Groanings of the Spirit

Romans 8:26-28 says,

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for.
But the Holy Spirit prays for us
with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
And the Father who know all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying,
for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.
And we know that God causes everything to work together
for the good of those who love God
and are called according to his purpose for them."

At times when troubles strike us till the point we don't even know how to face or even how to present it unto God, here it says that the Spirit interceeds for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

So take heed for those who feel helpless and clueless in times of difficulty for there is always help that is given unto us that we sometimes don't even realize. Therefore, trust the Lord always for God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Life's Principals

1 Timothy 6:11-16

But you, Timothy, are a man of God;
so run from all these evil things.
Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you,
which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

And I charge you before God, who give life to all,
and before Christ Jesus,
who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

that you obey this command without wavering.
Then no one can find fault with you
from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God,
the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.

He alone can never die,
and he lives in light so brilliant
that no human can approach him.
No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will.
All honour and power to him forever.
Amen!

Came across these verses during my QT last night. I've read these verses many times but somehow it seemed to give me a big impact last night. These verses will be the principals that I build my life on. Persevere through everything life throws at me, all for the sake of God's glory and honour.

May these verses speak to you as they did to me.

True Love

Elephant Love Medley

All you need is love.
A girl has got to eat.

All you need is love.
Or she'll end up on the streets.

All you need is love.
Love is just a game.

I was made for loving you baby, you were made for loving me.
The only way of loving me baby, is to pay a lovely fee

Just one night, gimme, just one night.
There's no way, cause you can't pay.

In the name of love, one night in the name of love.
You crazy fool, I won't give in to you.

Don't leave me this way, I can't survive, without your sweet love.
Oh baby, don't leave me this way.
You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs.

I look around me and I see, it isn't so, oh no.
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs.

Well what's wrong with that, I'd like to know? Cause here I go again!

Love lifts us up where we belong, where eagles fly, on a mountain high.
Love makes us act like we are fools, throw our lives away for one happy day.

We could be heroes, just for one day.
You, you will be mean.

No I won't!
And I, I--I'll drink all the time.

We should be lovers.
We can't do that.

We should be lovers, and that's a fact.
Though nothing, will keep us together.

We could steal time...
Just for one day.

We could be heroes, for ever and ever.
We could be heroes, for ever and ever. We could be heroes...

Just because I will always love you.
I can't help loving you.

How wonderful life is,
when you're in my world.

Just a random song that I picked, not because of the lyrics but it's just the song itself that i simply like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaqYgWc8-vs

Much love and joy surrounds this day but in reality, is it true? Today will be like a dream to many and tomorrow, everything will fall back into reality. Today will be a day to remember our loved ones, whether they are still with us or not. Cherish the times with your loved ones today, with family, life partners or simply with fellow friends.

In all the love you give and receive today, let us not forget the one true love in our heart, God the Father. It is written in the famous verse John 3:16 that 'For God so love the world that He gave His only Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' As we channel our love to the people around us, remember, there is a greater love that surrounds us, God's love.

May you continue to love God always as He has loved you all the days of your life.

Peter vs. Judas

At the most recent Sunday, I suddenly had a little insight from God on what I last posted.

Just a little info, I attend Whispering Hope (preaching point of Emmanuel Methodist Church) every Sunday. We're currently doing a study on the book of Mark.

So here's where I got the little 'insight'. In Mark 3, Jesus appointed His 12 disciples, the order begins with Simon (Peter) and ending with Judas Iscariot. Uncle Sam shared with us that this 2disciples of Jesus had 1 thing in common. They both betrayed Jesus. Peter denied Jesus 3 times while Judas 'sold' and plotted Jesus' death with the pharisees. I'm not comparing the severeness of the 2 different betrayal but instead what did Peter and Simon did after they realize they betrayed Jesus, the innocent man.

After Peter had realized that he denied Jesus 3 times when the cockerel crowed, he was shocked that what Jesus prophesied that Peter thought would never happen took place when Peter denied Jesus 3 times when the roosted crowed for the second time. Peter broke down and wept in grief because he knew he had betrayed or denied the Son of God. The bible did not speak much on what Peter did after he realized his wrong doings but I assume he would have prayed to God and ask for forgiveness. Later, before Jesus' went back to be with the Father, He asked Peter, "Do you love me?", not once but 3 times. For all the 3 times Peter answered, "You know I love You."

