Hold My Hands Tightly

It's 4 a.m. now and I just couldn't sleep. My mind is just restless and I can't stop asking God for advice for a certain dilemma I have. I prayed desperately that I would hold on to God no matter what; that he would guide me through. Suddenly a thought came to my mind.

Most of the time when I face difficulties, I would pray that I will hold on tight to God and that I would not let go of Him. But, I realized that most of the time, I failed to hold on to Him as tightly as I would have expected. A thought popped into my mind and I realized that I needed to ask God to hold me tightly in times of trouble. (Of course, I agree 100% that we need to hold on tightly to God at all times. Just that for this particular situation of mine this time, I needed to know that He is there to hold my hands.) When I try to hold on tightly onto God,there are times where I failed (well,most of the time). I don't know how tightly I could hang on to Him. But one thing that I'm sure of; is that when God holds my hand, He will NEVER let go of me; even when there are times that I may feel like letting go.I'm assured that He will keep holding me in His hands, and that I will never stray far from Him.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus ou Lord." (Romans 8: 38-39)

Take upon HIS Yoke

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 29-30)

Jesus said, " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Indeed in this world today, we are troubled by many things in life. What to eat, what to wear, exams, work, love, etc. Sometimes these things give us so much pressure and burden that we feel like we couldn't walk a step further.

Lately, exams have been bugging me a lot. Exams never really did gave me that much pressure in the past before but after my first failed paper last semester, I've got a fear of failing again. Failing wouldn't give me that much pressure if I didn't know that if I couldn't finish all my papers by my final semester, I would need to wait for a year before I could proceed further. This means I would have wasted a year if I failed by next semester. I got no margin for error. That's why, I've been the most stressed this semester on exams. Plus, I've to handle all my internship things for next semester, which are not going as smoothly as I thought.

Yesterday night, I just couldn't study anymore. I've been forcing myself to study but nothing was going in. I turned to God and asked Him what to do and the verse Matthew 11: 26 which talks about rest for the weary was the topic for devotion. Take His yoke upon my shoulders for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I sensed as if God is telling me to do my best, but the rest leave it to Him. Do no be burden by the things in life, but whatever it is, focus on Him and He will bring me through. Amen.

Spreading like wildFIRE...

I'm sure a lot of us have heard about the news about churches being set on fire in Kuala Lumpur. One of it is even my friend's church. Because of these incidents, there have been rumors about the issue of the protest of the term "ALLAH" being used by non- Muslims being connected to these string of events, and the rumors are spreading like wildfire.

At first I didn't want to talk much about it but seeing how some of my brothers and sisters in Christ around are reacting, I think that I need to post this up as an encouragement and also a reminder as well. Of course, I'm imperfect and will definitely be wrong. These are just the thoughts running through my mind during all that has happened recently, and I really pray that I will be wise in my words; not just simply saying things that will do more harm than good.

The moment I first heard about this news, I was heart- broken. A deep grief just somehow came over me as I see the pictures of Metro Tabernacle after the fire. People around me have reacted in different ways. Some panicked, some feel sad, some were angry and some are afraid of what might happen to us.

With all the rumors circulating, especially the one that direct attention to our Muslim neighbours in this country, it is important for us to be very careful not put salt to the wound and cause more unnecessary conflicts because of our rash words. No matter how likely the rumor may seem to be connected, the culprits are still yet to be identified. If we were to start accusing already, what example are we setting? Even if we find out who the culprits are, let's not respond with hate but with love. We are humans, so it's natural for us to be angry, but in our anger do not sin.

James 1: 19- 20 says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." So, as Christians in this time of distress, it is very important that we focus on the right things and not the wrong ones; to guard our tongues and not give in to the temptation to accuse or to express our anger in the wrong way. I'm seriously afraid of the incident of a Christian going around spreading rumors that may or may not be true, but definitely harmful for all, especially our peaceful country.

Satan is always trying to get a foothold on us, in one way or another. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us focus on God and the life that God wants us to live. I really pray that as God's ambassadors on Earth, we will stand out for God and to stand firm on our foundation in Jesus Christ. Standing up for God doesn't mean that we fight in the way the world does. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6: 12)

Let us pray that all of us will put on the full armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, we will be able to to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, TO STAND. (taken from Ephesians 6: 13) God bless all of us in this time of trouble. And when we pray for God to protect us, let us pray in faith and adoration for God, not with doubt in our hearts and fear following us everywhere we go.

CONGRATS TO SER YOUNG & RACHEL!!!

Today is both my friends' wedding day(well,it's actually yesterday now since it's past 12). Ser young and Rachel were united in Holy Matrimony today at Klang Gospel Hall and oh what a marvelous event it was. The marriage of two individuals that is blessed by God Himself. I'm sure it was one of the most amazing moments if not THE most amazing moment of their lives. A beginning of a new CHAPTER in LIFE!

May GOD bless both of you with His UNFAILING LOVE as He guides you to a new world with new beginnings that are filled with His wonderful PROMISES.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self- seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Cor 13: 4-7)

A New Year Has Come

Year 2009 is gone and 2010 has come. The past year had been a great one for me. I've been through ups and I've been through downs. I've known some really good friends and went through hardships with them. I'm really thankful to God for the past year that I've experienced. It really helped me grow.

My church had a Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve and Uncle Chan talked on Revelation 3, about the Church in Laodecia. It says in verse 15- 16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth." This passage was really a wake up call for me. Throughout the past year, I've grown in the Lord and experienced Him in the most amazing way, but slowly I've realized that my walk with God lately is not as close as it used to be. Without me realizing it, I've lost my FIRE for God and became LUKEWARM. Being lukewarm is like having enough CHRIST in you that you can't enjoy the WORLD, and also having enough WORLD in you can't fully enjoy CHRIST. I have just enough Christ in me that I do things a Christian ought to do, but I also have enough "world" in me that I can't seem to have a proper relationship with God.

