(A Sharing)
It's December! And with December coming means Christmas is coming and indeed, today is the first Advent already. How fast time flies and another year is about to end. I will be 25 in about 5 weeks time and once a friend of mine asked me what had I accomplished or want to accomplished in this 1/4 part of my life.
I thought about that question for a while and I am happy to learn that in my 25 years of living, I had accomplised what had become my desire all these while. Firstly, it had always been my desire to be a writer and though at the moment I might say that my writing career has just started, but I am glad that at least as I wait to become 25, or rather, when I'm 25, I will get to see my first article being published!
It is by God's grace I got to work in Eagles Communication, a Christian non-profit organization that publicize a bi-monthly Christian magazine, Vantage Point and as part of my desire (no.2), it has always been my desire as well to be use as an instrument for God and now, with my writing, I hope I am living the dream.
The number 3 wish list that I want to accomplish in life is to go to bible school. And I am glad that last year and late this year I got to attend 2 bible classes at Singapore Bible College, where I learnt the Old Testament Study. Currently awaiting my next semester next year, I hope I can get the chance to attend some of the elective classes that they offer in January 2014. Apart from writing, and pursuing theology, I enjoy dancing. Hip Hop Dancing!
I first got my first taste of dance when I saw Nsync about 13 years ago and I...so intrigued by their dance moves, tried to make a copy by routinely following and 'reading' their dance steps. I wouldn't call myself a dancer, but I do love dancing. And in my school days, I allowed myself to explore with a few dance movements, I tried Salsa, which I enjoyed tremendously, I tried belly dance (somewhere last year), I tried contemporary Jazz, and still finally, I go back to my first love again, HIP HOP and last year, together with an old friend, finally I got to live out my no.4 wish list, which is to learn dancing as we got ourselves into HIP HOP class and I TOTALLY, TRULY, WHOLE HEARTEDLY LOVE!!!! THE EXPERIENCE! (and I'm so gonna go back there again once I am much settled with my currently job)
And Yeah! to think if I had accomplished all that I want to accomplish in my life, I would say I do! or at least some parts of it. And I am really happy to know that.
As for my new year's resolution, and probably future mission, I hope that as I mentioned above, I hope I can continue to be an instrument of God. I always pride myself to be a writer and reader and thus, writing is my life and my passion, and I will love to see myself writing and be a true writer, saving lives, transforming lives, entertaining lives....etc. through my writings, be it facts or fictions; and I hope that someday I can open a Christian library.
I've been through some Christian Book stores recently and nothing more amazed me than Mass Media Ministry, at Playfair, Tai Seng. For God's wonderful sake, that book store is like a warehouse! It's awesome! with (I don't know) probably millions of books and publications can be found in there. I was rejoicing at heart when I weaved myself from shelves to shelves. There are so many brilliant books in there and with affordable prizes! Fantastic!
And talking about Christian books, there has been, I realized evangelical explosion going on on the internet as well; with sermons and e-books from authors like Francis Chan, Crazy Love being put online, and with several others...It is amazing!
So, my mission for the future is to create a conducive Christian Library for evangelism to takes place among people. And as it has been my desire to reach out to non-believers, I hope that non-Christians out there, or even Christians, who are troubled with doubts, challenges and/or temptations can find some insights from the library. As they read and sit and seek God from books, study guides, bible guides, testimonies, sermon transcripts (if there are), devotions, CDs etc. my desire is that God's name be glorified and those people who are hungry and thirsty out there, who are looking for living water, a meadow, a rest, can find it.
Other future mission and visions that I hope to accomplish, well...maybe I will write it in some other posts. Not that I have not thought about it, but...I think it will be too much info. to share at the moment. Afterall, we never know what comes tomorrow.
Moving on, as I am writing this, it got me to reflect upon my own relationship with God recently. I noted I've been busy. And along with other pressures, I found myself struggling to pray. To have a moment alone with God. I was occupied. Saddened. Overloaded. Fatigue. Saved all the details, but anyway, today I am glad that in this first advent, I am able to sing for God. I am able to encounter God, praised Him. Worshipped Him and pray. Releasing all the burdens I've been feeling. And myself find rest in Him.