In Judas' case, he suddenly came to his senses that he had betrayed an innocent man. Jesus was not only an innocent man, but Jesus was Judas' teacher, the person Judas vowed to follow and obey. When Judas had realized, he ran to the pharisees to return the 30 pieces of silver for which was given to him for handing Jesus over to the pharisees. The pharisees ignored and told Judas it was all too late. Judas lost his way and went on to hang himself.

The difference between Peter and Judas that I want to share is that Peter turn to God when he knew he was wrong while Judas turn to man when he knew he was wrong. What would have happened if Judas turn to God to ask for forgiveness instead of running back to the pharisees? On the other hand, Peter repented and went on to become a great disciple of God.

Relating back to my previous post, we have fallen short of God's glory many times in our lives. But it is shown here through the example of Peter and Judas that if we repent and turn to God, He will not only accept us with open arms but God will also use us or even bless us far greater than what we ask or deserve.

Peter: a fisherman - Jesus' follower - betrayed Jesus - realize and repented - a great servant of God.
We: born sinners - saved as we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour - betray Jesus by following the ways of the world - realize and repented - a great servant of God.

Can the plot as written above be true? I believe it is, if we realize and repent.

Show us Your way Father. We come before You with humility and repentance. Hear our cry and accept us once again Father, as we repent and turn back to You.

so near yet so far...

God is always near us and with us. But at times, we feel like He's so far, beyond where our arms could reach. Indeed, it is clearly stated in the Bible that men have fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, I believe it is during these times when we feel that God is miles away from us. Being humans, we will ask questions like where is God when we need Him, why God doesn't answer me, why God allow such heartaches to happen in my life, and so on.

Is it for us to blame God for not showing us the light? Or is it for us to reflect on ourselves?

We have fallen short of God's glory. Darkness has no place in the awesomeness of God. If we want to be in God's presence, if we want to feel God's hand in our lives, we ought to look at ourselves. How has our life been. Is it pleasing to God or is it just pleasing our earthly desires?

We humans are selfish. We want God when we're in deep trouble and we push God aside when things are going the way we like it. We are being unfair to God. If it's because of this reason that God has shun His face from us, do we have the right to question what God is doing.

This agenda has been mingling around in my mind for a long long time. When are we going to live a life that is holy and righteous, that is completely pleasing to God. Is it even possible for us to achieve such a thing in this life on earth with our sinful nature?

God... Have mercy on me and all your children Lord for we have fallen short of Your standards. Teach us Father to live a life that is faultless before You. We yearn to come to You one day as a pure and holy sacrifice, spotless and acceptable to you.

Teach us O Father, how to be the children of God...

Hanging On...

There was a boy, background unknown. He saw Jesus, standing at a short distance away from him. He ran towards Jesus, embracing Jesus' legs for Jesus is so big. He then looks upon Jesus' face with a smile. Jesus in return look down at him, returning the smile by stretching out His hand and stroke the boy's hair. Immediately, blessings flow into the boy, from head to toe, he was covered in Jesus' blessings.
Then Jesus said, " Hang on to me tightly. Hang on to me in faith. For as long as you are a part of me, I will never let you go. My power is your power. Stay with me and my blessings will always fill you."
Instantly, the boy fell to his knees and worship Jesus, thanking Jesus for this great promise that has been given to him.

This was what I saw, not once but twice in three days. It has given me faith to continue to seek God and like the boy, hang on to Jesus.

I hope this will give you great encouragement like how it did to me.

God bless all of you!

Finally, I'm back!

A very big apology to those who opened my blog for the past 9 months and discover nothing new.

Guess I shall revive this blog again in this new year. Many things had happened for the past 9 months. It'll be too much if I were to write it all down. So I'll just continue writing from this moment onwards.

In less than 2 days time, I shall be returning to my university, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Malaysia National University). Sounds like some great place but honestly, nothing that great here.
Therefore, I'm not really looking back to return and continue my studies. Anyhow I would like to thank God for giving me a place to study and He has also seen me through my first semester.
Didn't end it in flying colours but I'm more than grateful to finish it with a moderate score.

