Matthew 11:28 is a verse most Catholics are familiar with. They may give you a blank look when you quote the numbers, but once prompted with, "Come to me, you who...", most people will be able to complete it, "... are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Jesus goes on to call us to follow Him, for He is gentle and humble of heart, His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Such comfort this verse brings. Think most of us would like to be assured that we can always run to Jesus when life gets too tiring and difficult. I was just reflecting on this verse last night, and I recall how frequently I moan lately about the weight of the cross God has put on my back. How heavy it is, how tiring it is to do the work of ministry sometimes. Honestly there are times I feel like running away from it all... from the cross of leadership.
But His words reach me.. "My yoke is easy, my burden light."
I don't have to carry my weight alone, Jesus will shoulder it with me. If it's heavy perhaps it's because I am relying on my own strength, or carrying extra loads of my own making.
Next time I feel burdened I just need to remember... His yoke is easy, His burden light... and go running back to my friend Jesus.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
482,400 Minutes
One year ago minus 30 days was the last time I wrote something here.
That was my first day on this job.
In one month's time, I would have been working here for 525,600 minutes.
I write here again, at the start of Lent, sort of a milestone in my journey.
At the end of this season last year, God led me to a new job, my current employment. With the ressurrection of Christ, I began a new journey in my life feeling apprehensive but trusting in Christ all the same.
Now the Lenten journey is about to begin anew.
I wonder where I will find myself at the end of these 40 days...
That was my first day on this job.
In one month's time, I would have been working here for 525,600 minutes.
I write here again, at the start of Lent, sort of a milestone in my journey.
At the end of this season last year, God led me to a new job, my current employment. With the ressurrection of Christ, I began a new journey in my life feeling apprehensive but trusting in Christ all the same.
Now the Lenten journey is about to begin anew.
I wonder where I will find myself at the end of these 40 days...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Day 1...
First day on the job...
Bummer...
Spent the whole day reading catalogues and Wiki-ing some physics terms. Most of the time I'm left to my own devices, which is not half bad... Had the freedom to MSN, read a chapter of manga online and did some emailing.
Well, as first days go, this one is really uneventful.
Maybe that's a good thing... Heh.. Dunno.
I had time to even attend 6 pm mass at Holy Spirit Church today. Another first... First time in about 2 years that I attended weekday mass in that place. Still much prefer Risen Christ... maybe I could try going there for mass one of these days.
But as I sat there in the chapel, I found myself crying out to God once again.
Is this really the best You've got for me? Aren't You a God Who cannot be outdone in generosity? The One Who gives in abundance? How come I end up in this small, slow company deep in Upper Thomson Rd?
My pride and my desire for recognition were talking once again.
This is only the first day... Too early to make any sort of conclusions about the new place. But I sure had plenty of time to think, and you know what they say about idle minds.
Lord, my God, help me to trust in You.
Help me to hold firm in You, that You are Good.
Though my heart cries out and rebels, still my soul proclaims You are my Lord.
Keep me always in the shadow of Your Grace.
Bummer...
Spent the whole day reading catalogues and Wiki-ing some physics terms. Most of the time I'm left to my own devices, which is not half bad... Had the freedom to MSN, read a chapter of manga online and did some emailing.
Well, as first days go, this one is really uneventful.
Maybe that's a good thing... Heh.. Dunno.
I had time to even attend 6 pm mass at Holy Spirit Church today. Another first... First time in about 2 years that I attended weekday mass in that place. Still much prefer Risen Christ... maybe I could try going there for mass one of these days.
But as I sat there in the chapel, I found myself crying out to God once again.
Is this really the best You've got for me? Aren't You a God Who cannot be outdone in generosity? The One Who gives in abundance? How come I end up in this small, slow company deep in Upper Thomson Rd?
My pride and my desire for recognition were talking once again.
This is only the first day... Too early to make any sort of conclusions about the new place. But I sure had plenty of time to think, and you know what they say about idle minds.
Lord, my God, help me to trust in You.
Help me to hold firm in You, that You are Good.
Though my heart cries out and rebels, still my soul proclaims You are my Lord.
Keep me always in the shadow of Your Grace.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Dying Into New Life
It's Easter... Alleluia, the Lord is Risen!
It has been a thoughtful season of Lent. An amazing period of reflection, where if I but put in a little bit of effort, the Lord responded so profoundly with His wisdom. Feels like Lent has been forever, but it has been a meaningful time of drawing closer to God.. like the prodigal returning to his father.
With the end of Lent comes new life in Easter... which is kinda literal for me this year.
