Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The year is coming to an end. Actually on 21 Dec, the world was suppose to come to an end too! No thanks to the naysayers who chose to interpret the Mayan prophecies wrongly and proclaim doom to all.
It has been a really tough journey even as Christmas came because here I am back at work with tons of stuff to clear, but the mood of wet, cool weather is simply not helping me to be productive.
I am looking forward to closing this year on a note where I can find some rest. Too much has happened, and too many emotional scars have been created in the year as I struggle to come to an understanding with what is happening.
Fortunately, God always remains faithful and be the source of life. Rest is all I need and I shall spend some time to seek for the God of my rest.
Richard C. Woodsome says it well: "You can never change the past. But by the grace of God, you can win the future. So remember those things which will help you forward, but forget those things which will only hold you back."
As I cautiously tread towards 2013, I cannot help but want to stretch out my tiny hands to God's and have him hold me as I journey onwards.
M.
28 December 2012
15 December 2012
Faithfulness of God
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.
The 7th Singapore Camporama 2012 is over and soon the year will be too. Before I can settle down to breathe, I'm now planning for the 20th anniversary of Faith RR and as many of us start to compile pictures of the past years, I cannot but feel priviledge to still be in the outpost as one of the pioneering leaders who has been there since its inception.
It is a very special feeling to have to look back at the many years of joy, sacrifice, mistakes, heartbreaks and still look at my own two feet and acknowledged that I'm still standing and serving after all these years. It is only because of the faithfulness of God and His hand in my life that I've gone through so much in 2012 and also in my 19 years in Faith RR.
As I reflect, through the years, I've made much mistakes, lost many lives and have suffered many heart wrenching pain, many of which I still feel deeply. Today, I stand like a wounded warrior with battle scars and wounds of my years of service. I wished it was all joy and happiness, but life is never like such. I must confess, that through the most painful of losses, I've often stood aimless and contemplated if it was worth the pain and if I should just cut my losses and give up.
But my life is not mine to define. I've learned about this many years ago and it has resonated through the tough days when I desperately wished the pain to disappear.
Perhaps it is such that I can always acknowledge that God is faithful. His mercies have pulled me through, His blessings and encouragement have keep me moving one slow step at a time at the worst of my days, and have allowed me to leap in joy when all was right.
I've many mental pictures of the past days in 2012 and even more of the past 19 years as a Ranger commander. Many of which are joyful, but some of which evoke a sense of pain I look at the faces of those who are no longer with God. In spite of the inperfect situation, something inside of me knows that the God of my creation will continue to be there for them and there's always a hope for them to return.
As I forge ahead, I'm grateful for contemplative moments where I can take stock of the losses and pray through the faithfulness of God. God and God alone will always turn the downside up and I must prevail in my own limited faithfulness. Someday, surely, I'll live to see the Lord's salvation.
To those whom I no longer have along with me, may you always know that my heart has never forgotten you.
M.
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.
The 7th Singapore Camporama 2012 is over and soon the year will be too. Before I can settle down to breathe, I'm now planning for the 20th anniversary of Faith RR and as many of us start to compile pictures of the past years, I cannot but feel priviledge to still be in the outpost as one of the pioneering leaders who has been there since its inception.
It is a very special feeling to have to look back at the many years of joy, sacrifice, mistakes, heartbreaks and still look at my own two feet and acknowledged that I'm still standing and serving after all these years. It is only because of the faithfulness of God and His hand in my life that I've gone through so much in 2012 and also in my 19 years in Faith RR.
As I reflect, through the years, I've made much mistakes, lost many lives and have suffered many heart wrenching pain, many of which I still feel deeply. Today, I stand like a wounded warrior with battle scars and wounds of my years of service. I wished it was all joy and happiness, but life is never like such. I must confess, that through the most painful of losses, I've often stood aimless and contemplated if it was worth the pain and if I should just cut my losses and give up.
But my life is not mine to define. I've learned about this many years ago and it has resonated through the tough days when I desperately wished the pain to disappear.
Perhaps it is such that I can always acknowledge that God is faithful. His mercies have pulled me through, His blessings and encouragement have keep me moving one slow step at a time at the worst of my days, and have allowed me to leap in joy when all was right.
I've many mental pictures of the past days in 2012 and even more of the past 19 years as a Ranger commander. Many of which are joyful, but some of which evoke a sense of pain I look at the faces of those who are no longer with God. In spite of the inperfect situation, something inside of me knows that the God of my creation will continue to be there for them and there's always a hope for them to return.
As I forge ahead, I'm grateful for contemplative moments where I can take stock of the losses and pray through the faithfulness of God. God and God alone will always turn the downside up and I must prevail in my own limited faithfulness. Someday, surely, I'll live to see the Lord's salvation.
To those whom I no longer have along with me, may you always know that my heart has never forgotten you.
M.
08 November 2012
Death
Psalms 89:48
Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
This is a year of deaths and heartbreak, even as it is a year of rewarding ministry.
