Look at Me

In one of my previous post, I have made this comment, that "There are times when you really doubted on the authenticity of what you've believed in, or how much your belief would matter now..." Blessed are you if you have never been through doubting God.

Sometimes we go through times of "valley of the shadow of death" or challenges that are so huge we think that there's no way out, or we are so short-sighted that we can't see beyond our situations. We keep feeling so trapped in our own minds, and that keeps translating into "there's no way out... there's no way out... there's no way out..." Suddenly, you doubted whether your belief would matter, because if it does, how come you're not believing in it? How come there's nothing coming to you or nothing within your spirit that causes you to rise up? How come there's no answers to your questionings?

I remember a sister-in-Christ shared her testimony to us and she ended it with these words: "Jesus said, 'Look at Me. I have all the answers and solutions to all the troubles in this world. Just look at Me, please.' " I only understood it recently.

Jesus does have all the answers in the world, He has all the solutions to every trouble, but why aren't we getting our answers? Why aren't we getting them now? I think one of the reasons is because we don't want to hear them. Although God has already answered us, we don't receive them because it didn't come the way we wanted it to come, the answer didn't satisfy our stubbornness to hold on to doubt.

Job is a very difficult book to read, because Job and his friends kept arguing for like 3/4 of the book and so by the time you reach the part where God answered him, you're like... hmmm.. whatever... There's been a lot of commentaries on the book and it's always noted that God came and answered Job not telling him that "oh My good man, it's because Satan said you will curse Me to My face if I let him make you suffer, but I know you won't, and I'm just letting all this happen so that Satan will know that you truly are a good man." God also didn't sympathize with Job and say, "oh Job, I'm so sorry that I let this happen. I know you are suffering, but it'll be over soon, don't worry. I will 'sayang' you back, double portion." God also didn't punish Satan in the end, which actually was the main cause of Job's suffering, and tell Job, "you see, this is your adversary, I'm punishing him to bring justice to you." Nope. None of the above. God just showed Job His glory and majesty, His creation, His beauty, His attributes, His works. God told Job, "Shut up and look to Me! I've got all the answers in the world, and here they are."

But was God's answer what Job wanted to hear? Did it answer the question about Job's suffering? No. But it did make Job shut up. And Job looked up to God to restore him in all that he has lost.

I was browsing at Canaanland Christian bookstore the other day and I chanced upon this book called "From Mourning to Morning". There was a chapter by Kenneth Copeland and he gave this definition on 'Rejoice'. It's actually 're-joy', to let joy restored to you, and to come to God and let Him 're-joy' you. As the author said, there's only a U difference in the words Mourning and Morning. YOU make the difference. YOU make that choice. YOU bring yourself before God and let Him 're-joy' you. YOU stop whining and look up at the Morning Star, aka Jesus.

God, help us not to be led by our emotions, but by your Holy Spirit, always looking and beholding Your beauty, so that we will receive Your beauty for ashes.

Verse to Remember:
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

You Are, You Are Lord

I've been wanting to put this up for a long time.

This is a song that is very hard to end. You'll understand what I mean if you sing it, because once you begin, it seems that you'll just want to sing more, singing on and on and on. (Plus because the song doesn't end on a perfect cadence.)

I like this video -- it has rainbow in it :)



Verse 1:
You are my light and salvation, whom shall I fear?
You are the strength of all my days, of whom shall I be afraid?
Though war may rise against me, of this will I be sure.

Chorus:
That I will bless the Lord forever, I'll bless Your holy Name
Yes I will bless the Lord forever, I'll bless Your holy Name

Verse 2:
Lord it is you I desire, it's You that I seek
To live with You in Your house forever, beholding Your beauty
And In the time of trouble, of this will I be sure

Bridge:
You ask me who do I, say that You are and I
Say that you are the Christ, Son of the living God

Soon

Ponder over the song, you'll see a girl waiting and longing for her Prince to come so she can be with Him forever...



