主将得救的人，天天加给教会。徒2:47
A conversation with my classmate set me thinking and praying, and I’m still feeling very guilty about it. 9 to 80. That’s the number of 少年人 that grew in her church within a year. That’s 71 additional souls saved. 4 years in Oikos, and the number of new believers, three, including 少年and青年人。How miserable. 我知道不应该以现时的果子来定果效，因为挪亚传道120年，只有他一家八口信主。But I’m angry at myself not only for allowing my own stuff to precede evangelism, but also having focused too much on my own spiritual growth at the expanse of readily opening up to non-believers.
It was encouraging to hear from this classmate how their youth cell group leaders collectively saw the urgency to increase in numbers, and together put their faith into action immediately. I’ve yet to find out exactly what they did, but from the short conversation, I could tell that despite everyone’s individual commitments, be it studies, work, family or friends, they were willing to do what they didn’t like, sacrifice their own time, shared a common vision, were united in the Spirit and understood God’s things. Doing God’s things by God’s way never lacks God’s supply.
This has made me reflect on my own shortcomings, my engagements in school, how I do some things in church, the focus of our cell group, and my definition and scope of 见证。In the end after we exchanged our views, I said I’ll think about it and discuss with my 老师s in church. And she said “Don’t think about it. Pray about it.”
It's good to learn from each other's experience, share our own walk with God and build each up. Isn't that an entitlement only children of God have? It is, but God's will will not be done if I only restricted that to Christians.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
春雨里洗过的太阳
我在淋过一场大雨之后的晴朗
那是春雨里洗过的太阳
然后忽然看懂云的形状
If you listen to the rhythm of the pouring rain
每个呼吸都是新的芬芳
=)
那是春雨里洗过的太阳
然后忽然看懂云的形状
If you listen to the rhythm of the pouring rain
每个呼吸都是新的芬芳
=)
Friday, October 9, 2009
God is good!
I turn around and look
from my earliest memory to now,
every decision made, whatever I did,
every step that I took, every word spoken,
from the time I was born,
You were there with me.
Prior to my birth, now and to my death,
You were, are and will be by my side.
Even before I knew You,
You cared for me.
Through the years You nurtured me with Your own hands.
When I fell, You picked me up.
When I was blind You shed light.
When I couldn’t hear You spoke.
When I was dead You gave me life.
I just want to thank You, dear Jesus
for every moment that I live,
for my creation to experience Your presence,
for every perfect sunrise,
for the wind that caress my face,
for those You placed around me.
“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Do I put faith into action or simply do the talk?
Does the world appeal to me
and I shame to profess my love to You?
Do I devote precious time to You or just brief moments?
Do I feed on Your word or merely utter a few praises?
Do I keep away from sin or secretly indulge in temptation?
Do I have You in mind who gave His only Son?
Have mercy on me O Lord,
for there is no where I can hide from You
and no mysteries unknown to You.
Why would You choose to save us who despised You?
To reverse the fall by becoming man.
To be tempted, mocked and killed.
When those nails were driven in,
You knew the end.
I marvel at Your great love.
You are the Alpha and Omega,
the creator of all things,
the rock on which I stand,
the foundation of the church,
my pillar of strength and comfort,
the way, the truth and the life,
the bread of life,
the salvation,
the righteous judge.
You are the king of all kings,
crowned with glory and clothed in majesty
who sits on the throne.
You are who is to come.
To God be the glory!
from my earliest memory to now,
every decision made, whatever I did,
every step that I took, every word spoken,
from the time I was born,
You were there with me.
Prior to my birth, now and to my death,
You were, are and will be by my side.
Even before I knew You,
You cared for me.
Through the years You nurtured me with Your own hands.
When I fell, You picked me up.
When I was blind You shed light.
When I couldn’t hear You spoke.
When I was dead You gave me life.
I just want to thank You, dear Jesus
for every moment that I live,
for my creation to experience Your presence,
for every perfect sunrise,
for the wind that caress my face,
for those You placed around me.
“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Do I put faith into action or simply do the talk?