Today, I received bleak news that Comdr Andj's condition is deteriorating and his brain tumor is bleeding. They would either operate to extend his life by possibly 6 more months, or manage his condition and see him life through another 2 weeks before his system fails.
It is such a heartbreaking news to hear of this that I'm really very down and breaking inside. In this year of much labour, I know of 4 individuals whom I personally in contact with and they suffer from some form of cancer. The prognosis have often been bleak and already 1 has departed and now another is told to be struggling for his life.
Much as I receive the note to not lose heart because the family has already prepared for the worst, it is really painful to see a person demise within a defined time frame.
I know the journey past death is painless and joyous, so there's no need to lament. But such is the reality of life because we find it so difficult to let go of our loved ones and be with God.
I can only take comfort in the truth that the power of the grave does not apply to faithful Christians as the departure from this mortal body will only bring about a release to God's presence in heaven.
I hope you too will live your days well, so the journey of your life after you have taken your last breath will see you in heaven with God. Live faithfully because many do not have the benefit of time that you possess.
M.
Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
This is a year of deaths and heartbreak, even as it is a year of rewarding ministry.
Today, I received bleak news that Comdr Andj's condition is deteriorating and his brain tumor is bleeding. They would either operate to extend his life by possibly 6 more months, or manage his condition and see him life through another 2 weeks before his system fails.
It is such a heartbreaking news to hear of this that I'm really very down and breaking inside. In this year of much labour, I know of 4 individuals whom I personally in contact with and they suffer from some form of cancer. The prognosis have often been bleak and already 1 has departed and now another is told to be struggling for his life.
Much as I receive the note to not lose heart because the family has already prepared for the worst, it is really painful to see a person demise within a defined time frame.
I know the journey past death is painless and joyous, so there's no need to lament. But such is the reality of life because we find it so difficult to let go of our loved ones and be with God.
I can only take comfort in the truth that the power of the grave does not apply to faithful Christians as the departure from this mortal body will only bring about a release to God's presence in heaven.
I hope you too will live your days well, so the journey of your life after you have taken your last breath will see you in heaven with God. Live faithfully because many do not have the benefit of time that you possess.
M.
02 November 2012
God's special possession
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.
25 October 2012
Straying away
Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
As I returned from lunch, I saw a friend who is the elder brother of a church mate. The entire family has been in the church from their grandparent's time and he's much older than me. I'm not a friend of his and just an acquaintance.
Today, he no longer attends the church and as I walked past him amidst the crowded walkway with his cigarette smoke wafting past me, I couldn't help but think of the other friends and peers who have gone astray. Some of which are still a raw wound in my heart as I remember them.
The more years you add to your life, it seems the more you will hear or know of others who you once had close to you in church, now straying away and it does strike a sore point to know that what was once personal with God is now abandoned.
In the end of end times, I always believe that many will stray, but God will also never give up in seeking them back because I know His heart is for all to know the saving grace of Jesus and to live the purposeful life they were created for.
M.
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
As I returned from lunch, I saw a friend who is the elder brother of a church mate. The entire family has been in the church from their grandparent's time and he's much older than me. I'm not a friend of his and just an acquaintance.
Today, he no longer attends the church and as I walked past him amidst the crowded walkway with his cigarette smoke wafting past me, I couldn't help but think of the other friends and peers who have gone astray. Some of which are still a raw wound in my heart as I remember them.
The more years you add to your life, it seems the more you will hear or know of others who you once had close to you in church, now straying away and it does strike a sore point to know that what was once personal with God is now abandoned.
In the end of end times, I always believe that many will stray, but God will also never give up in seeking them back because I know His heart is for all to know the saving grace of Jesus and to live the purposeful life they were created for.
M.
11 October 2012
Faithfully, until no more.
Genesis 5:24
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
As I logged into facebook, the alert showed that today is the birthday of a young man who has passed on and is now in heaven. It is the day of his 25th birthday and as I clicked onto his page, I couldn't help but feel a sense of heart-brokenness that he only lived a short life and never was allowed to continue the journey of life.
Yet, I also take heart that he left at the apex of his life, living a good and right life which makes his short life a blessing. Today, he's in heaven and I couldn't ask for anything more because the Lord knows the best time to take someone home.
Yesterday as I sat in a void deck teaching a 17 year old tuition for his coming "O" levels, I bumped into a few church members and our conversation revolved around how 21 years after my "O" levels, I'm still giving tuition for subjects which I can barely remember and some which I never took. In a sms conversation later to a mentoree, I was asked how I could still remember the stuff to be able to effectively tutor. My reply was simple; I either relearn and try my best so I can avail myself to help the failing youth understand what he can or I live own self-centred life and close a blind eye to let him fail life on his own.
