I thought I should leave a blurb about the conference that just ended today. It was awesome!! I had a wonderful time at the conference and really thank God for encouraging me once again. Now, I'm back in the battlefield...Palmy, NZ.
Some 'Aha!' from the conference:
The Thessalonians were people that were not only turn to God but determined to make resolution for their life. What you would do when no one is watching? In other words, the true you will be revealed in what you do when no one is around.
A big one that God was speaking and challenging me throughout the whole week was about Boldness. Andrew shared quotes from J. Piper:
“Why are we often not bold?
1. The love of human acceptance and praise
2. The love of comforts and security that money can buy”
I found that’s very true. He said that they are like diseases that paralyze men. I was silent when I supposed to say something, too caught up with what people are going to say or think. I plead to God, I want to change. I am learning to receive acceptance and praise from God alone, and soaking my mind with the truth of the scripture everyday.
Other quotes that I like from Andrew:
"A person who is always available is not worthy when he/she is available."
A person who never make a time for solitude, to think things through, to made amends with God, they are not worthy to listen to, “not fully there” when he/she is available.
Andrew also stressed about the importance of community. Satan hates it when people gather together, showing love and kindness to one another. He is trying to destroy it through TV, computers, things that cut off people’s contact with each other.
"A trial is not as crucial as how you respond to it".
"To live without suffering is to die without glory."
“Suffering...we are destined for them. Your hard times have been placed there by God.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)
Job saw his suffering as coming from God, not from Satan. I was struggling about the issue of pain and questioning God’s sovereignty over suffering. Andrew shared that Satan uses two weapons to test us: pain and pleasure. Our pain makes God appears powerless. But, God remains sovereign over suffering that we went through. God was able to use the wickedness of Joseph’s brothers and turned it for Joseph’s good. Joseph realized that and did not regret it.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim 3:12)
Verses above confirm that we Christian sooner or later in our walk with God will definitely face persecution which means pain and not pleasant moments. In fact, these verses ridicule the pursuit of being well, healthy, comfortable, trouble-free, and prosperous in this earth especially for those who are in Christ. Does God promise all that? Though if you have one of them you are not sinning, it is a gift from God.
But, are we to be discouraged to know this?
Paul said that these momentary troubles are not comparable to the coming glory that we are going to receive. Paul prayed that He may learn the meaning of sharing in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. We should cultivate deep consciousness moment by moment, our dependency on Christ and prepare for adversity and death.
I was really inspired by Nigel's closing talk, was disappointed that Andrew did not touch the coming of the Lord the last chapter in 1 Thessalonians...I was expecting to hear coming to the conference. But, God did challenge me through his talks. I dont really like the way Dave presented the evening talk, was rather difficult to follow. But, one of his stories was really challenging and inspiring...showing grace to young Sharne.
01 July 2007
Being Asian
"The Equation that causes Heart abrasion (or Ingredients for a potion That causes a huge commotion)
Ingredients:
1 part of Confucian thought
1 part of Western thought
1 part incredibly high parental standards
1 part Model Minority
Toss into an unbreakable mixing bowl. With a blender, mixed at high speed for about 20 years.
Makes 1 large serving of Driven, Perfectionistic, Schizophrenic Young Person. Best served with side dish of kimchi, sushi, or jiao zi. Caution: sweet first bite may be followed by bitter aftertaste." - Following Jesus without dishonoring your parents
I think we should recognise the philosophy we are living (if you are not an asian, it may give some insights about your asian friends). Drive and perfectionism are so rooted in us Asians that we may not realize it (what I mean is not realizing the detrimental effects). We use them in our study and God's ministry. We continually strive for the best not realizing when we are heaping ourselves with unnecessary burdens. Jesus Christ has brought acceptance, grace, and forgiveness. We do not have to take the burden to become perfect and always on top of everything. We should learn to accept and expect failures, made by self and others. Be patient with one another.
