Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas everyone! Isn't it truly the most wonderful time of the year? Oh I love, love Christmas time. Yes, all the presents, the sumptuous Christmas dinners, and special Christmas services. But the most important reason why I love Christmas, is because "unto us, this day a Saviour is born" and His name is Jesus. Well if you haven't got it, He is the reason for the season!

It's a joyous season because what greater gift can we receive besides the gift of Salvation and to be given the privilege and honour of being called sons and daughters of the Most High God? The gift of access into His marvelous presence and into His eternal Kingdom. This is what I call a real gift! That on this day, Jesus Christ was given to us, to live only to die as a redemption for our sins, so that we might have life. He is truly Saviour, Christ and Lord!

So here's to the One who saved my life with His, Happy Birthday!

We had a lot of Lasts this week. Our last net outreach for the year, last TheEdge service, last morning service at Futsing etc. and all these Lasts always sets you reflecting and puts this nostalgic feeling in your heart. What I experienced was no exception.

2011 has been an incredibly fast year. With so much going on this year, both good and bad with its equal share of ups and downs, I still wanna close this year by thanking God for His faithfulness throughout. His fingerprints have been so evident in every area of my life for this past year, and I'm absolutely thankful for that - my God who never leaves me nor forsakes me:)

This year I would say, is a year of testings and trials, also one of consistent molding and learning. It's been a bitter-sweet journey, but one that led me so much closer to God. For every valley experience, I began to draw closer to God and emerging from these, find myself another step ahead in this race. My prayer is that God never stops working in me this way, because I know there's so much more to be done in me.

I also began to reflect on all my relationships and thank God for the many blessings He placed in my life; individuals who have been my encouragement and strength throughout this year's journey. Just people so dear to my own heart. Nonetheless, I have to admit that I need a lot more wisdom from God in my dealings with relationships, specifically friendships. This is not a place to elaborate, but I believe I do need God to teach me His way of relationships. Eager to learn and work on some of these in the coming year. Till then, dear friends who stuck through with me, thank you thank you thank you. You've been a bigger-than-you-could-imagine-blessing to me! :)

The God Chasers

Observing a trend? You're probably noticing the cycles of my blogging tendency. When I catch on the blogging fever, you can definitely anticipate a train of fresh postings. Well, this time I seem to have rediscovered the joy of blogging, of penning down my thoughts without being restricted by word limitations.

Many years ago, I picked up a really good book but never got around to finish it before I had to return it. It was such a good book that I've always been wanting to read and re-read it again. Borrowed it from Grace not too long ago and I'm hooked on it! The God Chasers by Tommy Tenney is really some goodness packed from cover to cover (I haven't exactly got to the back cover, but you know what I'm driving at)!

To sum up what this book is all about, simply a call to grow deeper in intimacy with God; not just knowing about God, but knowing God. Not just dancing at the veil of the Holy of Holies, but being drenched by the glory of God. Reading both modern and Bible-time accounts just makes your heart hungry for more, almost a sense of spiritual dissatisfaction knowing your greatest encounter with God, is actually minimal.

We're merely eleven days away from the new year and I can smell it; it is going to be a good year! I want 2012 to be a year of of just drawing ever-closer to God and that this one thing be all that matters. Reading His word just tells me there's so much more to Him. Nope, not His blessings or His grand plans, but just knowing Him - as a Father, a King and a Friend. The work of His hands comes naturally as you seek His face and His heart first.

I want to know what is God saying to me today. Tommy Tenney in his book highlights that we should walk so close to God and know Him personally that it doesn't talk halts of thunder for us to know that God is speaking. But to have such intimacy with God that you're certain even when He whispers to your heart.

We should constantly ask ourselves this: where are we in our relationship with God? Is that really it? Or is there more? Don't stop at where you are at with God, I can assure you that there is MORE. If what we have had was just the tip of the ice berg, can you imagine what beholds if only you'd press in and keep pursuing Him with all your heart? Getting all excited just imagining how beautiful it could be!!

