Desire to visit Rome

Romans 1:8-15

Thank God that the people of Rome faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Paul has continually prayed for them and also prayed that he might be able to come to the, to see them. He wants to impart spiritual gifts to them so that they may be established. Mutually encouraged and in faith. Paul always wanted to come to them but was hindered. He wanted them to have harvest of Gentiles as well. Paul says that he is obligated to share the power of the gospel with all types of people, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. This holds true for Rome as well.

1) Faith of Christ being spread through the world is wonderful thing

2) Praying continually will bear fruit in its own way.

3) An inseparable relationship exists between faith, spiritual gifts, and the sharing of faith between saints.

4) Paul is diplomatically asserting that he is the apostle of the Gentiles.

5) We are to share the gospel with everyone without concern of status, wealth, appearance, bond etc

We should not be afraid to share about our church or our faith. It is a wonderful thing to share the gospel throughout the world.

Sometimes when we pray God does not seem to answer. But praying continually will bear its fruit. Prayer opens the door for God to work further in our lives. Prayer is not in vain.

We need faith to have spiritual gifts and we need to share our faith with one another that we all may be encouraged in our walk. All this comes together and we should not see them as separate entities.

Sometimes for people to listen to us they have to be convinced that we have their interests at heart. And that is what Paul is doing. People don't want to know what you have to tell them unless they know how you can help them. In this case, the Holy Spirit and us must work hand in hand. We should feel the ground and form personal relationships.

Sharing the gospel doesn't mean that I think my friend is not interested. Or gangsters don't need it or rich people don't need it. Its for everyone and for us to share with all. But there must be ways to go about doing it right? One such way would be to pray to God for 2 weeks for a particular person for the Holy Spirit to work in that person before u talk to the person about anything spiritual. God will guide, we just have to do our part and let him lead. Indeed, the harvest is plenty and the labourers are few.

Greeting

Romans 1:1-7

Paul who is called to be an apostle. God promised the gospel before through the prophets in the Scriptures concerning Jesus especially his death and resurrection. Jesus was born in human nature and the power of the Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead. Through Christ we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith. Beloved of God called to be saints.

1) Jesus has come as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the Prophets.

2) Jesus death and resurrection have done for me what I could not do. To do away with my sin and to have eternal life.

3) Jesus was totally human and totally divine. He can understand my human weaknesses and what I'm going through.

4) The center of our faith is Christ alone, none other can substitute him.

5) We are called to the kingdom of God. God has a plan and purpose for us, we are born that we may enjoy heaven and the new earth.

This means that the Old testament is not void or less important than the New Testament. I have to study in carefully as it all points to Jesus as well.

I cling unto Jesus the only hope that I have. The blessed hope. He died so that I might live. Through his death he buried my sin, through his life he gives everlasting life to us.

Many times we have many ideology and theology but all must come back to Christ. We must have a christocentric message meaning message with Christ at its heart.

Never think that you are born into this earth for no reason. God has created you because he wants you to be with him in heaven. He wants to dwell with you in the earth made new. He has thoughts of you, he has plans to prosper you. He has your best interests at heart. Though we may not see it, as we walk with Him, we will understand it better~ Let us take that decision for Him today. The law of love and the law of life ;)

Blessing and a Plea

Galatians 6:16-19

As many walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them and upon the Jews and Gentiles of this age. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of Lord Jesus. Brothers, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

1) For all of us who walk in the new standards of Christ may peace and mercy be upon us

2) Let no one make my labour more difficult for I bear the marks of persecution received from those who belong to the world

3) May the grace of Christ be upon us.

As we continually strive to live up to the standard that Christ has given us, his peace and mercy will strengthen us in our walk with Him.

We pray that others will not make it harder for us in this walk, perhaps those who are walking the same road as well as we already have persecutions outside to contend with.

Its good to leave others with a blessing and encouragement in the Lord. Let us do so as well to one another.

Glory only in the cross

Galatians 6:11-15

Many desire to make a good showing in the flesh and they would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Those who are circumcised keep the law as well and that they desire that you be circumcised that they may boast in that fact. God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of Christ by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

1) Christ is the only solution to our sin problem

2) Do not boast except of the cross.

3) Crucified to the world and crucified with Christ.

4) In Christ we are a new creation

Believing that Jesus the crucified Messiah as opposed to the law is the only solution for the sin problem.

Through enhancing our standing in this life or in the fact that we keep some laws over others. We should not boast in that except of the cross. The cross being the utterly forsaken manner in which Jesus died. Not to boast about ourselves but of Christ that all man might know Him.

By being crucified to the world, I have been rejected as unworthy by the world. By being crucified with Christ I have rejected the world as unworthy. (World means the present age with its lures). Christ is the only one who is worthy of all praise. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.

We are a new creation in Christ. This is the work of the Spirit that we may accept into our lives.

Be Generous and do good

Galatians 6:6-10

Those who are taught the word do share in all good things with those who teach. God judgement is not a mock trial. We reap what we sow. Let us not grow weary while doing good for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart. Let us do good to all when we have the opportunity especially to those who are of the household of faith.

1) Be a good steward

2) Judgement is a serious thing.

3) We reap what we sow

4) Don't lose heart in doing good

Being a good steward is using your talents, time and money that God has given you to wise use. Food and shelter should be given in support of the gospel ministry as an expression of stewardship. It would definitely mean our tithes and offerings. When a gospel worker is in need such as perhaps a literature evangelist, we could help our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God's judgement is not a mock trial. I should not treat it lightly, it is real, it does not involve my temporal life which I already cling onto so dearly or at least treasure to a measurable extent but this involves my eternal life. I must be serious when it comes to the judgement and not take God lightly at His word.

We will reap in this life and in the final judgement. We can cultivate the fruits of the Spirit if we sow to the Spirit. My actions are important. Character is after all the only thing I can bring to heaven. It is not my body, my possessions but my character that I should do well to mold here.

Doing good is the summation of the law. We will reap in this life and at the 2nd coming of Jesus so let us not lose heart. Doing good is worth it. Jesus love makes me want to pass that light, that goodness and that love on to another.

Bear and Share the Burdens

Galatians 6:1-5

If we are overtaken by our mistakes, the spiritual one should restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness lest he himself be tempted. Bear one another burden and thus fulfill the law of Christ. If we think ourselves to be something, when we are nothing, we deceive ourselves. Let each one of us examine our own work and rejoice in himself alone and not in another. Each one bears his own load.

1) Don't be judgmental

2) Bear one another burden

3) Examine our work privately

4) We shall bear our load alone

We should restore others who are overtaken by trespass. However, we should not judge them as a judgmental spirit is an expression of overconfidence, which often leads to a downfall.

Bearing one another burden to fulfill the law trough love, the law as lived and taught by Christ.

We should examine our deeds before God in private thanksgiving to God. This is as we should not be in competition or comparison to another person.

At the final judgement, we shall bear our own guilt and self approval. So don't be judgmental, leave the judging to God.

Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

Walk in the Spirit and avoid the lusts of the flesh. If we are led by the Spirit in our desires we are not under the condemnation of the law, the ceremonial law and we will not come under its curse. No one can practice the immoral lifestyle such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like we should not expect to inherit the kingdom of God. The fruit of the Spirit is one of the things that helps us overcome our sinful desires only through the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the result of the softening presence of the Holy Spirit on the human heart is agitation.True baptism occurs when the Spirit is with us and stops our sinful desires. We cannot claim to have received the Holy Spirit if our lives are dominated by the works of the flesh. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

1) Walk in the Spirit

2) Avoid the works of the flesh

3) Accept the gift of the fruits of the Spirit

4) If we are of Christ, we have crucified the flesh.

Walking in the Spirit means I should constantly think about Christ.

I should avoid all such practices through the Holy Spirit which disintegrates my character.

I need to accept the Spirit working in my life and allow it to manifest its fruits. I need to learn to let go and let God.

Christ can help me overcome my passions and desires to be a faithful witness for him.

Love Fulfills the Law

Galatians 5:7-15

A little leaven works through the whole dough. If Paul preaches about circumcision, the offense of Paul's preaching that presented Christ as God's solution for the sin problem would have ceased. Faith in Christ gives us liberty but we should not use it as an opportunity for the flesh but rather through love serve one another. All the ceremonial laws of Moses centers on the moral mandate of this verse "You shall love your neighbour as yourself". And all the relational problems in church in spite of the Galatian believers' efforts to keep the law point out how wrong they have been in their theology.

1) A little of the false teachings of the Judaisers works through the whole congregation.

2) If you emphasise the law above Christ, Christ as God's solution for the sin problem would have ceased.

3) We should not take pleasure in impure desires. It is easy to interpret the gospel as permission to violate the law. Christian freedom means that the Spirit cleanses us from the sinful desires that hold us captive.

4) We are keeping the civil law in a different way today. "Love your neighbour as yourself" is part of the moral law and thus summarise the civil law well.

False teachings can easily spread through the church like wildfire. Even false accusations or gossip against brethren. I should be careful and abide in God's truth that I may be sure of what I believe in as well as not to jump into conclusions but let the Biblical principles guide my life.

Christ is above the law, Christ is the fulfillment of the law. If in an effort to ask others to keep the law, I uphold the law as the center, Christ has been obscured. I should uplift Christ in every law and let others choose for themselves.

Freedom in Christ is not freedom of the law but freedom from sinful desires. We would do well to remember that. Our life has become easier so to speak but has it made us softer Christians. I pray that we will continue to be like Jesus just like the song "I would be like Jesus".

Love my neighbour as myself. That will go a long way anywhere. At home,church,school,work, anywhere. For friends,family,strangers. This principle would ensure a loving church indeed!

Christian Liberty

Galatians 5:1-6

Christ has made us free and do not become entangled with the law. Circumcision is of no benefit to us. We cannot be justified by the law. We through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. In Christ circumcision nor uncircumcision has any use but rather faith working through love.

1) There is only one way to obtain righteousness, which is through Christ, we absolutely cannot change our sinful hearts by trying to keep the law.

2) The only way to experience transformation is through the Spirit, this is all we can do. God will do the rest.

3) Faith in Christ through hope of righteousness working through love.

Christian living is about Christ. In all doctrines and law we should be able to see Christ in it. We should also practice everything with Christ in mind. Christ is the one who changes lives.

We cannot hope to change by ourselves. That we have been trying but failed. Now our hope rest in the Spirit and Christ, we just have to submit to His will and let him work in our lives.

Faith, hope and love comes together in Christ. It is the fulfillment of the law in fuller terms. I need all 3 of these to embrace Christ and his imputed righteousness to me~

Two Covenants

Galatians 4:21-31

You who desire to save themselves by works. Abraham had 2 sons, one by a bondwoman and the other by a freewoman. Those born of bondwoman is through the flesh and freewoman through the promise. These are symbolic. There are 2 covenants, one by Hagar at Mt Sinai in Arabia who is in bondage with her children. The other is the Jerusalem above which is free. We are as Isaac was, children of the promise. Scripture says "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" Thus, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

1) We tend to look towards our works to cover for our misdeeds only by grace through faith can we be cleansed with his blood.

2) The bondwoman is by Abraham own human initiative. The freewoman is by the initiative and act of God. The righteousness obtained by one's own effort is just like Ishmael, illegitimate.

3) Just as Hagar was a handmaid of Sarah, so is the law a handmaid of the promise.

4) Just as Sarah barrenness was removed through God's intervention rather than by human effort, so the curse will be removed in a like manner.

5) We are free

Many times we like to believe in salvation by works that we may do as we please and atone for our mistakes. However, that is not possible, because only a perfect sacrifice can atone for sin. A similarly convicted man cannot atone for the one before him. We are saved by grace through faith and we should remember that although the law is important it is not the be all and end all.

We can only be saved through the promise of faith, the law cannot save us it is illegitimate.

However, the law serves the promise. It compliments it so we cannot do away with it.

Everyone saved through Christ is a child of Sarah.

All children of Abraham are free. The gospel is about freedom. Any religion that imparts fear and subservience is not of Christ.

Fears for the church

Galatians 4:8-20

Before you knew God, you served that which by nature are not gods. But after you have known God how is it that you still turn back to your former practices? Paul fears his effort has been wasted. Paul urges them to be like him in living by faith and braving persecutions just as he has become like them by living and eating with them. They received him warmly at first but now they seem to despise truth. This is because of Paul opponents that they try to exclude them from Paul influence that they might be loved instead. Be zealous for good things always. Paul aim for them is total transformation of heart not a mere legalistic adherence to the law. He still has doubts if they were ever truly converted.

1) We should not return to who we were before we knew Christ.

2) Let us live by faith and be prepared for persecutions come what may.

3) We should love the good things always.

4) Total transformation is necessary.

It is easy to go back to our old self but we should keep a constant connection with God that we will remember to go back to him.

Living the life of a true Christian is the call for all especially in the last days. Let us prepare now while we are not in perilous times.

It is easy to love that which is not upright or good for deceitfulness is found in the human heart. Let us tune our hearts to God's voice that we may learn to love truth and shun evil.

Mere following the law is not good enough. It is change in the outward appearance but not the heart. Transformation of character is necessary :)

Sons and Heirs

Galatians 3:26-4:7

We are sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If we have been baptised into Christ, race, status, gender does not matter because we are all one in Christ Jesus. We are Abraham seed, heirs of the promise. In God's time, he sent His son who was fully human (not forgetting that he is still fully divine) and under the law to redeem those who were under the law that we might receive adoption as sons. And since we are sons God sends His Spirit into our hearts to call our "Abba Father". Thus, we are no longer a slave but a son and a heir of God through Christ.

1) Our differences should not cause disharmony among us but rather we should unite under the banner of Christ.

2) Christ redeemed us from being slaves under the law to sons of God.