A little sharing about what I've been through, recently in the workplace, I had been struggling to work with someone. She is not a malicious person I know. But she is I would say, like a stubborn ass that only want to work her way around and refuse to listen to others opinion. I have to be honest, I found myself disliking the fact that I have to work very closely with her. And to make matters worst, her own mind which is like the weather, is unpredictable. And a few times I found myself being misunderstood. I, for one thing, hate misunderstanding, especially when good intentions was made the opposite. Really, it was unbearable.
I hate to admit the fact that I dislike her way of working, and I dislike working with her, but today, in the presence of God, and in his holy place, I admitted. I. don't like. and. have. difficulty. working. with. her.
However, I am glad, that although it is not a very nice confession after all. And it is a sin. I know; but...I am glad that God knows my heart's burden. and He is releasing it for me.
I feel so much at peace when I confessed that fact. And being honest with God, I told him, I don't like working with her. I wish for strength to work along, but really I have to confess, I dislike working with her.
Once again God thought me to be honest and I'm glad I made it.
You see sometimes, when I think about this thing that God had done in my life, it got me to realize that actually, it is not that hard to live our Christian living in this life. One way to do this is to come as frankly as you should with God as you have to with yourself. No one knows your own likes and dislikes except yourself. The bible said that no one knows a man's heart and thoughts except his soul. Similarly, no one knows your own burdens and desires except yourself. And when we are angry, or when we are pissed off with someone, or maybe burdened, no one knows how to feel it except ourselves. And the next person closes to know that hidden 'secret' is God.
I pray that everyone of us be honest with God as we are with ourselves. I believe that whatever struggles you are facing with, be it heavy or light, big or small, it worth His time. It worth to be shared and it worth to be thrown out off your shoulders. And God, our God is a BIG God that can make everything possible in His hands, and that means, bringing you come face to face with your problems and see Him throw it all away from you.
I believe if only we learn to convict that truth that God is Capable, and that our lives are made able by the power of His hands, we will learn to see that conviction to live out our Christian Faith in the world is possible! Living a holy living, be honest, forgive, surrender, renewed, recommitted etc...you name it, is POSSIBLE because God is with us, and because he is with us, we can do all things through Him who gave us strength. (Phillipians 4:13)
May your spirit dwells in Him as He does in you. For truly, he is our Immanuel!
Happy Advent 1 :)
Me ~
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Angels
Majestic
Gentle
Dressed in white robes from shoulders to the ground
Anonymous yet recognizable
Obedient
God's faithful Servants
Humans Guardians
Heavenly Creatures
Worshippers
Singers
Friends
Heavenly Choirs
Sinless immortals, yet they took up the form of humans
God's faithful Servants
Heaven's Pride
Humans' Friends
They are...
The Angels
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Teach me to Pray
Teach me to pray
A servant's prayer
A faithful prayer
Teach me to pray
that even in times of trials
and in low pit of dark valley fears
I can still trust in You.
Teach me to pray
and that I obey
Your faithful ways
Teach me to pray
an honest prayer
a truthful plea
Teach me to pray
that I may abide
according to Your will
and to say
'Your WILL be DONE. not mine.
Death and Life
In God, death is as beautiful as life
Tears are as precious as laughters.
Love always pure whether in Heaven or on Earth.
God bless the living
God also bless the dead.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Heart of a Servant
Recently in a company's event, we honoured a staff who had been working for 45 years in the company.
The idea of honouring a staff may not seems unusual as I believe the practice is probably carried out in every organization..
However, what strucked me most during the event was the testimony the staff commented.
He is a senior member in the company. His colleagues decribe him as quiet and insperational. The CEO of the company and the rest of the other staffs, nickname him 'stone' due to his quiet temperamental. Perhaps for some who does not know him as well as the others, the man seems mistakenly-cold-instead of quiet and indifferent.
Yet in his speech, he posseses in him the heart of a servant.
He joined the company at the age of 14 as 'the technical guy'. He was in charge of all operational matters, from locks to keys; sound system and power points. Today in the staff lunch, I discovered that he is also the Music man!
