JTH's interview

Thought of sharing this today.

Click here

Joel is one of the worship leaders that have huge influence on me. What draws me to him is because of his raw passion and emotions when he writes and leads.

When I listened to this interview, it really resonates with me. It hit me hard too because sometimes I can relate what he said especially in days when you feel you hit rockbottom. Not a lot of people can recognize what is going on behind the scene but truth is, everyone else is just human as well.

Whether you are a creativity person in the secular field or someone serving in ministry (full time or not), I hope this interview make sense to you.

PS : his middle name is also the same name as me, that's why I can relate?
 
More read : https://relevantmagazine.com/issue-99/198700/

"for you are with us" song story

I think I owe the whole internet world about the story on how the famous "For You are with us" song came about, which I co-wrote with Neil Frenniel.

Quick recap, Neil wrote his side of the story. Well, on my side, it would be quick similar but I try to add some depth to it.

We actually have been bouncing ideas about writing songs together for years. Life and ministry kept us busy till 2016, once I came back KL (after spending 2 years in KK), we had our usual catch up session at myburgerlab Sunway (yes, our usual hangout spot).

After a hearty meal, he told me he has some songs he couldn't finish for years and particularly one song that he felt there's something to it and he asked if I could try to make it work. I said, challenged accepted. Not long after that, I heard his draft and spend some time to workout a chorus and verses that would fit into what he had.

The first verse and pre-chorus was what I received from him that time. Pre-chorus for me was the hook, it's something you cannot run from. It's like the main message or anthem for that melody or song.

The verse 1 and pre-chorus goes like this...

If faith could move a mountain
With faith that's not as tall
Then oh, you mountain move
If faith was all it took
To cross the sea on foot
Then oh, we'll make the move

Pre Chorus :-
We will not be shaken
We will not be moved
We won't be afraid
For You are with us 


One story that hits me immediately when I heard(or read) the first verse and pre-chorus is the story of Peter trying to walk on water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33) and Neil confirmed that the story of Peter is one of the inspiration to this verse and pre-chorus.

Taking all that into consideration and reflection while understanding the theme and the flow of the song, I spend some time to ponder and then try out some lyrics to complement all those.


Next half of the song was written by me, which was the chorus and verse 2. It is a reflection of Hebrews 11, a passage is about faith. It's also a call for response on the message about faith, which I hope it will reflect and complement what Neil wrote in the first half.

Verse 2  
If faith is all we need
To see what can't be seen
Then oh, we'll trust in You
If faith is all it takes
To know His endless grace
We rest our hope in You

Chorus
God above it all
Nothing can compare
To Your Majesty O Lord
Even through our darkest days
We won’t be afraid
For You’re always here
For You are with us

To Neil's credit, he adjusted the chorus a bit by changing some lyrics. Anyway, after writing my part, I bounced that back to Neil and it is his turn to ponder. Not long after that, he feedback that he recorded a demo of it with the OneAccord team then "challenged" me to sing it at FCC. That time, I wasn't ready or even convinced until a few months before 2017's praiseunited, I heard the demo version and then, there's this stir in my heart to do it in FCC Saturday service. Long story short, did it and the response of the congregation really impressed on me that God is doing something through this song.


In fact, we had an opportunity to sing this song together in 2017's praiseunited. Here's the footage :-

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:01am PDT

Watching all the worship videos in both FCC and ENC encouraged me in many ways. Firstly, I just knew in my heart that God is using this song to minister to people especially in the area of trusting Him.

Secondly, it feels like an anthem for each of our churches because sometimes life can be tough and unpredictable, but knowing God is in control can be a real encouraging thought.

I just love how Psalms is written -- in the place of joy and trouble, the Psalmist choose to rejoice and trust in God.  

Psalm 62:1-2 - ^"I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken".

Here's some trivia part of the song :- I actually was invited to witness the post-production side of the song at the studio, after they recorded it live at their church. During that process, I joined the other OneAccord members in adding our vocals as layers for the live recording. So, that means, there's a small small small percentage of my voice in the recording, basically I am like "in the crowd" singing. Hahaha.

