Tonight went for the movie Narnia the Prince Caspian..it was a great atmosphere! I think having the church around you, just felt very much like home. I loved it!!! Well, the movie was good..just the ending a bit hanging..hehe...guess it will continue to part 3 in the future.
Well, the main thing that I want to share is what happened throughout the day..God really spoke into my heart and teaching me about being a blessing...
At the same time that I saw the blessings, He challenged me to even be a blessing in the same way.
I'd just like to take this opportunity to mention few ones, as I learned so much from them tonight, and how God is challenging me to go to a greater distance in my action towards one another. It was the love of God that I encounter tonight, and how it even made more sense of what the community is all about. Of course there are many others too...but this time I want to mention the 3 special people that taught me a lesson tonight :
Steven Lee
I was trying to arrange for transport, for a kid that I knew, and after going around few people, finally I thought of Steven who works at Acacia Ridge! Thank God for His providence...and Steven agreed immediately!! Brother, I really admire your generosity and such a huge heart to serve and help others. It's a very admirable thing about you, and I'm thankful and very humbled to be able to learn so much from you.It wasnt the only time that I've asked help from you, and it was the same repsonse that you gave. You do have a great heart, and your kindness and sacrificial heart will get you really far in God. Thank you, brother for showing the love of God and how it should be in action.
I believe many other will testify the same thing, I remember when you treat some of us for supper that night after life group :)
Thank God for you...and want to encourage you to continue to do good and help others, as I believe God will even bless you even more! God sees every little thing that you do behind the scenes. :)
Boy
After the movie, there were a lot of conversations going around...and I went straight to look for that kid again (hmm..somehow I felt a bit responsible of making sure he's taken care of)...so I was asking around (again!!) for a space for him. He lives at southside, and even there were a lot of people staying there, but most of their cars are full.
Then I noticed Boy was helping me to ask around as well. Finally, after a big round.....then he said this that really amazed me..he would take him home, at first I was a bit puzzled, cos he didnt drive. then he said that he would go home(to Sunnybank) and come back again to Indooroopilly, then fetch the kid back to southside. that means 3 trips of 20 minutes drive!!!! Brother...your heart really blessed me, there at that moment I saw God in you, just like Jesus who would extend His hands as far as He needs to...who would go all the way to the cross...and your action exemplies Christ's love. I really honour your sacrifial heart, and the bigness of your heart to reach out and help people too. I was actually a bit speechless...Just want to encourage you that God sees and remember every single little thing that you do for others. I believe there were millions of them!!!!He'll bless you even more than that!!!
Keenix
I called this sister when she was half way almost reached her home....and since I didnt really have anyone to give me a lift, so I asked is she was okay to turn back and fetch me home. And this sister is a huge blessings...I know that she was quite hungry, and it was inconvenient for her to do that. But she just said she'll come and get me.
Again...I was blown away of how much of God's love that I see tonight...Sister, you have a great heart for God..and whatever that comes your way, as you choose to even bless in the midst of inconvenient times, I believe God's going to do some amazing work in your heart. I really believe so...really touched by your friendship all these times. I thank God to have you, sister :)
I was challenged to the core, as I asked myself, putting myself in their shoes, would I do the same? How would I have reacted? Would I have done what Jesus would do?
So I pray that God will change my heart and use my life to be poured out for other...I am sick of just living for myself, I am sick of my selfishness and the lack of love in my heart. When I fail to give, I also fail to receive...
God continue to show me that a lot of times...In those small "incoveniences", they are actually "opportunities"...to bless, to love, to grow in our heart and character...
The way of the God is the opposite of the ways of the world...the world will teach us to just hold on things for ourselves, and when we give, we loose.....But the way of God is, when we give, we actually gaining, and when we loose our lives, we attain our lives...
And also, the small actions of kindness and love, as we are faithful in little things, we learn to cultivate the attitude of responding and obeying God in the midst of incoveniences, then God can trust us even of the greater things. Do not despise the days of small beginning...
