:D

nothing is impossible for God

2009-12-25T16:10:00.002+08:00

¹⁶Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
¹⁷"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
¹⁸"Bring them here to me," he said. ¹⁹And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Remember this familiar story about the feeding of the five thousand? ;)

So well, I don't always read the book of Matthew because I've read it quite a number of times already. But well, recently I've started turning back to the 4 gospels because I realized that there are many things that God wants to speak to me about through them. :)

So yeah, here, Jesus fed five thousand men just with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Using this small amount of food, Jesus managed to satisfy a large number of people. Similar to this, sometimes, like the disciples that didn't think they could feed all these people with the 5 loaves and 2 fish, we may think that we are not good enough or do not have the ability to do something. Let's say, lead a cell. You may think that 'oh, I cannot do this, it really seems impossible.' But sometimes God just wants to tell you that you don't have to feel inferior. With God as Lord, He can turn something small into something big. As long as you are willing to commit whatever you have into His hands, whether it is much or little, it doesn't matter. :)

Also, notice that Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God even before He witnessed the feeding of the five thousand. The fact that He gave thanks to God even before He witnessed the feeding of the five thousand shows that He had faith in God. He trusted God that the miracle would happen. Sometimes even before we pray about our situation to God, and maybe even after we pray, we already have this mindset that it's not going to work out. The problem may seem too big for us, but God is bigger than that. We must have faith in God. Jesus said that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can tell this mountain to move from here to there and it will move.

So, you don't need to feel like you don't have enough to give. God doesn't see how much you have, God sees the heart. :) And God will empower you to do the great things He has in plan for you. :)

will you REALLY lay down your life?

2009-12-23T12:41:00.002+08:00

³⁶Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."
³⁷Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
³⁸Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

This is the simple famous story about Peter's denial, but it really spoke to me.

You know, salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you something. Sometimes we proclaim to the world that oh yes, we want to follow God and we want to be His disciples. But do we really live up to it? When the time comes for us to stand up for what we believe in, will we really do that? Maybe you may think, of course I will! But that's only when no one really minds. What about the times that you may suffer discrimination? Will you really do it?

Some may think, I don't mind being a fool for Christ. But Jesus requires us to 'lay down our life' for Him. This 'life' may be our life outside church and so. There are some that are really godly and all in church, but when they return to school, they become the devil's servants. Everything is just so different. Sometimes in order to follow Jesus we need to give up this 'life' of ours. It may also be something we really love that is stopping us from growing closer to God. Maybe it may be some friends that influence you instead of you influencing them. God may tell you to leave them, but you may not want to. Or maybe it can be a hobby that robs you of your time spent in church. Are you willing to give this all up for Jesus?

Busy.

2009-10-09T17:49:00.004+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1Szilex-KQ

Hello. Indeed, this season is a time full of exams and stuff, but we must still remain faithful to God.
At times, we are really so busy. Even when God calls and wants to talk to us, we turn his offer down. Work just engulfs us like that, leaving us no time. However, just like this video, God is always there for us. His first priority is to talk to us, to spend time with us. If even such a powerful God is willing to put aside all other important matters just for us, why can't we do the same for Him?

Remember this post (<< clickable) about being so busy that you are Being Under Satan's Yoke?

So, what are you going to do about it?

Press On!

2009-09-19T15:54:00.001+08:00

People say that time will heal
But you know, they just don't feel what you feel
Times are hard but God is so good
He's never failed you, and He said He never would

He see's your tears
He fights your fears

Hold on, help is on the way
He said he'd never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He'd said he'd help you
Just reach out and take his hand

This song's by Michael W smith. Click here to listen.

Anyway, I heard this song in the car in January. And God suddenly prompted me to listen to the lyrics. Concentratedly. So I did.

This song speaks about asking God for help in our circumstances. You know, sometimes we are really stressed about something and feel that there is no way out. But God is just a prayer away. God is always like, you know, there for us? We try to seek solace in others, but most of the time they can only comfort you because they don't feel that way! They are not going through what you are. However God understands. God is the God that constructed this earth.

God has promised us that He'd help us when we are down. Psalm 23 : 6 says 'Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' God WILL help us. Believe that He will. Continue to believe in God, for help is on the way.

Press on!

Stand up for God.

