Thursday, April 05, 2007
The Greatest Miracle
As Jesus was being crucified on the cross, there are so many things that God could do to get Jesus down from the cross. But why didn't He? Was God not able to perform any miracle for that few hours? Actually, God did the greatest miracle by not doing any miracle at all. God could have taken Jesus down with a snap of his finger or maybe kill all the Roman soldiers before they could nail Jesus on the cross.
The Christian faith will be totally different if God had done all those miracles. The main reason God allowed His beloved son to be nailed on the cross is because He love each and everyone of us. Through Jesus' death on the cross, not only our sins are forgiven, the bridge between us and God has also been restored.
As for Jesus, He was willing to take all the burdens upon His shoulder so that we can be united with God. Jesus showed nothing less than 100% of His love to us by dying for us on the cross. He endured all the cruel lashes of whipping and humiliation just so that we need not pay for the penalty of our sins which is eternal death. I would say, there is no other sacrifice like this.
Thank you Jesus for all that You've accomplished on the cross for me.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Great cookies for all!!
Hi people.. This is suppose to be the Famous Amos recipe. I've tried it and it taste great. Well, you might want to half the recipe. Following exactly what is written below can make 'tons' of cookies. If you are a chocolate lover, don't think anymore. Just try them. You will love them. Have fun!!
2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups brown sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal (measure oatmeal & blend in blender to a fine powder
24 oz. chocolate chips
1 tsp. salt
18 oz. Cadbury bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)
2 tsp. vanilla
Cream the butter and both sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
Add chocolate chips, Cadbury bar and nuts.
Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.
Makes 122 cookies..
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Why or What?
What an irony.. That verse from the bible is definitely true and I believe many of you will agree. Pondering upon that verse, I looked back at my own life and how true, it applies to me. Good news followed by bad news. Even good deeds might end up with horrible return. All those doesn't sound nice to any human ear but that's just how God works in the lives of certain people.
God is a sovereign God whereby He is in control over everything, good or bad. When the good happens to us, we might give thanks to Him but often He's not the first we say thanks. Then when bad things happen, we ask God why this why that.. Maybe asking God why isn't the correct question.
Suppose that God showed us the reasons why He allowed the bad things to happen, would it have satisfied us? Probably not. A man by the name of Cecil Murphey gave this example. After he was married, he kept asking his wife "Why do you fry eggs that way?", "Why do you put garlic in the salad?", etc... One day, as he was asking his wife questions like these, his wife turn off the stove and sat next to him. She asked him, "When you ask me why, I feel like you're really saying I shouldn't do it that way. Is that what you're doing?" Cecil was shocked by the question from his wife. He couldn't deny that what his wife said was true. All these while the only cooking he has tasted is his mum's cooking, and his wife did things differently. He then realize that when he asked those why questions, he was actually telling her not to do it that way.
From that example, I believe when we ask God the why question, we are not wanting the information. It won't make us feel any better if God had really told us why. Its more like we're not bold enough to tell God that we knew a better way to do things. Maybe the better question would be "What is going on?"
After all, we might have to look inward first before charging God with our uncaring tone. Self-examination is what I mean. If we really mean serious business with God, it pushes us to question our motives and to ponder what we really want. One mirror won't be enough to look at our whole image, we need to stand in between two mirrors, that is when we see the parts of ourselves that we don't like to view.
Instead of the mean, uncaring tone we sometimes charge God with, is it just possible that this may be the most tender and kind method of showing us who we really are so that we can become more of who God wants us to be?
Are we at that level of boldness??
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Find Rest in God
Don't think I will be telling about the CNY week cause I don't know where to start and where to end. Basically it was a hectic week for me. After all that, things changed when I was in church today.
When I went church today after that crazy and tiring week, I felt the feeling of peace and warmness in me. I felt as if my 'spiritual being' was lying down on a bed, resting comfortably. It was then that I realized I was in the presence of God. He knows what I need after a tough week and He gave me without me asking Him. What a great God I believe in! God is just simply wonderful. He knows what is best for us and He provides in His correct timing.
Despite all the things in life, learn to take rest in God's embracing arms. He gives comfort like no other. God is Great!!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Under Siege...
The past Sunday was Communion Sunday in my church. As usual, we had the 'bread' and grape juice and also reading from the Methodist Hymnal. There was nothing different I did during communion but there were a few words that kept me thinking non-stop till this very second.