2012 is probably gonna be a good year but also a busy one. But from here forth, I want to keep my focus on the right thing, the one thing - Jesus. So there we go, a mega note-to-self for the coming year!

A New Chapter Unfolds

It's been so long since I last posted on this blog. Now with the prevalence of Facebook and Twitter, I really wonder if anyone would still have the patience to read through blog posts. After all, we're starting to be accustomed to everything short and sweet, and thoughts of no more than 150words.

So why the sudden urge to blog? On a random night like this, I thought about someone who has been a great inspiration to me in more than one ways. My form teacher in secondary 3 and English/Literature teacher for 2 years in to my graduating year - Mrs Joann Tan, and visited her blog (www.mrstanjoann.blogspot.com). Then I thought, I should blog too! Haha.

I still remember during one of our last few lessons, Mrs Tan asked us where were we planning to go after graduation. When she asked for my response, I recall telling her I wanted to be a nurse (I don't know what came into me, that I actually thought I was going in to nursing!), but who would have guessed that today I'm on my way to becoming an English teacher. Give it a couple more years down the road, I might just find myself repeating the things I heard her say in class to my students.

That being said, Mrs Tan was an excellent teacher and a life inspiration. She had the magic in her to make a boring and dreadful subject fun! You know how they always say that your command of the language is something you either had or lacked. Under her guidance and drilling and making English lessons interesting, many improved! She knew when to be stern with us, and when to let loose and joke with us. Simply put, she's truly the best teacher I've ever had and I want to be just like her (a lot to work on, and yours truly is truly still a work in progress)!

But well, whatever comes, comes.

Anyway, here's my first post as a twenty-one year old adult, and a happy one for that matter. It's still unthinkable that I have been living and breathing on this planet for 21 years! That sure sounds like a long time where so much has happened and so much more could have happened. Thank God for His quiet, guiding hands that has kept me till this day. Even before I knew who He was, He knew me and called me by name. Even before one of my days came to being, He had ordained all the days of my life - this is the God whom I worship, whom I have chosen to give my life to for as long as I shall live and beyond.

So as I welcome a new chapter in my life, here's dedicating my every moment back to the One who gave me this life - Jesus, the love of my life.

May What I Behold, Still My Anxious Heart.

It's July already and more than half of the year has gone by. Still fresh in my mind are memories from late last year; it didn't seem too long ago. Unbelievable how quickly time is flying by.

Nonetheless, it has been an exciting year. God is moving so powerfully both in my own life and in our church. Since I can't get to sleep tonight, needing to get away from the workload for a bit, it's a good time to do a bit of reflection on the past 6 months.

God has been as faithful as ever to someone so undeserving like me. He reminded me of His love time & time again by His words & works. This God, He never fails to leave me dumbfolded at His goodness.

Breakthrough started at Conference last year. All the years of hanging by the thread took a different turn when God met with me. Out of the desert sprang forth a new river of life, a new song of joy. I've never heard God clearer, never felt Him nearer, never wanted Him more. It was the dawning of a new day & it has never been the same since.

Kicked start the year with unimaginable promises from God; good promises, promises of salvation, promises of restoration. Promises of things which I wouldn't even dare to think or dream about. That's how I'm certain God has spoken. I knew I had a great year to look forward to. Witnessing half of it gone by already, I must testify that the Lord is good & He keeps His promises to His children. In the months to come, I know greater things will take place & I'm going to keep declaring these promises over my life, my family. I believe that the good God who started the good work will be faithful to bring it to completion!

Caught a tiny glimpse & preview of His promise during Good Friday when Daddy readily agreed to come for the outreach service. The seed has been sown & I believe God will continue to cause it to grow, & eventually there'll be harvest for family salvation. God I believe without a shadow of a doubt, because You have spoken so I choose to believe.

"As for me & my household, we will serve the Lord"

A divine appointment brought me to lead Weitong in the sinners' prayer. How God set up everything to bring about the glorious salvation of hers is just amazing. He has heard her prayers even before she knew Him or accepted Him, and brought along a clueless servant to deliver to her His answers to her questions. God is so so good.