Ingredients:
1 part of Confucian thought
1 part of Western thought
1 part incredibly high parental standards
1 part Model Minority
Toss into an unbreakable mixing bowl. With a blender, mixed at high speed for about 20 years.
Makes 1 large serving of Driven, Perfectionistic, Schizophrenic Young Person. Best served with side dish of kimchi, sushi, or jiao zi. Caution: sweet first bite may be followed by bitter aftertaste." - Following Jesus without dishonoring your parents
I think we should recognise the philosophy we are living (if you are not an asian, it may give some insights about your asian friends). Drive and perfectionism are so rooted in us Asians that we may not realize it (what I mean is not realizing the detrimental effects). We use them in our study and God's ministry. We continually strive for the best not realizing when we are heaping ourselves with unnecessary burdens. Jesus Christ has brought acceptance, grace, and forgiveness. We do not have to take the burden to become perfect and always on top of everything. We should learn to accept and expect failures, made by self and others. Be patient with one another.
28 April 2007
Denominations
Why does denomination exist?
Is there example from the bible that talk about this and support this to happen?
Are the matters we are differing really unnecessary matters that is not specifically mentioned in the bible, or some uncertainties from translation?
How do we keep the unity in Christ without compromising the truth of the bible?
Is there example from the bible that talk about this and support this to happen?
Are the matters we are differing really unnecessary matters that is not specifically mentioned in the bible, or some uncertainties from translation?
How do we keep the unity in Christ without compromising the truth of the bible?
22 April 2007
Driving in the Phillipines
Their billboard says,
Drive slow......and see our country
Drive fast.......and see our jail
Drive slow......and see our country
Drive fast.......and see our jail
21 April 2007
Zeal
I had a chat with my teacher who taught christianity at school back home. After that, I was really challenged to find out more about God, to learn what He has revealed to us through history and contemporary issues. I have always been blinded but as I am just being updated with some of the issues this age and how the bible has the answer, I am persuaded to learn more about this and to appreciate the word of God. My teacher encourages me and also the young ones to go back to the bible (sola scriptura, scripture is the first).
All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim 3:16-17)
That is the word of God, passed down to us. To hope in Christ achievement on the cross, His resurrection, God's power and sovereignty, God's glory and infinite wisdom, yeah truly it is beautiful and worth more than we ever have in this world.
I found some teaching from churches has not been very strong or studied properly and so being taught to many people already. If we dont know our bible well, how are we going to discern such teachings. I am not saying that we should perfectly know the bible before listening to teachings but at least we should be desiring to know more and thus develop our knowledge bit by bit.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
Firstly, we are to set Christ as our Lord in our heart that means in all that we do, we do from what Christ has commanded us to do. Secondly, we are to be prepared, always, to give an answer to everyone... I had a look at the greek root of "answer" and it was apologia which means defense, advocate. So, what basically my zeal is to be able to defense for the hope that I have, not making it up, but to be able to present the truth before those whom disagree with God and His word and choose their own wisdom and knowledge. Hoping that God will save them from blindness, the trap that the evil set. The truth stands. I know to understand God fully is beyond human comprehension, that's not the goal. But, sometimes we are not doing more to know Him and sort of stop and easy to give up knowing God is ultimately beyond human comprehension. However, there are knowledge about Him and evidences from history, from other studies (logos: theology, anthropology, arts, music, sociology, etc) that all point to God, but we are not looking for it and thus we do not know. That's what I dont want to miss. In fact, as I talked to my teacher I discover more things that I dont know and didnt make time to find out that are valuable to know to give answer to those who ask about my hope in God.
The last bit of the verse also suggest about how I am to do it. It is to present the reasons that I have in gentleness and respect. So not out of rage and losing self-control. Hmmm, I kinda working at both (2nd and third) at the moment. In fact, three of them....everyday. But, it is such a joy to be able to do that, arent we ever more confident in God as we discover the truth about Him and His wisdom. May God help me in this.