' We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we form time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us.'
These two sentences are not new to me for I've read them for years. I could even recite them without looking at the hymnal. These words finally struck me like the stone that struck Goliath.
Some of you might know that how dark my past was when I was in primary Chinese school and lower secondary. Well, the good thing is I have changed. But what happens when the past comes to present? I have never thought how to handle it because I never thought it would come back and haunt me ever again!
All these 'fiery arrows' are shooting at me and I'm finding it hard to resist them. I might have taken some of those shots lately but I am still able to pull them out. But no matter what the wounds are there! It is hard to nurse the wounds and resist the arrows at the same time! My castle is under great siege! (I put it this way because it is very hard to explain, just hope that you guys can understand from this.)
Have I not sincerely confess my past to the Lord? I dunno. So my friends, remember when you confess, make sure it's from the bottom of your heart, make sure you mean what you confess. If not, you'll end up in a dilemma like me......
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Year 2006 at a glimpse
January - June
1. Started the year with Jeremiah School - super COOL!!
2. Followed by MYF local retreat - good fellowship
3. Had no problem in deciding what to do after I got my SPM results - Form 6
4. The highest moment in my life - Myanmar Mission Trip - Amazing time!!!
July - November
1. 'Rain' fell on the wrong time..
2. 'Sun' came up on the wrong day..
3. 'Wind' blew only to cause disaster...
4. 'Earth' shook to bring things down...
(Not sharing here what I went through.. But I guess you can know how I felt...)
December
1. Youth Quake 2006 - exciting and wonderful!! (one person saved for the Lord)
2. Christmas preparation - tiring but fun at the same time...
3. All the Christmas programs - MYF Christmas Party, Caroling, Christmas Day. - everything was good!!
Well I guess now I can understand what it means by life's like a roller coaster. God started off my year by throwing me up high. Then, He brought me down, sinking like an anchor into the ocean deep. Lastly, He found me and lifted me up like a soaring eagle.
At certain times of the year I may have doubt God's power and His presence but in the end He made me realize that He is still in control. Forgive me Lord for all the things I've done that doesn't please You. Teach and correct me of my mistakes so that I may be presented before You as a holy sacrifice. Thank You Lord for all the wonderful time we share together. My paths are made straight because You were there by my side.
All praise and glory be to God...
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Has Christmas just passed?
I don't think I ever did spend some serious moments with God on Christmas day. Christmas day is when He sent His son, Jesus to us. No one else could have given me such a wonderful gift. After all many people these days don't give presents out of love anymore. But He gave this miraculous gift to us out of love. That love didn't last only for a day. It lasted till today and it will be for eternity.
Such amazing love He has poured out for me and yet all I did on Christmas was play the guitar in the morning service? How can this be?? My friends can never show me so much love and care but I can spend a few hours with them to celebrate their birthday??
This just doesn't make sense to me at the moment. I can't say for definite that all I did during the Christmas season were for Him. Did I do all that to prove that I'm a capable person?? Am I proving that I can handle many things at the same time and doing it well?? Or am I really doing all that for Him?? I can't give you an answer. Or maybe I'm ashame of giving you the real answer. Sigh..
Lord.. Forgive me if my intentions were wrong. I deeply regret them..
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A Life Reformed
Once a still water, now a raging sea...
Once a breeze, now a storm...
That is exactly how I'm feeling right now. The only thing when talking to God now is thanking Him for a wonderful week that He has given me. God has turned me around not only 180 degrees, but He turned me again and again. Its like when you dip a marshmellow into the chocolate dip and you turn it again and again. Wonderful!!
All the deepest desire in my heart He has fulfilled in just 4 days. I saw His mighty hand reaching down to me when I couldn't even feel His slightest touch. He used me as an instrument to bring someone to Him. That guy was the first person I've brought to Christ and that was my deepest desire in my heart. Many more wonderful things that happened that I dunno how to write it down.
I really desire that God will continue to use me to extend His kingdom. All glory and thanks to the Lord!!! :)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
A Suprise in KL
This entry is not to tell you guys bout what I bought of did in mid valley. Its about someone I met in Sunway Pyramid yesterday..