I also had the priviledge of being at both Penang church camp & youth camp this year & with #noregrets! God did such an amazing work in me, reminded me of the victory I have in Him & there's a renewed covenant with God. He has beckoned me from the inner courts, the start of a new intimacy with the Lord. An invitation from the King of kings, who can turn down? :)

Drawing near to a perfect God only shed greater light on my imperfections. And His gentle words to me were simply 'if you want to come closer, these I'll need to work on". It hasn't been the easiest but it never felt better to know that I'm on the way to a greater relationship with the one who holds my heart in His hands.

What an amazing half a year huh? And this is only half the story. Wait till you hear what God is doing in & through us as a church and a youth ministry. God, He only gets better!

You Hold, The Universe

"It's been so long" seems like one of the ways I always start my post. Nevertheless, given the workload in NIE, this trend isn't going to change till the holidays come. Or maybe not even then!

So, yes. It's been so long!

A couple of people had been on my mind lately. Those of whom I'd get on my knees to pray for, those of whom whose name would weigh so heavy upon my heart. God, I wanna learn to come before your throne of grace to lift these names to Your heavenly throne. I know this burden is not mine to carry, but help me when I forget, remind me that You are Lord and You love them more than anything else, You died for them. It breaks my heart, but Lord it breaks Yours more.

Yet, I still choose to believe and know You are sovereign and in control. Cause You hold, the universe & You hold, everyone on Earth.

Strength of My Heart

My strength is almost gone.
How can I carry on?

Yet, I lift my eyes up on to the hills;
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

Praise Because He Deserves It

Wow, very quickly another Sarturday has passed! Scary isn't it, to realise how quickly time flies by. 'Merciless' probably belongs to the same lexical field as 'time'.

Last night, the regions all across the island had their Net Rallies. It's the first of the year, which is always the most exciting! If you were to ask me, Region 8's Rally must have been the undisputable best!

Chinese New Year Taboo, that was what our theme was all about. It sounds exciting and all, but it really just meant coming to the rally dressed in black. This is where marketing plays its part. The venue was very well done up by the management of the condo. But the decor team had to make it better with photo props and all. Really brought the whole rally up another notch. We played Wacko with our Chinese name. My word, this is one of the toughest Ice Breakers I have ever played.

First Net Rally of the year, of course, what we needed the most was God's presence and Lordship over the region. As a region, we're really believing God for a new vision and faith for our nets to 'break' as the harvest comes in.

Vision. Faith. Action.

I believe this is not just for Region 8, but all across the regions, ask God to open up Heavens over your nets for He gives according to the measure of our faith!
"Ask, and it shall be given unto you".

What are you believing God for in your nets, your schools, your families, your neighbourhood? Together, let's commit our hearts, our time and effort to see the Kingdom of God advance forcefully in wherever God has placed us. Recognise that your nets and yourself are keys to reaching this generation!

300 nets this year, anyone believing in this with us?
"For with God, all things are possible."

How Will They Hear Unless Someone Speaks?

Today was a very exciting day! Well, its almost impossible for any Saturday to be boring! Played host to Daniel who came in from Liverpool today and I really enjoyed orientating him around. How to take the train, different unspoken rules in Singapore, must-try local delicacies; I must have caught on some of my mum's guiding genes. Still think it'll be really cool if someday, I could get a guiding license! Now, that's another reason to learn Japanese proper :)

Was joined by some youth for street evangelism today before service. It was a pretty impromptu decision, but I was so glad that they availed themselves and came along! We spoke to quite a number of youth of different ages, shapes and sizes, and thank God for openess in most of them. In fact, we even saw 3 salvation right there and then on the streets - 3 times the whole of Heaven rejoiced with us as they accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts.

Not forgetting, last night, different nets saw visitors at their outreaches and I believe it is a breakthrough! More souls pouring into the Kingdom of God! It's time to pick up our harvesting tools and bring in the ready crops!

Excitinggg!

Every day is an opportunity to see the salvation of family members, neighbours, friends and even people you meet on the streets. Let's not forget that the Gospel is in our hearts and we have been called to proclaim it to the world. Be prepared in season and out of season.