3) Abba is used to express a sense of endearment and deep respect. If we are sons of God, we would address God in that manner just as Christ did.

4) We are sons and heirs of God

Many times differences causes friction among church members. Help me Lord to overcome the differences with others as we are working towards the same goal, the furtherance of the gospel. Let us learn unity through diversity indeed.

From being under bondage of the law we are now adopted sons of God. How sweet is that indeed! For the goodness of the Lord, I would do well to remember him at the front of my brain and see Christ in every law rather than requirement in every law.

We have the promise to reign with Him eternally! Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. We represent God in some way just as people look at children as a representation of their parents in some sense. Knowing that, I must remember that my actions portray how God is like and not act according to my sinful desires.

Purpose of the Law

Galatians 3:19-25

The purpose of the law is to keep sin in check until Christ comes can solves the sin problem. Moses was not the only mediator although all revelation comes from God. It was never the purpose of the law to give life if not righteousness would have been possible by the law. The law of Moses condemns all as being under sin that the promise may be fulfilled by trusting in Jesus. Before faith in Jesus became a reality, we were kept in check by the law, placed under a curse until Christ came. Therefore, the law had power to punish as well as to instruct to preserve Israel hope until Christ came. But after Christ came, we are no longer under the civil law which consists of hygienic codes to agricultural law and civil ordinances.

1) The law is relevant for without the law, sin would abound.

2) Christ came to solve our sin problem.

3) The law is not to give life but faith and trust in Christ is.

4) We are no longer under the civil law but are still under the moral law

If there is no law we would not know what is sin. Then lawlessness and sin would be a common place and darkness would reside in man heart.

Sometimes I like to think I can do everything myself. But I have to learn that at times I will not be able to overcome my sin on my own, I need Christ who overcame sin to help me to overcome my sin as well. I need to not put so much pressure on myself but rather give room for God to work.

Through the law we may not gain life everlasting but trust in the one who can will give us. I should not see the law as an end but a means to end. It would lead me to become more Christ like and to have faith and trust in Him because the law is the written form of his character.

There is no more need to observe circumcision, the different festivals, the agricultural laws, the hygiene codes of their time and the civil laws of their time. But it is useful to understand how they point to Christ especially the festivals. I should not forget the moral law has always been there as the book of Romans explain.

The Changeless Promise

Galatians 3:15-18

The covenant between Abraham and God is like a person's legal will where no one can just alter or revoke it. And it is to Abraham and one seed who is Christ. The law which was given 430 years after the covenant cannot change it that was confirmed before God in Christ. The promise should still be in effect for if the deliverance from sin is by the law it is no longer by promise but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

1) God's covenant relationship with us and not contractual. He loves me so much that he is willing to love me, redeem me and bought me with his own blood.

2) Deliverance from sin can only come from faith like Abraham through Christ the seed whom the promise is made to.

3) The law cannot abolish the covenant through the promise given to Abraham.

God's love for me is immense. Now it is up to me to respond to his love.

Faith is the victory. As much as we seem like legalists, it is faith that conquers, faith that saves. That does not do away with the law as we will see tmr.

A covenant is one that one is supposed to uphold through thick and thin even when things don't seem to go well, just like marriage and family. If God gone through so much for me, how much then will I go through for Him?

The Law brings a curse

Galatians 3:10-14

Cursed is everyone who does not do the things which is written in the book of the law. But no one is justified by the law but rather the just shall live by faith. However, the law is not of faith but the man who does them shall live by them. Thus, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law and became the curse from us. This so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon us the Gentiles in Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

1) The just shall live by faith

2) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law

3) If we have faith we can receive the Holy Spirit.

We need to have faith in Jesus our Lord. Faith is something incomprehensible to those without a relationship with God. We need that faith in Jesus and our lives will be a reflection of it.

Christ is my redeemer so that I might live. I'm really thankful for that for I know I could never have fulfilled the requirements of the law on my own. Since Jesus is my redeemer I would like to do my best for Him!

Having doubt will hinder us from receiving the Holy Spirit. After all, if God works through my life and I claim that it is not Him who has, it is pointless for it should be to the glory of God. So doubt hinders the Holy Spirit whereas faith allows us to receive the Holy Spirit. However, a slight doubt is still not good enough, we need to have complete faith which will come as we experience God in our life. One such way would be to build a deeper connection with God through our Morning Watch and prayer journal!

Justification by Faith

Galatians 3:1-9

The gospel of Jesus Christ is preached clearly, how can you not see it? The question is did u receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by faith? Did you suffer in vain? Therefore, the Spirit works miracles through law or faith? Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. God said to Abraham in the past saying "In you are all the nations shall be blessed" Those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

1) The gospel is Christ not the law

2) The Holy Spirit is Christ helper. We receive it through faith in Christ just as the apostles did by praying at Pentecost and not through our deeds in the law.

3) If you suffer is it through the law or through faith. If it is for the law it is in vain because the law cannot bring us to heaven but Christ can. Thus through faith in Christ do we suffer for.

4) Faith in God and we can be partakers of God's blessing to Abraham.

We should not overly focus on the law and miss out the most important thing which is Christ. All our doctrines and message should be Christ-centered.

We need the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, that is why through faith we believe in Christ and accept him into our lives.

Sometimes I'm rather rule bound and for the law I try to keep all things. But the law is not the end and it is only through Christ that keeping such things has a purpose. Help me to share Christ love rather than the law.

We like to believe what we see than to have faith in God's working which is like the wind. I need to have more faith in you Lord because I need your blessing to guide me in my life.

No Return to the Law

Galatians 2:11-21

When Peter came to Antioch, he was to be blamed. For before some Jews from Jerusalem came he would eat with Gentiles but when they came he separated himself fearing the Jews. The rest of the Jews also followed and even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Christ Jesus, for by the works of the law no one shall be justified. If I build again the things which I have destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. I have been crucified with Christ it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. He loved me and gave Himself for me.

1) We should not be hypocrites and act in different ways in front of different people. Follow the Bible and live a consistent life.

2) We cannot be saved by our works for if we could Christ died in vain

3) If I choose to sin it is not Christ fault but my choice

4) If I choose to be baptised, Christ lives in me.

5) The success of our santification depends on being able to see the cross as Christ's expression of love for us personally.

When I want to give advice to others I must see that my life is not contrary to that. Practice what you preach.

I am saved because of God's grace, never should I be proud or arrogant for the many things that I have done for God's work because what he has done for me far exceeds anything I have or could have done.

After accepting Christ, whenever I sin I should not blame God but rather it is my own choice. God will make things right in heaven. For now, I should use my choice wisely.

All Christians are dead to the law as a way of salvation. Crucified with Christ through baptism (Romans 6:6) and Christ lives in me through the Holy Spirit. I should give him full control of the steering wheel that he may work the Holy Spirit within me.