VERSE 1:
Soon and very soon My King is coming
Robed in righteousness and crowned with love
When I see Him I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

VERSE 2:
Soon and very soon I'll be going
To the place He has prepared for me
There my sin erased, my shame forgotten
Soon and very soon

CHORUS:
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon

VERSE 3:
Soon and very soon see the procession
The angels and the elders 'round the throne
At His feet I'll lay my crowns, my worship
Soon and very soon

BRIDGE:
Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb, The Lord of heaven

The Week-Long Gap

It's been exactly a week since my last post, and before that was one full week away from KL. My first thought of coming back was: it all seems so foreign to me. Even my apartment, my room, my bed... Nothing has changed, but somehow nothing's the same anymore.

To those who have so vigorously supported me, cared and loved me during this challenging time in my life, just want to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to you all. Sometimes I feel like it's pretty challenging for you people around me too, because I know you don't really know what to say or do to comfort me. But I really thank you for those of you who have come all the way to Ipoh to visit me and my family (Karen & Joanne), along with WHC's love gift for us, plus lots of regards sent by various people; those who have sat by my side, listening to me talking without looking at you; those who have heard me cry with silent streams or huge gush of tears; those who kept hugging me; those who kept asking if I'm ok... I truly appreciate all of these.

Above all, I really want to thank God.

There are times when we go through the valley of the shadow of death, and we turn left and right but there's only darkness surrounding. There are times when we're so laden with guilt, angry with ourselves, desperate but at the same time despair, and we've given up ourselves. There are times we just kept on asking questions that we know we would never find the answers or understand it even if we'd asked the same questions for the rest of our lives. There are times people can care so much but there's just no way they can truly fully understand us. There are times when you wish you could just pour out your heart and tell another human being what's going on inside your heart and mind; you open your mouth but no words come out, only never ceasing flow of tears. There are times when you feel so trapped and confused, everything around you seems surreal. There are times when it seems like you're having a very long nightmare and you wish at every passing second that you would just wake up from it and everything is ok, but at the same time you consciously or subconsciously know that this nightmare is in fact reality, it's happening and there's no turning back. There are times you wondered why some people died and become more popular than they were alive, while some people died and become a statistic that only a handful of others would remember. There are times you wondered whether things will ever be back to normal, or when will it be, or how long would it take... There are times you desperately want to come out of that emotional ditch, you appeared to be strong, you tried to drown yourself with work, you tried hard not to think, you occupied yourself with many other things, but it's in the silence of the night that thoughts come back and haunt you. And you're once again back in that emotional ditch of quicksand, hanging on dearly to a very thin branchstick, hoping against hope that it won't snap or you will go down. There are times when you really doubted on the authenticity of what you've believed in, or how much your belief would matter now...

At these times, Lord, it was You who have never left me. It was You would held me in Your arms, when I was helpless, when I couldn't respond, when perhaps I'm not even aware that You are holding me. It was You that I needed the most, that I couldn't live without. It was You, Jesus...

And though it's been two Sundays that I've been away, though the surroundings may seem so awkward, though I feel the loss, but I know that I'm certainly not lost. Everything that You have taught me and deposited in my life, it's right there in my heart and soul; I don't lack anything, because You have given me Your all. You said this day, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." You showed me that You are my Prince, I can lean on You. And You painted the Rainbow again, to say that I am always Your covenanted child...

Jesus, I love You.

For My Father

爸，我很想念你，很想有更多的时间陪着你，可是你已经走了。爸，我爱你，你永远都在我心里，永远都是我的英雄，永远都是最好的爸爸。

Ears (Part 2)

I looked back at one of the blog post I have written a few weeks ago and I suddenly realised that I'd forgotten to include an important revelation, hence this is part 2. (This is why God tells us to write down all the words He has spoken to us. [Jeremiah 30:2] )

The Lord gave me a pair of ears during Church Camp and spoke to me about hearing and obeying Him. Sometimes we may think that obeying the Lord is something very hard to achieve, because although we are born-again and spirit-filled, we still have the old nature of sinning against God.