2009-09-08T12:00:00.001+08:00

http://talkback.stomp.com.sg/forums/showthread.php?t=81235&page=1

I strongly advice you to read that. But pray before reading. Pray that you don't get influenced by them and instead strengthen your faith.

I was rather sad when i read this. About how easily christians lose their faith in God because of a setback. Okay, something similar had happened to me before (as in the person's situation). I was also kind of in doubt about God, and why He did such things. A few weeks later, the FUEL topic was about why bad things happen to good people. They studied the book of Job. And after a while God began to reveal things to me. Like about how things are done to test us, and whatever. Sometimes how a cancer patient fights on with that will to live is really inspiring. Like how they fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. God sends these people to encourage and inspire us. Whatever setbacks we are facing, it's definitely much smaller than what these people with terminal diseases are facing. Yet we choose to wallow in self-pity, and complain to God. I think we should really learn from them. Seriously.

Hated?

2009-08-24T17:59:00.000+08:00

John 15:18-19

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

I think this verse will speak to many. You know, at times when we feel depressed because we are being rejected or ostracised by our friends? We can always look back to this verse for comfort.

It's because God has chosen us. He has set us apart from the rest, to be His hands and feet to do what He wants for the world, to be His mouth and correct others from their wrong behaviors.

It's like, okay. Let's use this illustration. A used to be very popular with her friends. Then one day, she is suddenly 'kicked out' of the gang. So she feels really depressed. Maybe the reason for that is that her friends does things that A doesn't approve of, or that A doesn't join her friends in certain things. Well, probably because of her principles. So in this instance, A is rejected by her friends because of her principles, with probably are Christian-related. A should remember that she is doing it for God. If she is part of 'them', which is the group, the group would like her and her life would seem better. However, she would be letting God down in the process, and the guilt and shame in her would overpower the welcome she receives from her friends.

Let me say something : Never, ever, do something for the sake of making your life better when it means compromising your Christianity. I once did it, and I felt so guilty for a very long period of time. I could feel myself drifting away from God and I kept praying about it. One day, while I was watching a movie I was unsure if I should be watching, God suddenly dropped the song 'The Heart of Worship' into my mind. Halfway through the show, I cried. My friends thought I cried because of the show, but it was actually because I felt God's presence once again. His presence made me yield and surrender to Him, and I asked for His forgiveness. From then on, I have been telling myself not to give in.

Press on, even though the world hates you and everything seems to be going wrong. Just remember that you already have the victory - God! And whatever is happening is for your own good (refer to previous post). :) <------ The one about plans.

Anyway, I was quite happy yesterday. Firstly, I cried. That is a thing to rejoice about because I cried because I felt God's presence. I didn't even go for altar call, but God still answered me. Very often when they sing 'I'll go through the fire', I will cry. Because that is a song that really speaks to me. Despite listening it to so many times, I haven't gotten sick of it. :)

Secondly, I met a choir senior. I think she is called Jingyi. At first i saw a familiar person, and I was wondering who it was. Then i concluded she was from SN. Then after a while, i decided to ask. And, haha! It was! :)

Okay. talking to Sharlene. Bye!

Story.

2009-08-24T17:16:00.004+08:00

Satan's Meeting!

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
'We can't keep Christians from going to church.'
'We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.'
'We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour.'
'Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.'
'So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..'
'This is what I want you to do,' said the devil:
'Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!'
'How shall we do this?' his demons shouted.
'Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,' he answered.
'Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.'

'Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.'

'Keep them from spending time with their children.'
'As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!'

'Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.'
'Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.' To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly.'
'This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.'

'Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.'

'Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.'

'Invade their driving moments with billboards.'

'Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..'

'Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. '

'Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.'
'Give them headaches too! '
'If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere.'
'That will fragment their families quickly!'

'Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.'
'Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.'

'Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.'
'Have them return from their recreation exhausted.'

'Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.'

'Keep them busy, busy, busy!'

'And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. '

'Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.'

'Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.'

'It will work!'
'It will work!'
It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does 'BUSY' mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

2009-08-12T15:44:00.002+08:00

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hello. I got my history test back today and I failed. I was initially quite sad, but I wasn't that badly hit as marks don't really get me down. While I was eating lunch, God suddenly dropped this verse into my mind, and I started pondering about it. Why did God give me this verse?

After a few mintues, I finally got the answer. Here, God says that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans for our own good. I related it to the history paper, that it was God's plan for me to fail so that I would work harder and not be complacent. This is because most of the marks I lost were from the questions that required memorized information. I didn't bring my book home. So God wanted to use this to remind me to bring my books home and work harder.