Does the world appeal to me
and I shame to profess my love to You?
Do I devote precious time to You or just brief moments?
Do I feed on Your word or merely utter a few praises?
Do I keep away from sin or secretly indulge in temptation?
Do I have You in mind who gave His only Son?
Have mercy on me O Lord,
for there is no where I can hide from You
and no mysteries unknown to You.
Why would You choose to save us who despised You?
To reverse the fall by becoming man.
To be tempted, mocked and killed.
When those nails were driven in,
You knew the end.
I marvel at Your great love.
You are the Alpha and Omega,
the creator of all things,
the rock on which I stand,
the foundation of the church,
my pillar of strength and comfort,
the way, the truth and the life,
the bread of life,
the salvation,
the righteous judge.
You are the king of all kings,
crowned with glory and clothed in majesty
who sits on the throne.
You are who is to come.
To God be the glory!
Monday, October 5, 2009
赖床
The mid terms are over! I'm thankful that I didn't fall ill during exam week and managed not to feel tired until the last paper was over :) And I'm even more thankful that despite staying up every night, I still managed to enjoy ling xiu! :) I remember Li Nan Ming chuandao saying that we shouldn't just maintain our "spiritual level" as it is, but it should improve over time. So I really hope that my QT will get better! For this half semester so far, I feel that God has been very good to me :) And I can say that if you treat God’s things seriously, He will treat yours too and even more. :)
My professor said that we learn things at a linear rate, and forget things at an exponential rate. How true, haha. Sometimes I look at the lecturers and worry a bit, will I become like them in 20 years time? What I mean is that I find them weird, haha, as in their dress sense, sense of humor etc. Oh well.
I find Dr Tong's expository really enjoyable :) and I'm thankful that the travelling time doesn't take very long. I feel recharged attending the service :) The worship is great; although there's only the piano, but the combined and harmonized voices of a few hundreds of people praising God is more than sufficient. Even though I don't know everyone, but it's a wonderful feeling when everyone worships the same God, and the entire hall is filled with praise to Him. And I sensed this more strongly today because I sat separately with An shimu and the rest, but those around me are like my siblings in Christ :)
I agree with Guanghua uncle that it is indeed a reason for thanksgiving that our da tang is nearly full. But I like a statement Dr Tong once made that I think is a good challenge.
你认为你的教会很满吗? 试试看把四面墙拆掉还满不满。如果要更满的话就把礼拜堂建到象厕所一样大，到时候大家就会挤了。
I've been reading a 问题解答 book (on and off) by him and the more I read, the more I find that God has been blessing him to expand His kingdom. The hardwork he has put into and complete submission to God are evident in his wisdom, confidence, humor and uniqueness in answering questions that I think most will tremble upon hearing. Once An shimu told me a prayer from Dr Tong asking for wisdom from God, "你帮我解决我的问题，我就帮人解决他们的问题。" What a bold request, the amount of work that comes after is unimaginable. But his whole life is dedicated only to saying one thing, nothing else but that; the word of God.
Just some random thought I had about how amazing the brain is. Sometimes when I finally get to sleep properly after periods of sleep deprivation, I wake up not knowing the time or day for a while. So after my last my paper ended on Saturday, I immediately went home to sleep. Around evening I was suddenly awaken by a woman's singing. My eyes opened instantly and I knew it was Singapore Idol (because the singing couldn't be from American Idol.) At the same instant I knew I was in my room, it was Saturday, I didn't over sleep and could still be punctual for tuanqi.
As I closed my eyes reassuringly, I tried to recall what I was dreaming about. But all I could remember was the woman's singing. Then I thought, my brain is like my laptop. When I sleep, it’s sorting memories just as how my laptop will arrange or delete its temporary and permanent data. So if I have been sleeping little the past week, wouldn't my brain be less efficient as a laptop would if I didn't defragment its hard drive regularly? Oh no.