That would be about my studies. As for my spiritual life, it has been up and down but i guess it's a normal thing. In the end, God still comes out first in my life He has continue to assure me that His grace is sufficient for me. God has placed me in a very warm and welcoming Christian Fellowship in uni called PERKEB, Persaudaraan Kristius. Met and know many great friends there too. Simply a great bunch of people that helps me to build on my relationship with God as well as simply being a friend in time of need.

Well, think that'll be all this time as this just a random post and also to inform all of you that I'm alive and that I'll be back blogging=)

God Wills It

News of the latest elections results are being announced as I'm typing. The opposition no doubt is growing stronger. My own state (Kedah) has fallen into the hands of the opposition. No matter what has happened, God will still be with us till the very end. Be it joy or sadness, all glory to God as we know He is always faithful to us from the day He created us. At the end of the day, we have to accept whatever is place before us. Good or bad, God wills it..

Meaningful SMS

Though I'm His sheep, I'm still prone to stray;
So Jesus in love sends afflictions my way;
The lessons I've learned in this school of deep pain;
Have thought me to follow my Lord once again.

This SMS was sent to me last year by a dear friend. Although it's something familiar, it's just very comforting to get a SMS like that once in awhile. So I hope you guys will be comforted while reading this.

The new year has begun. The feeling of school re-opening to me longer exist. I wish all those who have went back to school will stay strong and persevere through another year. Seek the Lord's strength and peace. It will be sufficient to carry you through the year well, according to His plans for you. I'll end this entry with a verse from the Bible.

We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield;
In Him our hearts rejoice;
For we trust in His holy name;
May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord;
Even as we put our hope in You.
- Psalm 33:20-22 -

True Meaning of Christmas

'And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. The the angel said to them,"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you : You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" - Luke 2:9-14 -

If I were to sum up the true meaning of Christmas in one word, it will be Emmanuel, which means God with us.

For all those who are celebrating Christmas, I pray that the true meaning of Christmas will be in your heart not only on this special day, but for the rest of your life. May the joy and peace that the birth of Jesus' Christ brings, rest on you and your household.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Pleasant things don't always come the way you expected. As you thought a breeze of wind is coming, there comes the tornado. As you thought rain will finally drop, there will be too much till flood happens. As you try to taste honey, thousands of bees will attack you from the back.

Remember folks.. A dog may bite you even you just fed it with a piece of meat a minute ago. Blessings might not follow even when you do good to others.

We need Your intervention Father in heaven. Only You can stop this house of Yours from crumbling down. Please Father, come.....

'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' - Psalm 34:18 -

It is OVER!!

Sijil Peperiksaan Tinggi Malaysia aka. STPM is oooooovvvveeeerrr!!!!!!!

After 1 and a half years of studying form6, the exam finishes in just TWO stinking weeks. It took just 8 papers which adds up to 22 hours to get everything over. I still feel it's a bad way to examine students. Sorry mr. Hishamuddin, it really sucks.

But so far 31 hours after the end of my exam, everything seems to be going really fine. I had a steamboat party with my friends that night itself. Then today, I receive a call from aunty Khoo (my piano teacher) and she brought me good news. She offered me a 2 and a half day job that lets me earn RM200. I'm like WOW!!! The job is piano exam invigilator. All I need to do is send people in the exam room after confirming their details and call people up if they didn't turn up on the expected time. Trinity London is paying RM200 for that job. And of course, I quickly said yes. Hahaha...

Tomorrow i'll be off to YLDP camp in Fraser's Hill. Got to start the journey at 6 in the morning. What to do, i'm living in the north. I'm not entirely excited about the camp but I'll go with an open heart, allowing God to work His magic there.

Well then, gotta jump into bed now and get some deserved rest. Till next time...

Together

When I was at the brink of falling into the deepest pit ever, a good friend of mine wrote this to me.

'Lord... Help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I TOGETHER can't handle.'

Remember.. When you surrender everything to God, there is nothing that can come between you and Him.

Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali to all my Hindu friends. Have a great time!!

Sorry again for this very short entry. I'm afraid that is all the time I have.