Tommorrow ends my months long unemployment as I begin my first day at my new job. Bittersweet symphony as I list down the things I will miss once I start working again. I will surely miss the carefree days where my time is completely my own, just as surely as I am looking forward to updating my bank book every month and seeing the figures go up again =)
During the Holy Week I learnt the meaning of dying to myself.
In accepting this unexpected employment which landed in my lap I learnt to submit to God, to start the process of letting go of my desire for worldly acclaim, as I was reminded that God does not measure success the way the world does. Dying to self feels a lot like the word implies... not a comfortable sensation definitely. The sense of surrender, to plunge into the unknown and trusting in the guidance of the Lord. A mixture of apprehension and anticipation.
But just as a dear sister reminded me.. as I die to myself, so I shall find new life in the Risen Christ in Easter. This same sister pointed me to read 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, a wonderful book which came at an appropriate time, much like the "omens", the sign of the times, which the author spoke a lot about as he spun his story.
And if I've been reading the "omens" correctly, this new job should be the next step in my journey towards my treasure, my heart's desire.... =)
It has been a thoughtful season of Lent. An amazing period of reflection, where if I but put in a little bit of effort, the Lord responded so profoundly with His wisdom. Feels like Lent has been forever, but it has been a meaningful time of drawing closer to God.. like the prodigal returning to his father.
With the end of Lent comes new life in Easter... which is kinda literal for me this year.
Tommorrow ends my months long unemployment as I begin my first day at my new job. Bittersweet symphony as I list down the things I will miss once I start working again. I will surely miss the carefree days where my time is completely my own, just as surely as I am looking forward to updating my bank book every month and seeing the figures go up again =)
During the Holy Week I learnt the meaning of dying to myself.
In accepting this unexpected employment which landed in my lap I learnt to submit to God, to start the process of letting go of my desire for worldly acclaim, as I was reminded that God does not measure success the way the world does. Dying to self feels a lot like the word implies... not a comfortable sensation definitely. The sense of surrender, to plunge into the unknown and trusting in the guidance of the Lord. A mixture of apprehension and anticipation.
But just as a dear sister reminded me.. as I die to myself, so I shall find new life in the Risen Christ in Easter. This same sister pointed me to read 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, a wonderful book which came at an appropriate time, much like the "omens", the sign of the times, which the author spoke a lot about as he spun his story.
And if I've been reading the "omens" correctly, this new job should be the next step in my journey towards my treasure, my heart's desire.... =)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Something New Indeed
I realise something today.
At the start of the year, I remember blogging about the countdown party at IHM. It was there that I prayed to the Lord to do something new in my life, along with the others in attendance. I remember meaning it too... I wanted the Lord to renew me, to excite me & surprise me in 2008.
Well, I guess He did not waste any time.
One week after that I became the coordinator of Youth Arise. Heh. Figures.
So today I realised that I "brought it upon myself" through that prayer. What happened was an answer to my own prayer. Again the saying holds true, "Be careful what you pray for."
Oh Lord, oh Lord...
You can be really sneaky sometimes, You know that?
Ha ha ha...
At the start of the year, I remember blogging about the countdown party at IHM. It was there that I prayed to the Lord to do something new in my life, along with the others in attendance. I remember meaning it too... I wanted the Lord to renew me, to excite me & surprise me in 2008.
Well, I guess He did not waste any time.
One week after that I became the coordinator of Youth Arise. Heh. Figures.
So today I realised that I "brought it upon myself" through that prayer. What happened was an answer to my own prayer. Again the saying holds true, "Be careful what you pray for."
Oh Lord, oh Lord...
You can be really sneaky sometimes, You know that?
Ha ha ha...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Leader
God-given leadership is given to a person who seeks not to lead, but seeks to serve.
"Those who want to be first will be last. Those who seek to be the greatest must be the servant of all." -- Jesus
Jesus did not only speak these words, He backed it up with his actions.
He demonstrated it with the way He lived His life; never refusing anyone who came to Him for healing, washing His disciples' feet, and ultimately by dying on the Cross in exchange for all our lives... we who are not even worthy to undo the straps of His sandals.
It's always a point to reflect on, for it is all too easy to forget that the word "servant" comes first in "servant-leader". As I try to find my way in my new role in ministry, it is something that the Lord really reminds me... To remember where I came from, what put me on the path of ministry in the first place.
After my YISS in 2004 I remember leaving with a fire inside but without the ability to do anything. I had no confidence to lead worship, I could not speak a word of prophecy, I didn't have knowledge to teach... All I had was a burning desire to do something for this God who had rescued me, to serve Him somehow. I guess that's probably what the Lord saw, and that was all He needed to get to work in me.
