In Moments Like These

Where I have been: With family.

2012-02-05T01:01:00.001+11:00

.... In the Philippines!!

Where I have been: A wedding again.

2012-02-05T00:52:00.001+11:00

A great friend of mine got married mid-December last year. Again, I was privileged and honored to be greatly involved in this wedding. I pray that these newlyweds will grow to be the man and wife God rightfully designed them to be.

Free but not cheap.

2012-02-05T00:44:00.001+11:00

"Being made right before God - the doctrine of justification - is free, but it is not cheap. The Levitical system she the blood of an innocent animal, costing its life. But in the gospel, blood of infinitely more value was shed, and a life supremely precious was sacrificed." - Rick Holland, Uneclipsing the Son

When we behold.

2011-11-28T00:40:00.001+11:00

"When we behold the disfigurement of the Son of God, when we find ourselves appalled by his marred appearance, we need to reckon afresh that it is upon ourselves we gaze, for he stood in our place." - John Calvin

If you haven't noticed.

2011-11-24T08:46:00.001+11:00

This has been happening. =)

Echoing John Knight.

2011-11-24T08:41:00.001+11:00

"The world, Satan, and my own sinful heart are oriented away from thanksgiving. The best way to help someone like me is to point me to Jesus. Remind me who Jesus is and what he has done. Remind me that he has taken care of my greatest problem, which is my own sin, and that he is sovereign over everything else I could ever face."

Read the whole post here: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DGBlog/~3/50p9w1YBLTo/when-the-whispers-of-discontent-have-no-chance

Melbourne Cup

2011-11-14T12:58:00.001+11:00

Food + games + people = perfect picnic! <3

A little Spurgeon before I sleep.

2011-11-09T23:18:00.001+11:00

“It is from the cross that both repentance and faith arise. We do not bring these graces to the cross, but find them at the cross. They are love-tokens from Jesus. When He arises in us as the Sun of Righteousness, these are His early beams. Oh, that all poor sinners would come and sit in this sunshine!

When I think of my transgressions, better known to myself than to anyone else, and remember too that they are not known even to me as they are to God, I feel all hope swept away and my soul left in utter despair, until I come anew to the cross, and I think of who it was that died there, and what designs of infinite mercy are answered by His death.

It is so sweet to look at the Crucified One again, and say, ‘I have nothing but Thee, my Lord, no confidence but Thee. If You are not accepted as my substitute then I must perish. If God’s appointed Saviour is not enough then I have no other. But I know You are the Father’s well-beloved, and I am accepted in Thee. You are all I have or want.’”

- CH Spurgeon

Goodnight.

In the city of harbour.

2011-11-08T20:41:00.002+11:00

Whilst the boys were in their sessions, Mum and I had one mission and one mission only. The last time we were in Sydney we intended to visit one of Australia's own patissiers - Adriano Zumbo. However, things didn't go quite according to plan. This time Mum and I, being the food lovers we were, made sure his cafe and patisseries were our first stop.

And it was quite delightful.

"What A Great Pear Of" - featured in Junior Masterchef Season 1

"tarte aux fruits de la passion" - passionfruit curd and pate sucree

Inside Adriano Zumbo Patisserie Balmain

Zumborons - originally created by the great patissier!

Outside the Patisserie.

If you have not heard of Adriano Zumbo and you are a food lover like me, I kindly implore you to click on the link above and try his wonderful and taste bud-tickling creations. I am 100% certain you will enjoy it.

Blogging on the go.

2011-11-02T12:09:00.002+11:00

Finally blogger has an iPhone app. I've been waiting for this for quite awhile now.. Gives me more opportunities to write in here without having to be in front of a computer. Yes technology advancements give me convenience at its finest!

So amidst my lunch break today, I thought I'd give a little update on what's been happening with me. I've been extremely busy these past months and my mind has been so caught up with many things.

Amongst them was TWISTCON11 - a praise and worship conference that focuses on the importance of doctrinally driven corporate worship. This year they had Bob Kauflin, the director of music for Sovereign Grace Ministries, as a guest speaker. Yes, that's right. Bob Kauflin. Having known this, my family and I and a few others just had to drive up all the way to Sydney to be blessed by what he had to share. Talk about determination. Yes, despite our exhaustion due to little sleep, we soldiered on through this 2 day conference and oh what a blessing it was! Physical exhaustion was forgot when we were spiritually satisfied by the Word. I learnt so much (which I promise will share in another entry) and had one of the most amazing worship experiences.

Consider Christ by Emu Music

2011-10-14T00:02:00.000+11:00

The purpose of sin in a believer's life.

2011-08-24T23:30:00.000+10:00

"Once let us see that sin is far viler and far nearer to us, and sticks more closely to us than we supposed, and we shall be led, I trust and believe, to get nearer to Christ. Once drawn nearer to Christ, we shall drink more deeply out of His fulness, and learn more thoroughly to 'live the life of faith' in Him, as St Paul did. Once taught to live the life of faith in Jesus, and abiding in Him, we shall bear more fruit, shall find ourselves more strong for duty, more patient in trial, more watchful over our poor weak hearts, and more like our Master in all our little ways. Just in proportion as we realize how much Christ has done for us, shall we labour to do much for Christ. Much forgiven, we shall love much. In short, as the apostle says, 'with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image... Even as by the Spirit of the Lord' (2 Cor 3:18)."

- p13, Chapter 1: Sin Holiness by JC Ryle, 1879

That one cousin.

2011-08-07T21:04:00.001+10:00

I can't help but think.. It's been quiet in here.. Indeed "The Quiet Little Corner" (yes, I did change it at one stage) has truly transformed the way I treated this blog.. I made it QUIET.

There have been reasons for my silence.. let's just say it's a momentary inner struggle. But as I looked around and browsed around there have been a few things that have encouraged me. One of them is my cousin - Hannah.

I grew up with her. We played together, showered together, ate together, spent our summers together.. she was my partner in crime. You know when Filipino adults give identical clothes to children who were sisters or brothers? She was my other half.. We would be given exactly the same clothes. Since I left the Philippines and migrated here to Australia - an ocean apart - I don't get to talk to her often. And of course, time passed by and we sort of grew up. I started to wonder if we were still similar. If we still liked the same things.. If we had anything in common.

With Lolo and Lola (Granpa and Grandma)

We were kids then, we're older now. But all that was put to an end every time I got the chance to speak to her. She has been and still is one of my best friends. But one thing was still missing. I never was able to talk to her about the most important treasure I have - Jesus. There was always this space between her and I. I was never bold enough to bring the topic up.

The moment I found out that she trusted in Jesus Christ as her Saviour and believed the true Gospel wholeheartedly, I was ecstatic - over the moon. I was so delighted. Nothing separated us anymore. We now have the most important thing in common - Jesus Christ. Since then, we have both shared this passion. It's still the same, I still don't get to talk to her often. But it is posts like these where I get to see her heart and to see her growth. She is such an encouragement to me and I can't wait to see her. Soon. Very soon and talk about what we both love the most.

"We can always count on God’s promises. Although it might take time for Him to fulfill His promises, we should be confident enough that He will never fail us. Only He can know when the right timing is.

Waiting is really a challenging task to do. We will never experience God’s power if we always choose the easy way. Trusting in our own strength will never speed things up, instead, waiting forces us to rely on God. His greatest power can be displayed in our weakness. We should savor every moment of the waiting phase because there are many things stored for us. We still have to experience what He can do through us. We will soon enjoy the reward for waiting upon the Lord."

—Hannah
Aug 5-6, 2011

Food trip with the fambam.

2011-07-12T22:26:00.000+10:00

After the wedding celebrations, my family and I spent some much needed time together (especially because we were so caught up with our own things before the wedding!).

Thanks to Ate Juvy's kind generosity, she treated us out for lunch to celebrate her passing of the Pharmacy Board examinations. She is now officially a pharmacist!

Lunch was enjoyed at Oriental Teahouse at Chadstone Shopping Centre. I totally love this place! It was introduced to me by Michelle. And since then I've been going to it with the same person. Oriental Teahouse has a wide range of teas.. and the most amazing dumplings. It was worth the travel. Definitely satisfying.

Tito Frank, Dad and I (with my short hair!)

Some of the bounty dumplings we had.

As for dessert, the amazing Lindt Cafe. If you love your chocolate, this is the place for you. Lindt, by far is my favourite chocolate, and this little cafe provides you a full range of different representations of it.

Speaks for itself.

Dad's hot chocolate.

Cakes and macarons! Yummmm.

My chocolate milkshake.

Happy Birthday Shauny boy!!

2011-07-12T22:04:00.000+10:00

Batboy perhaps?

The superboys!

That cool birthday cake.

My ina-anak, Will

That grand wedding.

2011-07-12T21:57:00.000+10:00

A week a go a dear friend of mine and her fiance declared their life-long promises to one another as man and wife in the presence of family and friends. I've been a great part of this amazing experience, given that I've been asked to be one of her bridesmaids. I must say, the request came as such a shock! But this young lady has grown to be one of my closest sisters, and the more I think about it, the more honoured I am that she chose me to be a part of it.

Much of our time has been poured out in this wedding. But all our extensive planning and effort have paid off. It was the most amazing wedding ever! This couple has definitely set a high standard for Christian wedding. Not only did I enjoy my time, but I was immensely blessed by the bride and groom and their families.

