the grace of God I am what I am, worked harder than all, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." -1 Corinthians 15:10. Really really excited to run the rest of the race with these brothers-in-arms. I got the picture of rogue soldiers, different yet united with camaraderie :)
Now its the 3rd day early morning, I was probably the last one to fall asleep again. It was already 12.45am. I still couldn't sleep and also had a bad toothache. I kept pondering if I should go to the Hall and ask if a facilitator can pray together for me. Just before I decided to get out of bed, I chose to say one last prayer to Jesus. To my surprise, the toothache just faded away in 1 or 2 minutes. I fell asleep shortly after. Little did I know, all of us would be turned out half an hour later. If I did went to the hall, I might have found out the facilitators' and ULs' plan to turn us out soon.
It's 1.15am now. I was so blur that I initially thought it was 5am. We had a series of activities prepared for us by the facilitators and ULs. There was one where we had to melt an ice with our hands in order to take the paper with a bible verse out and then memorize it. We really want to treasure God's word as our treasure and hid it in our hearts. Another when we carried a teammate across a stretch to signify the weight of supporting and spurring one another on in this race. My hands (and idk why but even my legs) are sore now. I barely exercised over the past few months and I was surprised that I managed to carry the person all the way, I guess God gave me sufficient grace even in this activity itself.
It was a really memorable night, and despite having only 2.5h sleep in camp thus far, God helped me to be awake. At the end, we created a poster together. It has Lamentations 3:22-23 on it, which is about how God's love is steadfast and his mercies renewed every morning as we watched the Sunrise. We also had a session of P&W during the sunrise :)
We slept for a few more hours before having a great catered lunch from Peachy Western Stall. After which, we had a time of ministering. As we worship, we sang the song You Chose Me and responded to truly lay our lives down for God. When Tim Yeo asked who wanted to respond by kneeling down, I knelt, and I believe almost everybody did. I couldn't see, but Tim started to wept, and I was also moved and cried in the grace of that moment. When we can just come before God to give our lives to him, by his grace.
It wasn't really a struggle for me to respond, because I have set in my heart to submit my life to God till he returns. My true struggle was how I will live my life each day on from here, how am I going to love my father, my army section, my extended family, the needy I see, my LG. And also, how can I manage my time, to help my mum in her work, in loving people, in loving my LG, and other important things. I need to renew my mind each day to offer my live as a living sacrifice to God in worship. I need his love to overflow in my life each day. I need to firmly believe that I can consider all things a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ. I need to hold on to his Kingdom and righteousness, and know that he will provide. Today, I am on my birthday off so I am at home. I'm just blogging right now, but no, I do not want to remain stagnant. I want to go out to love somebody, I want to share more about Jesus, I want his Kingdom to touch the world. Keep this flame burning Jesus, move in your power and your love Jesus. I also remembered Pastor Jeff words, "You will always struggle in your journey to serve God and lead, if not you are not serving God. For God will not call you to do something in which you will not need to rely on Him."
When the leaders prayed for us, one prayed for me that I will really be a channel of God's love to those who need to know it, to help people to see how much God loves them, even if they are unlovable. Another prophesied the call of Jeremiah on me, from Jeremiah 1:4-10&17-19.
The word of the Lord came to me, saying,“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart,I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.Today I have made you
a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the
whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and
the people of the land.They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
I was convicted yet quite frightful when this was prophesied over me; especially the part where God says" I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." This signifies great influence, one where I may even face persecutions from many but stand by God. But wait, this is the 21st century, and I am just a private in NS. In my wildest imaginations, I still can't picture the kind of influence that is. I am also reminded of having "Furious Intentional Love", one that people would find so unusual, one where I can even share the gospel boldly and pray for the needy, some may scorn at me, but this is furious intentional love.
Some restructuring will happen in the NS ministry, and I don't yet know how God will use me or the other brothers. But God, I am willing, use me. I don't know how, I'm weak, I can't imagine, but you will carry the good work you began to completion. And you have already SEAL-ed us for the Day of Redemption. Thank you also for presenting to me this Certificate of Comissioning from SEAL Camp on this 1st of June; just before my birthday today. I am reminded of Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.". But thanks be to Jesus, that even if I "lose all things", he still adds unto me. I am not naked, I am a conqueror and I have you Jesus!
"I am royalty, I have destiny, I have been set free, I'm gonna shake history."
-Jake Hamilton, The Anthem
Over the past month, God kept speaking to me through what Paul said "I consider all things a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ." The more he speaks to me, the more it resonated to me. It was spoken through Desiring God book, through my devotions, through Conference, and this SEAL camp. The key words are not all things a loss, but compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. I can experience more of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, I can have such intimacy with Jesus, I can see souls receive salvation, and God's grace abounding and more. I leave you with this quote; what are you living for?
"Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."
-Francis Chan, Crazy Love
You Make Me Brave God. And I just love this Worship Album. The songs are personal intimate heart cries and heart responses to God.