Alright, that's basically the story and I hope you have been blessed by this song. If you haven't, well, here's some facts for you to search, the song is featured in One Accord's "Forgiven seas" worship album, which you can purchase or stream at :-

bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUs
bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUsSpotify

And here's the Youtube music video of it...



Here are the previous articles I wrote which highlights that song too :-
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/02/for-you-are-with-us-neils-story.html
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/01/more-for-you-are-with-us-testimony.html

Moving forward, well, Neil and I have written a few more songs together.. but let's see if any of those will be out like this song.

Anyway, thank you for reading this and God bless!

Station of the Cross

The station of the Cross.

What is amazing about this painting is that we at STPC painted it together during our spiritual retreat, using our thumbprints. It was wonderful that recently they brought it out again on the Holy Week to help in our reflection about Jesus’ journey to the Cross.


I love how my lecturer Dr James Harding pointed out that the painting seems to have a huge dot there. Although it represent the tomb, we can look at it as though it's a huge "fullstop". Many thought life ends just like that, like a huge "fullstop". But Jesus is works beyond that "fullstop" - He conquered death. That's where we celebrate that resurrection on Sunday.




May this Holy weekend brings us deeper in our walk with Him.

✝️ = ❤️

"for you are with us" -- ENCM x FCC

A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on Sep 10, 2017 at 8:28pm PDT

I guess this is what church is all about, what is worship is all about -- declaring how great is our God together!

And also, a taste of how amazing doing co-writing.

This song was written with my best bud Neil (of RELENT). There's a lot of amazing stories tied to this composition and to see this happen is a blessing to me.

I believe the song very much reflects our heart that whatever happens, we can trust in God who is with us through every season.

It's a blessing to see how both churches able to bring out the message of the song, so kudos to ya all!

So honored to know how this song is being impactful. I can't wait to hear and watch their live recording mix of the song as ENCM did a full recording of it recently (thus the footage here).
Meanwhile, may God continue to use this gift I have for His kingdom.
All glory to God!

Captain

It was one of those days when I have a battle within myself about life. After lunch, I was led to read Hebrews 6:19 -- "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain"

During youth fellowship activity today, they sang "Captain" by Hillsong United which actually anchors on this verse and also referenced to the story from Mark 4:35-41. I see that as an assurance from God.

How many times we choose to "abandon ship" when storms of life hits us, without thinking that Jesus is the captain of the ship who will take us through those storms.

I am learning to trust that captain...

foundation

One of the things i realized about toy models is that they have platform or foundation which they can stand on. It's good to know that whatever position or however you placed them, they will not fall down or worse (for more fragile ones), broken.

This toy model (or illustration) reminds that the foundation of our life should be God's word. Whenever storms of life or earthquakes of life happens, we will not be shaken because God's word is our foundation.

Luke 6:46-49. To understand Jesus' question -- Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what i say?" -- is to search our hearts to know whose principal or word are we living out.

Our own or God's?

#sermonrecap : Matthew 16:13-20

Here’s a story, also mentioned in Mark 8:27–30 and Luke 9:18–20 but Matthew has more details.

after His busyness of ministry (feeding and debating with Pharisees), Jesus was chilling out with his disciples and as they are walking in Caesarea Philippi which is as pagan territory, Jesus asked a question that caught everyone by surprise.

The response is quite interesting.

It's important to know the truth. Verse 14 shows their answer was based off what they hear or perhaps they have a sense of fear. Unconvinced, Jesus asked again and this time, Simon answered boldly, in Matthew 16:16 -- "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Now the confession of Jesus as Christ the Son of living God speaks that Jesus is King to Peter and in other gospels, it shows that Peter acknowledge Him as the Messiah. It also revealed the divinity of Jesus – “son of God”

He was convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the coming king who would miraculously heal the people and drive out the oppressors in the land.

The confession of Peter is very crucial for the foundation of the church, which based on the truth of Jesus.