Christ died for all of us, and sometimes it seems like one person less doesn't make a difference. However, only through seeing that he did indeed died for me and would have even if it was just for me then his sacrifice would become much more real and meaningful. I know Christ sacrificed the world for me and I want to love Him in return through my actions.

Defending the Gospel

Galatians 2:1-10

Paul openly communicates the gospel which he is to preach among the Gentiles in Jerusalem. However, among the apostles he discusses privately should their seemingly disunity affect the work of the gospel. During the meeting there were spies from the Jewish authorities that they may have them follow rules that were abolished at the cross. But they did not bow to pressure that the truth of the gospel may be sustained. Whoever they were it was no difference to Paul for God does not show favourtism in judgement. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised. The gospel for the uncircumcised was given to Paul and the circumcised was to Peter. Thus, when Peter, James and John saw the grace given to Paul, they gave Paul and Barnabas to go to the Gentiles. One thing they asked was that they should remember the poor which Paul was eager to do.

1) Among leaders we should discuss matters privately and set a direction for the church rather than each having his own view in public causing confusion.

2) We should not follow unnecessary rules lest it becomes a stumbling block for new believers.

3) What is important is not what your pastor, elder, deacon, bible teacher, youth leader say but what the Bible says.

4) God does not judge us according to our works

5) Remember the poor who had given up their material possessions for God

During meetings it is the opportunity to air my views. Whatever we have decided we should all support it 100%. I should not challenge the decision such as making counter proposals which would make it harder for the initiative to gain support. We should leave our differences after the decision is made but rather work together for the good of the gospel and the church.

Sometimes we have many rules to follow but we should consider which is the law and the commandment. The rest should not have to be observed because it is the law but rather you want to.

Many times one likes to ask advise from leaders in church. It is good to do so, but at the end of the day we must consult the Bible as the Bible is the only rule of our faith.

Even if I am an evangelist and thousands come to Christ it does not affect my salvation. Salvation does not come about by any of the works I do but rather Christ imputed righteousness. I should be careful to remember that I am unworthy but Christ is worthy that is why we have the assurance of salvation.

Sacrifice is not easy. That is especially so for time. Anyway, here what the Bible wants us to remember is that we should take care of those who had given up everything for God. Love one another.

Contacts at Jerusalem

Galatians 1:18-24

3 years after his conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem to see Peter and stayed with him for 15 days. He did not managed to meet any of the other apostles except James. Paul assures that what he speaks is the truth. He then went to Syria and Cilicia (Caeserea and Tarsus) (Tarsus was the capital city of the Roman province of Cilicia) He was not recognised by the churches of Judea which accepted Christ. They noted that Paul had a complete turn around from what he was doing. Then they accepted him as their own.

1) Good to know your fellow workers so you can help one another or support each other.

2) It is important not to lie and preserve your credibility as a preacher/evangelist.

3) People see by your actions for who u say you are

Its good to share resources with one another so more things can be done for God's work. In God's work there is no my church or your church or for me or for you.

Credibility is important to the one who is presenting the message. It affects if people will receive the message or not want to listen at all. My life will reflect whether people believe God can speak through me as a messenger.

All talk no action. It is always much easier to talk and know the right things to do. It is easy to point out what others need to do. Point out others faults. But when it comes to what we should do, we tend to shun away at times. Action speaks louder than words. It is essential to be at the forefront and practice what you preach. That gives your words more weight and most of all it shows you believe in what you say and are genuinely interested to make it work rather than just the attitude of telling others you solve it yourself.

Call to Apostleship

Galatians 1:11-17

Paul states that the gospel he presents is not of his own but from Jesus Christ. He was a zealous Pharisee and tried to destroy the church which proclaimed Christ. God called Paul through his grace and revealed Christ to Him that he might preach Him among the Gentiles. He did not speak to others about it immediately nor go to Jerusalem to the apostles who were already preaching the gospel of Christ but rather went to Arabia and returned back to Damascus.

1) The gospel is not man's handiwork but from Christ.

2) An encounter/experience with Christ is needed to have conviction in what you believe.

3) God can work through you no matter who you are as long as you allow Him.

4) God may call us to a different people/calling then we may imagine.

When we think of evangelism we must include God. Allow room for the working of the Holy Spirit. We have plans but we must bring them to God.

This is particularly more true for 2nd generation Christians. More often that not, the experience will not be as dramatic as Paul. But God works in ways beyond which we can ask or imagine. We can experience Him in different ways. A relationship with him would be essential for that experience.

For the many mistakes we make, we feel that we are beyond redemption. But God can work with us as long as we surrender our lives to Him. A complete surrender is necessary for God to work effectively though.

Sometimes we may expect God to use us in a certain ministry, to a certain people. But it doesn't always work out the way we expect. We should leave room for God to work with even though the calling may not seem to be part of your interest or talents. God can work through us as long as we have a willing heart.

Only one gospel

So its time for morning devotion albeit at late morning. Guess the early morning principle didn't work so well today. Let's get started.

I've chosen the book of Galatians to start off as it is not a very long book and we'll be studying it this quarter so its good to understand it better before we discuss anything.

FYI before I started I read some stuff about Galatians. You can probably find them in a Study Bible which I find useful things to know for understanding of the book itself. For example, such would include Author, Audience, Date of writing, Message, Outline.

Galatians 1:1-10

There is only one gospel which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any other form that is preached is false no matter who the person who carries the message. May that person be accursed. Since the gospel is of Jesus Christ, who do we seek to please? Is it man? Is it ourselves? Or is it God? Paul here chooses to be a bondservant of Christ.

1) Paul notes that he is an apostle not of man but of Christ.

- We should not seek man's approval but God's approval.

2) Jesus is our deliverer from this present evil age

- Who do I turn to in times of need? Shouldn't we pray more often than what we are doing?

3) The gospel is that of Jesus Christ.

- Christ is the only person we should lift up when sharing the gospel with others. It should not be ourselves, our church, our pastor etc.

4) We are bondservant of Christ.

- It actually means slave in the Greek word. Now we are slaves of many things. It could be money, games, addiction to something, our secret sins.

- We should be slaves of Christ instead of giving ourselves to other things of the world which is potentially dangerous. Christ is a good master isn't He? ;)

Many times when I do things it is natural to seek other's approval or at least not met with strong disapproval by many. But what is important here is that in the future, I should seek God's approval which is as long as it is Biblical, I should do it regardless.

Prayer is important and I admit I have not been praying as often as I liked to. Let's start with the 777 project of our global church today. 7 times a week, 7am and 7pm daily.

When I try to share the gospel with others, it is not to attract them to a church where people are loving. Yes that is important but I want to introduce them to the matchless charms of Christ which is the true purpose of Christianity.

Every day I want to commit myself to Christ through prayer and let him be master over my life. That's the only way to combat the deceitfulness in my heart. I would do that in my prayer above.

Okay, that is quite some things to do. Didn't think that in a short passage one could have so many principles to learn and apply did you? Anyway, by God's grace may I be able to live a victorious life through Christ!