We can only do so much in life, but it is in-built in me to do as much as I can to help whoever comes before me. I did wish last night, that the mid 20's would take over what I do so I don't have to labour just as hard as I did 10 years ago. In fact, I would confess that the labouring is harder now than it is in the past and as I tutored in a mentally exhausted mode, I really wished many whom I've taught would have learnt to pour out time and effort to assist the generation below them and now just walk only with their eyes facing forward and forgetting to glance behind at those behind them. The fact of life is, we will be required to walk faithfully in all the days of our lives and despite what many may declare, the days we are given are meant to be a blessing to the needy, the poor, destitute and not for our own selfish pleasures.
I do look forward to going to Heaven, in fact as soon as I can. Call it escapism because it is. I would no longer need to labour so hard, and can just revel in a perfect place. But until that fateful day happens, I would always be mindful to live faithfully and be what I can to all I have until I am no more. I hope you will too.
M.
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
As I logged into facebook, the alert showed that today is the birthday of a young man who has passed on and is now in heaven. It is the day of his 25th birthday and as I clicked onto his page, I couldn't help but feel a sense of heart-brokenness that he only lived a short life and never was allowed to continue the journey of life.
Yet, I also take heart that he left at the apex of his life, living a good and right life which makes his short life a blessing. Today, he's in heaven and I couldn't ask for anything more because the Lord knows the best time to take someone home.
Yesterday as I sat in a void deck teaching a 17 year old tuition for his coming "O" levels, I bumped into a few church members and our conversation revolved around how 21 years after my "O" levels, I'm still giving tuition for subjects which I can barely remember and some which I never took. In a sms conversation later to a mentoree, I was asked how I could still remember the stuff to be able to effectively tutor. My reply was simple; I either relearn and try my best so I can avail myself to help the failing youth understand what he can or I live own self-centred life and close a blind eye to let him fail life on his own.
We can only do so much in life, but it is in-built in me to do as much as I can to help whoever comes before me. I did wish last night, that the mid 20's would take over what I do so I don't have to labour just as hard as I did 10 years ago. In fact, I would confess that the labouring is harder now than it is in the past and as I tutored in a mentally exhausted mode, I really wished many whom I've taught would have learnt to pour out time and effort to assist the generation below them and now just walk only with their eyes facing forward and forgetting to glance behind at those behind them. The fact of life is, we will be required to walk faithfully in all the days of our lives and despite what many may declare, the days we are given are meant to be a blessing to the needy, the poor, destitute and not for our own selfish pleasures.
I do look forward to going to Heaven, in fact as soon as I can. Call it escapism because it is. I would no longer need to labour so hard, and can just revel in a perfect place. But until that fateful day happens, I would always be mindful to live faithfully and be what I can to all I have until I am no more. I hope you will too.
M.
09 October 2012
When a soul is saved
Psalms 68:20
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Saturday, I rushed back to take over the program and in the midst of it all, 2 leaders had to leave the program because of the passing of a family member.
Left in the lurch and rather unprepared to teach the entire lesson, I taught out of what I knew as I raced to read the bible study and merit. Everything went well and the kids were their usual chatty, noisy selves.
What struck me next as we were going to play games was when a 11 year old approached me to say that he is ready to accept the Lord. That left me stunned as you do not regularly hear of this, more so when it is a community kid who approaches you and ready to want to be saved.
More stunned, than excited, I clarified with him if he knew what he was requesting and got him to repeat with me a simple sinner's prayer. In the midst of the crowded room, we prayed and there and then, he was saved.
As we planned for RR in 2012, and did everything knowing it was to reach, teach and keep. It was never in our mind to intentionally ask the kids if they wanted to be saved. Yet, for a child to hungrily desire to be saved is really an exciting evidence of God at work.
I'm still rather stunned at the incident, but I'm really grateful that God always reaches out to save those, even when we aren't working hard to do a better job for Him. May you and I who are older know how precious our salvation is. Treasure it and live a faithful life.
God be praised.
M.
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Saturday, I rushed back to take over the program and in the midst of it all, 2 leaders had to leave the program because of the passing of a family member.
Left in the lurch and rather unprepared to teach the entire lesson, I taught out of what I knew as I raced to read the bible study and merit. Everything went well and the kids were their usual chatty, noisy selves.
What struck me next as we were going to play games was when a 11 year old approached me to say that he is ready to accept the Lord. That left me stunned as you do not regularly hear of this, more so when it is a community kid who approaches you and ready to want to be saved.
More stunned, than excited, I clarified with him if he knew what he was requesting and got him to repeat with me a simple sinner's prayer. In the midst of the crowded room, we prayed and there and then, he was saved.
As we planned for RR in 2012, and did everything knowing it was to reach, teach and keep. It was never in our mind to intentionally ask the kids if they wanted to be saved. Yet, for a child to hungrily desire to be saved is really an exciting evidence of God at work.
I'm still rather stunned at the incident, but I'm really grateful that God always reaches out to save those, even when we aren't working hard to do a better job for Him. May you and I who are older know how precious our salvation is. Treasure it and live a faithful life.
God be praised.
M.