And 3 years later I am amazed of the things I have seen the Lord do in my life. Not by might, not by power, but truly only by His Spirit.
I never asked for this... I did not ask to be placed where I am. But I am quite certain this is where I need to be at this point in my life, to fulfill the plans He has for me... whatever they are.
My prayer is that I will be able to say with St. Paul:
"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
"Those who want to be first will be last. Those who seek to be the greatest must be the servant of all." -- Jesus
Jesus did not only speak these words, He backed it up with his actions.
He demonstrated it with the way He lived His life; never refusing anyone who came to Him for healing, washing His disciples' feet, and ultimately by dying on the Cross in exchange for all our lives... we who are not even worthy to undo the straps of His sandals.
It's always a point to reflect on, for it is all too easy to forget that the word "servant" comes first in "servant-leader". As I try to find my way in my new role in ministry, it is something that the Lord really reminds me... To remember where I came from, what put me on the path of ministry in the first place.
After my YISS in 2004 I remember leaving with a fire inside but without the ability to do anything. I had no confidence to lead worship, I could not speak a word of prophecy, I didn't have knowledge to teach... All I had was a burning desire to do something for this God who had rescued me, to serve Him somehow. I guess that's probably what the Lord saw, and that was all He needed to get to work in me.
And 3 years later I am amazed of the things I have seen the Lord do in my life. Not by might, not by power, but truly only by His Spirit.
I never asked for this... I did not ask to be placed where I am. But I am quite certain this is where I need to be at this point in my life, to fulfill the plans He has for me... whatever they are.
My prayer is that I will be able to say with St. Paul:
"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
V
Today is Valentine's Day, so let us take time to especially thank God for the great love He has poured into our lives. We often take for granted the fact that God loves us, lost in the flood of activities and conversations that make up a day in the life.
So in this day dedicated to celebrate love, let us remember He who IS Love.
Let us also not forget the people He has placed around us to express His love... Family, friends, loved ones. Let us appreciate how blessed we are to have these people to share & experience love with.
It is customary for friends & lovers to exchange gifts on Valentine.
So I wonder what would Jesus do if we were to ask Him for a Valentine gift (He being the lover of our souls and all)? =)
Perhaps all He needed to do was to smile & point at that old rugged cross on Calvary.
For that is without a doubt the greatest gift of Love in the history of mankind.
So when was the last time you told Jesus that you love Him? =)
So in this day dedicated to celebrate love, let us remember He who IS Love.
Let us also not forget the people He has placed around us to express His love... Family, friends, loved ones. Let us appreciate how blessed we are to have these people to share & experience love with.
It is customary for friends & lovers to exchange gifts on Valentine.
So I wonder what would Jesus do if we were to ask Him for a Valentine gift (He being the lover of our souls and all)? =)
Perhaps all He needed to do was to smile & point at that old rugged cross on Calvary.
For that is without a doubt the greatest gift of Love in the history of mankind.
So when was the last time you told Jesus that you love Him? =)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ha ha... Lazy me... it's already February, and I hardly blogged about January.
Chinese New Year is here again. Going home to celebrate with my family, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be (I hope..)
A quick getaway from S'pore. Always good to be distant from it all every now and then... Puts things in perspective.
Seems like my mind hardly stops turning for the past 2-3 weeks.
But at least I have made peace with the fact that my position now is where I am supposed to be.
In true Christian fashion of doing things paradoxically, being in leadership brings me to the awareness that I am small and often inadequate.
But small is what I am, for I must decrease, so that He may increase in me.
The Lord sure has a way of bringing the proud to their knees, in humble adoration... =)
And the more I complicate matters, the Lord sometimes bring me back to the simple.
As I cried out, lost and desperate for directions, visions, and how to move in leadership...
My Master simply said, "Follow."
Then I realised how true it is, in all its glorious one-word-simplicity...
A leader is one who shows the way, by following the Way, the Truth and the Life.
There is only one game plan, to follow Him, and let Him make things fall into place.
Yes.. One word...
But in itself lies the challenge... It is not easy to submit my will to Jesus. Not always keen to go where He leads... Heh =P.. Not even sure where He is going sometimes.
Quo vadis Domine?
So Lord, help me to trust You each and every day...
I acknowledge my sinfulness before You, help my unbelief.
Chinese New Year is here again. Going home to celebrate with my family, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be (I hope..)
A quick getaway from S'pore. Always good to be distant from it all every now and then... Puts things in perspective.
Seems like my mind hardly stops turning for the past 2-3 weeks.
But at least I have made peace with the fact that my position now is where I am supposed to be.