Brothers and sisters, let's grow and learn from one another...I know that none of us is perfect, but no matter what, we make a committment to stick together as a family ordained by God, stick to God and one another :)
An honour and priviledge to share this journey together with all of you...to learn from each of you..all I can say is "Thank you!!!"
If I could end with a verse :
(John 13:34-35)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Day..
Today, I came upon the verse(Luke17:26-27)"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also it will be in the days of the Son of Man.People were eating,drinking,marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark.Then the flood came and destroyed them all."
As I began to ponder about it, it just hit my heart, the sense of urgency that the Day is approaching, and that Day will come like a thief in the night, where no one will expect.It stir my heart to begin to live my life differently. As I ask God to help me that I may began to move beyond self-focus, selfishness, my own plans& ambitions in life.To loose my life for Christ and to start to embrace and live in the calling and purpose of God. I want to run with the vision of the Kingdom.
I believe that God's purpose will continue to move on, and it's up to me whether I want to run with it, or just let it pass me by. Well, I definitely dont want to be left behind!It's a time to seek the face of God, His will upon our lives, and make it the ultimate reason why we live here on earth. And the Holy Spirit began to remind me not to be tangled with the cares of the world, for it will choke the life of God in us. The world desires is the enemy of desire for God.
I remembered what Darlene Zscheck said during the worship night at COC a week ago, that when we ask God to bless us, and whatever things that we have, if it brings "comfort", then it will begin to rob us from the life of God in us. When we are comfortable, we are like Wally ( the duck that Ps.Wilson shared during preaching), that begin to forget the purpose and the destiny,of what it can do and supposed to do.
I found that complacency and coldness of heart towards God could easily crepe in unoticed. It's scary sometimes, when I feel that everything is going alright, while the truth is I am starting to backslide. It's when I know I need to check my heart again and allow the Holy Spirit to show me the truth, and let the truth set me free from the self-deception and lies of the enemy. At times it feels like a kick on the butt! Another times, it feels like a surgery on the heart, and it's painful for sure when I am faced with the reality of my own self before God. But that experience humbled me, knowing that the love and grace of God is so deep, so much...despite of all those failings and weaknesses, He always comes in gentleness and patience, giving me another chance to turn back to Him. And He restore again the relationship, for He keeps His covenant of love with us. The beauty of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, it's undescribable!!
Just like in the days of Noah, the building of the ark I believe it symbolise how the church is being rebuild. As the Day is approaching, I believe it's a crucial time where we need to build the Kingdom of God, and take our place in His body, the church. The Bridegroom is preparing His bride..God is perfecting and refining His church. Only when we build on what's eternal, then by God's grace then we can stand firm until the end. And the only eternal thing is the Word of God...Let's build our lives specifically according to the Word of God, for everything eventually will pass away, but the Word of God stands forever. I always remind myself, that my life here is a passing breeze in the light of eternity, and one Day...I will be standing face to face with my Maker..and I want my life to count, that I have lived to do His will. Just like Jesus, who came not for His own interest, but He came to do the will of the Father.
It began to make more sense, the purpose of being in the community of church, it's all about taking our place, and begin to embrace our calling in God, to cover each other weaknesses, and strengthen and complete the body..so that the body the function well, as each part does its work. For each one, God has called to do different things in His body.
As I began to ponder about it, it just hit my heart, the sense of urgency that the Day is approaching, and that Day will come like a thief in the night, where no one will expect.It stir my heart to begin to live my life differently. As I ask God to help me that I may began to move beyond self-focus, selfishness, my own plans& ambitions in life.To loose my life for Christ and to start to embrace and live in the calling and purpose of God. I want to run with the vision of the Kingdom.
I believe that God's purpose will continue to move on, and it's up to me whether I want to run with it, or just let it pass me by. Well, I definitely dont want to be left behind!It's a time to seek the face of God, His will upon our lives, and make it the ultimate reason why we live here on earth. And the Holy Spirit began to remind me not to be tangled with the cares of the world, for it will choke the life of God in us. The world desires is the enemy of desire for God.