All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim 3:16-17)
That is the word of God, passed down to us. To hope in Christ achievement on the cross, His resurrection, God's power and sovereignty, God's glory and infinite wisdom, yeah truly it is beautiful and worth more than we ever have in this world.
I found some teaching from churches has not been very strong or studied properly and so being taught to many people already. If we dont know our bible well, how are we going to discern such teachings. I am not saying that we should perfectly know the bible before listening to teachings but at least we should be desiring to know more and thus develop our knowledge bit by bit.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
Firstly, we are to set Christ as our Lord in our heart that means in all that we do, we do from what Christ has commanded us to do. Secondly, we are to be prepared, always, to give an answer to everyone... I had a look at the greek root of "answer" and it was apologia which means defense, advocate. So, what basically my zeal is to be able to defense for the hope that I have, not making it up, but to be able to present the truth before those whom disagree with God and His word and choose their own wisdom and knowledge. Hoping that God will save them from blindness, the trap that the evil set. The truth stands. I know to understand God fully is beyond human comprehension, that's not the goal. But, sometimes we are not doing more to know Him and sort of stop and easy to give up knowing God is ultimately beyond human comprehension. However, there are knowledge about Him and evidences from history, from other studies (logos: theology, anthropology, arts, music, sociology, etc) that all point to God, but we are not looking for it and thus we do not know. That's what I dont want to miss. In fact, as I talked to my teacher I discover more things that I dont know and didnt make time to find out that are valuable to know to give answer to those who ask about my hope in God.
The last bit of the verse also suggest about how I am to do it. It is to present the reasons that I have in gentleness and respect. So not out of rage and losing self-control. Hmmm, I kinda working at both (2nd and third) at the moment. In fact, three of them....everyday. But, it is such a joy to be able to do that, arent we ever more confident in God as we discover the truth about Him and His wisdom. May God help me in this.
12 April 2007
easter CaMp 07
Woohoow! Easter Camp 07, Praise the Lord!
I was really challenged and touched to be able to share the good news to my friends. They were very open and seriously want to consider the work that Jesus has done on the cross. In the end, some of them even asked for a bible (so keen to know more) and I am happy to be able to pass on my Taonga (Treasure - in maori). This treasure is not for us to keep but to be passed on to others. I pray and hope that these friends will continue to seek Him with all their heart, that they may trust in the Lord firmly and willingly repent.
I also had an opportunity to be put in a group with an old fren which I hardly talked to. I thought It'll be very difficult for us becos I was a bit scared with this person. She seems to be unapproachable. When we have the chance to discuss things, I found that God actually has been working in her life and she was asking lotsa questions and willingly consider the answers the bible have. I was pretty stunt and full of joys of course.
So that was pretty special. I had a talk to couple of friends from Indo and it was a joy to be able to encourage them to keep going in their journey with God. Praise the Lord because they are all christians already.
I myself had an awesome break after that. Two days just spending time with God and He's been encouraging me from a book called "guidance and voice of God". Scott recommended the book. I am convinced that God has been providing us always since old times with with His own words in the bible. How much He has been speaking to me every morning and might be shouting at me. I was really challenged whether I do consider His words to be that precious. The book also points things such as feeling of peace, visions, dreams, still voice etc that people seek to accompany God's word and make decisions. This is kind of show that God's words are not sufficient and the most authoritative for us to make decisions. I know Making decisions is hard. There are things that the Bible did not specify and we are confused with what to do. God's main concern is on matter of righteousness. If it is not, may be they dont matter too much.
I am also more confident of God's sovereignty over everything in my life. I am more peaceful and at rest knowing that even through mistakes (bad decisions) I made God is able to accomplish His ultimate purpose which is to present me pure and blameless, like Christ before Himself.