The declaration of Simon about Jesus affirms that church shall be built on that declaration as the foundation of truth. That is why Simon is then given the name PETER means “the rock”. And this rock, Jesus says He will build his church. Jesus is not exalting Peter but rather, declaring into the spiritual realm that the ministry of Jesus and the extension of His kingdom anchor on these words.

This is important, to say that Christ was going to build his church on that foundation so that every doctrine, teaching, writing, organizing is Christ-centred.

It’s important for us to understand that because these days people can say all sort of things on how to run a church. But at the end of the day, it needs to be Jesus way where He is center of it all, He is the foundation of the truth. Jesus foretold it in Matthew 7 that following God’s word is like building a firm foundation.

From foundation of church, Jesus goes on to say that keys to the kingdom of heaven will be given.

We can relate keys to “unlocking” or “opening”, meaning that you have the power of access (eg house, things, car). Hence, in the Bible, a key is used as a symbol of power and authority. The kingdom of heaven here means, doubtless, the church on earth. When the Saviour says, therefore, he will give to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, he means that he will make him the instrument of opening the door of faith to the world the first to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. In short, the declaration of Peter has the honor of first opening the doors of the gospel to the world.

Then what Jesus means about “bind” and “loose”? The phrase "to bind" and "to loose" was often used by the Jews as “to prohibit” and “to permit”. Simply say that whatever we hold back, will be reflected in the spiritual atmosphere. Same thing as well when comes to releasing the gospel and blessings.

Finally, Jesus safeguards the method of the kingdom by forbidding publicity (v. 20). Jesus was not trying to keep the message quiet, or his identity a secret. He was refusing to bow to the demands of the people to declare himself with a sign. He wanted people to come to faith in Him as Peter and the disciples had done, through the response of faith to the revelation. He wanted to make sure that they would come to Him by faith, and not because of messianic zeal without true repentance. And He wanted to ensure that the steady progress to the cross would not be hindered by full disclosure. After the resurrection there would be complete proclamation to the world.

But at the end of the day, we need to go back to the basic question : when Jesus ask the question “who do you say I am”, it’s question that test the truth.

Know the TRUTH for it is the foundation of unlocking the kingdom of heaven on Earth

Good Friday 2016

Lead me to the Cross where Your love poured out..

More pictures at FCC FB

live your song

Always my inspiration. what a sharing. Thanks Jon Foreman.

Psalm 103:15-19

“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” -- Psalm 103:15-19

Parts of this morning's devotion reminded me to appreciate and give thanks for the life that is given by God. 

And also, I was reminded of the beautiful scenery in Desa which i visited recently. 

7th Feb thoughts

From my morning devotion, by Nicky Gumbel's "bible in one year"

#RIPbishopvun

Got this picture off one of my whatsapp group. One of the memorable quotes in his last sermon on earth. 

That quote really struck me till now

Glorious Ruins -- EASTER 2014 cover

How's the weekend for you guys? how's Easter for you?

Hope you have a meaningful Easter so far. I myself having a tiring but an awesome Sunday.

As promised, as previewed, as mentioned.. here's this year's Easter cover from me. First video from the land of Sabah! :D

Glad to be able to work with my awesome mate Sam Vun (nonsensei production) and also a talented pianist Deborah Ho for this video. Thanks for your time and effort to make this cover happened!

I guess it's fitting that as we are nearing the end of the day, it's good to reflect the message of the Cross and know that because of Him, we have a hope that last for eternity.

To quote Hillsong's devotional material for this song --
"The prophetic message of Isaiah 61 promises a future hope. Just as the ashes, symbolic of mourning and loss, are transformed into a crown of beauty, God works our struggles into beautiful stories of good triumphant over evil. When we are shattered, God lovingly restores our lives, putting our brokenness together again. When the harsh desert sun beats down, we find shelter in God’s protective span."

This song is one of my favourite recent Hillsong track. Hope you all will enjoy that cover and be encouraged.. well.. feel free to leave your comments and if you like me to do more covers, let me know too!!