May God be with u all too :)

The beginning of daily devotion

Hey guys, its been some time since I last posted here. Well I kinda have a new intention for my blog now. And that's to post my daily devotion here. It has to do with FAST yea :P

Anyway, if you don't like it then you don't have to drop by and read it. Just let u know in advance. About posting about other stuff hmm I'm not too sure about that. Maybe if I post often with daily devotion I would be more likely to blog about other stuff too. We shall see~

Let us see the outline of it

A Daily Study Plan

Prepare: Before beginning your study of the Word, spend some time in prayer, asking God to teach you through His Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can make the Word came alive. See John 14:26, John 16:13. As you pray, present specific needs, problems, questions, plans etc to the Lord, and ask Him to speak to you about those areas.

Paraphrase: Take out a blank sheet of paper and jot down the date and passage you will be studying. Cover only as much as you have time to digest thoroughly - even if it is only 6-8 verses. Read the passage through a couple times until you being to grasp what the writer is saying. Then, write a brief paraphrase of the passage in your own words. It is often best to read through one book of the Bible at a time, picking up each morning where you leave off the day before. We recommend starting with short practical books first, such as James or 1 Thessalonians.

Principles: Next, spend some time meditating on the passage. Look for principles - moral precepts that operate in all situations. Often the easiest way to find a principle is to ask yourself questions: Is there some sin to avoid? Is there a good character quality to develop? Is some cause-effect relationship revealed in the passage? Is there an expression of God's will? A promise? A wrong activity to forsake? etc.

With a little practice you will soon find yourself able to almost instinctively ask just the right questions. Principles will seem to burst off the page. As soon as you see one clearly, jot it down on your paper.

Projects: Find a principle is only half the battle. You must then go on to apply it to your personal life. This means transforming that principle into a project by answering more questions, such as: Who? What? When? Where? and How? What exactly does that verse suggest you should do? As the Holy Spirit brings certain projects to mind, jot them down, checking to make sure they PASS (personal, achievable, specific and Scriptural). Then, commit to carrying out your application promptly. Continue finding principles and projects as long as you have time to study.

Scripture memory tip: As you read through different books of the Bible, you will discover many verses you will want to memorise. Jot these references down on a piece of paper and keep the list in your Morning Watch notebook. Soon you will have dozens of choice verses you can look forward to memorising!

Just do note that any devotion done will not be perfect, you have to study it to be sure that it is Biblical. After all, I will not be using any exegetical tool to get the meat of the message.

I'll be starting tomorrow then, hope all goes well.

Good luck with your morning devotion too ;)

Wealth

When a sports car zooms past,

When you go to lavish weddings,

When you go to amazingly large houses,

When you meet multi millionaires.

Have you ever wished those were what your life was like?

Have you ever wished that luck and fortune was on your side?

The pursuit of wealth is for many an elusive dream.

Many are in the rat race to be a top earner, top businessman, top entrepreneur, top this, top that.

Now there is nothing wrong with aiming high, to live your dream.

Sometimes I wonder what if I obtain wealth but then I die the very next day.

Is that of any merit to me?

Imagine the things I probably have to sacrifice to obtain such?

Is it really worth it?

There are many things we want God to give us. Such that he sometimes has become our genie in the lamp. The thing I am covering today is wealth. Sure wealth is fine, if God blesses you with it, Praise the Lord. But if not, I wonder is it really worth it?

What am I getting at you ask?

Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

My point here is will I go in the pursuit of wealth at the expense of my salvation?

If you could weigh it on a pair of scales, what would weigh more than your salvation?

If you want to know the answer of Christian living, it is within the context of the text.

Many times I live as if salvation is not important to me. Don't we tend to do that more often that not? We treat this life as the most precious thing that we could ever have and forsaking the eternal and embracing the temporal.

The devil wants us to live life and enjoy it to the fullest. Letting our passions and desires go free and squeezing as much pleasure from this life as we can ignoring the things to come. It is something that is likely to be common in the last days where living for the moment has become the mantra.

The question today is "Where do you dedicate your energies to?"

"What goal are you trying your utmost to fulfill?"

I think these can answer our direction in life. Now I do not mean to be lecturing anyone of you, I am far too young to do such. But I am merely writing a reflection of what matters most.

Just to make it obvious, the passage of Matthew 16:24-29 is that which that concerns our interest in this regard. However among these verses, one verse piques me. It is Matthew 16:25 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Having heard all of this, I will like to do my best by God's grace to live life in a way that shows where I am heading. Won't you?

Jesus ate fish

Today, I would just share what I heard very recently.

You know that we are encouraged to be vegetarian. And I agree as much that it would be good since in the Last Days and even more so in heaven we wont get the chance to eat meat.

There was a pastor who was preaching on Jesus eating fish after his resurrection. You know the part where they roasted fish for breakfast. Its in John 21 and they even got 153 haha.

Well the point is that he was preaching and a man (who was obviously vegetarian) told the preacher to stop preaching on that topic. To preach something else!

The preacher replied that since its in the Bible he must be faithful to the text and continued to preach it.

The man then said that we are supposed to be vegetarian and that Ellen White said so herself. (That would be encouraged in our belief i believe)

The preacher countered by saying that Jesus himself did not eat fish.

The man replied that's because Jesus did not read Ellen White!

Now, that was most shocking but hilarious at the same time. Jesus came to the world thousands of years earlier than EGW and he is supposed to have read it?!

EGW herself said that her writings are meant to point towards the Bible which is in essence the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So what went wrong? Sometimes we used EGW to justify too many things and that is not good.

EGW herself said "The Bible and the Bible alone, is our rule of faith."

Well maybe I should be using Bible verses here but there is a need for one to go on a self discovery. To find out more truth for yourself. Studying the Bible feels like digging for gold. Each truth discovered is as one that discovered gold. The joy and happiness of finding out truth for yourself and to be convinced through your study and not just someone else told you is really awesome in my opinion.

To conclude, we should not use EGW or the Bible as an excuse to justify our behaviour. But rather we should draw the authorial intention for the text. Also, the journey of discovery begins here! Bon voyage guys :D

Preaching

Have you ever heard of this statement "There is only one Lionel Messi" ?

Well for starters, Messi is the best footballer on the planet right now and has won the Best Player of the Year award the last few years I believe. Okay so whats my point? My point lies in the next quote.

"There is only one Messi but we can all play football".

It simply means that there is only one best or pure talent in football but we still all can kick the ball and play soccer however our standard is. Its just a matter of developing skill. Sure we may not ever be half as good as him but we still can enjoy the sport regardless.

Okay that was on the footballing side ;) I wanted to actually bring it to preaching which is my title of today's post. Yes I know the title is hidden using this format :P

So taking that quote and translating it into what is relevant, it would go like this.

"There is only one Mark Finley but we can all preach".

The example is just used as it is closer to home isn't it? Well anyway it shows we can all learn preaching by learning and acquiring the skills. Even if we may not be good, the Holy Spirit can work in us as we give ourselves in prayer.