This same logic applies to many things in our daily lives. Sometimes we wonder, "why must this happen to me?" or "why do I do so badly?" or "why is she treating me this way?" Don't think that God treats you badly. In fact, the incident is for your own good! If you do badly, God has a reason. Maybe it is to make you work harder. If your friend dumps you, God has a reason too. Maybe it is to show you that the friend is not the one God wants you to be with, and you will venture out and find new friends!

God always has the best plans for you. Don't doubt them. :)

footprints in the sand.

2009-08-05T18:03:00.002+08:00

You walked with me, footprints in the sand
And helped me understand where I'm going
You walked with me when I was all alone
With so much I know along the way
Then I heard you say

I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

This song was in my Leona Lewis album since the day i bought it. I had never really bothered to listen to it as the title sounded rather boring, until one day, my church leader mentioned a story about footprints in the sand. That was when it struck me that there was a song called 'Footprints In the Sand'. When I got home, I plugged in my iPod and listened to it, and found out that Leona Lewis was actually singing about how God had been with her throughout her tough times.

The footprints in the sand story goes like this : One day, a man was looking back on his life. He walked on the beach and saw that there were always two pairs of footprints. Then he came to the tough times, and he saw that there was only one pair of footprints. He asked God "God, why are there only one set of footprints? Was I walking alone?" Then God replied, "No, my son. You were not. When you couldn't take it anymore, I carried you."

This song speaks of how God promises us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. When we go through trials, God will always be there to guide us. We'll never walk alone. God will always be there for us, like a true friend, or more like truer than a true friend. When we can't take it anymore, we can give it all to God, and he will help us.

Sometimes, when we feel sad, lost, unbelonged or any negative feeling, we can always look to God. He is always there, ever ready to walk with us. In fact, he delights when we confide in him. He loves us more than anyone else does. More than you love yourself. If he could even die for us, what makes you think he won't be there for us? God is really a faithful God. Just experience it yourself.

2009-06-06T15:48:00.002+08:00

And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Ooh, Jesus take the wheel

A few days ago, I was listening to my iPod while i happened to listen to this song. I don't know why, but i suddenly felt an urge to listen to the lyrics. And well, I came up with something.

This is just a part of the song by Carrie Underwood - Jesus, Take The Wheel. To get the main idea, you have to listen to the whole song, but this is the main part that I believe would speak to some people.

So it speaks about this woman that was on her way home. She had a lot of things on her mind, and she couldn't really concentrate on her driving. Then, she sped up and lost control of the car, and crashed. Fortunately, her baby was okay, unhurt, still sleeping like a log. God had protected the baby from any injury. This woman had drifted away from God and had been living her life wrongly. So, she turned back to God and asked him to direct her life once again.

You know, maybe sometimes, we get distracted, or have never really been in a relationship with God. Our life is kind of 'screwed up', and we have lost our direction in life. We do not know what to do next. You may have been living your life wrongly, doing things that do not glorify God. However, God will not forsake you because of that. He will always be looking forward to your return, welcoming you with open arms. God wants us to turn back to him, he wants us to let him direct our lives. God's will is always best for us. So, well, when we are at a loss of what to do, we can always turn to God, and he'll be there for us.

i will live to be your hands and feet.

2009-05-25T13:35:00.004+08:00

Romans 8 : 28

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

Sometimes, God gives us a vision. He calls us out, He sets us apart to do His will. We may think that it is too difficult, and that we will never be able to achieve what He has in mind for us. Romans 8:28 says that when God wants us to do something, He will make the way. Or maybe we are in the midst of completing it, but we meet stumbling blocks along the way. Then we ask ourselves, 'is this really what God wants me to do?'

Let me tell you this, if it is God's will for you to do something, it will come with affirmation. Sometimes, you may not even notice the affirmation. You may think that it is just you talking to yourself. However, sometimes, it is really God speaking to you. You need to recognize His voice.

Remember, Philippians 4:13 says 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' When you are met with setbacks, remember this verse, and Romans 8:28. It will definitely give you encouragement, just like it does to me.

wonderfully made!