Did you know that when we become Christians, we belong to God? Okay, maybe you know this. But do you know this as a piece of information and knowledge, or do you really take it as your new identity in Christ? This is what makes the difference.

I realised that as I learned more and more about the grace of God, the more I could appreciate what the Lord has done to give me a new identity, a new life. This statement "I belong to God" gives an underlying meaning that He owns me. God owns every part of me -- spirit, soul and body. He owns everything I have -- relationships, career, finance, health, talents, spiritual giftings, etc. God owns my heart, my inward parts, the deepest and most profound part of me.

Now imagine this: The Master has just bought a slave who have been in the bondage of a cruel, heartless enemy for years. He bought the slave with His livelihood, not because He wants to impose control over the slave, but because He wants to free him. Now the slave has been set free from all the bondages of the enemy, he no longer needs to endure tortures and sufferings, and he can now serve the new Master. Yet, the Master knows that the servant would probably take some time to understand the new ways of obeying serving his new Master, and He is gracious to his servant. Would it be right if the servant abuses his Master's grace and betrays Him?

God says His grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in weaknesses. By grace, we are no longer slaves to sin, but we are now slaves of righteousness. Sin shall have no dominion over us, for we are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14). Therefore, we are able to walk in the newness of life, for we know that our old nature was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin (Romans 6:6-7).

More than that, God calls us as His children. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of God, and if sons and daughters, then heirs of God through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26, 4:7). We truly, truly belong to God.

And if we belong to God, as children of God we love Him and obey His commandments. Not that we are able to by our own strength, but simply because He has given us the grace to hear and obey Him. 1 John 5:3 says: "For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

King David understood that he belonged to God and ought to do His will in Psalm 40. Not only that, he knew that doing the Lord's will is a delight, and not a burden.

⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require. (NIV)

⁷ Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.

⁸ I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.” (NKJV)

The New International Version has verse 6 translated as "my ears you have pierced" -- precisely what it means to be a slave to someone. The piercing of ears means you are marked as your Master's slave. King David understood that the Lord did not want them to come to Him with sacrifices and offering, but with a heart that knew Him to be a God of love.

Again, as what 1 John 5:3 had said, when we know that God is love, our ears have been pierced so that we can hear and obey Him. And because He first loved us, doing what He says will be a delight.

The Timing of God

Did you know that God is always punctual and never late for anything? Even though we may sometimes think He is slow or even delays answering our prayers, He actually knows the perfect timing for everything. If He sees the end from the beginning and has time in His hands, He surely knows when is the right time for things.

I have been wanting to have a career switch for some months. I've thought long and hard about it, because I wasn't sure about where I wanted to go. When I finally took the step of faith to applied for another job, I had in mind that I was going to begin the new job in April, because I have planned for the Melbourne trip in March.

The interview went smooth, and I felt sure that it was going to be a good job, but they wanted me to begin in March. When I couldn't make it, eventually they turned me down. It was timing problem on both sides.

At that time, I felt very sad because I hadn't applied for any other jobs. It seemed like I had to delay leaving my company to an indefinite period of time. Nevertheless, I resolved in my heart that I would stay on and trust the Lord.

A month after the trip to Melbourne, the interviewer called me back and asked if I was still interested in the job. It was truly God's miracle open door for me! I went for an interview again and this time, it was the right timing for both sides. The boss even told me that a few months ago, the company was not doing so well, but is now picking up again.

So, I accepted the job offer and tendered my resignation letter. After checking on my annual leave, I could actually have one week off before the start of my new job. Wow, talk about the timing of God!

Truly, God knows the timing and seasons for our lives. He not only knows it, but takes care of us accordingly. So just be patient when God delays answering us. He has something better in mind. :)

Saying "I love You"

I have this distinct memory of myself before I became a Christian, that I could hardly bring myself to say the word "love", or "I love you", or even "God". It felt pretty difficult, but I didn't understand why. I had this perception that "love is sacred" and "God is Holy"... and hence these words shouldn't be simply said. After all, you need to say "I love you" and really mean it.