I remembered what Darlene Zscheck said during the worship night at COC a week ago, that when we ask God to bless us, and whatever things that we have, if it brings "comfort", then it will begin to rob us from the life of God in us. When we are comfortable, we are like Wally ( the duck that Ps.Wilson shared during preaching), that begin to forget the purpose and the destiny,of what it can do and supposed to do.
I found that complacency and coldness of heart towards God could easily crepe in unoticed. It's scary sometimes, when I feel that everything is going alright, while the truth is I am starting to backslide. It's when I know I need to check my heart again and allow the Holy Spirit to show me the truth, and let the truth set me free from the self-deception and lies of the enemy. At times it feels like a kick on the butt! Another times, it feels like a surgery on the heart, and it's painful for sure when I am faced with the reality of my own self before God. But that experience humbled me, knowing that the love and grace of God is so deep, so much...despite of all those failings and weaknesses, He always comes in gentleness and patience, giving me another chance to turn back to Him. And He restore again the relationship, for He keeps His covenant of love with us. The beauty of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, it's undescribable!!
Just like in the days of Noah, the building of the ark I believe it symbolise how the church is being rebuild. As the Day is approaching, I believe it's a crucial time where we need to build the Kingdom of God, and take our place in His body, the church. The Bridegroom is preparing His bride..God is perfecting and refining His church. Only when we build on what's eternal, then by God's grace then we can stand firm until the end. And the only eternal thing is the Word of God...Let's build our lives specifically according to the Word of God, for everything eventually will pass away, but the Word of God stands forever. I always remind myself, that my life here is a passing breeze in the light of eternity, and one Day...I will be standing face to face with my Maker..and I want my life to count, that I have lived to do His will. Just like Jesus, who came not for His own interest, but He came to do the will of the Father.
It began to make more sense, the purpose of being in the community of church, it's all about taking our place, and begin to embrace our calling in God, to cover each other weaknesses, and strengthen and complete the body..so that the body the function well, as each part does its work. For each one, God has called to do different things in His body.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
About the Hobart trip...
Used to think that it takes a lot to do things, whether it be in the ministry or other areas in life. I need to be more skillful, stronger, smarter, more capable and stuff...
It's true...it does requires a lot of my time and effort, discipline, strong will.
A lot of times, there are failings, down moments, feeling like it's going round and round in the circle.
I found it takes a lot more to be still...
To be still when you are in the storm that's wrecking your world, to be still in the midst of noise and chaos around you. To be still when discouragement and disappointment comes. To be still when there are millions of questions in your mind, and there seems to be no answer. To be still, when you dont understand what's happening, and future seems to be uncertain.
To be still before God, and know that He is the Lord of all the earth.
In this stillness, we glorify Him. We hear His voice. We sense His presence. We are with Him.
Well, another lesson from God, this time around, when there are moments where I just feel as if I'm lost and confused...of all the questions that I have, expectations, dreams and desires...
Hmm...trying to figure out the whole picture and hope that things will go as I thought it will be..
But, it didnt happen that way! Yeapp, God proves again and again, that His way is always higher and better!!!
In Hobart, was seeking God and expecting that God will show me a glimpse of His plan and just the direction of where and what does He wants me to do. Of course my natural tendency, is to have a few things in mind already, and kind of proposing them to Him, and ask Him to choose one of it..hahaha...it's funny when I think about it.
I mean, it's like saying to Him...Okay, these are the best that I could come out with, what I think are Your plans for my life...so please choose one out these plans...
I'm glad that He knows how fragile and limited we are!!Yeah..I mean how clueless I am!!
Instead of showing me stuff like, the obvious plan of where and what and how...He impress the bible verse in Isaiah 30:21 " Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it".....
Hmm..I read it again and again..and couldnt really grasp what God is trying to tell me, in regards of the question that I'm asking Him...
Finally, the revelation came after I came back from Hobart, when I wasnt expecting it! Suddenly the revelation of the word, that it's not about this or that that I'm doing, it's not about which specific thing, place, or anything like that.It's not about me trying to figure out what's the best way for me...