As i was walking with my sis looking for Christmas presents, we stopped by a stall near the escalator. The woman at the stall began to talk to us saying this thing is how much that is how much. As she was talking, the slang of her english was very familiar. It sounded so much like a Myanmeese speaking english. For those who dunno, I went Myanmar before. So, I asked my sis to ask her where's she from cause I was eager to find out. She said she was from Myanmar. Hah!! Like I expected. Without any delay, i greeted her 'minggalabar'(greetings in Burmeese). She was so happy and she replied 'chezu tempade'(thank you in Burmeese). I think she never expected someone to greet her in her mother tongue. She just kept smiling as my sis was paying. After that we continue jalan-jalan.
Honestly I was excited when I found out she's a Myanmeese. It's like meeting a family member. I myself din expect to meet a Myanmeese and talk to one in Malaysia. All the memories when my time in Myanmar just flashes back. I really miss that place very much. I told myself earlier that one day I will definitely return to the country I loved so much. And I know that one day will come.
Well I gotta take my shower now then off to bed. Its a long and tiring day for me. Adieu!!!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Flow of Life
Times have changed where things just flow swiftly like the river. Rocks and stones have emerged to give a little twist and turn to the flow. No one or anything should be blamed for this is just part of life.
Although things might have changed but I am still glad that God is in control. He is like the water in the river. Smoothing all rocks and stones in our path. Through every rock and stone we bumped into, He wants us to know that He was there before us. By His grace and mercy, we are able to reach the end where everything is according to His perfect plan. Just like a river that ends with a beautiful waterfall. If we follow Him, He will lead us right to the finish line.
Remember that sufferings in life should not make us change our course but instead we should overcome them with the flow of God. Include God in your flow of life and He will make it perfect.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Coffee!!!
All this while I've been a huge fan of coffee. Spending lots of my money just to get a nice cup of coffee. Coffee beans of any type drives me crazy. Beans from all around the world I've tasted. From its origin Brazil till my country Malaysia. I think coffee is one of the addictions that is legal. Thank the world for not making it illegal. lol...
My whole family loves coffee. My sis who doesn't like coffee when she was small now likes it too, of course it takes some brain washing from me. Oh ya, even my dog takes a lick or two during the weekends. As I'm blogging now, I have a cup of coffee on my table.
My dad who drinks 3 cups of coffee a day went for a check up one day and discovered that something about his bone isn't too good, mainly because of excess coffee. Therefore, now he has to cut down to one cup a day and take calcium tablets. Because of that, my mum who freaks out easily is forcing me to take calcium tablets too although i don't drink 3 cups of coffee a day. Me a 18 year old guy, taking calcium tablets?? This is madness!! Not only that, my mum insist that I drink at least one glass of milk everyday. At least I'm not drinking Anlene hi-calcium milk like my grandparents. All these makes me feel like I'm an old man. Sigh...
Well, all you coffee lovers out there, start drinking more coffee while you're still young. Cause once you get old, your kids will make you drink hi-calcium and cut down your cups of coffee per day. For those who are not crazy about coffee, u should drink it more often till you love em. For what I know, coffee is just simply marvelous and don't worry that you're over consuming it because coffee beans are not at the verge of extinction yet. lol...
Enjoy a cup/mug/bowl/saucer (depends how you drink it) of coffee today!!!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
All you need is Love???
Lookin at my title, if you think that I'm gonna share my love life experiences, dream on. That's bit too personal to blog about. lol..
Being in love or a relationship has always been nice. But the process of getting in it is tough. Looking at one of my friend recently, i just feel pity for him. Trying so hard to get a partner but its so near yet so far. Loosing out to his friend when they were fighting over the same girl has made him lose his mind. Now he's trying out a new target and fail, yet again. Well what can I say.. If its not the time then you're in for nothing.
Looking at all these things around me has made me feel very thankful. First of all, I'm not in a process of getting a partner or getting out of a relationship, so basically I'm free from all these potential problems at the moment. phew...
The best part is I have already found the real love that I'm looking for. Don't get me wrong. I don't mean that I already have a life partner and is now married. Way too early for that. This love I'm talking about is from my heavenly Father. Never have I experienced such love before in my life. Knowing that He has died on the cross to rescue me from the punishment of death is just so great. He loved me so much till the extend that I mean everything to Him. What more can I do for my God that loves me so dearly then to offer my entire life to Him. There is a verse from a song that just expresses my feelings. Let me share it with you.