In true Christian fashion of doing things paradoxically, being in leadership brings me to the awareness that I am small and often inadequate.
But small is what I am, for I must decrease, so that He may increase in me.
The Lord sure has a way of bringing the proud to their knees, in humble adoration... =)
And the more I complicate matters, the Lord sometimes bring me back to the simple.
As I cried out, lost and desperate for directions, visions, and how to move in leadership...
My Master simply said, "Follow."
Then I realised how true it is, in all its glorious one-word-simplicity...
A leader is one who shows the way, by following the Way, the Truth and the Life.
There is only one game plan, to follow Him, and let Him make things fall into place.
Yes.. One word...
But in itself lies the challenge... It is not easy to submit my will to Jesus. Not always keen to go where He leads... Heh =P.. Not even sure where He is going sometimes.
Quo vadis Domine?
So Lord, help me to trust You each and every day...
I acknowledge my sinfulness before You, help my unbelief.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Today I said 'Yes' to something that up til 24 hours ago I was unwilling to do.
Guess it's easy to let doubts and worries stop me from doing something I should be doing.
A responbility that deep inside I have prepared myself for.
Still as the evening draws to a close and I let the day's events sink in, I realise how daunting the task ahead can be. Agreeing to it is only the first step, living it is another matter altogether.
I guess when I asked the Lord to do something new this year on New Year's Eve, He sure doesn't waste any time. Careful what you ask God eh? Ha ha...
Uncertain? You bet.
Afraid? Sure, a bit.
But the Lord spoke Isaiah 62:5 to me...
"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
Thank for the vote of confidence, Pops...
Show me the way yeah?
In You I put my trust.
Guess it's easy to let doubts and worries stop me from doing something I should be doing.
A responbility that deep inside I have prepared myself for.
Still as the evening draws to a close and I let the day's events sink in, I realise how daunting the task ahead can be. Agreeing to it is only the first step, living it is another matter altogether.
I guess when I asked the Lord to do something new this year on New Year's Eve, He sure doesn't waste any time. Careful what you ask God eh? Ha ha...
Uncertain? You bet.
Afraid? Sure, a bit.
But the Lord spoke Isaiah 62:5 to me...
"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
Thank for the vote of confidence, Pops...
Show me the way yeah?
In You I put my trust.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
2008 is here.
Kinda sucky to start the new year jobless.
And although there hasn't been any YAM prayer meetings for a month, December still didn't feel like much of a break.
So I start 2008 at the bottom... Out of a job and feeling a bit tired from the past year's worth of activities.
Yet oddly there's a hope that rises as the calendar turns.
There's something about new beginnings that bring a sense of expectation, a quiet assurance that things can only go up... One of the perks of starting at the bottom... Ha ha
Indeed, as brothers Daniel & Joel led everyone into a time of worship last night at the SACCRE Youth New Year Gathering, the Spirit came with His refreshing presence.
Joel spoke about how New Year resolutions often seem to make us look to the past, to strive to do something we could not in the previous year.
So let us instead look to our Creator... He is a God of endless creativity, and He knows the plans that He has for us! Let us invite Abba to do something new in our lives.
What a way to kickstart the new year...
With thanksgiving and praise to our God, gathered as a community of believers in the House of our Lord. Mass was awesome, IHM was full-house! Praise the Lord!
And the worship earlier set the theme... To welcome the new year with anticipation and gladness, as the Lord does something new in our lives!
So as I sit here today...
My circumstances have not changed.
But I can start changing on the inside... To let strength rise as I wait upon the Lord.
To look forward to this new year with renewed hope and not dwell on the defeats of the past. Cos my God is gonna do something new.
Oh it is good to be a child of the Most High!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Smiling At The Storm
With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm
Smile at the storm, smile at the storm...
It's amazing how a Sunday school song can have such profound words.
As I was reflecting a few days back, I realise that I've been singing those lyrics happily since the recent YISS without pausing to ponder what it is I'm actually singing.
Can I really smile when the storms of life come rocking the boat?
If I remember correctly, the apostles were not smiling that fateful night when sudden gales transformed a tranquil voyage across the lake into a life or death struggle to keep their vessel afloat.
With powerful waves slamming onto their boat and the rain hammering their bodies, the Twelve were not smiling at all... No, they were terrified. Scared out of their minds.
The storms we face today in Singapore are not so literal, but can be just as terrifying.
Death of a loved one, parents getting divorced, friendships turned sour... The list goes on and on.
In my case, being jobless for a few months is starting to bug me.
Lately I've been feeling the waves of doubt assailing my mind.
Will I ever find a suitable job?