The bride and her father walking down the aisle. She was gorgeous!!

Mr and Mrs George 010711

The wedding cake and it's maker.

Cutting of the cake at the reception.

The four bridesmaids in those red dresses!!

Sybil. Totally love this girl!


Michelle. Love this girl too!! =)

With the cutest flower girl, Sienna

The day involved a lot of waiting, but I loved every moment of it! Best bridal party ever! =)

Celebrating 21 Years

2011-06-12T20:57:00.000+10:00

of God's goodness.

We turned 1!

2011-06-12T20:40:00.001+10:00

Last early April, Grace West Bible Church celebrated its First Anniversary. God is good to bless His church. Indeed, He will build His church when He finds faithful servants. For one year, this church has more than doubled and it's simply amazing how people come and find us, and stay! I really love the church family I am now a part of.

Our feeder of the sheep. Literally!

Grace West Princess!

Love LOVE this cheeky family!!

Cricketer in the making, I reckon.

What's new pussy cat?

2011-06-12T20:02:00.000+10:00

Whoo0o0o0o0oo!

Haha.

Hello. It's been rather quiet in this little corner hasn't it? I have been extremely busy for the last 3 months.. Never really had the time to stop, unwind and reflect. But seeing that I am sick with the flu and in lieu of an upcoming holiday, I have given myself time to revisit this corner again. I must admit, I kind of miss it.

The last three months have been a whirlwind. But the following posts are a few snapshots of it.

Love this gorgeous boy!

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Baby Lucas

21st Birthday Cupcakes

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Thanks Mummy for my Cupcakes!! =)) White chocolate with blueberry filling cupcakes.

A great end of what was.

2011-03-11T12:35:00.004+11:00

Almost a week ago, I went to my university to wear the gown, walk the stage and receive my Degree. All my life, this moment was the one I have been waiting for. That moment of relief and the joy in knowing that I will no longer have the stress of end of semester exams, mid-term assignments and tests and the anxiety of waiting for my results. The agony of looking for parking or those long train rides home.. That moment in which I can say, Thank God it's now all over! Yes, those trialing days have now come to a great end.

As joyous as it may be, I cannot help but feel a hint of sadness. My glory days as a student are gone. Goodbye flexible schedules and the privilege of moving them around. Enjoying a good read on the grass on a quiet, warm sunny day, I shall indeed miss. Studying at the library with friends, lunching with them and catching the train home with their company. The busyness of the food court at lunchtime and the buzzing of university students moving between classes.. yes, something I can only look back on with deep nostalgia.

Bittersweet is indeed the feeling of one that has ended such a significant time in their life. Yet, as I look back to those "glory days", I can only but feel a sense of gratefulness to my God. My transcript may not be the greatest, my attitude could have been better and my focus sharper. But God has been gracious. God has been merciful. God has been good to bless me with such an experience, with such an achievement. It was only by His grace, only by His strength and only by His power that I made it. My efforts were futile on their own and without the blessing of God, I know I would have failed. Yes, my deepest gratitude to my Lord. That through His sovereign plan, He made me finish, not for my glory, not for my pride, but for His honour and praise. Yes indeed, Soli Deo Gloria! Glory to God alone!

He Knows My Name // Tommy Walker

2011-02-21T00:32:00.000+11:00

Portarlington day trip.

2011-01-22T16:33:00.001+11:00

In light of the New Year and to celebrate the end of the festive season, my family and a few close friends went to Portarlington (an hour away from Geelong) for the Annual Mussels Festival. I must say, this was our first time to experience such a festival. Apparently January was the harvest time for mussel farms and it was great weather to sit by the beach and have a fresh barbecue of our good buy. There were soooooo MANY people and it was HOT! But nevertheless, the food and the company made it a great day. =)

After the hearty lunch, we made our way to the blueberry farm to experience pick your own blueberries. It was great fun picking those tiny berries, such a meticulous job. Here are a few snapshots:

Tita Maritees, Khayzenne & Mummy

Sign said: Tripping Hazard. Lol.

Cousin!

The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard.

2011-01-19T23:52:00.002+11:00

OK. So recently I attended a one-day conference at my sister church in the East-side. It's theme was Men and Women at the Cross. But not to divert so much from the main topic, I'll be posting more about the details of the conference later.

During the conference, one of the elders and his wife put up a bookshop, selling sound, Christian books. Amongst those was this book, The Enemy Within by Kris Lungaard. Now I know I have a very tall pile of books sitting on my table, here at home. But having read the blurb, and being the only copy available (and was selling at a very low price!), I knew I needed to buy it. As soon as I did, I began reading it. And oh the simplicity of it's words partnered with the depth of its meaning! For Christians out there who are looking for an easily understood book, yet one that reaches to the soul, this is definitely it.

This book focuses on sin in a believer's heart and answers the question, I know every Christian asks, Why do I keep sinning?

This book takes dead aim at the heart of ongoing sin. Drawing from two masterful works by John Owen, Kris Lundgaard offers insight, encouragement and hope for overcoming the enemy within.

It is a short read, but oh the nuggets of gold you can find! I'm two chapters into it now. To end this post, let me share to you an excerpt from the book that jumped right out of the page for me.

The Haunted Heart

The heart is a maze only God can solve (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Computers can't decipher its floor plan. We modestly admit we don't know someone else's heart, but the truth is we can't even know our own. Do you always know why you choose chocolate over vanilla? Why one day your passions sizzle and another you're a dead leaf in the wind? Can you number all the events and images that impress your heart and make it lean this way or that? Haven't you been surprised by the insincerity and even intrigue you've found in your heart?

But the heart is more than complicated and unsearchable: it is "deceitful above all things" (verse 9). Every night Tom Brokaw tells us about shady politics and business scams. People finding loopholes in the law to use their sweat-earned money to build stately pleasure domes in Xanadu. But the sleaziest back-room Mafia deal can't equal the deceitfulness in your heart. The heart is "deceitful above all things."

Do you doubt it? Think how fickle you are. One day you're a sage, the next a clown. You can be open and cheery or reserved and gloomy, easy to get along with or a real crank, romantic or frosty. One day Jesus is all the world to you; the next, you love the world more than King Midas did.

And think of your inconsistencies. Your mind says tithing is right, and your will puts money in the plate - but all the while you wish God weren't so demanding. Or you know secret communion with God is a feast for your soul, and you long for it - but you can't roll out of bed, or if you do, your mind zooms everywhere in the universe except to heaven. Or your mind knows that lust is evil and dangerous, but you put yourself to sleep at night imagining a weekend in Monterrey with the hunk two apartments down.

... This unsearchable, deceitful heart is where sin hides.

A Weak Conscience.

2011-01-11T21:24:00.000+11:00

In one of my previous posts, I shared that I have been reading John MacArthur's Vanishing Conscience. In the worldly society we are in today and its attempt to please self and shut down inner guilt, the importance and the work of one's conscience have been forgotten and blatantly ignored. However, to a Christian - a true believer of God - the conscience is one of the most essential tools in a sanctifying life. Here, John MacArthur explains the importance of having a strong conscience in a believer's life and how to do away with weak consciences.

Spiritually young Christians are described by Paul as having weak consciences (Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8-10). Such are described by MacArthur as those in "a state of spiritual immaturity - a lack of knowledge (1 Cor 8:7) and a lack of faith (Rom. 14:1,23)". Those with weak consciences are usually "hypersensitive and overactive about issues that are not sins". They are "too easily wounded... [and] tend to fret about things that should provoke no guilt in a mature Christian who knows God's truth." It is vital to a Christian's life that weak consciences must be done away with by maturing and growing in the faith. Otherwise MacArthur states:

Those who choose instead to live in such a state - particularly those who point to a too-tender conscience as something to boast about - have a warped sense of what it means to mature in the faith. True spiritual growth enlightens the mind and strengthens the heart in faith. It is ultimately the only way to overcome a weak conscience.

Majesty of Heaven / Chris Tomlin

2011-01-06T13:16:00.001+11:00

Verse 1
Majesty of Heaven
Your glory fills the skies
Light of the world, You are Lord of all

Verse 2
Humbled by your presence
Amazed by who You are
Nothing compares, You are Lord of all

Chorus
To You, the nations bow down
To You, creation cries out
Majesty
All things You hold together
Your name will stand forever
Majesty
You are, Majesty

Verse 3
Merciful and mighty
My heart is overwhelmed
You stand alone, You are Lord of all

Bridge
Your name above all others
High and exalted
Your kingdom shall forever
High and exalted

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The conscience - the soul's automatic warning system.

2011-01-05T18:39:00.005+11:00

Having a break from work and no school has it's advantages. One of the many is the opportunity and time for me to have a good read. Ever since I started exams, I always looked forward to the time where I could spend a day or two just reading. My current read at the moment is John MacArthur's Vanishing Conscience, upon recommendation of my mother. In this book, MacArthur emphasizes the importance of our consciences, and how the world's system attempts to dampen it. Much more, how such method has crept into the church today.

Below is an excerpt from the book (expect more of these) that explains the role and importance of the conscience.