Dekat padaMu, itu rinduku
Setiap kataku, Kau pun menunggu
Tak ku sangka, ku temukan, satu kasih yang abadi
Kini ku datang, dan ku bawa hidupku...
Very meaningful isn't it? Well if any of you would want to know more about this love that I've experienced, post a comment and let me know. I would be very glad to share it with you.
Oh well, i gotta go now. Take care muah friends!!!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
We mean everything to Him??
Well, many people say that God is their everything and stuff like that. I'm not saying that it's not true in fact it is very true but i just wonder how many people realize that we are also everything to God. It's something that goes both ways. If we're not everything to Him, He won't care less about our existance here on earth. He won't be pourin His love for us stuff like that. If He doesn't care, we'll just be rubbish that He created. And that's not true! We are everything to Him and that is why He always wants to have a relationship with us human beings. He is always there waiting for us to come to Him. In many occasions we say that God has forsaken us and stuff like that but I believe it's not true. It is actually us that have drawn away form God. So remember friends, God is always there for us and we mean a lot to Him. YAY!!!
That's all i'll be blogging this time. Just another thought in my mind that is written down. Adios!!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Just another bad day.....
Well, that's not all the bad things for the day. In school we had a spot-checked. The bad thing that happen to me is, one 'GREAT' teacher snap my sideburn off!!!! And he only cut one side. He's such an evil person!!! The length of my sideburn was at the correct length but his hand is just so gatal. I was very pissed after that. I was so angry because I'm very particular about my hair and some more my hair is at the permitted length. The worse part is, he's my church member. I don't know what's wrong with that guy. He just likes to pick on the people he knows in school. Just feel like calling him BABOON right at his face. I know hating someone is wrong but I'm just having a hard time forgiving him. I pray that God will give me the heart to forgive even right now because hating someone is not a right thing and it's also tiring.
Another thing that happen in school is. I thought I lost my wallet. But actually, I forgot to bring to school so it's safe and sound at home. But not counting the fact that I may get fine RM100 if i lost my MYkad. It's a great relieve after coming home and find my wallet sitting on my table.
I gotta go now. Just needed to blog to lepas my geram.
Ciao!!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
5 or more??
We live in Malaysia where our Muslim friends pray 5 times a day. Although it is a must in their religion to pray 5 times a day, I believe 99% of them do it faithfully everyday without much complain, even during this World Cup fever. This is something we can learn from them as Christians. Bowing down on a piece of mat to pray. Maybe we can minus the mat but I really think bowing down to pray is something very meaningful. I'm not sure why the Muslims bow down when they pray but I believe its an action showing that we put down everything else, surrendering all we have to pray. We may say that all these are in our hearts when we pray but God must be more pleased when we put into action. I realized that when someone on the pulpit says 'lets bow our heads and pray', not everyone will do so.
Speaking about praying 5 times a day, I think its something we should really put effort in. Our Muslim friends get up 5 in the morning to pray for the 1st time of the day. I wonder how many Christians do that. I heard a church in Korea wakes up at 4 in the morning to attend prayer meeting in their church. I really admire such people. The passion to pray is so strong. This is something done with full of commitment too.
I myself am trying to be more active in my prayer life. Not only to pray for myself but also for my church, MYF, people around me, etc... In school, I would pray whenever the muslims are praying. For example, when the uztaz prays before the assembly starts, when certain teachers ask the muslim students to pray before he or she starts to teach, when the 'azan' at 1 something p.m is heard (there's a mosque near my school), and every morning before the school makes the morning announcements. Its not as easy as it sounds but I really encourage those who experience this in school to pray at those particular times.
Well, this is all I wanna share with all my blog readers. Hope it really means something to you all because it really means a lot to me. God blezz!!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Personalities
Well, I've read many articles about people saying they have spilt or dual personalities. I didn't really believe at 1st but now I'm beginning to see it in my own life. I use to have two personalities but not in a good way. I was either good or evil. Last time, I will show my good attitude in church, MYF, or even in sunday school. Then, when I get to places without the supervision from my parents, I would be like a living devil. I was very good at this 'acting' that only a few people know the real devil in me. That was last time for your info but now this spilt personality has changed its concept.