Will anyone ever want to employ me?
How come I'm still not sure what I want to pursue?
The chilling winds of fear can dampen my spirit at times.
What's the point of sending all those resumes if no one is going to respond?
Should I be keeping my hopes up for this particular job?
What if I blow the interview for a job I really like?
But still the Word of the Lord remains... Trust.
All it took from Jesus to calm the storm was a simple command.
At His Word, the winds were silenced, the rain ceased, and the waves lost their might.
It was that simple for the Son of God, hardly broke a sweat going up against the forces of Nature. He did create them, didn't He?
But it takes great faith to wait for His timing in the midst of life's storms.
When nothing seems certain, it takes a man of great trust in the Lord to smile at the storm.
I cannot always be that man... I falter and I become afraid when I look at my situation.
You know what I imagine when I think of what it's like to smile at the storm?
The fearless Spartan warriors of '3oo', standing side by side with shields up and spears raised against the advancing Persian legions. They knew it was about to get nasty, that they may not make it out alive, but they were smiling. Confident. Trusting in their skills and those of their fellow soldiers.
Lord, I know You have called me to stand as Your warrior.
But I do fear, Lord, as I face the uncertainty of my future.
Help me to trust in You... Help me to always cling to You, even as the storm rages around me.
I want to look my troubles in the face confidently, and sing....
With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm...
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Flashback
My birthday wish 2 years ago:
Lord, I have not really known you these past 25 years.
So for the next 25 years and beyond...
Take my life and make it Yours.
Got a feeling Abba's not done granting me that wish yet...
Ha ha
Guess that's what happens after Jesus rescued me.
I was left wondering how could I ever have lived my life without wanting Him by my side...
Such a foolish notion.
What's left to do is, well, to make up for lost time... For all those times I did not even try to follow Him.
Jesus, You Be Lifted High...
Lord, I have not really known you these past 25 years.
So for the next 25 years and beyond...
Take my life and make it Yours.
Got a feeling Abba's not done granting me that wish yet...
Ha ha
Guess that's what happens after Jesus rescued me.
I was left wondering how could I ever have lived my life without wanting Him by my side...
Such a foolish notion.
What's left to do is, well, to make up for lost time... For all those times I did not even try to follow Him.
Jesus, You Be Lifted High...
Cupcakes & Chocolate Cakes
Had 3 cakes yesterday.
To mark the end of my 26th year on earth.
I love the cupcake from Becky...
It may be small in size, but I loved every bite. Really was a very sweet thing to do, literally and figuratively speaking... haha
The next cake caught this jaded birthday celebrant offguard.
A meeting room at St. Joseph's Church priests' house was a rather offbeat venue to be celebrating someone's birthday.
But hey, the thought really counts... A big thanks to my sister Elaine for that.
I shared the third cake with Amplify's December babies.
Didn't really wanna go up there, since I'm just a guest in their house.
But well, the crowd had spoken.... And I do appreciate everyone praying for me la... haha
It's good to be welcomed in a community.
For me, it's the fact that someone remembers which warms my heart.
To be remembered, is really a great thing in a life that's like a flower quickly fading.
And to have someone remember one's birthday, is one of God's little ways of reminding me...
That I am special and dearly loved in His eyes, especially in this day when He fondly remembers the moment when He brought me into this world.
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean, like vapour in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
You catch me when I'm falling
You told me who I am
I am Yours
-- from "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns
To mark the end of my 26th year on earth.
I love the cupcake from Becky...
It may be small in size, but I loved every bite. Really was a very sweet thing to do, literally and figuratively speaking... haha
The next cake caught this jaded birthday celebrant offguard.
A meeting room at St. Joseph's Church priests' house was a rather offbeat venue to be celebrating someone's birthday.
But hey, the thought really counts... A big thanks to my sister Elaine for that.
I shared the third cake with Amplify's December babies.
Didn't really wanna go up there, since I'm just a guest in their house.
But well, the crowd had spoken.... And I do appreciate everyone praying for me la... haha
It's good to be welcomed in a community.
For me, it's the fact that someone remembers which warms my heart.
To be remembered, is really a great thing in a life that's like a flower quickly fading.
And to have someone remember one's birthday, is one of God's little ways of reminding me...
That I am special and dearly loved in His eyes, especially in this day when He fondly remembers the moment when He brought me into this world.
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean, like vapour in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
You catch me when I'm falling
You told me who I am
I am Yours
-- from "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Be Lifted High
I fall to my knees,
So it's You that they see,
Not I,
Jesus, You be lifted high...