The conscience is privy to all our secret thoughts and motives. It is therefore a more accurate and more formidable witness in the soul's courtroom than any external observer. Those who gloss over an accusing conscience in favor of a human counselor's reassurances are playing a deadly game. Ill thoughts and motives may escape the eye of a human counselor, but they will not escape the eye of conscience. Nor will they escape the eye of an all-knowing God. When such people are summoned to final judgment, their own conscience will be fully informed of every violation and will step forward as an eternally tormenting witness against them.

That, [Richard] Sibbes wrote, ought to discourage us from secret sins:

We should not sin in hope of concealment. What if thou conceal it from all others, canst thou conceal [it from] thy own conscience? As one saith well, What good is it for thee that none knows what is done, when thou knowest it thyself? What profit is it for him that hath a conscience that will accuse him, that he hath no man to accuse him but himself? He is a thousand witnesses to himself. Conscience is not a private witness. It is a thousand witnesses. Therefore, never sin in hope to have it concealed. It were better that all men should know it than that thyself should know it. All will be one day written in thy forehead. Conscience will be a blab. If it cannot speak the truth now, though it be bribed in this life, it will have power and efficacy in the life to come... We have the witnesses in us; and, as Isaiah saith, "Our sins witness against us." It is in vain to look for secrecy. Conscience will discover it all.

Jesus is all the world to me.

2011-01-03T23:42:00.002+11:00

Jesus is all the world to me:
My life, my joy, my all.
He is my strength from day to day;
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go;
No other one can cheer me so.
When I am sad, He makes me glad;
He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore.
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o'er and o'er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain;
He sends the harvest's golden grain:
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain—
He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to Him I'll be.
Oh, how could I this Friend deny
When He's so true to me?
Following Him I know I'm right;
He watches o'er me day and night.
Following Him by day and night,
He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better friend.
I trust Him now; I'll trust Him when
Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend;
Beautiful life that has no end!
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He's my Friend.

Phillip Island Escapade.

2011-01-01T11:57:00.003+11:00

In lieu of the upcoming New Year and a visitor from Malaysia, some of us traveled two hours away from Melbourne to Phillip Island. The weather was great for such a day as this, permitting us to marvel the perfect harmony of God's creation. Here are some highlights:

First stop was Cape Woolamai. Blue skies, blue sea. It was such a refreshing sight.

Next stop was lunch. Yes, we got there around noon and we were hungry. Rhyll's fish and chips, are by far the best ones I've tasted here in Australia. They never disappoint! I'm glad my tourists were satisfied. =)

Seafood basket with salad and chips.

On the way to Tides of Rhyll Fish and Chips (a.k.a Rhyll Fish and Chips)

After a hearty lunch, we went to see the koalas - Australia's adorable animals! They were situated high up on Eucalyptus trees, lazing around (which is what they do all year round!). Phillip Island's Koala Conservation Centre gives you a feel of this cute bear's natural habitat.

HOA-LA KOALA!

Red Rocks Point was our next destination.I must say, the beach is one of my favourite places. Its smell, taste and sound captivates me.

The beach at Red Rocks Point

Just had to do one of these.

With the day almost gone, our second last stop were The Nobbies - home of the seals. Despite the fact that you don't actually see the seals (for they are in water and very far away!), the view was still breathtaking. We spent a good amount of time here. The cold was worth the view, I must say.


Loving the wind and the cold!


The Nobbies seal rocks.

Seagull King on Seagull Rock. Lol.

Ate Juvy.

Decided to join her. She was very cold, hence the hoods!

Our last stop was the Penguin Parade, wherein we were privileged to watch penguins, after their long day of gathering food in the sea, cross the beach and go into their burrows. We got there quite early but there was a HUGE number of people. Although the penguins came around sunset (9PM for Aussie summer), we had to settle ourselves on good seats early in the night - 2 hours prior the penguin arrival. So for 2 good hours we sat in front of the beach, cold as ever! But the cute little penguins were worth it.

Our view.

Unfortunately forms of photography and video were prohibited in the premises. I guess you'll just have to go for yourself to see it. The day ended quite well and we reached home late in the night. It was a tiring day and allowed little time for rest. But, no matter how many times I've been to Phillip Island, it never disappoints. It was a lot of fun! If ever more tourists come my way, I would most definitely take them there!

Cape Woolamai

Koala Conservation Centre

Red Rocks Point.

The Nobbies Seal Rocks

Yet another year has passed.

2010-12-31T15:42:00.015+11:00

Today marks the last day of the year 2010. The last day of a decade. There are a bountiful of things that I am thankful for this year. Amongst them are the following:

A new church family, in which I already feel at home and share a passionate love for God and His word.
Having been part of a church plant this year was the most amazing thing I have experienced in my church life. To see a small group of people bud into a church was truly phenomenal. In new and small churches such as this, it is not hard to notice everyone's service in the kingdom of God. I have been blessed to see the willingness of these people to sacrificially give both their effort and time into this church. Oh indeed, to God be all glory and honour!

Our first Grace West members.

Our newly commissioned pastor.

Some of the Grace West Sunday school children.

Family, friends and surprises.
Twenty 10 has been and adventurous ride when it came to my relationships. I'm glad to say that old friends stayed much longer than I anticipated and new friends have been an answered prayer. Indeed, it has been a joyous year.

Hosting guests from the Philippines and Malaysia.
I've had the privilege to take people around Melbourne and I must say I enjoyed it just as much as they did! I love this city and much more I love showing others why I do. Whether be it in Melbourne's alleyways or Phillip Island's glorious beaches, I treasured every moment of it. And so did my tourists. =)

And most of all, my final year of university is over! Thanks to the grace and mercy of God.

It has been a tough year in terms of my studies. Having had so much happenings outside my academics greatly affected my performance. Indeed it was a time where God tested my faith and trust in Him, wherein He painfully robbed me off of my pride and reminded me that I can do nothing without His power and grace. But He has been gracious and kind to give me a second chance and has blessed me with more of Himself. All glory goes to Him!

This year was indeed a learning curve. God has shown to me the depths of my humanness and the profound heights of His love and grace. For the year of 2010 has brought with it many trials and temptations. But God was gracious, merciful and kind to me to uphold me with His hand and to protect me with His strength and power. Because of this, this year will never be forgot.

This is my third end-of-year post, and as I always say, goodbye 2010 and hello 2011! I can't wait for what you have in store for me!

What a faithful God have I.

2010-12-23T01:44:00.003+11:00

On repeat - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

2010-10-12T13:59:00.001+11:00

You know its spring when..

2010-10-04T00:56:00.003+11:00

Grasses are mowed.

Sunsets are picturesque.

The flowers are blooming.

Everything becomes colourful.

You don't have to wear a jacket.

You can go for a nice night stroll.

Demand for hay fever tablets rise.

You lose an hour to daylight savings.

You can sit at the outdoor area of a cafe.

You have a sudden urge to go for a picnic.

You can drive with your car windows down.

There's consistent sunshine for at least 12 hours.

Happy Spring Everyone!

The purpose of the Law - A Roman reflection. Part III.

2010-10-02T00:06:00.005+10:00

The next fruit of justification by faith is given in chapter 7 (which is the chapter we began last night). Here Paul teaches us that now that we are in Christ, we are free from the law. Now what does this mean?

Law binds people only while they're alive. However, being imperfect men we are, we are incapable of flawlessly following the law of God. Because of this, all the law can demand is death on our part. But in Christ we died and the law cannot redeem us but it no longer can condemn us either. Before we came to Christ, the law couldn't redeem you but it could condemn you. And so you were under its tyranny. You were in bondage to it. But having been freed through the death of Jesus Christ, we are free from a works righteousness, from trying to earn our salvation. Humbling truth.

But now that we are Christians, the Law hasn't been done away with. Once we have been freed from the legal liability of death that the law claims against us, we possess another fruit - the fruit of obedient service to God. Paul writes that we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit. When you become a Christian you are set free from the law.You're set free in the sense that the law can no longer condemn you. But you're set free to serve that same law not in a perfunctory (external) manner but from deep within our heart.

So somebody asks the question: If we're free from the law as Christians, is the law binding on us? The answer is no and yes. It is not binding in the sense that our acceptance with God depends on it, it is binding in the sense that our new life seeks to serve it. You see, the law couldn't save you because you couldn't keep it. Now that God saved you, the law can't condemn you and for the first time in your life by the power of the Holy Spirit you can keep it. So we're not under law condemnation but we serve God's law out of the depths of a committed heart.

We're dead to the law in the sense that it could save us nor condemn us. But we are more alive to the law in terms of serving it to the glory of God than we've ever been.

Peace with God and union with Christ - A Roman reflection. Part II.

2010-10-01T02:36:00.007+10:00

Beginning from the fifth chapter onwards, Paul outlines the fruits of being justified only by faith. The first one being security. We have, for eternity, peace with God. We will no longer be condemned but will forever stand in the grace of God.

By this time, not only were the Jews outraged by Paul's declarations, but were also beginning to question them. If the Law came in so that the transgression would increase and if where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, should we then continue in sin so that grace may increase? In other words, if it is only through faith that we are justified, and not by our works, do we then have the freedom to do whatever we want and continue sinning? And every time you sin God has grace, doesn't this just lead to sinful living, since all we have to do is believe anyway?