2009-05-25T13:27:00.004+08:00

Psalm 139:14
'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made ; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'

You know, sometimes, we feel as if we have no identity. We feel like we don't belong, or we feel that we shouldn't even be here in the first place. Maybe your life isn't good, or maybe you just don't feel that you are here with a purpose. Sometimes, you may think you are fat, ugly, or whatever negative things. However, Psalm 139:14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God did not make a mistake in making you. You were planned. Before the world began, you were already on His mind.

God also gave me another revelation with this verse. It says 'your works are wonderful, I know that full well.' God works are wonderful. Here, 'works' means us, and all mankind. Sometimes we judge others by their looks. If they don't look good enough for you, you think they are inferior. Sometimes, we look down on them. However, here, it says that everything God made is wonderful. So, how can a person made by God be lousy? I hope you get my point. Me myself am also trying to achieve this. And here, I am sharing it with you. I am not condemning here. Please understand.

So next time, don't think that you are inferior to anyone else! Or don't think that other people are inferior to you!

coming and going.

2009-05-16T12:45:00.002+08:00

John 16 : 28

'I came from the Father and entered the world, now I am leaving the world and going back to my Father.'

this verse is actually supposed to speak about Jesus going back to heaven after being crucified. but God has given me a new revelation of it.

this verse spoke to me. it told me that well, since we came from God, someday we will still have to go back to him. and that's why we shouldn't take death so badly. you know, when someone dies, it's not the end. in fact, it's the start. that's the real start of your life in heaven. an everlasting life. your death anniversary on earth is your birthday in heaven. on earth, people mourn over the one that dies, but in heaven, it's a time of celebration. this earthly tent of ours will fail us one day, and we will go back to the Father.

that's how i manage to still be happy when someone dies. not that i rejoice, but i comfort myself with this verse. someday, we will also be going back to heaven as long as we believe in Christ. there, we will reunite with all our loved ones that have passed away. that's why i want to share this with you. (:

2009-04-15T17:19:00.001+08:00

Before the world began
You were on His mind
And every tear you cry
Is precious in His eyes
Because of His great love
He gave his only son
And everything was done
So you would come

Nothing you can do
Could make him love you more
And nothing that you've done
Can make Him close the door
Because of His great love
He gave his only son
And everything was done
So you would come

Come to the Father
Though your gift is small
Broken hearts, broken lives
He will take them all
The power of His Word
The power of His blood
And everything was done
So you would come

So You Would Come - Hillsongs Australia

You know sometimes when we feel rejected or not loved, we can turn to God. He loves us at all times. Before we were even born, He knew us and He loved us. As the song goes, 'and every tear you cry is precious in His eyes', it tells us of God's great love for us. Even if we stray from Him and do things not pleasing to Him, He will not close the door. Just like the story about the prodigal son, He will welcome us back to Him with open arms. He doesn't care what gifts we bring him, for it is the heart that matters. When we are feeling down, we can just turn to God. He loves you more than anyone else does.

Just know that when you think that no one loves you, God will still love you. With God, we're not alone. (:

2009-04-09T17:54:00.001+08:00

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Yes, I believe many of you have heard of this verse. but do you understand it's meaning?

Well, this verse simply tells us that because God loved us, he sent Jesus down to die on the cross for our sins. As today is maundy thursday, I would like to use this verse to share.

I really admire Jesus for his willingness to come down and die for us. He knew that he would suffer pain and be mocked at by the people he created when He came. However, because he loved us so much, he still came. He suffered 49 slashes and was nailed onto the cross. He was stoned. He was rejected by those he created. Why did He choose to go through all that? It is all because of one reason - because he loved us.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, the day we commemorate Jesus dying for our sins. Let us all take the cup and the bread in remembrance of Him, our Lord and Saviour. It is only through him that we are able to go to heaven. He is the one and only way. So what are we waiting for?

Here's a song : One Way

I lay my life down at your feet
You're the only one I need
I turn to you and you are always there
In troubled times it's you I seek
I put you first that's all I need
I humble all I am, all to You

One way, Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for
One way, Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for

You are always always there
Every now and every when
Your grace abounds so deeply within me
You will never ever change
Yesterday today the same
Forever till forever meets no end

One way, Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for
One way, Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for

You are the way, the truth and the life
We live by faith and not by sight
For You, we're living all for You

welcome. :D

2009-04-09T17:14:00.000+08:00

hello everyone, i've made this blog to share about God's word and how we can use it in our everyday lives. it may not be as good as the word pastors preach, but at least it is something!