These are lyrics from Leeland's Be Lifted High.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSg8n2JSL8k
Word from the heart of a worshiper.
Words that leave an impression in me.
Sometimes it's too easy to receive compliments and affirmations, then forget to direct them to the One whom all glory and praise belong to.
Jesus, let this be my heartsong to you...
As I continue to lead your people in worship.
Let me alwasy point them to You, my King.
Let them look at You, Lord... and not me.. never me.
Jesus, You Be Lifted High...
I love long bus rides.
Though it can get a pain in the ass sometimes (literally), I enjoy the time I have to myself... To listen to praise & worship music, or to be lost in reflection.
There can be so many things to do on any given day, that sometimes I forget to take the time to think... to reflect... That only when I have to sit in a bus, with no one to talk to and nothing to do but sit still, is when I spend that time with inner self... and with my God.
I was on one such bus ride today, from Bishan to airport to welcome some visiting relatives.
My mind drifted to my job search, my ministry, and the people I am journeying with.
I am feeling a little bit tired.
For all the progress and growth I'm blessed with this year, I find myself wanting to catch a breather as 2007 draws to a close.
Sharing in a person's life can be a pretty absorbing task. It's easy to find oneself drawn into another's life situations and burdens... Problems that one finds oneself unequipped to handle.
Words fail... or sometimes they seem too cheap to say.
Lord... How can I do this? How can I keep running the race with these people when I don't know where they could be headed?
There again the Lord reminded me of the answer... That I don't need to have it.
What I have to do, is to ask Him.
Ask Him to show me His vision for the people I'm walking with.
Pray for them, and surrender them to Him... For they are God's children, not mine.
I'm just an instrument.
The burden is not mine to carry... it is Jesus'.
With that realisation comes a relief, a sense of peace... My friends are in God's hands, just as I am. It brings a willing surrender... a welcome sense of need I feel for my Lord.
His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
He's full of wisdom, power and might.
Lord, this is a declaration of dependence.
Jesus, I need You...
Jesus, I want You...
I am... Captivated.
Though it can get a pain in the ass sometimes (literally), I enjoy the time I have to myself... To listen to praise & worship music, or to be lost in reflection.
There can be so many things to do on any given day, that sometimes I forget to take the time to think... to reflect... That only when I have to sit in a bus, with no one to talk to and nothing to do but sit still, is when I spend that time with inner self... and with my God.
I was on one such bus ride today, from Bishan to airport to welcome some visiting relatives.
My mind drifted to my job search, my ministry, and the people I am journeying with.
I am feeling a little bit tired.
For all the progress and growth I'm blessed with this year, I find myself wanting to catch a breather as 2007 draws to a close.
Sharing in a person's life can be a pretty absorbing task. It's easy to find oneself drawn into another's life situations and burdens... Problems that one finds oneself unequipped to handle.
Words fail... or sometimes they seem too cheap to say.
Lord... How can I do this? How can I keep running the race with these people when I don't know where they could be headed?
There again the Lord reminded me of the answer... That I don't need to have it.
What I have to do, is to ask Him.
Ask Him to show me His vision for the people I'm walking with.
Pray for them, and surrender them to Him... For they are God's children, not mine.
I'm just an instrument.
The burden is not mine to carry... it is Jesus'.
With that realisation comes a relief, a sense of peace... My friends are in God's hands, just as I am. It brings a willing surrender... a welcome sense of need I feel for my Lord.
His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
He's full of wisdom, power and might.
Lord, this is a declaration of dependence.
Jesus, I need You...
Jesus, I want You...
I am... Captivated.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
"I've been dreaming of a true love's kiss..."
Yep... I watched Disney's Enchanted yesterday and I can't quite get that tune out of my head now.
I'm not what you would call a hopeless romantic...
Marriage is an effort. You gotta make it work. It's easy to fall out of love, the challenge is to stay in love. Etc. Etc. ....
But wouldn't it be nice to believe in the fairytale happily ever after romance?
Especially in a world where divorce rates are at an alarmingly high percentage, where Adam often ends up with Steve.
The fact is, there is just something about love.
That makes every joe into a hero. That stirs up a whimsy in the most stern faces.
There is something magical about love.
It makes us believe in magic carpet rides.. knights in shining armour.. a beauty in the castle tower.
Perhaps that is why God is so intoxicating... A being of pure, unconditional Love.
There is nothing quite like the presence of Abba in a room... A gentle reassuring Love that opens up the floodgates of the heart and brings you to your knees in sweet surrender.
Perhaps that is how Christ found the strength to embrace the Cross at the Via Dolorosa... Love kept Him going. At those agonising moments, He saw the faces of each and every one of us and He remembered how madly in love He is... and He picked Himself up from the dirt.