Still thinking about the laptop, I slipped my hand under my head and realized that my head wasn't hot, haha. Just by booting up the laptop is sufficient to make it hot, but not only does my brain boot up instantly, it doesn't heat up, and it also has a very long battery life without the need to charge. It also has camera, video functions, instant face and voice recognition capabilities, and it's light! And it can do something that a machine can't, that is to think! And the average brain is only operating at 10 percent efficiency; imagine what we could do at full working capacity. We’re truly the gem of God’s creation, praise be to God.
My professor said that we learn things at a linear rate, and forget things at an exponential rate. How true, haha. Sometimes I look at the lecturers and worry a bit, will I become like them in 20 years time? What I mean is that I find them weird, haha, as in their dress sense, sense of humor etc. Oh well.
I find Dr Tong's expository really enjoyable :) and I'm thankful that the travelling time doesn't take very long. I feel recharged attending the service :) The worship is great; although there's only the piano, but the combined and harmonized voices of a few hundreds of people praising God is more than sufficient. Even though I don't know everyone, but it's a wonderful feeling when everyone worships the same God, and the entire hall is filled with praise to Him. And I sensed this more strongly today because I sat separately with An shimu and the rest, but those around me are like my siblings in Christ :)
I agree with Guanghua uncle that it is indeed a reason for thanksgiving that our da tang is nearly full. But I like a statement Dr Tong once made that I think is a good challenge.
你认为你的教会很满吗? 试试看把四面墙拆掉还满不满。如果要更满的话就把礼拜堂建到象厕所一样大，到时候大家就会挤了。
I've been reading a 问题解答 book (on and off) by him and the more I read, the more I find that God has been blessing him to expand His kingdom. The hardwork he has put into and complete submission to God are evident in his wisdom, confidence, humor and uniqueness in answering questions that I think most will tremble upon hearing. Once An shimu told me a prayer from Dr Tong asking for wisdom from God, "你帮我解决我的问题，我就帮人解决他们的问题。" What a bold request, the amount of work that comes after is unimaginable. But his whole life is dedicated only to saying one thing, nothing else but that; the word of God.
Just some random thought I had about how amazing the brain is. Sometimes when I finally get to sleep properly after periods of sleep deprivation, I wake up not knowing the time or day for a while. So after my last my paper ended on Saturday, I immediately went home to sleep. Around evening I was suddenly awaken by a woman's singing. My eyes opened instantly and I knew it was Singapore Idol (because the singing couldn't be from American Idol.) At the same instant I knew I was in my room, it was Saturday, I didn't over sleep and could still be punctual for tuanqi.
As I closed my eyes reassuringly, I tried to recall what I was dreaming about. But all I could remember was the woman's singing. Then I thought, my brain is like my laptop. When I sleep, it’s sorting memories just as how my laptop will arrange or delete its temporary and permanent data. So if I have been sleeping little the past week, wouldn't my brain be less efficient as a laptop would if I didn't defragment its hard drive regularly? Oh no.
Still thinking about the laptop, I slipped my hand under my head and realized that my head wasn't hot, haha. Just by booting up the laptop is sufficient to make it hot, but not only does my brain boot up instantly, it doesn't heat up, and it also has a very long battery life without the need to charge. It also has camera, video functions, instant face and voice recognition capabilities, and it's light! And it can do something that a machine can't, that is to think! And the average brain is only operating at 10 percent efficiency; imagine what we could do at full working capacity. We’re truly the gem of God’s creation, praise be to God.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
fragrant of Christ
Was already on my bed but I couldn't fall asleep because I'm really very happy! So here I am to share with everyone, and also ask that you guys can pray for this matter too.
Where should I begin? Ok, I was looking for something on my brother's table when I saw a book titled something like the meaning life. I didn’t think much at first, but then I wondered to myself, which author would truly understand the meaning of life if he wasn't a Christian? So I turned the book around and saw that the author was indeed a Christian! That's not just it. Below that book was yet another Christian book titled hope I think, then below another something related to faith, followed by one regarding the New Testament :) I was filled with excitement as I went through the books and then I found, right at the bottom, was a Bible!