But it's about living in the close and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit...it's about every moment, taking each step at a time, to hear what He is saying, and immediately respond and obey.
That's why it's not about knowing it, but about having Him close, close enough that I can hear His voice. And when I'm walking with Him, when I'm walking in the right path, He'll encourage and reassure me that it is the right one.
Hmmm...a trip worth taken!
It's true...it does requires a lot of my time and effort, discipline, strong will.
A lot of times, there are failings, down moments, feeling like it's going round and round in the circle.
I found it takes a lot more to be still...
To be still when you are in the storm that's wrecking your world, to be still in the midst of noise and chaos around you. To be still when discouragement and disappointment comes. To be still when there are millions of questions in your mind, and there seems to be no answer. To be still, when you dont understand what's happening, and future seems to be uncertain.
To be still before God, and know that He is the Lord of all the earth.
In this stillness, we glorify Him. We hear His voice. We sense His presence. We are with Him.
Well, another lesson from God, this time around, when there are moments where I just feel as if I'm lost and confused...of all the questions that I have, expectations, dreams and desires...
Hmm...trying to figure out the whole picture and hope that things will go as I thought it will be..
But, it didnt happen that way! Yeapp, God proves again and again, that His way is always higher and better!!!
In Hobart, was seeking God and expecting that God will show me a glimpse of His plan and just the direction of where and what does He wants me to do. Of course my natural tendency, is to have a few things in mind already, and kind of proposing them to Him, and ask Him to choose one of it..hahaha...it's funny when I think about it.
I mean, it's like saying to Him...Okay, these are the best that I could come out with, what I think are Your plans for my life...so please choose one out these plans...
I'm glad that He knows how fragile and limited we are!!Yeah..I mean how clueless I am!!
Instead of showing me stuff like, the obvious plan of where and what and how...He impress the bible verse in Isaiah 30:21 " Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it".....
Hmm..I read it again and again..and couldnt really grasp what God is trying to tell me, in regards of the question that I'm asking Him...
Finally, the revelation came after I came back from Hobart, when I wasnt expecting it! Suddenly the revelation of the word, that it's not about this or that that I'm doing, it's not about which specific thing, place, or anything like that.It's not about me trying to figure out what's the best way for me...
But it's about living in the close and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit...it's about every moment, taking each step at a time, to hear what He is saying, and immediately respond and obey.
That's why it's not about knowing it, but about having Him close, close enough that I can hear His voice. And when I'm walking with Him, when I'm walking in the right path, He'll encourage and reassure me that it is the right one.
Hmmm...a trip worth taken!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Trip to Hobart
Was in Hobart for the past 4 days for a short getaway. Really had a good and relaxing time there. The weather was..well...pretty cold. But God has blessed those few days that it was actually quite warm, according to the local. Generally the difference is 10 degrees lower compares to Brisbane. The city is quiet, clean, and not too many people. Stayed in the hotel, which is located just behind the girls' ministry house. Managed to spend some time with the brothers and sisters from Hope Hobart. Felt the warmth of the love of the people, and I felt very blessed.
Didnt expect that I'd get so blessed during the trip..God is good :)
Just a really refreshing time, felt renewed after the trip.
Will post what God has spoken over that time soon...
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Women can't read maps?
Today the weather was beautiful! Been waiting for today to catch up on my running along the riverside...haha..I begin to really enjoying it. Hmm, too bad I wont be able to do it once I move to EMP :(
Afterwards, went to a sister's house who cooked us some dinner. And had a bit of difficulty trying to find my way to her house.
Haha..I think one of my weakness is definitely no sense of direction on the road! Yeap, I think it's true when they say that women can't read maps, well at least for me anyway...
So..you can guess what happened. I got lost in the city..hahaha...so I decided to call this brother, which I normally do when I get lost on the road..hehe..and in my panic voice I demand him to give me the direction until I reach the destination. While he was trying to advise me that I should learn to read the Refidex, but at that time, I had no intention to prolong my journey. I really have no confidence on myself about this...I'm really bad in reading maps. Oh, you little faith!!