Now, I know not all of you would like to preach. However, let it not be a stumbling block because you can never be as good as another or because it is too difficult.

The same applies for doing God's work. We tend to say how hard it is, but we sometimes don't realise that God doesn't always work with the cream of the crop. He works with whoever is willing and will submit his will to the divine will.

After all, in 2 Chronicles 4:11 "And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, "LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

God can work with many or by few. With those who are strong or weak. All he needs is our trust in Him, to submit our will to His.

Why the Bible is Divine?

I found this statement by John Wesley. Its pretty cool in explaining why the Bible must be of divine origin so just thought I'll share it with you all~

Here it is:

"The Bible must be the invention of good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of God. It could not be the invention of good men or angels; for neither would nor could make a book, and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying "Thus saith the Lord" when it was their own invention. It could not be the invention of bad men or devils; for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their souls to hell for all eternity. Therefore, I draw this conclusion, that the Bible must be given by divine inspiration."

Saints

Some people believe that no one (humans) in heaven right now.

Others believe that many who died are already there.

Some believe that there will be some of us going there in a secret rapture.

Others believe only 3 humans are there.

Well matter of fact is, the answer is in the Bible believe it or not.

You will find in Genesis 5:24 - We see that God took him to heaven.

Also in Matthew 17:1-3, you can see that both Moses and Elijah came from heaven.

You may find other texts supporting the above but this is just one to show you.

Okay that's what I thought for a long time until a few weeks ago..

When my Bible student pointed out to me Matthew 27:50-53

My initial reaction was one of surprise. I don't remember this verse, do you?

But anyway I went to study it for my first complete Exegesis :D

Exegesis - To bring out the true meaning/authorial intention of the text.

Anyway that can be done by studying the various contexts of the text in short.

It is true then after my study to see that there are some other righteous people in heaven now.

Probably some well known righteous people of old (in the Bible) or righteous people who died in Jesus' time.

Though that is not the main intention of the text.

In brief, Matthew wants to prove that Jesus is the Son of God who has power over all mankind and has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

That is in essence, there is more but well you can find it through study.

That is why it is so important to Study the Word of God and not just read it.

Lets do Exegesis not Eisegesis~

2 most important things we need to do before anything can happen spiritually be in in our life, in church etc.

That is Prayer and Personal Bible Study.

All the best guys, cos I'll keep praying for you ;)

Faith

I just saw an inspiring quote from someone.

Since its original I hope the person wont mind me posting it here..

Anyway here it is:

“Doubt see the obstacles, faith sees the way.

Doubt see the darkest night, faith sees the day.

Double takes one step, faith soars on high.

Doubt says “who believes?”, faith answers: “I”.

Nightmare

It just all seemed so natural at that time. Me and my friend were running around a gigantic shopping mall with parangs! Yes imagine that?! We went into a shop and started smashing stuff up and turning the place into a disarray. I don't remember hurting anyone though. Soon after we just left and more driven by emotion rather than reason feeling all of this was so fun and exciting at first. But now we were making a beeline for the exit. Unfortunately, policemen were roped in within minutes and we were on a run of our lives. We were nearing the exit when we got captured, literally several policemen immobilising us. We were not handcuffed strangely but led to a place for punishment immediately. Our sentence was 39 strokes of the cane :O I was deeply in mental anguish and regretfully considering what I had done and why I let myself be ruled by my emotions like a typical gangster and not act base on reason. It was a long moment indeed grimacing and mentally preparing for the first stroke. His arm swung and the sound of the cane through the air came to my ears.. My brain seemed to shut down momentarily due to the fear of the physical pain compounded the mental torture I was putting myself through. The cane landed on my butt and I was jolted awake suddenly for no particular reason. It was a nightmare..

Relieve came upon me immediately and I was still feeling the after effects of the dream, the fear the mental weariness etc. It really left a strong impression for me for several minutes or so and maybe thats why I'm sharing it with you now. Btw it was just last night or rather this morning that it happened.

The notable part of this even though its just a dream yes I will still draw a conclusion. Its that how acting on emotions totally in this case became dangerous especially to myself although we don't have to go into how everyone else is affected. Thus the importance to trust in God and build up a strong relationship with him so that when you have strong emotions driving you, let it be positive ones that will drive you towards the kingdom of heaven rather than the gates of hell.

"For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19-20

I think this song epitomises the feeling of this verse here. You may find it a high calling/challenge but say sometimes we are to contend with soft religion and that may be our downfall. But of course you should decide based on the Holy Spirit conviction in your heart.

Here it is an extract of the song "Living for Jesus":

1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
   Striving to please Him in all that I do;
   Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
   This is the pathway of blessing for me.
   • Refrain:
     O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
     For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
     I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
     My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
   Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
   Such love constrains me to answer His call,
   Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Tragedy

Talk about tragedy..

When I first heard about the news some time back I thought "This is a tragedy indeed".

But that of course is from my personal viewpoint. And well I will do what I can to help. Of course that includes prayer.

But I pray we dont interfere with God's will for one learns from experience and having a relationship with Him of God's sweet and pleasing will.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Sorry if you don't understand cos I'm being ambiguous. When the time is right, all things will be made known~

Now for something on the lighter side, Liverpool are now 5th! Yea, I saw the table and felt kinda happy (: Finally they reached the spot for Europe even though its the lower tier they have come a long way from the bottom half of the table~ Next year they will challenge for the Premier League title! And this time let it not be just words mm..

A short extract of a convo I had..

Friend: I wish its always holiday

Me: haha then make sure you get to heaven

Friend: im really looking forward for that

Me: excellent (: let's bring all our friends there

Friend: yeah.. i hope every one will going there..

Me: yes though we can make our hope into action and tell them about it

Friend: hehe correct, spread the gospel

Well thinking about heaven, doesn't that make you excited?

If you want to get somewhere truly with all your heart wont you do anything you can to make sure you get there?

Now what is holding you back from tossing aside useless baggage and recommitting yourself to Christ now.

If there is, address the problems you face and pray about them before the Lord. In life, we bring our innermost fears and thoughts and lay them at Jesus feet.

Things are not always easy but facing it rather than hiding or running away will only make you a better person and removes a stumbling block in the time of trouble to come.

Dear Lord, just now I want to recommit my life to you. Show me your will for my life. Give me the strength to do your will for my life. Search me O God and renew me with your tender mercies. Great is your faithfulness O Lord. Amen.

Bowling

So its my first Friday of my Final year now in poly.. And well I sure had things to do.

After lesson ended at 11, I met my mentor Avemos ;) Studied an hour odd before going for lunch with Rome~

He had to leave so I went ahead for bowling with Rome. Been awhile since we spent time out together. Cos of work attachment previously and tight schedules. We had a good time indeed, glad that he helped me spot my mistakes and learnt from there. I really like the pricing in the school, just 6 bucks for 3 games. Never find that anywhere else here!