I remember reading love stories and novels, thinking, what's love? What's love that it's so captivating, so alluring and passionate? Can we live without it? Why are some people willing to die for it? the so-called "in the name of love"...?

I could not understand it, but I knew I longed for it. I longed to be loved, to be held in the arms of the someone special, to be romanced. To me, love was the exclusive romantic feeling between man and woman, fairytale stories like Cinderella and Snow White... Gives you the dream-like, fantasy idea right?

When I was form 5, my friend invited me for an Easter Outreach at her church. After the night's performance, it was followed by the preaching.

The preacher talked about how Jesus suffered on Good Friday and was nailed on the cross, that because God so loved the world He gave Jesus to die so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Somehow, I sat there listening to him and I started crying. I didn't know why I was crying, but the tears just kept flowing. And when the preacher asked those who want to receive Jesus to raise their hands, I was among the few who did so. After that, my friend went with me to respond to a prayer. I was still crying and I didn't know what to do. The preacher asked if I could feel God loving me, but I said No. He asked me again if I could feel the people that God had placed around me are loving me, but I just fell silent and kept crying, because I didn't know how to answer him.

Finally, I didn't accept Christ that night. But from then on, I knew that Jesus died for me. I didn't understand why He did that, or why it was significant. I just knew that He had suffered death. Yet if you asked me whether God loves me, I would say no. This was because I had felt so much rejection from friends and family that I thought there was no way God would love me. I felt that I was too unworthy to be loved by God.

Fast forward to my first year in KL, I was again invited to church for Sunday Praise Celebration. I felt awkward singing songs with the words "love", "I love you, Lord", "God" and so on. It didn't feel right to me. But as I learned more about the gospel and how Jesus died and resurrected to give me new life, I began to see that God wanted to love me.

In another meeting at church, the Lord touched me again and I was once more down in tears. That night, a friend led me to pray the sinners' prayer and I received Jesus Christ into my life as my personal Saviour and Lord. I could truly feel God's love touching me deep in my heart, and I knew that it was love in its deepest and highest and greatest form.

Now, I have no problem saying the words "love" and "I love you", because I know that I have received love into my heart. I can even tell my family and friends that I love them. But above all, God, I love You.

Verse to Remember:

John 3:16 -- For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Ears

World Harvest Church Camp day 2, night session with Ps. Dennis. I was with those few who didn't manage to join the whole 4 days 3 nights but still travelled all the way to Rawang every night for the night sessions.

We were late that day because of the rain and massive jam, so by the time we reached Rawang it was towards the end of the worship. Nevertheless, as we stepped into the hall, I could immediately feel the strong presence of God in the place. I quickly found a seat to settle down and opened my heart to draw in His beautiful presence.

At this point, Ps. Dennis had started to prophesy. He was speaking as he saw what was happening in the spiritual realm. He said that there were angels ascending and descending in that place. He spoke of turning points, that for many it was turning points for their lives. The Holy Spirit was filling each of us. He said that the Lord was there and He was giving to each of us gifts, all wrapped nicely in beautiful boxes.

Having my eyes closed, I was drinking from the Spirit, literally. I was gulping in fresh water from the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill me and refresh me, desiring Him more and more. And when Ps. Dennis said there were gifts for each of us, I just stretched my hands out in front of me as a sign of receiving from the Lord.

I saw a beautiful square box delivered into my hand. I looked into the box and saw a pair of ears. I received them, but I was thinking to myself, "Ears? Not eyes to see better, but ears? Lord, what is it that I need to be hearing?" It wasn't because I didn't welcome what the Lord had given me, but I was curious to know if I haven't been hearing the Lord.

The Lord reminded me of Romans 10:17 -- Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Pondering upon this, He also spoke to me another verse in Matthew 7: 24 - 27:

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine [Jesus], and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.

God was saying to me, "Hear and obey". It was an instruction for what I was going through currently, as well as something that He was building in me for the future. I needed to hear what God says and obey it, do it. I need to hear the right things, not gossips and destructive words. I needed to hear the word of faith, which is also the word of Christ. I needed to hear truth and follow it.