Paul answers this question in chapter 6, by giving us the second and third fruits of being justified by faith - holiness and liberty. Being now united with Christ means that we have God's holiness in us and we have been freed from the bondage of sin. We cannot claim to be Christians without a demonstrable effect in our lives. Salvation transforms people. True salvation leads to holiness.

Sinners justified by faith alone - A Roman reflection. Part I.

2010-10-01T02:05:00.007+10:00

For this past year or so, Solid Session has been going through a verse by verse study on the book of Romans. Through the preachings of John MacArthur, we are now up to chapter 7. I've always been compelled to reflect upon each session once we started Romans. However, this Pauline letter is so intricate and complex, that it's rather difficult to reflect upon one verse without the explanation of the previous verses and the context behind the chapter. Hence, it was just too tedious for me to explain, even more so if I were to write about it. But the book of Romans is too beautiful to ignore. It's theology and wisdom screams out the grace of God, so much that it takes you to such great heights. Paul in the book of Romans, endeavors to teach us about the effect of the Cross to sinners in a myriad of ways, and in turn reaching out to the most profound depths of one's soul.

So why have I started writing about it now you may ask? Well for one, I have ample time and two, John MacArthur was kind enough to summarize the series as part of his introduction to tonight's lesson. That's convenience at it's finest I say. =)

From chapter 1 to 3, Paul proclaims that we are all guilty of sin. We have no excuses, whether men followed the Law (Jews) or not (Gentiles). "No one is righteous no not even one." Towards the end of chapter 3 Paul tells us that the only way we can be declared righteous (justified) is through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. "Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ."

Chapter 4 further alludes to this. Here, Paul (using Abraham as an illustration) that only when we have the God-given faith to believe that only through Jesus Christ, and not by our works, can we be justified and saved from the wrath of God.

I miss..

2010-09-30T11:30:00.007+10:00

Laughing till I cry.

Sunny warm days.

Meeting new people.

Going to bible studies.

Reading a good fiction.

Writing until my head hurts.

Reading until my heart hurts.

The fully devoted love for Christ.

The sweet prodding of the Holy Spirit.

The feeling of a crushed and broken spirit.

Experiencing God when He's all that matters.

It's not all easy.

2010-09-29T23:48:00.002+10:00

"It is true, this divine life continues not always in the same strength and vigor, but many times suffers sad decays and holy men find greater difficulty in resisting temptations and less alacrity in the performance of their duties;

"yet it is not quite extinguished, nor are they abandoned to the power of those corrupt affections which sway and overrule the rest of the world."

- Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man

Favourites from Dug Down Deep by Josh Harris

2010-09-28T22:39:00.003+10:00

Chapter 8: Changed, changing, to be changed

"... sanctification isn't necessarily progressive. It we're not careful, it can be regressive. If we choose to feed our sinful desires and indulge in our cravings, we make them stronger. We can backtrack in holiness."

"We all have blind spots and ways we can grow. We all need each other's mercy and patience."

"Acknowledging sin and our guilt stings our pride, but if we weren't honest enough to call sin what it is, we'll never receive the power God provides to overcome it."

"Christian growth can't be defined by whom we don't want to be like. It has to be defined by becoming like Jesus. It has to be rooted in relationship to him. And it has to be built on real, Bible-rooted conviction."

"Biblical conviction is the result of the study of Scripture, careful thought, discussion, and the search for wisdom. It requires work. It requires the humility to test the results of our choices and change our actions when necessary. Most important it requires a laser focus on God."

The Seven A's of a Confession

2010-09-28T19:41:00.004+10:00

ADDRESS everyone involved

AVOID if, but, and maybe

ADMIT specifically

ACKNOWLEDGE the hurt

ACCEPT the consequences

ALTER your behavior

ASK for forgiveness

Sweet silver lining.

2010-09-27T19:54:00.004+10:00

On repeat.

Sweet silver lining

Before the throne of God above

Obligated?

2010-09-27T18:08:00.004+10:00

Quis legem det amantibus?

Major est amor lex ipse sibi.

Who shall prescribe a law to those that love?

Love's a more powerful law which makes them move.

ALWAYS remember.

2010-09-26T00:07:00.001+10:00

All good things on this earth come to an end.

The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

2010-09-25T02:44:00.004+10:00

So I was first introduced to this book by my uncle over two years ago when I was staying with his family in Japan. However, time didn't allow for me to read it. I finally was able to take hold of a copy early this year, although, it's taken me this long to actually read the book. As I read through the first chapter tonight, I began to understand why my uncle loves this book so much. I'm only on to the first chapter and I've found many "quotable" quotes already! It amazes me as to how this book, which was written centuries ago, is still quite relevant today. More so, the power of its words and the depth of its truth exceed by far many "Christian" books that circulate in our day. The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal is a definite must-read!

The cost of love.

2010-09-25T02:20:00.001+10:00

There is always a cost attached to loving Christ, and that is the willingness to sacrifice for Him... Whatever you are willing to sacrifice in your life for Christ is evidence of the depth of your love. Whatever you are unwilling to sacrifice will expose the shallowness of your love.

- John MacArthur, A Simple Christianity

Christian Freedom.

2010-09-03T00:34:00.005+10:00

"The people who go around saying Christian liberty gives me the freedom to do wrong, do not understand Christian liberty. Christian liberty, the liberation of the soul, is for the first time in my life I can do right. Marvelous thought." - John MacArthur

At the brink of spring.

2010-08-27T12:01:00.006+10:00

So spring is just right around the corner for me. It's been a while since I last updated and I think it's been a perfect quarter that I didn't write anything. I must say, the last three moths have been the busiest months I've ever had.

It all started with my mum's 50th Birthday. It's a milestone for all of us! And we praise God for blessing her with 50 years!

Next was my birthday. Mm, one score for me this year. It was definitely one of best surprises I've ever had. God's blessings flowed out through friends and family. His goodness was indeed imminent at this time.

High school friends

Church friends

Close friends

Whilst being caught up with exams, Jen, a good friend from the Philippines came to visit us here in Australia for the first time. A lot of great times with her. It was a pleasure to take her all around Melbourne. She really enjoyed her stay here and hopes to come back. Well I hope you come back too Jen! This time with your family! =)

Mornington Peninsula beach houses

Enchanted Maze - Mornington Peninsula

The State Library of Victoria

Rhyll Fish and Chips - Phillip Island

Brunetti's - Lygon Street

The Cuckoo Restaurant - Dandenong Ranges

Apart from that, along with work, my last semester of uni and a dear friend's departure to another country, that's all that I've been up to. Indeed God has been good to sustain me with His strength and grace to go through each day of the last three months. There were times where I would forget, but He never fails to remind me of His loving faithfulness and sovereign goodness.

Baby Arisa

In all that you do,

2010-08-27T01:03:00.004+10:00

Always ask, "Does it give glory to God?"

They became a joy.

2010-08-25T17:56:00.005+10:00

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name O LORD, God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16)

"God can meet you and me in these moments of life. The Bible isn't just for people who feel strong. I'm grateful we don't have to lead perfect lives to read God's perfect Word. Jeremiah's life teaches us this. Jeremiah suffered. He was discouraged. God's Word isn't just for the happy people of the world. We can find joy in God's Word and in the trustworthiness of his promises even when we lack joy in our hearts.

Sometimes we have to work to find delight in God's Word. Jeremiah said that when he ate God's words, they became a joy. The don't become a joy sitting on a shelf. We have to taste and receive them. The fact that this requires effort shouldn't discourage us. As we grow in our knowledge of how trustworthy and powerful Scripture is, our love for it will increase."

- Joshua Harris, Dug Down Deep

The Confluence of God's trancendence and imminence

2010-08-24T01:46:00.003+10:00

Is found only in Jesus Christ, our only mediator.

"Amazing love! How can it be?
That Thou, my God, shoulds't die for me?"

The Lord is my Shepherd.

2010-03-30T10:39:00.001+11:00

The Lord is A shepherd – true.

The Lord is THE shepherd – true.

The Lord is the GOOD shepherd – true.

The Lord is the CHIEF shepherd – true.

But He is more. The Lord is MY shepherd.

(The Way of the Shepherd by Don Baker)

Holiday Fun (Part 2).

2010-02-16T23:48:00.001+11:00

More highlights! This time from Sunshine Coast, Queensland:

The Big Pineapple and the Macadamia Nut Farm.

Noosa.

Warner Brothers Movie World.

Sunshine Coast.

Holiday Fun.

2010-02-16T23:15:00.001+11:00

Recently God gave my family an opportunity to get away and have a break from our daily routine. So we endeavoured to drive to Sydney, NSW and afterwards, to Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The drives were rather long, having 12 hours on the road from Melbourne to Sydney then 15 hours from Sydney to the Coast. We stayed in Sydney for a couple of days and spent the rest of the 7 days at Queensland. We didn’t go very far, and by far I mean overseas, nor did we stay away for a long time. But we very much enjoyed the places we went to and our time together.

Here are some of the highlights:

Sydney’s diverse food range.

Sydney by night:

The Sydney Opera House.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney’s Central Business District and Circular Quay.

The family and Hoa.

The gang at China Town.

My new friends.

Hoa.

Like it was just yesterday.