Well the score was average and good in 1 for mine. (According to own standard) And his was nice consistency. Well you can see how it helped me in the 2nd game but back to basics in 3rd game :P

For those of you that followed my blog long enough, you will realise I have not posted a picture before XD

So hopefully this would be the first of many to come right? ;)

After that we went to library cos he didnt bring his keys :O

I wanted to study the health material for the next day but was too tired and slept while he used lappy. Woke up, did care group and headed towards Care group.

Bought the groceries for youth potluck amid usual calls to mother and brother to confirm the quantity of ingredients. Taught or rather coordinated Care group later in the evening and was pleasantly surprised to see that our discussion is improving though the numbers might not be. Since afterall I didn't do too much of the talking and its a good trend we're heading towards. Still everything to God in prayer while we do our part as well ^.^

Oh and we have a new seeker too, excellent! Though he didnt come this week due to work, he has joined us last week and for activities too whenever he was free such as our badminton social. Gotta get his gf to join us more too (:

Next day, in the morning received a pleasant surprise that I was going to play the piano. Haha I wonder if my playing gave me away that it was last min but still I just did what I could and that was to give my best.

I rushed to practice the songs before I left for church and practiced there before the service started. It went along albeit moderately i guess.

Then was last min preparation for the Bible/Health quiz. It was okay and spirits were high. Went there and did more last min revision as well. When it all got started we did well and had a good lead in the Bible section. We were actually feared by some or maybe well thought of as when they didnt know and could pass the question they all chose to pass to us! And a passing comment too that I shouldn't participate next year, talk about impact.

Next part would not sound so pleasing if you have high expectations. So you could skip the paragraph at ur jurisdiction. Basically there was a break before the health part and I believed many thought we would win. I was cautious though and knew the threat that the 2nd placed team at that time posed in that area which we were rather not so ready. I guess I dont really want to elaborate on the rest here, u can always give me a call and I'll be happy to tell you cos it just too lengthy for words and hard to explain.

So kudos to Maranatha for becoming champions! (: We made them have a run for their money as we wanted to and personally I believe I did my best there as well as all my team members but okay maybe not for preparation. I could have prepared more on Thurs and Fri afternoon instead of wasting it away and all the What ifs.. But that is history and what we do is to learn from it and to do better next time isnt it?

I'll like to end with a verse that I've learnt from the study of the book of Luke, its in Luke 11:27-28 "As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Indeed that is what I ought to do, to hear God's word and obey it. A simple but important lesson that at times one fails to follow. So when you're discouraged or weary just cling to this promise and you know that you are truly blessed though it may not be apparent at this time.

So until next time, Shalom.

Work attachment coming to an end

Well 5 weeks have gone by really fast. It was just a while ago when I was working at PP. Now its just 2 more days before its over. Talk about time flies. Well in that span of time many things happen actually. 1 of the most significant would be my personal testimony that I now have as a result of this. Look forward to see you there at the next Testimony Sabbath in our church. Since its the first time I'll be sharing it with almost everyone, I'll put in as many details as I can just for you all to get a clear picture as possible. After that though, maybe I'll have to think of a way to keep it short, cos they say an effective personal testimony takes only 3 mins. Or something like that..

I'll like to take this time too for thanking all the people who came to visit me as well. Though it may not seem much, it helps to brighten up my day and keep my spirits up to continue to work dynamically through the week ;)

Now I'll just talk about my workmates. In this frame of time, I've made new friends from poly as well as from workplace. And you can see the value in everyone, how people are so different and unique too. Hope they haven't influenced me in a bad way though :P Still though times have not always been smooth, it gave me a better grasp of what the working adult world was like.

On hindsight you may ask, would I have chosen to work here given the choice? My answer would be Yes. Although there are many things you could think of that which would be better in another place. Such as something related to my course, office job, shorter working hours, less problems etc. But going through the experience always teaches you many things and that is invaluable in a way that you don't learn the same things elsewhere or rather even if you do its not the same way of learning it.

Now whats my point there. It is that through all this I can see God working in my life even clearer and that is irreplaceable. Of course one could say it could always be better but well for me I trust that though things may not be ideal, with God anything is worthwhile and without regrets (:

Okay I do realise I rarely post even by my standards which is once every week or two. So I'm wondering maybe its a good idea to keep my posts short so I will post more often. You know like how some people do it~ But that can be hard for me too in a good way since you notice me spamming essays or maybe not. Perhaps some feedback and I'll see what I can do then XD

Until next time~

Work speech

Hey guys, thanks all for your prayers for my exams. I appreciate it :) Praise God too for clearing Sabbath problems for me at work each step of the way~ Well no matter what, let's do our best to stand firm in trial even when the going gets hard. Yea I know, its easier said than done. My thinking is that if we cant stand firm now in times of peace, than we wont stand a chance in times of trouble. Well get anyone u prefer to pray for you yea? I don't mind too but I know it doesn't always work this way. Still I'll be here with open arms ;)

Okay now for some stuff about work.. Here are some pick up lines supposedly that I use in work, there are no benchmarks so feel free to suggest some and I might just try it out and see how it goes. Here is how it has evolved over the past 10 days.

- Anything?

- Anything u looking for?

- Anything I can help?

- Yes?

- Can I help you?

- May I help you?

- How may/can I help you?

- Is there anything I can help you with?

- Is there anything I may help you with?

Oh and I do say Hello/Hi sir or something like that sometimes before the line. I like my most recent one, I thought of it after I saw my friend got a negative response and myself too when using "Can I help you?"

I believe that it does reflect a sense of superiority though its all in the mind. So using "may" is better supposedly though its not much of an issue with the large majority. Even though I may be using my latest pick up line I still use some of my previous ones due to habit and such.

The long lines which are 8 words can be abit hard to pull off sometimes when I dont prepare myself. Saying it too fast will mean a repetition. Saying too slow may mean a customer already walk some distance away by then.

Soo thats about it for now, there are still things to talk about but well next time :D

Take Care my friends! Let's all grow in Christ together XD

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wanted to post this yesterday but my internet failed on me so I just went to sleep :P

____________________________________________________________________

A very Happy Valentine's Day my dear readers!

Wish you all a happy love life in your years ahead :)

Most importantly, God loves us. In 1 John 4:10-12 "10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for^c our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

That is the essence of V day to me this year =)

Well just to be clear I don't have a gf/crush yet just in case anyone is

wondering or may be mistaken.

Though I don't think I'm interested just yet, sometime in the future yea?

Making friends have always been very enjoyable and its no different now.

To me, the way to be happy is to make my friends happy! :D

Well today I wore purple shirt to school and so while walking to class after lunch,

1 of my friend commented on the colour.

He said "Why today where purple? Is it cos today Valentine Day"

I replied "Purple got any significance meh?"

He replied "Got, it means everlasting".

And here I thought of everlasting love which was God's agape love for us (unconditional love).

And wanted to say its God's everlasting love but didn't.

Anyway, I thought about how wonderful it would be if I could love God continually for that would be the best for my life.

It is part of the Redeemer plan that creation should love their Creator and that we may find rest in Him who will be with us thru life whatever it may be.

