I'm 27 today. Approaching late-twenties already...gosh. I thank God for the past 26 years, especially in the past 4 years where He brought me to Him. At times, I feel that I have not achieved much at my age, especially when most of my peers back home have already had a headstart on their career. A secondary school friend have even got a child already! Though I know career shouldn't be the focus of life, but I still feel the desire to go out there to the marketplace. However, I believe whole heartedly that there is a purpose for my extended stay here in UK. My Phd has not been a 'Permanent Head Damage' experience but 'Prayer, Healing and Deliverance'. The journey has been tough at times, because academia isn't my cup of tea. However, I do enjoy brainstorming and being creative in my research.
Am thankful for the birthday greetings I have received. Each one of them is precious. It's funny how there seems to be a special need for attention today, telling people that it's MY birthday, haha. Realise I can actually laugh off my pride and my own foolishness. The other extreme is to keep totally quiet about it and not want anyone to know-disguised pride. Anyways, I will be spending the evening with a brother who has the same birthday and a small group of friends. Not sure if they would enjoy drinking, but I have a bottle of white port wine in my bag, hehe.
Going off to a nice lunch now with a close brother whom I just got encouraged by his desire to know more about God and the bible.
Monday 30 July 2007
Sunday 29 July 2007
Preaching at NCCC
My second 'yearly' sermon at NCCC. God already planted that desire in my heart before I was asked if I would be interested to preach, pretty amazing. Initially when I had that desire, I had the fear that it arose from my pride and felt that it would be too 'thick-skin' to ask if I could preach.
The passage is Ex 19:1-19. My dominant thought was, God pursues us, what is our response?-4Cs, Contemplate on who God is and His promises, Craving for God, Consecrate ourselves, Count the cost. Was confident of the content of the sermon and my greatest challenge in preparation was having the right focus, wanting to be an instrument for God to touch the hearts of the people listening and not for me to give a good performance for myself.
Woke up around 6:30 and I thank God that my focus was already on him, unlike many other mornings. Stayed away from the script the whole morning and simply did my own QT and focused on worshipping Him. Went for a run too. Was quite a rush to get to church because I checked the bus timings pretty late.
There were moments where the enemy cast doubts and fear. I prayed against the deceptions. Was reminded to embrace my humanity, that it's alright to feel anxious. Was reading Phil 3:12-14 and was encouraged when even Paul acknowledged that he have not taken hold of that which he wrote about. I realised it was my own pride in wanting to be perfect and felt that anxiety was wrong-a deception. Before the sermon, I started to become increasing self-conscienous and was distracted by practical stuff such as the projector. During worship, I realised that there wasn't any need to be concerned about anything, not even the sermon. I simply proclaimed that Jesus is Lord because I was preaching about Him.
I believe God used the sermon to speak to people and I am thankful for that. I am thankful that I felt comfortable delivering the sermon and could increasing see myself as an instrument wanting to make a difference. God has been so real and He is forever faithful. Thank you Lord. My prayer now is that people would stay inspired and convicted to deepen their relationship with God and offer more of themselves to Him. Well, it's a daily prayer for everyone of us isn't it :)
The passage is Ex 19:1-19. My dominant thought was, God pursues us, what is our response?-4Cs, Contemplate on who God is and His promises, Craving for God, Consecrate ourselves, Count the cost. Was confident of the content of the sermon and my greatest challenge in preparation was having the right focus, wanting to be an instrument for God to touch the hearts of the people listening and not for me to give a good performance for myself.
Woke up around 6:30 and I thank God that my focus was already on him, unlike many other mornings. Stayed away from the script the whole morning and simply did my own QT and focused on worshipping Him. Went for a run too. Was quite a rush to get to church because I checked the bus timings pretty late.
There were moments where the enemy cast doubts and fear. I prayed against the deceptions. Was reminded to embrace my humanity, that it's alright to feel anxious. Was reading Phil 3:12-14 and was encouraged when even Paul acknowledged that he have not taken hold of that which he wrote about. I realised it was my own pride in wanting to be perfect and felt that anxiety was wrong-a deception. Before the sermon, I started to become increasing self-conscienous and was distracted by practical stuff such as the projector. During worship, I realised that there wasn't any need to be concerned about anything, not even the sermon. I simply proclaimed that Jesus is Lord because I was preaching about Him.