2010-01-11T14:48:00.001+11:00

Is it too late to be reflective of the past year – 2009? It seemed just like yesterday that I heard the “gonging” of temple bells in Japan. Now, it’s been 11 days since the new year of “twentyTEN”, as they call it. Yes, it’s taken me quite awhile to realize that another year has past and a new one has come.

Christmas and New Year festivities have quietened down 2 weeks ago. And I’m back to the less busy, mellow way of life. With the holiday buzz over and uni starting in about 2 months, I do have ample time to reflect how my 2009 went.

As I mentioned earlier, I welcomed 2009 away from home, in a country that wasn’t so enthusiastic about the new year. My trip to Japan, I must say, was a great start. With it came resolutions, precious moments and fond memories. I promise to never forget them.

Everyone has to go through a learning a curve. For me, it was 2009. 2009 has definitely been a tough year, with the downs more prominent and memorable then the ups. There’s been sadness and heartache. But there also has been relief and gladness. Oh, and a few major changes.

God is still faithful and good. 2009 brought along with it, a driver’s licence, a new car and finishing second year of uni! Not only that, God has revealed so much of Himself this year and has made me experience Him in a way I’ve never had before. I had a glimpse of Heaven and what it would be like marvelling at His beauty all day long.

It was quite disappointing year too. I’ve resolved to do so many things and I’ve failed. It’s rather disheartening to think about it. But in my 2009 reflection, I realised the one reason as to why it happened this way. I forgot the One who can uphold me, the One who could’ve helped me through. I was eager to change, so much that I forgot that I can’t do it on my own. I was ready to live for Him, but I wasn’t ready to live through Him. Nevertheless, He was still gracious and forgiving.

I know I have huge things ahead of me this year. It’ll require inner strength and grace. I can’t do this on my own. No, I can never do anything on my own. For without Christ, I am nothing.

So with this, I say, farewell 2009, I will never forget you. And hello 2010, I can’t wait for what you have in store!

Oh how I miss you little girl..

2010-01-10T22:48:00.001+11:00

When shall I see you again?

Heart matters.

2009-10-18T01:11:00.001+11:00

Don't let your heart lead you, rather, you lead it.

"Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." - Proverbs 4:23

Wisdom is supreme.

2009-10-13T15:04:00.001+11:00

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,
get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7

< thought>

2009-10-12T13:02:00.007+11:00

Guilt is not a feeling, it's a fact.

</thought>

How we think.

2009-10-12T10:47:00.007+11:00

is determined by what we know and not what we feel.

I stand forgiven.

2009-10-09T14:36:00.001+11:00

"Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I
sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the
indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He
pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to
the light; I shall look upon His vindication." - Micah 7:8-9

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our
trespass, according to the riches of Hus grace." - Ephesians 1:7

A dose of nostalgia.

2009-10-06T22:07:00.001+11:00

Goodness, I miss those times.

I made this little thing over 3 years ago. Just a thought.

In focus.

2009-10-05T15:00:00.001+11:00

"For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Mine.

2009-08-11T11:02:00.001+10:00

“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” – Genesis 17:7

“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:29

“… that as if he said, ‘You shall have as true an interest in all my attributes for your good, as they are mine for my glory… My grace, saith God, shall be yours to pardon you, and my power shall be yours to protect you, and my wisdom shall be yours to direct you, and my goodness shall be yours to relieve you and my mercy shall be yours to supply you, and my glory shall be yours to crown you.’ This is a comprehensive promise, for God to be our God: it includes all. Deus meus et omnia [God is mine, and everything is mine], said Luther.” – Brooks (Works V, 308) as quoted in Knowing God, JI Packer

Test post.

2009-08-07T10:48:00.001+10:00

Just a test post on email blogging. Convenience at its finest, I say. =)

My thirst quenched.

2009-08-07T10:29:00.001+10:00

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:14

“Now, this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

A son’s love.

2009-05-19T15:08:00.001+10:00

“I will not speak to you much longer,
for the prince of the world is coming.
He has no hold on me,
but the world must learn that
I love the Father and that I do
exactly what my Father
has commanded me.”

John 14:30-31

In memory of the cross.

2009-04-11T11:36:00.002+10:00

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

Verse 1
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest
and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

Verse 2
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary.
(Refrain)

Verse 3
In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.
(Refrain)

Verse 4
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share.
(Refrain)

His promise.

2009-04-07T09:47:00.001+10:00

“They will be my people, and I will be their God
I will give them singleness of heart and action,
so that they will always fear me for
their own good and the good of
their children after them.

I will make an everlasting covenant with them:
I will never stop doing good to them,
and I will inspire them to fear me,
so that they will never turn away from me.

I will rejoice in doing them good and
I will assuredly plant them in this land
with all my heart and soul.”

Jeremiah 32:38-41

In Him alone.

2009-04-05T18:48:00.001+10:00

Psalm 62:1-2
“My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock, and my salvation;
he is my fortress,
I will never be shaken.”

The true Gospel.

2009-03-25T00:54:00.001+11:00

Along with busyness also comes many trials, big and small. God continues to remind me that I am a sinner and He is my Saviour. It is true when they say that the gospel is a daily reality to all of us.

I came across this hymn from the Together For the Gospel Live album today and was profoundly humbled by the saving grace that God gave to me through the debt-paying sacrifice of His Son.

JESUS PAID IT ALL

I hear the Saviour say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Update Update Update!

2009-03-25T00:44:00.001+11:00

I’m so sorry I haven’t been updating this little thing of mine. The time I used to have flew out of the window once uni started. There’s been so much going on. I’ve been learning a great deal and experiencing an awful lot. So ideas never cease to come. But I never seem to get around to it.

Anyway, apart from Uni, another reason for by busyness is AWANA, which has also started. We recently did a fundraising for this ministry. And it’s amazing how God works! We were able to collect more than what we actually needed. Indeed, He provides and blesses more than we could ask for!

In addition to that, God has given me the responsibility to teach the pre-teens (my little banana friends =) ) at my church. So preparing for our fortnightly bible studies and actually having them has also taken much time.

So given my busyness, I won’t be able to write a decent blog entry in awhile. But seeing that I can make time for little entries like this, what I can do is share anything that I’ve been reading or listening to that has greatly convicted or touched me even in a small way.

On an end note, I just want to mention that I desperately miss my little cousins in Japan. I miss your hugs and kisses and your smiles and laughter. Oh how I long to be with you again! Love you very very much ! =D

What goes up always comes down.

2009-03-04T21:53:00.000+11:00

It’s been about a month now since I wrote in here. Much more it’s been a month since I arrived from Japan. And seeing that this is my first blog post ever since I got back, I’m just going to generalize things for the sake of an update.

So what have I been up to for the past month? February sure flew by so quickly. Upon my arrival, I flew ‘overseas’ yet again to discover what Tasmania has to offer. And indeed, it was beautiful and breathtaking. Shortly after, I have been confronted with a few ‘hiccups’ testing my strength in the Lord. It has definitely been a tough ride having been brought back to reality. As they say, what goes up always comes down. I can only thank God for His sovereignty which reminds me that He is control and of His goodness that never fails to give me the grace.

Now, my second year of uni has started. And I am quite nervous about it, seeing that (hopefully) it’s my penultimate year. I’m sure this time, it’s more demanding than the last. Not only that, God has given me more responsibilities this year and my fear of failure is ever present. Nonetheless, God always reminds me of what my purpose, that is, to glorify Him in all that I do. So as busyness kicks in, I pray that my life will be centred on Him and that through me His glory and power will be shown.

My Japanese Series: These Last Days.

2009-01-23T13:42:00.002+11:00

My two months in Japan is coming to a near close. In less than 3 days, I'll be on my merry way back to Melbourne. Saying that time is too fast has become a cliche for me. I think it is already expected that it's quite fast and never slows down. Despite that, it has allowed me to savour every precious moment.

I'm feeling a little sad that such a wonderful experience is going to end soon. It's been a great trip and I love every single moment of it. But I can also say that I'm rather excited to go back home, back to a familiar place.

So with a sad feeling, I say, goodbye Japan, and with ecstatic joy I say, hello Melbourne.

This vow to change.

2009-01-15T03:13:00.003+11:00

Being growing Christians, we must have a progressive deepening of desire to seek the Lord and love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we search the Scripture and listen to the voice of our Lord, our thirst is quenched, yet we are hungry for more. Upon the discovery of the richness of His grace and the understanding of the profound depth of His love, we become fully aware of our sin and our wretchedness. As a response to this wonderful realisation, we commit our lives to God, our Saviour and Lord and not only that, we also desire to be changed and transformed into the likeness of His Son. We find ourselves making a vow to change.

As we continue to walk in the narrow path of the Christian life, we often break this promise. Then, having realised our failure, we have a guilt that eats us from the inside. For some of us, we remember that God’s forgiveness is greater than our sin, and find ourselves, again, making a vow to change. This cycle, however goes on and seems to be unceasing. Every day, we continue to sin and fail to fulfill our promise. Our commitment then becomes a mere verbalised vow, but our effort in fulfilling it seems to fluctuate in its reality. It begins to seem that sin is always ever present, winning the inner battles that are endlessly raging in our hearts.