The Romans were amazed at how this fool clings feverishly to the instrument of His doom...
They did not understand Love...
So Pilate asked, "What is Truth?"
He did not understand Love...
For Love is the Truth...
That God so loves the world He sent His One and Only Son, so that those who believe in Him may not perish but have life eternal.
I guess God put that love in each one of us, so we may have an inkling of the mystery of the Passion. What made the Son of God willingly take the punishment that should have been borne by us.
Love enables us to become Alter Christus... the Other Christ... To love another human being more than we care for ourselves.
When a man and a woman unite in matrimony, they experience a glimmer of the intimacy shared by the Trinity. A union of heart, body and soul.
So yeah... maybe I have been dreaming of a "true love's kiss", and the princess I'm hoping comes with this.
Ha ha.. Funny how it takes a movie to bring out what a recollection at the Seminary could not quite pinpoint.
But hey, you know what... First and foremost, Lord, my life is Yours.
And this remains my heart's one desire... To be set apart for You, my Master, ready to do Your will.
For I believe I have experienced true love, and it's only gonna get much better as I continue to run after my Saviour King... Ha ha... Yeah, it's official; I'm crazy for this Guy! =)
Yep... I watched Disney's Enchanted yesterday and I can't quite get that tune out of my head now.
I'm not what you would call a hopeless romantic...
Marriage is an effort. You gotta make it work. It's easy to fall out of love, the challenge is to stay in love. Etc. Etc. ....
But wouldn't it be nice to believe in the fairytale happily ever after romance?
Especially in a world where divorce rates are at an alarmingly high percentage, where Adam often ends up with Steve.
The fact is, there is just something about love.
That makes every joe into a hero. That stirs up a whimsy in the most stern faces.
There is something magical about love.
It makes us believe in magic carpet rides.. knights in shining armour.. a beauty in the castle tower.
Perhaps that is why God is so intoxicating... A being of pure, unconditional Love.
There is nothing quite like the presence of Abba in a room... A gentle reassuring Love that opens up the floodgates of the heart and brings you to your knees in sweet surrender.
Perhaps that is how Christ found the strength to embrace the Cross at the Via Dolorosa... Love kept Him going. At those agonising moments, He saw the faces of each and every one of us and He remembered how madly in love He is... and He picked Himself up from the dirt.
The Romans were amazed at how this fool clings feverishly to the instrument of His doom...
They did not understand Love...
So Pilate asked, "What is Truth?"
He did not understand Love...
For Love is the Truth...
That God so loves the world He sent His One and Only Son, so that those who believe in Him may not perish but have life eternal.
I guess God put that love in each one of us, so we may have an inkling of the mystery of the Passion. What made the Son of God willingly take the punishment that should have been borne by us.
Love enables us to become Alter Christus... the Other Christ... To love another human being more than we care for ourselves.
When a man and a woman unite in matrimony, they experience a glimmer of the intimacy shared by the Trinity. A union of heart, body and soul.
So yeah... maybe I have been dreaming of a "true love's kiss", and the princess I'm hoping comes with this.
Ha ha.. Funny how it takes a movie to bring out what a recollection at the Seminary could not quite pinpoint.
But hey, you know what... First and foremost, Lord, my life is Yours.
And this remains my heart's one desire... To be set apart for You, my Master, ready to do Your will.
For I believe I have experienced true love, and it's only gonna get much better as I continue to run after my Saviour King... Ha ha... Yeah, it's official; I'm crazy for this Guy! =)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Who Killed Jesus Christ?
Probably a very odd question to ask.
And so very easy to come up with culprits from the top of our heads...
Pilate, the Pharisees, the ignorant Jews, the Roman soldiers, Judas Iscariot...
But the real answer might be even closer to home than you might think...
Check out the article (posted on 26 Nov 2007) on the following blog:
http://www.ylm-ctk.blogspot.com/
So who was responsible for the one of the most heinous acts of crime ever committed in the history of mankind?
The conclusion may shock you...
Yup... The painful but very real truth...
I killed Jesus Christ.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
--Romans 5:8
And so very easy to come up with culprits from the top of our heads...
Pilate, the Pharisees, the ignorant Jews, the Roman soldiers, Judas Iscariot...
But the real answer might be even closer to home than you might think...
Check out the article (posted on 26 Nov 2007) on the following blog:
http://www.ylm-ctk.blogspot.com/
So who was responsible for the one of the most heinous acts of crime ever committed in the history of mankind?
The conclusion may shock you...
Yup... The painful but very real truth...