This same truth that has set us free and gave us new life will do the same for others. Don't be afraid of speaking the Gospel, because it is powerful, it is good news.

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? - Romans 10:14

If you share the same excitement, we could come together to start street-evangelising in our own time! Let me know :)

Till then, it's time to hit the sack and get ready for another exciting day tomorrow! You can never get enough when you're in the House of God. Night everyone!

Like A Fire, Shut Up in My Bones

Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, it really amazes me how people can blog every single day! Haha, I take very long to construct a single post. Then again, it may just be me lah; being long-winded and all. I totally have to admit, I have been noticing that I like to say the same things in multiple ways.

Disclaimer: This is not a sign of old age, just a personality-thing.

Just came back from street evangelism with Silas and Jared at Toa Payoh Central. I must say, it was a very impromptu decision. Jared, our never-forgotten Captain Underpants, came to the rescue with the resources we needed for street-e. We had the opportunity to share with two guys who were very open and I'm still praying, 'God speak to them and show Yourself real to them'. I believe Salvation isn't far from these boys! Pray with me for them :)

More importantly, God reignited an excitement within me for sharing the Gospel. It really brings about in one, a great joy, to be able to share the awesome gift of salvation! As long as we're fully convinced of this Gospel that saved our own lives, we wouldn't be ashamed or afraid to share it with others!

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes" - Romans 1:16

Even though I started by walking to the streets dragging heavy foot, struggling within my heart, having a pile of things-to-do stacked in my mind, I say with a 100% confidence, I did not regret getting out there. God honours those who chooses to put His things first! Even though every natural circumstances will tell you they are more important, you got to look to God and ask, "What pleases You most?". He'll tell you what will.

Once again, I can't help but shout it out, at the tip of my fingers, "I SERVE AN AWESOME GOD!" And now, He's going to be the best teacher and help me through my tutorial! Till next time:)

- Started pluggin' in to YES93.3FM (WHAAT?!? Yeah, I know right. It's now one of my favourite thing to do)

The Romantic Lord

Happy new year folks! On a random night like this, I made a decision to come on and post on this really old blog. For no particular reason. Maybe, I miss neverleftbehind.

Anyway, it has been a good year so far, speaking for the last 16 days! And I'm sure the rest of this year will continue to be good. Entered this new year with a lot of exciting promises and visions from Above and I'm really excited to see how God will move so ever-sovereignly in my life, my ministry, and my family.

Counting on God, big time!

For the last two Saturdays, The Edge has gone into a 3-part series on Boy Meets Girl and it has been really fun, and insightful at the same time. I must say, I did receive a lot from the past 2 weeks and I never knew that the Bible had such a romantic love story that we can all learn from! Romance, the godly way, you won't go wrong! Haha, I promise you, it'll work out better than silly tips from Teenagae magazine or 8 Days.

During worship yesterday, Joel was leading us in 'Endlessly' by Desperation Band. As we sang this beautiful love song, God's sweet presence was dwelling amidst us. Have you ever thought about this? That God isn't just our Father, Lord, Friend. But He also wants to be our lover. A very very romantic one, He is.

As I worshipped, God reminded me of this: He wants us to know that He's not just some being out there, but a God who is wooing after our very hearts. He is longing for our attention and affection, and desires for us to draw near to Him. He is jealous for the first place in our hearts, He wants nothing less.

A very timely reminder from the Lover himself. Now, my heart hungers for a deeper intimacy with the Lord Himself. To fall in love with the Creator of this universe, romantic!

He pursues us,
Not with twelve roses or a big bouquet of lilies,
but with a field full of daisies and other beautiful petals.
Not with diamond rings or a sapphire stone on chain,
but with the abundant blessings from Him who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
Not with love spelt out on paper or on mail,
but on the big blue sky, He'll paint your favourite sight.
Not with a candlelight dinner accompanied by words of sweetnothings,
But under the canvas of stars, where He makes eternal convenants and promises He'll never break.