I believe God used the sermon to speak to people and I am thankful for that. I am thankful that I felt comfortable delivering the sermon and could increasing see myself as an instrument wanting to make a difference. God has been so real and He is forever faithful. Thank you Lord. My prayer now is that people would stay inspired and convicted to deepen their relationship with God and offer more of themselves to Him. Well, it's a daily prayer for everyone of us isn't it :)
Saturday 28 July 2007
Mission trip to Portugal
My first mission trip. Was hesitant initially because I am nearing the end of my phd and every month counts in getting those crucial results I need to write up my thesis. But I knew there would be less flexibility when I start work and it's never too high a sacrifice to make for God. Was also going with someone whom have inspired me in my walk with God-Kenny.
The 2 week trip enlightened my heart to experience faith being put into practise. When Kenny took out the guitar and literally started singing in open-air to a group of strangers, I was like 'Wah, this is what it's all about'. I can read a thousand times about God's heart and how I am to make disciples of all nations, but nothing beats really doing it. I do reach out to friends often and talk to strangers about God, but that first open-air preaching was really something-it brought me to higher grounds.
My lack of perseverance in continuing to play the guitar is because my strumming is not as natural as many others and I find it really hard to know how to sing along with the right beats. It's a fact that music is the least of my talents, but that isn't the point is it? When the needs comes and you're the only one around who is able to at least half-decently play the guitar, you do not have to be the best.
There were 6 of us intially (Kenny, Bee Lee, Debbie, Daniel, Trina and myself). Sinli joined us in the middle (late starter and early finisher :p). We worked with 3 local churches in Vizela, Porto and Lisbon. The first two were Evangelical and Bretheren and we helped them in their out-reach mainly through distributing tracks. We learned how to make balloon animals and gave them out to many children. It's not hard. Daniel overcome his initial fear of ballons exploding and got so excited about it at the end where he would keep the pumps and ballons in his bag ready for anything anytime anywhere (sometimes anyhow). Also learned this useful magic trick using a rope and knot which illustrates how Jesus takes away our sins. Realised how important it is to be able to catch people's attention and there are many practical ways in doing so. The schedule was nowhere as hectic as I was initially preparing myself. Spent alot of time fellowshiping with the church and missionaries there. Was able to take afternoon naps (siesta) too! First time I slept in a church-wasn't the usual churches I see with high-tech equipment and nice facilities. It was a room with a pulpit and chairs. Everything has a beginning right?
Portugal is one of the poorer western european country. Food is cheap there. I was really surprised to hear people saying I got thinner when I came back to UK after all that I ate there. The best meal I had was my first lunch there at this local restaurant. They served rice, potatoes, meat, salad, bread, wine for only 3 pounds! You can get a bottle of wine for less than a pound there. We spend many nights fellowshiping with wine, cheese and biscuits. They were valuable times for me to let go, share and be inspired.
I prayed for God to use me to bring someone to Christ whilst on the plane before touching down to Portugal. It didn't happen. The most tangible result of our work there was encouragement to the local churches. As for evangelism, I believe we planted seeds and will pray for God to water them. I personally was greatly encouraged by being able to speak to this lady about the world's suffering and God. I wasn't sure of her previous commitment to God but she mentioned that she is far from God and I got her to read James 4:8 'Come near to God and he will come near to you'. Really thankful that God brought her, someone whom I can communicate with. I struggle with being able to communicate with most people I meet because many of them do not know english, especially in the small towns.
It's very natural to reflect upon the trip and think upon what I have gained out from the trip. Do want to make the deliberate effort to continue to pray for the people in Portugal and I look forward to good news from that land. There is less than 1% of Christians in Portugal and many people are blinded by Catholism.
I thank God for this chance to be a blessing to others and I pray that I would continue to seek to be a blessing to others in the midst of my own weaknesses and struggles.
The 2 week trip enlightened my heart to experience faith being put into practise. When Kenny took out the guitar and literally started singing in open-air to a group of strangers, I was like 'Wah, this is what it's all about'. I can read a thousand times about God's heart and how I am to make disciples of all nations, but nothing beats really doing it. I do reach out to friends often and talk to strangers about God, but that first open-air preaching was really something-it brought me to higher grounds.