I was stunned for a moment when I saw the words "Holy Bible". The feeling is like, a mixture of awe, thanksgiving and joy. I think I've been too long a Christian to remember the authority of the Word of God. There I stood looking at the Bible, and it dawned on me that the words God breathed out was to be read my brother. Someone ELSE in my family is going to read the Bible!
Alright, even though the books and the Bible look new and untouched, I really hope that this will be a starting point where he will begin to think about Christianity. I'm not sure yet, but I'm guessing that these books were bought by his "girlfriend". The reason for the apostrophe is because I’m confused about their status, and it is precisely this reason too that I can't be sure that she is a Christian. I assumed those around my age wouldn't date another with a different belief. Well, I assumed wrong. The only down side is that if this doesn't work along the way, either the girl will be hurt or my brother would view Christians negatively. But I believe that no matter the outcome, God works in His own unique ways.
天怎样高过地，照样我的道路，高过你们的道路，我的意念，高过你们的意念。赛55:9
Today while having a conversation with someone from my tutorial group, I thought that she "smelt" like a Christian. And later during lunch when she said grace, I secretly smiled to myself :) I find myself at ease among Christians and can easily talk about many things. My friend in army once told me "We’re definitely attractive, because we have Christ living in us." I hope like her, I can be a fragrant of Christ to my family and friends.
To Lan Fang: Yo! You’ll be leaving soon yea? I can’t say much to alleviate your 不舍, but His word can, so here's a verse:
The Lord said "I will go with you and give you peace." Exodus 33:14
Where should I begin? Ok, I was looking for something on my brother's table when I saw a book titled something like the meaning life. I didn’t think much at first, but then I wondered to myself, which author would truly understand the meaning of life if he wasn't a Christian? So I turned the book around and saw that the author was indeed a Christian! That's not just it. Below that book was yet another Christian book titled hope I think, then below another something related to faith, followed by one regarding the New Testament :) I was filled with excitement as I went through the books and then I found, right at the bottom, was a Bible!
I was stunned for a moment when I saw the words "Holy Bible". The feeling is like, a mixture of awe, thanksgiving and joy. I think I've been too long a Christian to remember the authority of the Word of God. There I stood looking at the Bible, and it dawned on me that the words God breathed out was to be read my brother. Someone ELSE in my family is going to read the Bible!
Alright, even though the books and the Bible look new and untouched, I really hope that this will be a starting point where he will begin to think about Christianity. I'm not sure yet, but I'm guessing that these books were bought by his "girlfriend". The reason for the apostrophe is because I’m confused about their status, and it is precisely this reason too that I can't be sure that she is a Christian. I assumed those around my age wouldn't date another with a different belief. Well, I assumed wrong. The only down side is that if this doesn't work along the way, either the girl will be hurt or my brother would view Christians negatively. But I believe that no matter the outcome, God works in His own unique ways.
天怎样高过地，照样我的道路，高过你们的道路，我的意念，高过你们的意念。赛55:9
Today while having a conversation with someone from my tutorial group, I thought that she "smelt" like a Christian. And later during lunch when she said grace, I secretly smiled to myself :) I find myself at ease among Christians and can easily talk about many things. My friend in army once told me "We’re definitely attractive, because we have Christ living in us." I hope like her, I can be a fragrant of Christ to my family and friends.
To Lan Fang: Yo! You’ll be leaving soon yea? I can’t say much to alleviate your 不舍, but His word can, so here's a verse:
The Lord said "I will go with you and give you peace." Exodus 33:14
Saturday, September 5, 2009
f = ma
Hmm, time to clear some cobwebs here, haha. Ok done. At the way I’m looking at it, I really have no life now. As in everyday is almost a routine, and a mundane one. I know I must do something about soon because I’m beginning to visualize the upward and downward forces acting on the lift when I’m in one, imagine frictional forces pushing me forward while walking, or see the invisible arrows that designate the forces on a flying bee. Sigh sigh sigh. And the scary thing about this is I think it’s funny, haha.
I shall resist the temptation to whine about the workload and super fast lecturers whose accents make me giggle and frown at the same time. However, one statement my senior made that I think is very wise is, that amidst the hectic schedule in school, you may be engaged in several activities. But slowly you begin to realize what your priority is and then you work for it, so that when you look back after 4 years, what you’ve done isn’t purposeless. He’s a Christian by the way and I’m glad I got this advice before I begin to ponder about it later.