I believe the pair of ears were the spiritual empowering that God has given me, so that not only will I hear faith, but I would do accordingly.

Over the past 3 weeks or so, I have experienced this frequently. It felt like I had installed a large speaker over my spirit or heart; I felt myself being very sensitive in knowing what the Holy Spirit was saying. I'm still learning to hear more and do according to what He says. The Lord would impress upon my heart what advices to give, what to pray, what I should do or say, etc. This is especially true when I'm desperate and don't know what to do. It ALWAYS works.

Isn't this the coolest way to work with God? you hear from Him and just do accordingly? Ministry doesn't need to be difficult or need us to strive so hard to persuade people to believe in Jesus. People don't need persuasion; they need a demonstration of the power of God, and that's what preaching the gospel is all about. Hear and do. hear AND do.

From Fate to Destiny

May is almost coming to and end and June beginning, marking the arrival of mid year. Time has never minded people's business, and would never heed a halt from anyone. It's beginning to be a famous saying that a week is a long time in politics; many things can happen, especially in the context of turning tables. I think it applies to ministry too.

It's been a good long two weeks, with many things happening at the same time -- both good and bad. Yet, we know that all things work out for good to those who love the Lord, and to those who are the called according to His purpose. Everything happens for a reason. For a GOOD reason.

I'm not a believer of fate. I am a believer of destiny. People say to me that it is the same, even dictionaries may say so, but it's not. Read the two words carefully and you will know that the former carries a negative connotation, with an implication of bad omens and unfortunate happenings. But the latter is a positive word -- a purpose, good plan, a destiny of greatness.

In the past two weeks, I've seen the mighty God turned a fate into a destiny. I've seen the Lord sealed up chapters of life in the past, and begin re-writing this person's life on a fresh new page, with a new brush and with new ink. Even though there were many times that evil tried to prevent that destiny by causing ill fates to befall upon the person, there is nothing that can separate man from the love of God. Even though the devil always wants to flip to the old pages to reveal the errors and ugliness, Jesus has signed and sealed them with His blood, stamped with a big 'FORGIVEN' across every page.

I realised that I began to understand grace in a deeper way. Grace has already been poured out to us. For by grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph 2:8-9) Because of the grace of God, we are able to love and forgive, to hope and believe. Abiding in faith, hope and love, we know that LOVE is the greatest; love NEVER fails.

I'm speaking words of faith and hope into lives, but loving people would take more than just flattering lip service; it is an act that radiates the desire to bless from the deepest of heart. The love of God never fails or fades.

It is in love that we walk out our destinies, because God birthed our destinies in love. Therefore walk in love, as we walk with God.

Who am I?

This is one of the excerpts found in the Church Camp booklet. It spoke deeply to my heart, so I just want to share it here with you...

1 Sam 3:1, 10, 11
1: The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
10: The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
11: And the Lord said to Samuel: "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.

What do you want to do when you grow up? It's a question that is relevant, no matter what age, no matter how old you are. What are you going to do with the rest of your life? It's never too early, it's never too late to ask this question. God will use the young and the old, all He really needs is an open and willing heart.

God has a plan for our lives. He has a perfect strategy, all plotted out for us, it's just a matter of listening to His voice, being obedient to His promptings and boldly stepping out in all His ways. Astronaut, accountant, zoologist, doctor, lawyer, engineer... we could do anything we set my mind to with His help, but...

I don't think that's what the Lord truly intends, but instead of asking "What do you want to do", He's asking "who do you want to be". It's a question of CHARACTER and becoming the PERSON He intends us to be -- not the occupation.

There are many people who say "I believe God has spoken to me about a life partner, preaching, prophecy, dreams, visions, etc." So many things that God has whispered in our hearts about doing, and these are all great things. But beyond that, God wants us to become people of great worth in our hearts and minds, not just in our roles and job descriptions.