My lack of perseverance in continuing to play the guitar is because my strumming is not as natural as many others and I find it really hard to know how to sing along with the right beats. It's a fact that music is the least of my talents, but that isn't the point is it? When the needs comes and you're the only one around who is able to at least half-decently play the guitar, you do not have to be the best.
There were 6 of us intially (Kenny, Bee Lee, Debbie, Daniel, Trina and myself). Sinli joined us in the middle (late starter and early finisher :p). We worked with 3 local churches in Vizela, Porto and Lisbon. The first two were Evangelical and Bretheren and we helped them in their out-reach mainly through distributing tracks. We learned how to make balloon animals and gave them out to many children. It's not hard. Daniel overcome his initial fear of ballons exploding and got so excited about it at the end where he would keep the pumps and ballons in his bag ready for anything anytime anywhere (sometimes anyhow). Also learned this useful magic trick using a rope and knot which illustrates how Jesus takes away our sins. Realised how important it is to be able to catch people's attention and there are many practical ways in doing so. The schedule was nowhere as hectic as I was initially preparing myself. Spent alot of time fellowshiping with the church and missionaries there. Was able to take afternoon naps (siesta) too! First time I slept in a church-wasn't the usual churches I see with high-tech equipment and nice facilities. It was a room with a pulpit and chairs. Everything has a beginning right?
Portugal is one of the poorer western european country. Food is cheap there. I was really surprised to hear people saying I got thinner when I came back to UK after all that I ate there. The best meal I had was my first lunch there at this local restaurant. They served rice, potatoes, meat, salad, bread, wine for only 3 pounds! You can get a bottle of wine for less than a pound there. We spend many nights fellowshiping with wine, cheese and biscuits. They were valuable times for me to let go, share and be inspired.
I prayed for God to use me to bring someone to Christ whilst on the plane before touching down to Portugal. It didn't happen. The most tangible result of our work there was encouragement to the local churches. As for evangelism, I believe we planted seeds and will pray for God to water them. I personally was greatly encouraged by being able to speak to this lady about the world's suffering and God. I wasn't sure of her previous commitment to God but she mentioned that she is far from God and I got her to read James 4:8 'Come near to God and he will come near to you'. Really thankful that God brought her, someone whom I can communicate with. I struggle with being able to communicate with most people I meet because many of them do not know english, especially in the small towns.
It's very natural to reflect upon the trip and think upon what I have gained out from the trip. Do want to make the deliberate effort to continue to pray for the people in Portugal and I look forward to good news from that land. There is less than 1% of Christians in Portugal and many people are blinded by Catholism.
I thank God for this chance to be a blessing to others and I pray that I would continue to seek to be a blessing to others in the midst of my own weaknesses and struggles.
Making a difference
Several weeks ago, I succumbed to Facebook. And though I haven't been very regular on it, it was a shift from my stuborness ever since I resisted Friendster and many more over the years. I didn't thought it was very practical and I was afraid of needing to compare the number of friends I have with others. I passed judgement whenever I hear of people getting to know girls through their friend's network without realising I could well be the pot calling the kettle black.
Well, here I am writing my first blog, another softening of my heart to flow with the culture instead of resisting it. I am doing this for a sole reason, to share how real GOD has been, is and will be in my life and to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of those who reads it.
Above all career aspirations, material goals, I believe seeking to make a difference in the life of others is a calling most worthy of my all-something which will bring me the highest joy, fulfillment and will certainly last beyond anything the world can provide.
Guess it would also remind myself of who God is to me at times in the future when the rubber hits the road as I get further out to the real world. I am excited to journal my journey with God and allow it to be a blessing to others.
My prayer is that God would use this blog for His glory because that is what it's created for. That's what we all are created for.
Well, here I am writing my first blog, another softening of my heart to flow with the culture instead of resisting it. I am doing this for a sole reason, to share how real GOD has been, is and will be in my life and to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of those who reads it.
Above all career aspirations, material goals, I believe seeking to make a difference in the life of others is a calling most worthy of my all-something which will bring me the highest joy, fulfillment and will certainly last beyond anything the world can provide.
Guess it would also remind myself of who God is to me at times in the future when the rubber hits the road as I get further out to the real world. I am excited to journal my journey with God and allow it to be a blessing to others.
My prayer is that God would use this blog for His glory because that is what it's created for. That's what we all are created for.
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