Jason I. Packer in his book, Knowing God, tells us that this is “the rougher side of the Christian life – the daily chastening, the endless war with sin and Satan, the periodic walk in darkness...” Yes, being fully aware of our repetitive sins and of our broken promise is completely normal for a growing Christian. Packer goes on to say that as we “grow stronger, and are able to bear more, [God] exercises [us] in a tougher school.” It is natural, in a Christian’s life, to have an increase of temptations, conflicts and pressures. “God spends much of his time bringing home to us that we are weak, both mentally and morally, and dare not trust ourselves to find, or to follow, the right road... God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough and perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on him... One of the most startling is that God actually uses our sins and mistakes to this end. He employs the educative discipline of failures and mistakes very frequently... God can bring good out of the extremes of our own folly.” Through our mistakes God teaches us to know more of His grace and to cleave to Him in a way that would never have happened otherwise.

If you have made this vow to change and find yourself failing every time, you must come to realise that this is the reality about us and our Lord. John Newton describes this kind of realism.

I asked the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.

I hoped that in some favoured hour
At once He’d answer my request,
And by His love’s constraining power
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

‘Lord, why is this?’ I trembling cried,
‘Wilt thou pursue Thy worm to death?’
‘Tis in this way,’ the Lord replied,
‘I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st seek thy all in me.’

My Japanese Series: The New Year Aftermath.

2009-01-13T22:49:00.006+11:00

With the New Year's festivities over, school and work have finally resumed... over two weeks ago. I know, I haven't been updating what I've been up to here in Japan. So today I thought I'd do just that.

So what's the latest? Other than going out and playing in the warm sunshine, last weekend gave me an opportunity to try out Korean food here in Japan. And oh so gooood..(drools). I'm not gonna go much into details about the food I ate. It's not that haven't tasted Korean food before, I have when I was at Singapore. But I think the one I ate here was more authentic than the one I previously tried.

Shortly after the hearty lunch, we went to see Tokyo's electric town of Akihabara. And it was crazy! So many electronic stores in one street selling practically the same thing! And not to mention the people! So MANY people! Both foreign and local. Surely that was an interesting place to be at.

Yesterday, which was a public holiday here in Japan (Coming of Age Day), we also went up the mountains to play with real, soft, white snow. Yes, compared to the snow we get on the Australian mountains, this is the real deal. When we arrived, the temperature was 6 degrees below zero. When we left, it was -9 degrees. I was literally freezing. By the time we got back to Tokyo, it was 4 degrees. 13 degrees definitely makes a HUGE difference. Nevertheless, the weather here in Japan hasn't ceased being cold.

Unchanged.

2009-01-05T03:07:00.011+11:00

As I sit and mull over my past year I realised despite the many changes, two things still stay the same – my sin and His love.

Sin, being the core of my very nature, is always with me. I am not perfect and I fail God countless of times. Inner battles are within me every moment of my every day. Just as the Apostle Paul has said,

“When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body; waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What wretched man I am!” (Romans 7:21-24)

There are moments where I seem to forget His faithfulness and I doubtfully question Him. There are times when I refuse to listen to His gentle voice and disobediently go my own way. I allow myself to stumble and fall and suffer from the pain caused by my wrong choices. This unwanted nature; this hated self is always with me. It never seems to leave me despite my desperate want for it to do so.

On the other hand, God’s love never changes. God, in His sacrificial love, provided a way for me to conquer the persistence of my sin. The moment He put His Son on the cross of Calvary to die, He wiped away my sin and broke the chains that held me captive. Picking up from what Paul said,

“Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”(Romans 7:25)

The author of Hebrews writes,

“... now, [Christ] has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself... And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 9:26b; 10:10)

Because Jesus took my place, God forgave me and continues to do so every moment of my every day. This gospel, this good news, is alive not only in one moment in time, but in every time I sin.

“Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them... He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” (Hebrews 7:25,27b)

Because of His love, I am no longer held by my sin. Much more, Paul writes,

“we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord,” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

God’s love is unending and boundless. It is unconditional. Yes, this love, this sacrifice, this promise will never change. It was there even before time began and will be when it ends.

I know on this new year of 2009 two things won’t change – my sin and His love. But I can cling on to His promise that He will renew me and make me more like the Lord, Jesus Christ. He will sanctify me and continue to lead me closer to Him, as always.

“The Lord is compassionate
and gracious,
slow to anger,
abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,
nor will He harbor
His anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according
to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His love for
those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:8-12

Looking back.

2009-01-03T22:07:00.002+11:00

As I browsed through my blog, I came across this post which was dated Jan 2nd, 2008:

No looking back.

Funny what I had in mind the same time last year.

Yesterday.

2009-01-03T01:30:00.021+11:00

Now that 2008 has ended, God has allowed me to sit down and reflect on the last year. 2008 sure has brought me changes and indeed, God has His own element of surprise. I have here a few of the highlights of the year.

One of the many new things that started this year was uni life. Yes, this year – my first year of uni, I embarked on a new journey of more studying, dare I say, more tedious studying. It was a new environment; I met new people and was introduced to a new way of learning. My acceptance into the University of Melbourne was sure unexpected. Having in mind my ENTER score; I was certain that I wouldn’t be accepted. But by the abundant blessing of God, I was offered a placement. Uni-wise, God has taught me a lot. I do admit that there were times that I have lost my focus. But God was gracious and allowed me to pass all my subjects.

Another milestone for me was my 18th birthday. Initially, the plan was to travel. But God had instilled in my heart a gratitude that stretched out to the people who made a huge impact in my life, both physical and spiritual. I found them worthy to be honoured and to be thanked in the presence of God and men. I surprised all personally chosen people (all 18 of them), as I relayed the way God has used them as channels of blessings to me.

Shortly after my birthday week, I was able to travel with my family and visit Singapore for the first time and also Philippines (for the first time in 7 years). I was able to be reunited with my family (maternal and paternal) and also some of my closest friends. I had such a great time catching up with all of them! But my trip to the Philippines also made me realise that Melbourne, Australia is now my home. Nothing can compare to the comfort that Melbourne brings.

This year, Solid Session celebrated its 1st birthday! Through Solid Session, I’ve learnt a lot, both about myself and God. It sure was solid food we were receiving. We always made sure that we met every week despite our busy schedules. And when our going gets tough, one Solid Session meeting was good enough for God to remind us of His love and faithfulness to us. Indeed, through it, God has revealed Himself to me in boundless measures.

Not only that, a new ministry in which I was to spearhead began, that is, the AWANA Kids Ministry. It has been a joy (and tiresome!) to be able to teach children the sacrificial love of God. There were times when I felt so tired, but praise God, His grace is always sufficient. We started with 12 clubbers and grew to a consistent 16.

Furthermore, all throughout the year, I’ve met and known people, who are now my good and closest friends. Some stayed and some just passed me by. But nevertheless, I thank God for the gift of friendship. Through it, He has made me understand His love all the more in a profound way.

I’m sure there are many more highlights, but those are the real major ones for me. Those highlights involved a lot of hurting too. But God, in His ultimate sovereignty has proved Himself true, that “all things work together for good to them who love God and live according to His purpose.”

This photo was taken on January, 2008 - almost a year ago.
A lot of things changed since then.

My Japanese Series: A New Year

2009-01-02T14:15:00.003+11:00

It's a new year and I got my voice back! It's been a hectic week. But I just want to take this time to say A Happy New Year to everyone! As Josh Harris said, it sure is a happy one because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Have a blessed new year!

My Japanese Series: Intermission and an update

2008-12-27T00:49:00.005+11:00

Due to the fact that it's Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, I've decided to pause my Japanese blog post series. It takes so much time just downloading pictures from two cameras, selecting photos, resizing them and then transferring and uploading them on to blogger. Things were harder than I thought.

Also, we'll be away for this week, traveling around all the way to Nagoya and Kyoto. So I don't have the resources that I need, yet alone the time.

Hopefully, when we get back, I'll have the time to post some photos. But by that time, all the photos are piled up... so maybe I'll just show it when I get back to Melbourne. =)

Currently, I'm sick - just the occasional colds. Moreover, I don't have a voice at all. The weather is getting colder here in Japan (e.g. atm, it's 2 degrees outside), having a high chance of snow here and there. Our busyness is finally catching up on me. Despite that, I'm not gonna let it stop me from enjoying myself. =)

Thanks lots and have yourselves a Happy New Year!

My Japanese Series: Tokyo CBD

2008-12-26T20:52:00.014+11:00

A thought dawned on me today. And that is, I've been here for a month now. Indeed time's so fast! I'm halfway through my Japan trip already.

My most sincere apologies for not uploading these any sooner. But like all of you, I too have been caught up with the Christmas season and what not.

Last Thursday, we went to Tokyo CBD, Asakusa & Ueno. I tell you, their railway system is CRAZY. On our way to Asakusa, we had to take five trains from home. Not because it was far, but because a different railway companies ran different lines to the place, so we had to keep changing trains. Nevertheless, yet again, it was worth it.

This photograph of Tokyo CBD was taken from the East Imperial Gardens. The CBD sort of reminded of Sydney's CBD - tall office buildings, people in suits and really really quiet. Definitely different from Melbourne's noisy CBD.

The following photos are from the Imperial Gardens. Sadly, we couldn't view the Imperial palace from here.