Now, I find that I have to changed my personality when I'm with different group of friends. Mixing with my school friends(only guys cause I'm from a single sex school), I'll have to behave in a particular way. As in the jokes we crack (I don't mean bad or dirty jokes), the topics we talk about and stuff like that. Then when I mix with friends from other schools (gals n guys this time), it's a different 'frequency'. When I hang out with my friends from MYF it'll be another. But the one I'm most comfortable with will be with my MYFers. They're a bunch of people I grow up with. But as time goes by, I begin to feel comfortable in every different situation. It may sound good to many of you but I'm seriously confused about my actual self now. I tried testing by swicthing my 'frequency' around and guess what, it's terrible. It's just no go.
Now I'm wondering, why can't i just have one personality and fit in to anywhere. But at least I know which group of friends I'm most comfortable with. The best time will be in JS. I only need to be myself and it fits well. I really miss the 1st 6 months of my life in the year 2006. I really miss the time of my life when I get to serve God so actively. After settling down in school life, there are just so many distractions. So busy with life. Sigh.....
I would like to end by dedicating this poetry or whatever you call it to all my blog readers.
Flowers bloom and blossom in the spring
Birds chirp and bears roar when the 1st sun shine is seen
But I'm here penning down my blue grey feelings
What troubles me is something beyond words
All is said but nothing is done
No one can help except the true God above
Sad happy sad happy face I show
Hiding my feelings from the people I know
Just so sick and tired of all these things
But God assured me with the one true promise
That He remembers me day and night,
And loves me with all His heart.
Hope you my friends will like it.God bless!!!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!
God has also place a burden in me for this nation. This burden in me just helps me to keep on rely on God, which is something good. The people there touched my heart in a way that I have not felt before. They are just so eager to be prayed for. The other thing is their perseverence to pray for their own country. Their love and affection for their own nation deserves all my respect. This is something I have never seen in my own country.
The friends I have made will always remain close to my heart. I am looking forward to meet them again. It is going to be a difficult task but I believe if I pray to God with faith, it will happen. 1 person's air ticket will cost about RM1000 plus, so if anyone of you would love to help me, just let me know. I'll be very thankful and I'm sure that God will be pleased too. The time we shared there were just so meaningful and so memorable.
I don't have much time to blog about this trip. It just makes me feel sad that I can't stay there longer. But I have a strong feeling that I'll be going there again. So i just want to thank all of you who have prayed for me. I also pray that God's will for that nation will be done through me and the rest of the team.
All praise and glory be to God!!!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Myanmar here i come!!
Don't have much time to blog this time. Still got to do some last minute packing. I'll update after I return from Myanmar. Adios amigo(s)!!!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The Days has come back!!
Well the 3rd wasn't much different. We waited at the school canteen in the morning. Then we were seperated, science stream and arts stream, according to what we had registered. Standing in the sepak takraw court were the science students. We had to hear some 'wonderful' lectures by our penyelia tingkatan. *(Uncle Yeang Boon, if you're reading this section just ignore what i say k?haha..) Basically we stood there about 1 hour before we can go to our classes. And guess what, 65 people to a class. It's so freaking packed. Not enough tables and chairs also. After that we again had nothing to do. So the rest of the day we're 'stucked' in our classes. Teachers were suppose to enter but you know la, sometimes teachers are just lazy. My school is well known for that. Another thing is this lower 6 badge don't have any nice gals to look at. *sigh* But good also la, I get to concentrate. =P
7 more days and holidays starts. That's the fun part. We only go to school for about 10 days. But this time my holidays wil be different. I'll be going for a mission trip in Myanmar. Yay!!! I've been looking forward for this a very long time. And at last I'm 'old' enough and because of that my parents allow me to go. But most important of all, I think that's what God wants me to do in this holiday. I know this trip will be a very meaningful experience for me. The preparation for this trip is not easy for me, not physically but mentally and spiritually as well. All I can do is to pray and ask you my friends to pray for me. Romans 15 : 30 - "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." The apostle Paul said this as he prepares his visit to Rome. Although my struggles might not be the same as his, just pray for me as i prepare myself to go to Myanmar to do God's work.
That's all I can blog for now. I got to finish my tuition homework and the tuition is tonight. Last minute person.haha.. Ciao guys!!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Love this verse!!
And You are my Brother
Even though You are my King
I want You more than any other
So much more than anything
Thanks Martin J. Nystrom for writing this song especially this verse!!