Till next time..

Pre-STPM journey

Study, study and study.. That's about what I have to do for the next 50 days or so. Life becomes such a routine with STPM around the corner. Can't do this or that.. When friends come back for their semester break, can't really hang out much with them. Life is just so dull right now. But at least I'm glad that I'm still able to attend church and MYF. Those are the time where I can take a break from the world of studying and enjoy myself.

Yesterday was a sad day because my pregnant swordtail fish died. I was expecting about 100 baby fish but somehow it just died. I can't find any reason for its death. And today, her partner died as well. I wonder, do fish have emotions like us humans. After the female died, the male became less active and often stayed at one place. I thought something might be wrong with the water so I changed it but it didn't help. I'm gonna get some new ones cause I tak puas hati they just died like that.

I gotta sign off now and get back to my studying. To all who are reading my entries, please pray for me that I may do well in my STPM. I really appreciate if you guys pray for me. I guess the next entry will be after my STPM which ends on the 3rd of December.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my friends!!!

50th Independence

Hi people.. I guess it is almost 2 months since I last posted an entry. I would say STPM and other stuff has been taking up much of my time. Before I continue saying anything else, Happy 50th Independence Day Malaysia.

Well, my STPM trials is coming up in 5 days. Ya, just 5 short days left and yet I haven't finish studying half of what I'm suppose to accomplish. Nothing or no one is to blame because it is me who is lazy to get things moving. Not mentioning the amount of tv I'm watching. I've decided not to put high hopes for this trials but rather concentrate on the real STPM.

Today in Malaysia, everyone is celebrating our 50th Independence Day or suppose to be celebrating la. As for myself, nothing much of celebration has been done today or during eve of this event. But I'm glad that tonight in my Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF), we're gonna have some celebration in a small scale. Playing game which is indirectly connected to our Independence Day which we call 'catch the flag' game whereby we have 2 forts with a flag each. The purpose is to take over your opponent's fort by getting hold of their flag. We'll also be having water balloons to throw at each other so I guess it would be some fun. A short devotion will be shared based on the significance of the year of Jubilee in the bible. Then, we will be singing some patriotic songs prepared by our president. And of course, spending some time to pray for our nation as an MYF.

That will be all from me this time for I manage to find a little time to post this entry and to let you guys know that I'm still alive. heh.. Everything is fine for now but will be better when STPM is over! Adios...

Illustrations

One day, a man had a conversation with God.

Man : God, I have one question to ask You.
God : Shoot it.
Man : May I know which side are You on? My side or my enemies' side?
God : Why do you need to ask questions like these? Isn't it easier if you just come to My side? Then you won't need to worry which side I'm on.
Man : Come to Your side?
God : Yea. Invite Me and I will come. I will surely come.

Although we might be Christians for many many years, along our journey we might feel a little dry, as if God was far away. You tend to feel Your walk with God is stagnant, a routine. Why don't we just invite God again? I have personally felt the dry and stagnant walk with the Lord. God is always there for us and all we need to do is ask. Sometimes we concentrate so much on praying for others till we forget to pray for ourselves. A balance will be good. We may feel like we are walking through a desert but God will provide an oasis to refresh us.

Remember, God is the landlord of our heart and we are the tenant. If we don't invite the landlord(God) in, He will still be standing outside, waiting.

Global Prayer Day

Mid-year exam is finally over and holiday has arrive. At last I can have some space to breathe before preparing for my trial exams again. Sigh... This is what you get if you study form 6.

Anyway, I want to take this chance to share with you guys a bible verse as today is also the global prayer day. I really like this verse and the power it offers.

' In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.'
Romans 8:26-27

Remember this verse when you have difficulties when praying. It has helped me and I know it will do for you. God bless!

The Year of Jubilee

Revival starts with repentance and ends with God's assurance.

Although it is not our National Day today, I want to urge everyone out there to pray for our own nation, Malaysia.

It is the year of jubilee for Malaysia so I believe God will allow something special to take place. All we need is P.U.S.H. (Pray Till Something Happens). Perseverance in prayer is indeed very important.

Start praying for Malaysia and wait upon the manifestation of the Lord's power.

The Greatest Miracle

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

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.