Rightly after, we went to Asakusa, where Tokyo's oldest temple stood - the Shenji-oh Temple.

The entrance to the temple courtyard.

At this fountain, Buddhist worshipers drink its water to 'purify' themselves of their sin.

Obviously from this photo, there were lots and lots of people. The smoke in the air was from the incense they were burning. They make sure that the smoke would go all over their bodies for good luck, good health and fortune.

Inside the temple.

Temple ceiling.

In all honesty, I was saddened by what I saw here. So many people putting their trust on a god who is dead. They fervently pray to this god with all their might and have put their hope in it, trusting that it hears them. They are much devout Buddhist worshipers, not knowing in the end that they're worship and devotion has been all in vain - a chasing after the wind.

I will never be shaken.

2008-12-23T00:59:00.004+11:00

Psalm 62:1-2

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be
shaken."

Psalm 15

"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbour no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against
the innocent.

He who does these things
will never be shaken."

The Word of God.

2008-12-20T03:21:00.002+11:00

"The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure
enduring forever.

The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great
reward."

Psalm 19:7-11

Brokenhearted joy.

2008-12-19T16:33:00.005+11:00

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise."
Psalm 51:17

"All gracious affections [feelings, emotions] that are a sweet [aroma] to Christ . . . are brokenhearted affections. A truly Christian love, either to God or men, is a humble brokenhearted love. The desires of the saints, however earnest, are humble desires: their hope is a humble hope; and their joy, even when it is unspeakable, and full of glory, is a humble brokenhearted joy. . . ."

- Jonathan Edwards

(Religious Affections [New Haven: Yale University Press, 1959], pp. 339f.)

My Japanese Series: Yokohama Part IV

2008-12-19T14:11:00.006+11:00

I'm sorry for the delay of these photos. I've just been caught up with many things. But here they are. These are what we could see at the Observation Deck of Yokohama's Landmark Tower. For a larger view, just click on the photo.

My Japanese Series: Yokohama Part III

2008-12-15T19:06:00.008+11:00

Yokohama by night was beautiful. Lots of lights of different colours. After our long break, the sun already set and we got out. We were all met by this:

Cosmo Clock 21, they call it. To me, it's the biggest ferries wheel I've seen so far. Each round goes on for 20 minutes and you're only allowed to have one. It was a good way to admire the view. Unfortunately the wait was for 50 minutes long. So we decided not to go on it.

Landmark Tower. It is the tallest building in Japan, standing at 273m and has 71 floors. It also contains the fastest elevator in the world, whisking people up to the 69th floor in just 40 seconds.

On the 69th floor is The Sky Garden, which is the highest observatory in Japan. It has the size of 5 tennis courts.

And yes, we got to go in it. =)

Before we did so though, we watched an alley show performed by an English guy and American guy. They spoke fluent Japanese and had heaps of cool tricks up their sleeves. They were funny too. (That of course, I found out after my uncle or auntie translated to me what they were saying.)

At the base of Landmark Tower is an underground shopping mall. Not just that, because Yokohama was used as a Navy shipment base by the Americans back in the day, we also saw some of its remains. Although now, it is newly improved and much more developed.

My Japanese Series: Yokohama Part II

2008-12-15T18:46:00.011+11:00

Funny funny.

After lunch, we sat on the grass at a park by the bay and ate chestnuts. Seriously, those things are the hardest to crack open and eat. You spend more than half the time opening it rather than eating it.

Behind us is Yokohama during the day.

An engaged Japanese couple were taking traditional photos by the waterfront. I took this photo because the lady was wearing a kimono. There were a few ladies around Yokohama wearing kimonos, all different in style and colour. Although they had one thing in common, it's something that's hard to walk in.

As we continued to walk, we passed by this red brick building. It used to be an old warehouse back in the day. But now, it's a shopping centre. Yep, a shopping centre. It doesn't look like it on the outside does it?

Not long after that, we got tired. So we sat down, had a break and had a KitKat. =)

My Japanese Series: Yokohama Part I

2008-12-15T14:08:00.017+11:00

Hrm, yet another huge and busy weekend! After a tiring Friday night, we all slept in Saturday morning. =) However, that didn't stop us from going out! For our Saturday day out, we went to Yokohama, visited Japan's China town, watched a trick show by the street, rode on the fastest elevator in the world and admired the night lights from the Observation Deck of Japan's highest tower. Although, it was all good fun, it required a good amount of walking. Nevertheless, it was worthwhile. =)

Japan's Chinatown. Quiet huh?

Think again...

It's the busiest one I've been to so far. There were people all around. Both locals and tourists. Apparently, this has become a tourist attraction more than a local bundle of Chinese stores.

There were lots and lots of Chinese stalls selling all sorts of food, such as moon cookies, dumplings, rice buns and chestnuts. All were freshly cooked.

There were people all around giving out free samples. Haha. Yes, it was freebies galore.

IRON CHEF: One of the champions. I got pretty excited to see one of them. Haha. I mean to be able to watch him on SBS cook all that food then to finally see him in action. It was pretty cool.

Here, he was making small Chinese dumplings.

My Japanese Series: Erin's Chair (?)

2008-12-12T00:35:00.006+11:00

Here's a photo of Erin trying to fit in her trolley. Actually, she puts all her stuffed toys in here and just pushes it around everywhere. But this time, I guess she was the one who wanted to be pushed around. Although, no one was there to push her. So she just rocked her self back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, until she got somewhere.

My Japanese Series: A Hikaru Moment

2008-12-12T00:14:00.003+11:00

Today, Hikaru sang me this song:

I love you forever,
I like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My Kezah you'll be.

My Japanese Series: Catch up Session

2008-12-11T23:38:00.015+11:00

Last week flew by so quickly. Since I only started this yesterday, I cannot write down every single moment of it. So for memory's sake here are a few highlights:

On my first day in Japan, we had a picnic for lunch, at a park in between two mountains. I had my first bento (Japanese lunchbox). It was a perfect day for a picnic - warm sunshine and a clear sky. The trees showed their true autumn colours, which was so beautiful to see.

On the same week, we also set up the Christmas Tree! Yushi wanted to put all these ornaments made out of paper (his origami) and Hikaru was so adamant to put the star on top. Unfortunately, the star wouldn't stay. So our Christmas Tree is not so complete.

Hikaru and Erin also took out ornaments from the box and wore the Christmas stockings! Haha. They looked so cute.

Last Saturday we went to Tokyo Bay. From there we could see the entire city of Tokyo. Also, we went to Chiba, which is about 2 hours away from Tokyo and more of a rural area. There we saw true autumn colours. Whilst I was there, I always thought to myself how creative God must've been when He created the world.

Then, after lunch we drove all the way back, passed Tokyo to Odaiba, which is an urban area with heaps of tall buildings. It looked amazing at night with all these lights. Sadly, my camera battery died out and couldn't take any shots of the sight. However, here are more photos of Chiba:

I'm sure lots more happened last week. It went by so quickly!

My Japanese Series: The Cast

2008-12-11T00:46:00.009+11:00

My first week consisted of me staying at home and catching up on some needed rest. Not only that, I was able to get to know my little cousins better. They warmed up to me pretty quickly. =)

Yushi (7) and Hikaru (4). Boys will be boys. They are so energetic! But as always, whatever goes up goes down. They are quite fun to be with!

Yushi is quite the smart guy. For a 7-yr old, he knows alot of things. Sometimes, I end up being the one who asks him trivial questions.

He loves his crafts and likes to play origami. He's loud and rough at times. I always have to remind him to be gentle.

He loves sport, especially soccer, swimming and baseball. At times, him and I play catch, just to hone his catching skills.

He's currently teaching me Japanese and teases me about my accent all the time.

Hikaru, on the other hand, is more carefree than his brother. He loves to laugh, dance around and be silly. He hates doing his schoolwork, and any other work for that matter, although he helps me wash the dishes.

He's very affectionate and sweet. He loves to give hugs and he occasionally says to me, "I love you forever." He talks a lot, telling me stories of the things he's done and his many escapades. He's very competitive and gets easily discouraged when he loses.

His ambition in life: he doesn't know, he says he just wants to be a kid.

Erin-chan. She's 2 years old and the youngest of the 3. I spend most of my mornings with her. We have breakfast together and we clean the house too! I'm teaching her how to count from 1 to 10 and also her alphabet. She's a smart cookie and likes to do things by herself, without the help of anyone. She also has a huge appetite for food.

She sure is sweet, but just like any other baby girl, she likes things her way. She is quite strong-willed. Her dad calls her his "depraved little girl".

She can get affectionate if she's in a good mood. She can't live without Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Baba Bear.

My period of silence.

2008-12-10T23:52:00.008+11:00

It's been awhile since I last wrote here. To be honest, I had a period of spiritual dryness and couldn't find words to say. But praise the Lord, He has restored me and has made me lie down in green pastures.

I am currently in Japan and I praise God for such an opportunity. He has given me time to be in complete solitude and a chance for me to get to know Him better. Since I got here, I've been having a blast! Not only am I having a great time with my family, but also a breath-taking experience with my Lord.

I suppose the best way for me to share my joy is to post a couple entries about what I've been learning and any highlights of my days here in Japan. I guess you can call it my Japanese Series. I'm a week and a half late. So I'll try my best to keep things up-to-date. =)

I pray that you will experience the goodness of God, the way He reveals it to me.