This is so true. God sees us as who we are as a person, not our occupation or job description. Of course, when it comes to functioning in the spirit as His servant, He does call us into positions as Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, and Teachers, but more than that, He wants us to live up to the CHARACTER of one.

It gives me great comfort that although I may not do well in my job, or at times when I fail miserably, God still looks at me with grace and mercy. He still looks at us with that sense of great worth that is written in our destiny.

And He continues to whisper to us, to speak to us, to tell us His plan and purpose of us. We need to be like Samuel, listening and responding correctly to God, so that His will can be carried out through our obedience. And through it all, we become who we are, by the grace of God.

God the Builder

World Harvest Church Camp 2009 is here! HURRAY!!

Last night was our first session of preaching with Ps. Dennis Lee from River Glory Ministries, Singapore. I guess most if not all of us are so hungry and thirsty for the Word, that it was truly a refreshing and restrengthening time as we listened to His preaching.

It's awesome to have the opportunity to hear from this man of God again. Though I am unable to join the camp at MBS Recreation & Training Centre, Rawang, I know I treasure it even more because I can only attend the night sessions after work. Thanks Denion, for driving us to and fro every night. :)

Ps. Dennis started off the message for this camp as his usual self -- seriously humourous. Yet in his jokes there was deep, profound truth that you couldn't overlook.

It was a message that struck the exact chords and notes that Ps. Gloria had delivered last Sunday -- God builds. And Ps. Dennis, full of the Holy Spirit and completely speaking under His anointing, spoke exactly the same message -- God is a Builder and He builds us individually, that we will build up one another and to build His Church.

He began by saying that it is time we Christians recover our positions as salt and light to the world -- salt as an antiseptic and anti-decaying agent, and light as the source for direction to truth. And He said, "It's time to BUILD! to join ranks as the body of Christ and push back the darkness to advance and expand the Kingdom of God!"

The Lord spoke to me about Ps. Gloria's message where she preached 3 points: (1) God builds on revelations; (2) God builds on relationships; and (3) God builds through generations. And He impressed upon my heart the word 'BUILD'. I checked up the definition for this word and this is what it means:

1. to construct (esp. something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials.
2. to establish, increase, or strengthen (e.g. to build up)
3. to mold, form, or create.
4. to base; found. E.g. a relationship is built on trust.
5. to form or construct a plan, system of thought, etc. (usually followed by 'on' or upon'). e.g. He built on the philosophies of the past.
6. to increase or develop toward a maximum, as of intensity, tempo, or magnitude; to heighten to a climax

Now, we often hear of the phrase 'Build up' in preachings, and we are always told that it means 'to edify'. But if you really break it up to details, it means precisely this way:

a. to develop or increase
b. to strengthen.
c. to prepare in stages.
d. to fill in with houses; develop into an urban area.
e. to praise or flatter.

I love the last definition -- aren't we suppose to build up with praise? Aren't we suppose to build up in our praises and worship to God, to exalt Him in shouts of praise and to just cry out to Him?

From all these definitions, we can clearly see that God has a construction plan -- a blueprint -- for our lives, and He builds according to it. Yet, He doesn't rush in to build us, but this building project of our lives is a process, step-by-step, increasing little by little, built upon what has already been founded and established previously, and will eventually heighten to fulfil the fullness of our destiny.

God builds on what we have already known and on our knowledge of who He is in our lives. If we believe that Jesus is our God, Healer, Provider, Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Renewer, Restorer, Creator and Sustainer -- if we really, really believes that He is -- then the gates of hell will not be able to prevail against us (Matt 16:18), we will stand fast and not fall away.

In Matthew 7: 24 - 27 it says that if we establish ourselves on the Word of God, hearing and obeying Him, we are building our house (our lives) on the Rock -- on Jesus, the Beginner and the Finisher of our faith. This is what it says:

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine [Jesus], and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Incidentally, these are also the closing words of Jesus' long Sermon on the Mount. Now, that means 'these sayings of Jesus' were all the principles He taught in that three-chapter long sermon. And Jesus described us as the salt and light to the world in the early part of the sermon. (Wow! Go figure!)