As Lai 牧师said, prayer shouldn’t be a report but a communication. I needed that reminder because of late I’m feeling rather drained. A verse that applies to me now “Make it you ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Th 4: 11 – 12.
And a thank you to Caixia 老师who took time to have QT with me. 谢谢老师 :) We discovered something interesting that most Christians lack. If let’s say someone were to go on a holiday soon, he would definitely keep thinking and talking about it. Well this excitement is only natural because he has planned for it and it’s a rare opportunity to have fun and relax. Sadly for me at least, my thrill and anticipation of the second coming of Jesus pales in comparison to the approaching holidays. In the words of Caixia 老师，"哎呀不管它，反正很快就要回天家了。"I think if I have this hope and eagerness constantly, it’s not hard to be a testimony to God.
Looking forward to picnic tomorrow! It’s really a blessing to have such time of fellowship :)
I shall resist the temptation to whine about the workload and super fast lecturers whose accents make me giggle and frown at the same time. However, one statement my senior made that I think is very wise is, that amidst the hectic schedule in school, you may be engaged in several activities. But slowly you begin to realize what your priority is and then you work for it, so that when you look back after 4 years, what you’ve done isn’t purposeless. He’s a Christian by the way and I’m glad I got this advice before I begin to ponder about it later.
As Lai 牧师said, prayer shouldn’t be a report but a communication. I needed that reminder because of late I’m feeling rather drained. A verse that applies to me now “Make it you ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Th 4: 11 – 12.
And a thank you to Caixia 老师who took time to have QT with me. 谢谢老师 :) We discovered something interesting that most Christians lack. If let’s say someone were to go on a holiday soon, he would definitely keep thinking and talking about it. Well this excitement is only natural because he has planned for it and it’s a rare opportunity to have fun and relax. Sadly for me at least, my thrill and anticipation of the second coming of Jesus pales in comparison to the approaching holidays. In the words of Caixia 老师，"哎呀不管它，反正很快就要回天家了。"I think if I have this hope and eagerness constantly, it’s not hard to be a testimony to God.
Looking forward to picnic tomorrow! It’s really a blessing to have such time of fellowship :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
When
Will my family know You? When will they see that You are the true living God? I am disturbed by the things they say, and I see how foolish I was too before knowing You.
Why do they worship the world like it’s slave? Why do they go after things that will not last? What can they bring along with them after this physical life has ended? Why don’t they experience You in the midst of everything? Why are they living blindly even though You gave them life? Don’t they see You in control? Or are they afraid to submit to You? Why can’t they tell that the things they do and say are contradictory?
Father, why am I here? I become frustrated sometimes by their response which seems ridiculous. But wasn’t I like that before? Not a day passes that I’m not afraid of meeting You, not knowing how to answer for my family’s indendence from You.
Am I a hindrance to their salvation? Every week I attend church, but do they see the cross of Your Son or my old self?
2006年我认识了你。2008年我学会了顺服你，但还不完全。求主怜悯我，加添我力量，恩上加恩。引导我、察验我，就像基督如何顺服你的旨意。
Why do they worship the world like it’s slave? Why do they go after things that will not last? What can they bring along with them after this physical life has ended? Why don’t they experience You in the midst of everything? Why are they living blindly even though You gave them life? Don’t they see You in control? Or are they afraid to submit to You? Why can’t they tell that the things they do and say are contradictory?
Father, why am I here? I become frustrated sometimes by their response which seems ridiculous. But wasn’t I like that before? Not a day passes that I’m not afraid of meeting You, not knowing how to answer for my family’s indendence from You.
Am I a hindrance to their salvation? Every week I attend church, but do they see the cross of Your Son or my old self?
2006年我认识了你。2008年我学会了顺服你，但还不完全。求主怜悯我，加添我力量，恩上加恩。引导我、察验我，就像基督如何顺服你的旨意。
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