---

Book Nook: Knowing God by J.I. Packer

God's perfect timing

2008-08-15T02:45:00.004+10:00

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In a moment.

2008-08-14T00:11:00.007+10:00

What will you do when someone you love goes down a path you cannot follow? What will you do when a friendship you’ve had for so long suddenly ends?

Lately, I’ve been experiencing how it is to lose someone I hold dear to my heart in just a moment. A best friend who I treated like a sister is now only a familiar face. A confidant who I trusted and to whom I poured my heart to is now a stranger. Strong emotions have I felt, amongst them were profound sadness and deep hurt. It seemed like my world came crashing down, my heart shattered to pieces. There was never a day a teardrop didn’t fall, never a day I didn’t cry out. But at the very end of each day, I was able to say that everything will be fine. Despite the pain a lost friend brings, I was able to find comfort in God who is my safe refuge, my mighty fortress and my warm shelter. As I turned my eyes on Him, His peace overcame me and in Him I found strength.

Going through this trial, I realised that life brings people around. Some pass by shortly, while some linger for years. It’s sometimes hard to accept the fact that, here on earth, those who linger for years can’t stay forever and in this world, things are often found to be temporary. Sad to say, we have placed our hopes on these people and made them our world. Surely, when the time comes that they have to go, we find our hopes shattered and our worlds ended. But I have found someone eternal, a treasure that I can have forever on this earth, and also in Heaven; one who is the same yesterday, today and forever. A best friend who I know I will never lose. I have Jesus Christ – my Saviour, my Lord, My Redeemer and my Best Friend. To put my hope in Him and to know that it will never be shattered is sweet fragrance to my soul. To know that nothing or no one can separate me from His love is divine comfort to my ever hurting heart. In my time of affliction, Jesus becomes the strength of my heart and my everlasting joy. I may lose my friends and my family, but I’d rather have Him more than anything or anyone else.

Yes, I do feel sadness now, but that’s only temporary. I know that in Christ, I have incomprehensible joy and unbreakable security. And with great confidence I can say that I have Him forever.

"But whatever things were gain to me,
those things I have counted as loss
for the sake of Christ."
Philippians 3:7

Fearless.

2008-08-12T00:00:00.003+10:00

The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Reminiscent Post II

2008-08-11T15:00:00.005+10:00

Yet another of one of my early slabs of writing. I can't write at the moment. Too much questions are circulating in my head. Maybe when the clouds start clearing and the sun starts to shine will I write again. Right now, this is my silver lining.

THE PRINCIPLE OF TAKING HOLD & LETTING GO

There are times when our natural self or I'll say, our heart, fails us. The heart, in this case, is where our feelings, emotions, and selfish desires emerge from. These are hard to deal with; they are out of our control, really. It all rests on how we react to these feelings or desires. If we deal with them the right way, then these certain things will be overcome. However, if we deal with them the wrong way, it will result into these things controlling, manipulating our lives, leading us into circumstances we don't want to be in. And so how to deal with these? You might say, 'easy, since you’ve taken hold of them, let them go.' No not really. See, we cannot control our heart, thus, these certain feelings or desires uncontrollably take root in it. At first, we don't know, but as time passes by, we start to feel them. And for the 'letting go' part, if these feelings and desires are out of our control and still take root in our heart, then at the same time, letting go of them is out of our league.

See it this way. If someone has access to a vault, he is the only person who knows the password or the secret code, in order to open it. He can hide away treasures, as well as, take it away. Only someone else who has the ability to crack the code can be able to open the vault.

Our heart is like a vault. And since, it is of our sinful nature, Satan has access to it. But Satan needs a password, right? His password consists of material possessions and people. No one else knows the password, unless it's someone greater. And there is someone greater. No not us. Why? Because as humans, we don't have the spiritual power to overcome Satan. Then who? God. God is the only One who can ultimately crack the code of our heart. His password? Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood opened the doors to our hearts. At the moment the doors opened, God, Himself, sat at the very centre of our heart. He took hold of it and defeated Satan. And we, as the people who welcomed Jesus Christ into our hearts have the victory over our feelings, our emotions and our evil desires.

Sin is a constant thing. Satan deceives us every single day of our lives; he enters our heart, bringing with him those feelings and unwanted hurt again and again. And the only way for us to defeat this is to take hold of that Power in us - the Power that we claimed the moment we accepted it. How do we take hold of that Power? We need to cultivate our relationship with Jesus. Cultivate, meaning, talk to Him, listen, believe, love and obey Him. And the very second these feelings, emotions and selfish desires emerge in our heart, we can hold on to Jesus Christ and He will let go of them for us.

Take hold of Jesus, and He will let it go for you...

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

1 John 4:4

.kez.10.08.06

Reminiscent Post I

2008-08-07T23:28:00.006+10:00

Here is a post I wrote nearly 2 years ago. I finally got around to go through some of my previous writings and came across this one. I entitled it "Expect the Unexpected" and at the moment, I can say that this slab of writing best describes what I'm going through. Enjoy.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

We fail to see that tough roads are a part of God's perfect plan for us. It moulds us to be perseverant, completing our faith in Christ. God leads us t o moments where we don't know the reason for them. Yes He has a reason for everything He does for you, but it doens't mean we know them all. At times, pride and selfishness gets the better of us and we take hold of our rights. Little do we know that we've blocked God's way for us. We've pushed Him away and ran to the opposite direction. But in His patient love, He doesn't force us out of the way, instead, He waits for us to clear the way for Him and return to Him. When we yield our rights, our worries, and our pride to Him, He works in the most mysterious ways. He does the unexpected. He uses people around us to make us realise that He is in control and He is almighty and powerful.

We are special. We are unique - different in God's eyes. Different person, different plan. We can't really compare ourselves with others because no one is the same. So when the road gets tough, don't compare ourselves with the better others and start blaming God. Instead, trust and believe that God is in control. Don't fall, be unshakeable. Be founded in Christ, because Christ is the greatest and toughest stronghold. If He is your Foundation, you will be unmoved. You'll never fall, never falter. Look to Him and He will watch every single step you take. He will hold your hand, just like a child to her father.

Life isn't perfect, simply because we are not perfect. But we are perfected, because Christ lives in us, and He is perfect. But it takes faith to be perfected. He will hurt us first in order for us to run to Him. He is the Answer. He is the only One who completes us and being our Maker, He knows our purpose. He gave us a reason for living. And we will never know what, how, when or why. As humans, we're shortsighted, but God is longsighted and sees beyond our imagination. He knows, and He tells us to expect the unexpected, because when we do, that is when we show Him that we trust in Him and we believe that He is all-powerful and in control. Then, and only then, will our faith be strengthened.

"For I know the plans for you," declares the Lord
"plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.Then you will call upon me
and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me with all your heart. I will be found in you,"
declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity.
I will gather you from all the nations
and places where I have banished you," declares
the Lord, "and will bring you back
to the place from which I carried
you into exile."

Jeremiah 29:11-14

.kez.22.10.06

Lately.

2008-07-24T23:24:00.004+10:00

Sweet embrace.

Lately, God has blessed me with a time to be alone, just Him and I. Indeed, in the quiet, He reveals the most amazing things to me. Not only that, He also brings to me reality – what’s truly going on around me. I daresay, He sometimes leaves me in question. When I’m alone with Him, I never felt such mixed feelings before. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy in Him – content, satisfied. I sought Him, and I found Him. I drew near and He drew near to me. I experienced giving up everything, just to embrace all that He is. Like David in his 23^rd Psalm, I can say that I don’t want anything else. With the song, I can sing, “You’re all I want; you’re all I’ve ever needed...” From God, I draw my strength. It is His sufficient grace that keeps me going. His revelation of Himself sure does leave me in speechless awe and wondrous amazement. I see the beauty of His grace and His majestic power. I marvel at His transcendent holiness and His unconditional love. In my time with Him, God gives me a taste of Heaven.

Good mourning.

On the other hand, He also shows me the condition of this world – the lies, the deceit and the wickedness of human hearts. Much more, He opens my ears to the cries of disturbed souls, begging to be serene; people who long to find comfort in the midst of this madness, hands reaching out. My heart bleeds for them. I cry out in anguish, “O people open your eyes!” I grieve with Christ, saying, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” This is the misery I am in. This is what I mourn for. This is what brings me to tears and breaks my heart.

Power and serenity.

Nevertheless God is good. He reminds me that His ways are not my ways and His Word will never return to Him empty, but will accomplish their purposes. He appeases my bothered soul by saying, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told.” He comforts my grieving heart and turns my worries into prayer. He moves me to rely on the power of prayer and to trust Him. He calms the raging seas within me and orders them to be still and know that He is God. Surely when I lay everything at His feet, His peace passes all understanding and guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

O sweet death, fulfilled life.

In the meantime, I am at my God’s disposal. He gives me a taste of Heaven, and surely, it makes me view death as such a sweet gain. But at the moment, I know that it is not what He has in store for me. I need to be ready in and out of season. I need to grow in His knowledge and grace; to be transformed in to the likeness of Jesus Christ, so that I can be equipped for His will – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Yes, I want to live for God – to be a purified, sanctified and living vessel for His glory.