Also, feel free to share this video around!

cheers. much love!

starfish

ah, the famous "starfish" story on animation.

moral of story : be encouraged to make a difference in the world :)

life's a puzzle

For His glory

Sharing from what I learn this morning's reading and devotion. That is Joshua 7

One thing I learn after reading and reflecting that story is that we should be chasing God's glory, not the world's glory.

A bit of the background story... Joshua was fighting a new war, after conquering Jericho. He was about to attack the city of Ai. I was told that city is a much much smaller city than Jericho. (Ironically it sounds Ai.. in Asian culture, it sounds like small).
When attacking, the army lost terribly and Joshua came before the Lord to seek Him. You gotta understand their feelings... imagine your favourite football team, a giant lost to a small time football club.. there must be something wrong some where.

The Lord revealed the reason to Him. And Joshua went out looking for it...

He approach the camp and question everyone... when he came to Achan, he said something that really struck me.

"My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me"

Achan then showed Joshua what he stolen from enemies' camp -- beautiful robe, gold, silver -- which was quite symbolic for me.

If you read further, Achan suffered terribly for his disobedience.

Now come back why I said it was symbolic, as Joshua said we must give glory to God.. be after His glory. But then, Achan chose to take the world's glory -- represented by robe, gold, silver.

Apply it to our lives.

When we live our lives, when we serve God, the key thing is to give God all the glory and honor He truly deserves.

Problem is some of us tend to be like Achan. Not faithful in our walk with God as it reflected in verse 1 - "But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things" and being tempted by the things of the world.

Be always on guard and check our hearts/attitude when we serve God. Or else it will be a big stumbling block to us or even the ministry or people around us.

It's just amazing God knows what is in our heart so no point hiding our motives from Him, just like Achan tried to hide his prize from everyone.

So be always after God's heart.. live to honor and glorify His name.

Go after His glory, not after the world's glory.

this city I love

This might be one of the most honest post I typed..

Ya, I was saying that I met Kelvin from 1am ministry and we discussed a lot of things. Basically about partnership and see how we can work together in reaching to the community with creativity that is given to us by God.

I learn a lot from him, he has lots of good points. We even shared our passion and encouraged one another in our ministry, be it music or social work.

I thank God for the chance to sit down and talk with him. As tired I can be that time, furthermore there's lots of things we discussed that I need to digest, I was reminded of my calling and why I serving Him full time.

Now before that, let me bring some FAQ, thanks the discussion that triggered me to do so..

A lot of people questioned me why work full time, why work at KL (not Ipoh or Sabah), why doing what you doing right now...

One by one, here we go -- in my church FCC, there might be tendency that some might be send to Sabah etc. So some asked why I don't want to work there. But honestly, since day one I entered full time, I was sure as crystal clear that my heart is here at the West Malaysia. For me, there's so much I want to do and give back to the West. No offense, I think Sabah has lots of resources and a lot of people responding there (though I might into a little trouble for saying this.. haha..) but seriously, here are the West, there's a need for young people to rise up and make a difference.

Oh, to another question that's little similar to that, if I ever return to Ipoh, just say if God calls me to return, I will do so BUT right now, I don't think it's the time yet and I don't think He wants me yet. Just wait the Boss up there in heaven says so...basically what i am trying to say is if He wants me to be here, I be here.. if somewhere in the east, I be there, or north or south.. yes, sounds like "send me I will go".. if He convicts my heart...

Right now, right now, I'll be around KL because there's so much to do in this modern jungle...

After few years working, it became clear and I searched my heart each year, and yes, the call is still the same. I should make a difference here. I believe God has a reason for me to be here. Every year I praying for open doors and now I can see some are being open. Well, it's about God's timing at the end of the day. Really.

One thing Kelvin mentioned that struck me is "mission field not necessary must be outstation"..