I killed Jesus Christ.
You killed Jesus Christ.
We all killed Jesus Christ.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
--Romans 5:8
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Journey Continues...
I've been silent on this blog lately.
But that doesn't mean God has been silent in my life.
Far from that...
My journey with Him continues; for He has answered a pretty long standing question...
"A disciple is one who devotes his entire life to becoming like his rabbi... To be able to do what his rabbi does."
And my rabbi is Christ...
Which means I got a lot to learn, and it may well literally take my entire life to be like this Guy!
=)
But as He said, "Those who put their hand on the yoke and look back, are not worthy of the Kingdom of God."
So Lord, lead the way..
But that doesn't mean God has been silent in my life.
Far from that...
My journey with Him continues; for He has answered a pretty long standing question...
"A disciple is one who devotes his entire life to becoming like his rabbi... To be able to do what his rabbi does."
And my rabbi is Christ...
Which means I got a lot to learn, and it may well literally take my entire life to be like this Guy!
=)
But as He said, "Those who put their hand on the yoke and look back, are not worthy of the Kingdom of God."
So Lord, lead the way..
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Prayers That Move Mountains
I had this conversation with God not too long ago....
Me : Lord, what should I share with my Cell this weekend?
God : Share with them about the kind of prayer that moves mountains.
Me : Hmm.. Then You gotta tell me what to say. I'm not sure if I've prayed the kind of prayer that moves mountains...
God : The kind of prayer that moves mountains, is the prayer of little children.
Have you seen the way a child begs his dad for a toy at the department store?
He simply points at the toy and says, "Daddy, I want."
He has full faith that daddy can give him the toy, so he asks, never worrying about whether or not he's been a good boy this month, or if he's done well in school recently, etc.
And he never stops asking til daddy gives in... That's persistency.
I was reminded of this conversation on Sunday at the adoration room.
Most people would pick a spot at the back of the room, shuffle around a bit to find a comfortable position, maybe reply a few SMS first, take out rosary to pray or take out Bible to read and a dozen other things that people normally do when they go to adoration room.
But not this little girl I saw that day.
She walked in, went right up to the Blessed Sacrament, knelt down and kept quiet.
Like Mary of Bethany, she had chosen the best part; To sit at the feet of Jesus, and no one can take that away from her.
Such was the faith of a little child.
After a while, she stood and went out with her mom (who was seated somewhere at the back of the room, by the way).
I bet whatever she asked for was already done for her by our Father in Heaven.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Day At The Fair
Went to the JobsCentral Career Fair at Suntec Convention Center yesterday.
So exciting... colourful exhibitions, people mingling, filling up forms, having conversations... there was just so much life there.
And here I was afraid that I would be pushed & shoved in a huge, unpleasant crowd... haha... I guess Abba proved me wrong =)
I had great company too lah...
So blessed to have siblings in Christ like Eugene, Jane, Nat, Krish & Angele who would spend their Sunday afternoon milling around Exhibition Hall 404 with me even though they're not really searching for anything in particular.
Thanks for the awesome company, guys & girls... You really made my day.
For the first time in two months, I'm excited about the prospect of entering the working world once again. So many possibilities, a variety of career paths to choose from... Should I stick with my engineering education, or should I explore something else?
I wonder what kind of door Daddy would open for me?
Haha.. maybe I'm like a kid anticipating a present from his father. But hey, my Dad is the King of All Creation after all... =)
Yesterday was also World Mission Sunday.
I hope I can be an instrument of the Gospel wherever my Lord takes me to next.
If it is His will, let my marketplace also be my mission field and harvest ground =)
So exciting... colourful exhibitions, people mingling, filling up forms, having conversations... there was just so much life there.
And here I was afraid that I would be pushed & shoved in a huge, unpleasant crowd... haha... I guess Abba proved me wrong =)
I had great company too lah...
So blessed to have siblings in Christ like Eugene, Jane, Nat, Krish & Angele who would spend their Sunday afternoon milling around Exhibition Hall 404 with me even though they're not really searching for anything in particular.
Thanks for the awesome company, guys & girls... You really made my day.
For the first time in two months, I'm excited about the prospect of entering the working world once again. So many possibilities, a variety of career paths to choose from... Should I stick with my engineering education, or should I explore something else?
I wonder what kind of door Daddy would open for me?
Haha.. maybe I'm like a kid anticipating a present from his father. But hey, my Dad is the King of All Creation after all... =)
Yesterday was also World Mission Sunday.
I hope I can be an instrument of the Gospel wherever my Lord takes me to next.
If it is His will, let my marketplace also be my mission field and harvest ground =)
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