It also raised questions such as the justice of God when He only shows mercy to whom He wants to show mercy. I found that God is completely just. It is fully just for us to recieve punishment over the things that we do wrong against God. But, God grant mercy to whom He wants to have mercy and I have been granted that mercy. To those He didnt grant mercy, He still remains completely just and blameless because simply we (all of us) deserve punishments. It is also to show how great and precious God's mercy on us.
What a Joy!
I was really challenged and touched to be able to share the good news to my friends. They were very open and seriously want to consider the work that Jesus has done on the cross. In the end, some of them even asked for a bible (so keen to know more) and I am happy to be able to pass on my Taonga (Treasure - in maori). This treasure is not for us to keep but to be passed on to others. I pray and hope that these friends will continue to seek Him with all their heart, that they may trust in the Lord firmly and willingly repent.
I also had an opportunity to be put in a group with an old fren which I hardly talked to. I thought It'll be very difficult for us becos I was a bit scared with this person. She seems to be unapproachable. When we have the chance to discuss things, I found that God actually has been working in her life and she was asking lotsa questions and willingly consider the answers the bible have. I was pretty stunt and full of joys of course.
So that was pretty special. I had a talk to couple of friends from Indo and it was a joy to be able to encourage them to keep going in their journey with God. Praise the Lord because they are all christians already.
I myself had an awesome break after that. Two days just spending time with God and He's been encouraging me from a book called "guidance and voice of God". Scott recommended the book. I am convinced that God has been providing us always since old times with with His own words in the bible. How much He has been speaking to me every morning and might be shouting at me. I was really challenged whether I do consider His words to be that precious. The book also points things such as feeling of peace, visions, dreams, still voice etc that people seek to accompany God's word and make decisions. This is kind of show that God's words are not sufficient and the most authoritative for us to make decisions. I know Making decisions is hard. There are things that the Bible did not specify and we are confused with what to do. God's main concern is on matter of righteousness. If it is not, may be they dont matter too much.
I am also more confident of God's sovereignty over everything in my life. I am more peaceful and at rest knowing that even through mistakes (bad decisions) I made God is able to accomplish His ultimate purpose which is to present me pure and blameless, like Christ before Himself.
It also raised questions such as the justice of God when He only shows mercy to whom He wants to show mercy. I found that God is completely just. It is fully just for us to recieve punishment over the things that we do wrong against God. But, God grant mercy to whom He wants to have mercy and I have been granted that mercy. To those He didnt grant mercy, He still remains completely just and blameless because simply we (all of us) deserve punishments. It is also to show how great and precious God's mercy on us.
What a Joy!
02 April 2007
You dont wanna hear
Aiyahh. I am so stressed out, so worried. Why some people can just cruise along things alright. It is craZy. This Week I have:
Tuesday
Spread group Meeting
Develop experimental plan for my fourth year project
Prepare presentation materials
Wednesday
Meeting from 8-11 am for Advanced Food Tech
Get a Medical certificate for immigration purpose
Presentation practise
Thursday
Experiental Plan checks
TSO presentation in the afternoon
Oh dear Lord, I am so in need of your help. I cant stand it. I so need a long long break. SOmehow I want a break but I cant have it. I dun want to worry, I'm trying to save up my energy to do work but I cant. I just want to cry. I guess the people that I'm working with are not my friends and that makes things difficult. We have different schedule and whenever we tried to meet there's always something on. So getting annoyed with each other.
Tuesday
Spread group Meeting
Develop experimental plan for my fourth year project
Prepare presentation materials
Wednesday
Meeting from 8-11 am for Advanced Food Tech
Get a Medical certificate for immigration purpose
Presentation practise
Thursday
Experiental Plan checks
TSO presentation in the afternoon
Oh dear Lord, I am so in need of your help. I cant stand it. I so need a long long break. SOmehow I want a break but I cant have it. I dun want to worry, I'm trying to save up my energy to do work but I cant. I just want to cry. I guess the people that I'm working with are not my friends and that makes things difficult. We have different schedule and whenever we tried to meet there's always something on. So getting annoyed with each other.