The message shared by Uncle Chan really was a necessary one especially as I face the coming new year. I reminded me to not be too comfortable in the place that I am now, because that's what a lukewarm Christian does, to be COMFORTABLE. God said, "I wish you were one or the other." If I'm cold in my walk with God, at least I would have realized it and be able to strive harder. But even better, God would rather I become HOT for Him! What God doesn't want is me being LUKEWARM because when I get to comfortable, I would slowly stray away from God without me even realizing it, until it' too late.

I've never been a guy who really makes new year resolution, but if there is one thing I want to put my resolve in this year, I wish it would be my walk with God. I do not know whether I could do it alone, but God tells me that I'm not alone and that He is there for me every step of the way. A new year full of PROMISES from GOD. This year's definitely gonna be an amazing journey all over again!!

BLESSED NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!! GOD BLESS US AS WE TAKE ON THE CHALLENGES AHEAD, EQUIPPED WITH HIS STRENGTH!!!

CRASH

Went to watch Salibandy's final match today at the UM Sports Plaza. My roommate, Ricky, has been asking me for weeks to go and see them play. So, I thought today would be a good day since it's their last match and Kel Vin is driving me and Kelsern there.

I was sleeping the whole way there. On the way there, just when we were about to reach, I felt the car braking abruptly. I felt a 'crack' on my chest from the seat belt & a slight 'snap' on my right leg before we crashed into the car in front of us. We were so close! The sports plaza was just around the corner and we had to crash right in front of it. Kel Vin actually overshot the junction to the plaza and didn't notice the car in front that suddenly braked.

I panicked as i felt a sharp pain on my chest. Alice, Alvin & Ricky who were at the plaza rushed to the scene and I was later brought to UM Medical Centre for a check up by Song Sing and Edwin. I felt that I injured my left leg again, most probably a slight fracture; not as serious as last time. Didn't bothered to tell the doctor or ask for a check up since they can't do much about since I have a titanium rod in that bone. I was more worried of my chest pain. I thought i may have broken a rib or so. I was praying that it wasn't so serious. After the X- ray came out, I was really relieved that there was no broken bones. THANK GOD!! Most probably I bruised the area around my sternum (the piece of bone in the middle of the chest), the area where the ribs meet in the middle of the chest.

It's seemed a bit pathetic that I would get injured and have to go to the medical centre when I was at the back seat while Kel Vin & Kelsern were perfectly fine in the front. Though the car was in quite a bad shape, it wasn't actually a very serious crash. A thought of my injury reminded me of when my friend asked me why I didn't ask God to heal my of my brittle bones. All this while I never really asked God to heal my disease. Sadly, but also wonderfully, I know that this is the purpose God has in me. That was why I never really asked for healing. This accident this time, really tempted me to doubt and to want something that I don't think is HIS will, but HE quickly reminded me that He will provide for me and will protect me despite my weaknesses.

Praise the Lord that I wasn't hurt badly. Can't really move around that much now, but it could have been worse. Felt bad for not being able to go and support Salibandy in their final match. Glad to hear that they did very well though. Thank those who were concerned about me as well, Really appreciate it...

May His will continue to work in my life through my weaknesses!

Christmas Fiesta 2009

Just attended the Christmas Fiesta organized by the Selangor State Government yesterday (06.12.09). It was the first Christmas event organized by the State Government and really praise God as the State Government actually organized with the help of over 18 churches in Klang. (Well, the churches were the ones planning for most of the event.) It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to share the gospel and minister to so many people. All the churches involved really worked hard to prepare a performance each to be presented on that day. Many other churches from other places came to support as well.

The event started at 5.00 p.m. We prayed for good weather on that day and it seemed very promising when we went there at around 6.30. However, once we arrived, we noticed dark clouds gathering and winds started to pick up. By 7.30, the clouds were SO dark that it seemed that it will definitely be pouring cats & dogs. The crews over there even started covering the amps to protect them from the rain. I was thinking to myself, "We seriously need God's miracle for it not to rain soon." I was sure a lot of the Christians there were praying very hard for it not to pour all out on us. I know I was desperately praying for a miracle.

Then it started to drizzle. My worst fear is happening! Nevertheless I kept praying. Without me noticing it, the drizzle started to stop and it seemed that we can continue without rain. PRAISE GOD!! I'm sure many people's prayers were answered that night. Well, my church; Bethany Chapel; in collaboration with another church; Shekinah Glory; presented a choir piece titled "Christmastime Medley" and we enjoyed ourselves there very much. Local artistes like Liang and Juwita Suwito was there as well. Thank God that the churches that collaborated insisted on choosing only Christian artistes. There were many other great performances as well. One that really spiced up the whole event was a spectacular violin performance by a young lady.

Really thank God for making this possible despite all the challenges faced by the churches, the members and the church leaders. Praise God that it was even possible that I was able to make it. Just the night before, I came down with a very bad case of diarrhea and nausea. It was so bad that I even missed Sunday service. It wasn't until 7-8 times of going to the bathroom & sleeping for practically the whole day that I felt better at 4pm. So, I really thank God for making all these happen. The MBs (Menteri Besar) that attended event even sang a Christmas carol together with everyone. I pray that many were blessed that night, especially those who haven't known about Jesus Christ yet.

"....your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6: 10)