Perhaps we have always known Him as the Creator, or as the Master Painter of our future, or as the Potter who moulds us to become who we are, but He is no lesser the Builder of our lives. And He's still building us, shaping us, not giving up on us even though we may have given up hope on ourselves many times.

Do you know why He doesn't give up on us? I believe it's because He must have seen something in us that we can't see. He must have seen that no matter how misshapen we are because of our past failures and ugly sins, His blueprint of building us is never with flaws and mistakes. He knows what He's doing. And if we hear Him and let Him build us the way He wants to, then we will never be shaken, no hell is going to prevent us from living out His will for us, because we are founded on the Rock.

Prayer of response:
Lord, build me, the way that You want to build. I may not understand what You're doing, but Lord, have Your way in my life. I just want to surrender myself to Your love and let You build me til I'm complete and mature, lacking nothing in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Your will be done in my life. Amen.

For we are not long here

I always had the understanding that life in the 20s is the most exciting, most interesting, and inevitably packed with constant changes. We proceed from secondary to tertiary education, some leaving home for the first time to pursue university studies. We graduate from school and step into the working world. We transit from asking for pocket money from our parents to earning our own income and supporting ourselves financially. We grow from being accountable to our parents to being responsible for our own daily lives. Relationships blossom from just friends to more than friends, and to waking up beside your spouse, the love of your life. From being lovers to being parents. And in career-wise, from a junior executive to a senior manager.

Changes. I shan't repeat the famous sayings that have become somewhat a cliche.

Within a timespan of just a short 10 years, everything in our lives will change. And when we look back... it's with amazement that I would look at my life, how far I have gone beyond what I thought I would become. Or maybe I have never really thought about what I would become; inklings and notions are just forecasts of what may and may not be...

Having almost reached half-way of this span of 10 years, I wonder how the rest of my time would unravel. People talk about reaching their goals and dreams by the time when they are 30 years old: of earning millions, buying properties, married with children, love and life... the list can go on. They beam with excitement when they share their dreams and visions, certain that they will be attaining those goals within the designated timeframe.

The richest and wisest king who ever walked this earth, King Solomon, in all his splendour and glory urged, saying, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them' " (Ecclesiates 12:1)

He said as well, "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (Ecclesiates 11:9 - 10)

What is man apart from God? Desires come and go, and dreams will fade away, but what the Lord has designed for his creation will serve its purpose. We can pursue all we want, but would it matter? At the end of time, would it matter? Would wealth and fame and success matter? Yes, it would as long as you're on this earth. Yes, it would if it brings glory to God. I believe the Lord sees beyond our success; He sees deep down inside us, into our hearts.

I remember what Brooke Fraser sings in her C.S. Lewis Song: "For we, we are not long here. Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it. And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know You..."

This is the hope, that we are made to know Him who created us.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is only 4 km away from the central business district of Melbourne. That's the wonder of it. You're hopped on a tram towards the zoo, you passed the modern buildings and architecture in the city, passed Queen Victoria Market, and the next thing you know you're going on a track towards a lush tropical park.

With more than 320 species on view, Melbourne Zoo offers a window into the diversity of the world’s wildlife. There are designated time slots each day for visitors to meet the keepers at some of the animal areas. See them feed the animal and explain about conservation projects or interesting facts about the animal.

The zoo's botanic garden setting also provides a relaxing atmosphere with a variety of landscapes, from the Victorian-era formality of the main drive to the lush jungles of the African and Asian rainforest areas.

Have a walk down nature's lane, you'll find that God is such a creative God that He even created some animals that have no apparent reason to be there. And when we look at His beautiful creation and the variety of it, wow... you'll see Him at work; you'll be amazed!

The blue frog -- looks like the colour of china porcelain. Opps... privacy invasion. XD

Looks like this lizard's body is too fat for its small legs to carry it. It's lapping on the water with its blue tongue.

Meerkats! So cute when they stand up on their hindlegs.

This looks so much like a peacock.

Ostrich holding its head up high.