It's true. Many think if we go outstation, get 'disconnected' from modern techs, get hands dirty with no clean water/food then after few months come back -- it's mission! But it's actually more than that... it's really a difference picture altogether. There are many mission field out there waiting to be explored.. no wonder Jesus said "the harvest are plentiful but the workers are few.." (Matthew 9:37)

Acts 1 is interesting and reflects what I want to say. Acts 1:8 says "but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." We are called to impact those around us.. make it simple.. those close to us(Jerusalem), then bigger crowd of community and nation (Judea and Samaria) and then the world.

So what is your mission field? It may be a particular country, a particular city, or even your office and classroom.

There's lots we can do for God especially our community. God's heart is always for the people. If we love God, we gotta get His heartbeat.. and His heartbeat is for His people. It's like any loving relationship -- if "someone-we-love" loves Man United, I am sure you will support Man United too..

Our relationship with God is not just the horizontal relationship, but the vertical.

I hope all of us can search our hearts and see where our mission field is.

Bluetree/Chris Tomlin's song said it well -- "greater things that yet to come, greater things still to be done in this city"

That's why I thank God for my conversation with Kelvin because it reminds me of what I am doing, my calling, my passion.

To end, I just want to do something unusual, instead using that Chris Tomlin song, I just want to be radical by using this mainstream song by Patrick Stump. Okay, lyrics-wise doesn't sounds "sound" or right but I like chorus that says..

"This city is my city and I love it, Yeah, I love it..I was born and raised here.. I got it made here..And if I have my way I'm gonna stay.."

I want to love what and where God planted in my heart. Despite the rubbish this city have, I want make a difference here.. I want to.. well.. seeking God for His directions =)

How He loves

660th post..

This morning I made a simple prayer before I left home. And as I entered the office, I received an angpau. I didn't know how significant is that packet until I open it... I couldn't believe my eyes honestly. If I know what was in it, I would thank that person endlessly..

It reflects Matthew 7:7-12. I was listening to this preacher last night at the BM revival meeting last night, he mentioned this verse and it struck me like a rhema word. It moved my heart to know that no matter who we are, as God's children, our Father loves us so much.

Lately, perhaps in quiet and slow pace life in CNY mood, I been reflecting my life a little. But Matthew 7 reminds me of God's love for me and everyone. All we need to do is to be ask, seek and knock on His door..... keep on pursuing His love.

What struck me again this verse was verse 9-11

⁹ “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

My heart was touched this morning as I received from Him and reminded of His love again and again..

Lord, I will keep praying and seeking Your heart as You lead me on..

O how He loves us all =')

Saw this status just now on FB :- "Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door "

Amen.

prepare

"you better watch out, you better not cry, you better be nice I am telling you why..."

That's what the world sing...

So what will you do if you know Santa is coming tonight?

I asked this to my WT members recently. There were quite some fun answers.. putting stockings and mouse traps were some of the answers.

Now, what if Jesus comes tonight? Are we prepared?

Was doing devotion from Malachi 3. One of the key message there is preparing. God was conveying the message to the people to prepare their hearts and get their lifestyle/giving right as the coming of the Lord approaches.

Like any normal chores, preparing always key to anything. No preparation no good outcome. Simple eh.

Advent season is all about the coming of Christ.

So are we prepare to receive Him?

"Joy to the world.. the Lord is come.. let earth receive her King
let every heart prepare Him room.. " -- Joy to the World

inspired to inspire

Recently I led devotion before worship team practice, I was sharing from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

It is amazing to read about Paul's journey and ministry that goes around spreading God's love but he did it out of love for God and His people.

There were lots of encouraging verses there but let me highlight verse 8 that says :-".. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.."

Our lives is such a loud testimony.. isn't it?

Earlier I posted a FB status :- we inspire each other somehow. In our Christian walk, yes we do inspire one other somehow... not just words but also our action and love.

What I am today, I believe, is because of friends, elders, church leaders who guided me over the years.. who encouraged me, play with me, hanged out with me, pray for me, scold me, bless me.

I believe that in some ways, someone out there else is inspired by our lives as much as we are inspired.

What is our Thessalonica? Are we being a blessing to our community?

So yes, be a good inspiration and blessing to everyone!