I'm too preachy I know :P

Early morning

Today I woke up early in the morning~ Slightly after 6am. Well thats earlier than my usual time and in addition I only needed to wake up at 8. Well why did I wake up so early? Cos I meant to play a shogi tournament game at 6:30am :O But my opponent didn't come so oh well. It felt good waking up early doing things with a fresh mind :)

Morning was really good. Thats bcos I checked the news and it showed Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0.

Before the game yesterday, I did hold some hope that they would win but was unsure about the chances. They came off good though. So happy for my favourite football team XD

Coupled with news yesterday that my favourite shogi player Toshiaki Kubo who is current title holder of 2 out of 7 major titles. He beat Watanabe in the 1st game of Kiou which is a best of 5 game series. All the best Kubo!

Well and few other stuff happened too in the morning all which starts me nicely for the week ahead. Watched Ps Bayu's appreciation by Balastier on youtube which was both moving and inspiring for me personally.

Today will be a long day as I know we will chiong projects as deadline is on Wednesday. Expect to be in school till rather late. Its the beginning of project deadlines, practical tests, exams and work attachment! Then FYP!

Haha, getting more busy, like the real working world and time constraint is even stronger. Well I just enjoyed my real holiday over the CNY period cos in March would be work attachment. Next holiday is in June but may be filled with projects and what not. September should be finally holidays but who knows given that its final year and we have FYP!

But okay, life is becoming different slowly but still I'll always remember you guys cos we're one big family in Christ!

Waterproof plaster

On Sunday, I got a cut on my left thumb. Here is how it happened. I was using my thumb to turn on the tap and it felt rather rough. It probably caused an abrasion. It was slightly painful and I looked to see if there was blood. To my surprise there was and it started oozing out. Washed it but blood still flowed. Went to look for the medicine kit but since I hardly ever used it, I couldn't remember where it was. Asked my mum and she helped me to apply some flavine solution (yellow solution). It was a soothing feeling and there things got better.

Quite a few things crossed my mind during then.

I saw the iodine solution which is rather painful when applied and thats why my mum bought this solution. Well I would have used the other 1 too if need be. Thankfully though, we all know how painful it is to use the other 1 ;)

Then I decided to paste something on my finger. Decided between gauze and plaster but chose plaster as I had to strip wires and connect circuits later still. While taking the plaster I remembered the waterproof plasters u gave me. I thought of using it but well should use it next time when I'm outside instead. Though its just something small but still its heartwarming to remember small things that matter. Thanks a lot _____ XD

Through injuries and sickness I can always see clearly how much my mum loves me (: Its not that I think otherwise in other situations. But its just a matter of I always know (head knowledge) that she loves me always regardless. But I know (heart knowledge) through such things and of course many other things she does which I wont mention now that she loves me exceedingly. :D

And to you, thanks for your concern for my well being! Well its almost healed now, the skin is just growing back. Its really nice to know that you care :) You take care too yea? Try to minimise injuries and may you be in good health!

Lastly, for something not related. Just taught Sabbath school this week and it talks about guilt. Well I hope all of you learnt something useful and understood the lesson clearly. As I mentioned too, memorising memory verses is essential, it could even save your life!!

So this week memory verse is relating to guilt that is. "There is [now] therefore (now) no condemnation [for](to) those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1

Haha, 2 words wrong, must word perfect you know!

Well hope u guys will start memorising too, I haven't got the perfect explanation yet for you.

See you all soon!

Legend: Name - _____

[ ] - mistake

( ) - fill in

FYP!

A week has passed by quickly. Yes I've been busy recently with school work and projects. Intended to post this last week but well I'll do it now then.

Just a note for all my viewers : Don't publicise my blog k? Though I think I did tell many ppl of my blog. But if they don't remember don't remind them ;)

I like a small community of viewers :D

Okay FYP(Final Year Project) deadline to form groups and chose field of interest to work on was last Friday. It was a rather topsy turvy situation. In class, I've normally teamed up with my buddy in class. We make an excellent team. And we've even done 4 man projects with just the both of us. But well I would never want to do that again given the choice. So when it came to FYP. We were allowed to form groups of 2 or 3. Naturally, the 2 of us agreed to team up. However, I wanted to rope in another member who was currently in our group this term. Unfortunately he spurned us and formed another group.

In truth, I wouldn't have mind forming a group of 2. But well my friend was more inclined to accept my other classmate. Well I was hesitant as knowing her, she does not participate actively in projects but takes a backseat. I had another plan in store. Informing my friend which he agreed, I said I would check with another friend from the same school if he would team up with me. However, my friend said he had already formed a group. Deadline was approaching and I agreed to form a group of 3. She even said she wanted to get A for the FYP and also for our project to be showcased in the main exhibition!

However, there was a problem with the server and the deadline was extended another week. During which my other friend told me I could join his group. It was a matter of too late for me as I had already committed and did not want to leave my friend in the lurch.

So now I'm in a group of 3 for my FYP.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the he heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

I'll just hope for the best and not judge things as they seem, who knows the future but God Himself. I'll leave it in His hands ;)

The past hols

Ohh been over a month since I last posted. Well holidays came and went. It was not the typical holiday that I had to work throughout. A different experience indeed. Still I had to work slightly less than a week which was good i guess. Now back in school and hey its gonna be fast track to end of poly. Some "joke" 1 of my lecturer says is : Next year is your final year, oh wait.. its not unless u make it your final year, if not its your 3rd year. Its only gonna get harder from here though. All part of growing up ^.^

Been watching some dramas on channel 8. well just that i happen to catch some of them here and there, not following any in particular. But still some of them are really fierce or maybe i'm just not used to it. Wonder if they are exaggeration... perhaps so.

Let's talk about the best of 2010. That I'll say would be my birthday. Thanks to everyone for making it so special :) It was indeed the best birthday ever! Many people did many unexpected things, a birthday of surprises indeed. And the many gifts I received be it big or small, it was irreplaceable. Being loved makes me want to love others too, its called a cycle/chain of love. It makes me want to become a better person. For the special effort u put in it was not in vain. I'll always remember and appreciate the gesture.

Looking back and thinking that the past year has been rather eventful indeed. Thank God for all the people and all the things in my life. I look forward to a new year with few regrets and well time is of most importance at this age. How one spends it determines many things, how one's life would shape up. Still there is something more important than that and that's for u to figure out.

And now a song that I'm particularly touched by this year.

I'll just post the chorus though in fact, the whole song is excellent. Definitely worth listening to.

"When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothin' breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry"

-When I Cry by Gaither Vocal Band

Well if you remember, Linus sang it for special music at our church.

That's the first time I've heard it and took a liking to it.

Since Linus has to move on in life, I'll just take this time to wish him all the best in life.

May you walk in God's will for your life and be a faithful steward to Him.

Let's all meet in heaven! Where there will be no more sorrow, separation and the old order of things will have passed away.

Hope to see all of you there! :)