Zebras have shorter necks than horses. Did you spot the giraffe behind it?

Erm... sorry, don't know the name of this deer-like animal.

Giant Tortoise with its keeper. Yes, they are huge and look like rocks, but it's real. They can grow up to 150 kg. This one's still in its teen years.

Kangaroo feeding from the trough.

Don't look at me, I'm just lying here.

Emus are like ostrich, but they don't have wings.

Here's another kangaroo. They basically just sit around, that's because they are not in the wild.

Wombat! One of my favourite animals.

Giraffes

Otters sunning themselves by the waters.

Baby elephant

Pelican

Ducks have beautiful water-proof feathers

Mum shading the gorilla

Bamboo forest

She tamed the vicious croc!

Surprisingly, they actually have signboards in Bahasa for tropical animals.

Orang Utan arts & crafts

Mandrill is bored

Lemur

Let there be a white-furred monkey.

A peacock sneeking up to people in search for food. They aren't shy or scared at all.

Little Penguins. These are a different species from the Antartic ones.

Poor bear, he's got nothing to do all day except just lying around

Stacy, reporting from Melbourne Zoo, March 19, 2009

For Chiann

My dear friend, Melbourne has claimed you citizen, but your veins flow the Malaysian blood, still firmly rooted in your Chinese origins.

Time has passed us by, how we have grown! How our paths have separated! How we have parted in our ways! Yet, our paths have crossed again, despite the many times they have went where destiny beckons.

I thank God for every time that we meet again, fellowshiping and praying together, watching the stars at night, counting the meteors, pillow talks... And I thank God for this friendship that flourishes despite the distance and difference of our destinies. Who can understand this mystery, but the Lord who brings all things good together for His glory?

Lord, I pray, please bless this life. Wherever You lead, may she be given wisdom and understanding of Your divine destiny for her. And wherever You lead us, let us meet again, not only in heaven forever, but here on this earth. May Your beauty and glory be upon her, that she would shine for You, the way You have destined for her to be. Crown her with righteousness and bless her with grace everlasting.

And as Your words says that You have thoughts of peace amd not evil for us, that You will bless us with a good future and hope, that as we seek you with all of our heart we will find You, Lord, let it be true for us both.

Chiann, I miss you... God loves you. ^_^

Melbourne!

This is my first overseas trip, first time that I have flown 8 hours, and my first time in Melbourne, Australia. It has been an awesome time for my mum and I, getting around the beautiful city on our own and visiting the wonderful sights. There's not enough words to describe all the overwhelming expriences, so I shall let the pictures speak for themselves :)

Waiting to board the plane

Mum and I

We have arrived! It's almost 1 a.m. (Melbourne time)

On the free Tourist Shuttle taking pictures of buildings in the city.

Steel sculptures by the Yarra River bank

Melbourne city trams -- takes you everywhere you want to go, literally

The City Museum

The Parliament -- open to public when not in session

At the Melbourne 360-degree Observation Deck at Rialto.

Me posing with sculptures in front of the Rialto building. (The Great Reunion)

Sunset view of the Melbourne City from the Observation Deck

The Southern Star at Docklands / Newquay -- largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere

Beauty!

Queen Victoria Market, where everything's fresh, fruits and vegetables are in abundance

The Public Purse, by Simon Perry, in front of the GPO at Bourke Street

The GPO. Previously the General Post Office, it has been turned into a mall

Graffiti art in the city

Another sculpture art in the city. There's a lot of sculpture like this right in the heart of the city

The GPO at night

Flinder Street Station -- one of the train terminals

Wall of art made up of beautiful coloured mosaic

Cathedral. Melbourne city is a blend of gothic, heritage buildings and modern architecture.

At the Yarra River bank

By the way, this is where we stayed -- Miami Hotel Melbourne. Nice, clean and good service for a backpacker's hotel

Oh, we also went to the Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, The Great Ocean Road and Mount Dendenong, but there's just too many photos to upload them all. Hence, I shall end here and post some more interesting sites that we've visited in another blogpost. Hang on there...