Anyway, praise God that this brother is patient and understanding enough to direct me and yuhuu...I finally got there!
When I reached home, suddenly it just clicked in my mind, that wow..I really praise God, can't thank Him enough for the people that God placed in my life. When I needed that help, there was someone there, placed by God to help. And it just makes a lot more sense of what the body of Christ should be, that we ought to cover each other's weakness, where the stronger help the weaker part, and to love one another, for with love, it covers a multitude of sins. Instead of fighting with each other, we need to change our attitude to how we can help one another instead with the strength/ability that we posses that others are lacking. That's why God placed different people with different strength & weaknesses, so that we can compliment one another.
And...been thinking about this for a while, the solution to my problem...I know I need to learn to read the maps.
Or...alternatively, I can save some money and get myself a GPS system!
Hmm...I think the 2nd option is more appealing :) hahaha...
Afterwards, went to a sister's house who cooked us some dinner. And had a bit of difficulty trying to find my way to her house.
Haha..I think one of my weakness is definitely no sense of direction on the road! Yeap, I think it's true when they say that women can't read maps, well at least for me anyway...
So..you can guess what happened. I got lost in the city..hahaha...so I decided to call this brother, which I normally do when I get lost on the road..hehe..and in my panic voice I demand him to give me the direction until I reach the destination. While he was trying to advise me that I should learn to read the Refidex, but at that time, I had no intention to prolong my journey. I really have no confidence on myself about this...I'm really bad in reading maps. Oh, you little faith!!
Anyway, praise God that this brother is patient and understanding enough to direct me and yuhuu...I finally got there!
When I reached home, suddenly it just clicked in my mind, that wow..I really praise God, can't thank Him enough for the people that God placed in my life. When I needed that help, there was someone there, placed by God to help. And it just makes a lot more sense of what the body of Christ should be, that we ought to cover each other's weakness, where the stronger help the weaker part, and to love one another, for with love, it covers a multitude of sins. Instead of fighting with each other, we need to change our attitude to how we can help one another instead with the strength/ability that we posses that others are lacking. That's why God placed different people with different strength & weaknesses, so that we can compliment one another.
And...been thinking about this for a while, the solution to my problem...I know I need to learn to read the maps.
Or...alternatively, I can save some money and get myself a GPS system!
Hmm...I think the 2nd option is more appealing :) hahaha...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Don't know why...
Don't know why...
I care so much about this boy that I hardly knew. The first time I saw him, my heart goes out to him.
Don't know why ...
I could feel what he feels, the fear, the disappointment, the hurt, having to lose someone he loves so much.
Don't know why...
I want to do what I can to love and to help.
Don't know why...
For once, it seems to be a genuine feeling from the heart.
Don't know why...
Sometimes I do what I do.
Don't know why...
I felt like I've changed and no longer the same.
Don't know why...
I can't explain when, where or how did it start.
But God knows why...
And it's getting clearer than before,
It gets bigger, wider, purer, and cleaner..
Each time He came in and stay for a little while..
A little longer...finally...
He made it His house,
And the Carpenter begin to tear down, rebuild, reorganise, and refine,
Until it's finally His..
Then..I can finally stay there.
Now I know why...
I care so much about this boy that I hardly knew. The first time I saw him, my heart goes out to him.
Don't know why ...
I could feel what he feels, the fear, the disappointment, the hurt, having to lose someone he loves so much.
Don't know why...
I want to do what I can to love and to help.
Don't know why...
For once, it seems to be a genuine feeling from the heart.
Don't know why...
Sometimes I do what I do.
Don't know why...
I felt like I've changed and no longer the same.
Don't know why...
I can't explain when, where or how did it start.
But God knows why...
And it's getting clearer than before,
It gets bigger, wider, purer, and cleaner..
Each time He came in and stay for a little while..
A little longer...finally...
He made it His house,
And the Carpenter begin to tear down, rebuild, reorganise, and refine,
Until it's finally His..
Then..I can finally stay there.
Now I know why...
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