For an outsider, probably what he did in the company does not seems very effective. I mean...who can't meant a simple tasks as access cards et cetera. And perhaps in the world which encourages very much on striving, excelling, succeeding and performing, background matters such as electronical matters and operational tasks are unimportant.
However, unlike others, "Uncle William" remains the quiet soul the way he is. Performing his tasks, inspiring lives the way he should.
God sees his heart and God blesses the people around him, through him.
And then, one day, God put him to a test...the man was diagnosed with cancer. A threatening disease that may cause him his life.
If he was doubtless, perhaps he would have call out curses to God.
Questioning His presence, and leaving his faith.
Instead, the man came before God and he prayed. And God revealed to him a deeper meaning into his purpose.
Once always claimed that he is ready to meet God, now, he realized that maybe, he is not all that ready.
Smiling from above and touched by his faith, God healed him. And that experience made him even more convicted and committed to God.
Standing before the audiences, he said "I realized that since God delivered me out of my disease, nine years ago, I want my life to be used even more for the works of God until His time."
What kind of heart do you possess when you said you want to be used as an instrument for God?
Perhaps as Christians, we often claimed that 'God sees the heart.' but if I may asked, when you say that words, how confident are you that God will find within you the heart of a servant that He seeks?
Do you mean what you say when you ask God to look into your heart? That he may find a sincere heart, despite the simple tasks?
Indeed, our God is God who sees the heart and not mere appearrances. And if that is so, may the Heart of a Servant, one like the man mentioned above, be found in everyone of us each time He seeks it.
For God we do our best.
The idea of honouring a staff may not seems unusual as I believe the practice is probably carried out in every organization..
However, what strucked me most during the event was the testimony the staff commented.
He is a senior member in the company. His colleagues decribe him as quiet and insperational. The CEO of the company and the rest of the other staffs, nickname him 'stone' due to his quiet temperamental. Perhaps for some who does not know him as well as the others, the man seems mistakenly-cold-instead of quiet and indifferent.
Yet in his speech, he posseses in him the heart of a servant.
He joined the company at the age of 14 as 'the technical guy'. He was in charge of all operational matters, from locks to keys; sound system and power points. Today in the staff lunch, I discovered that he is also the Music man!
For an outsider, probably what he did in the company does not seems very effective. I mean...who can't meant a simple tasks as access cards et cetera. And perhaps in the world which encourages very much on striving, excelling, succeeding and performing, background matters such as electronical matters and operational tasks are unimportant.
However, unlike others, "Uncle William" remains the quiet soul the way he is. Performing his tasks, inspiring lives the way he should.
God sees his heart and God blesses the people around him, through him.
And then, one day, God put him to a test...the man was diagnosed with cancer. A threatening disease that may cause him his life.
If he was doubtless, perhaps he would have call out curses to God.
Questioning His presence, and leaving his faith.
Instead, the man came before God and he prayed. And God revealed to him a deeper meaning into his purpose.
Once always claimed that he is ready to meet God, now, he realized that maybe, he is not all that ready.
Smiling from above and touched by his faith, God healed him. And that experience made him even more convicted and committed to God.
Standing before the audiences, he said "I realized that since God delivered me out of my disease, nine years ago, I want my life to be used even more for the works of God until His time."
What kind of heart do you possess when you said you want to be used as an instrument for God?
Perhaps as Christians, we often claimed that 'God sees the heart.' but if I may asked, when you say that words, how confident are you that God will find within you the heart of a servant that He seeks?
Do you mean what you say when you ask God to look into your heart? That he may find a sincere heart, despite the simple tasks?
Indeed, our God is God who sees the heart and not mere appearrances. And if that is so, may the Heart of a Servant, one like the man mentioned above, be found in everyone of us each time He seeks it.
For God we do our best.
Amen
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
A Time Will Come
To FeatherFlocks
(A Letter)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;
a time to be born, a time to die...
a time to weep and a time to laugh...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain...
a time to keep a time to throw away...
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
(Taken from the book of Eccletiates 3, A Time for Everything, verses 2,4,5,6 and 11)
From Me,
A time for everything...at last...probably, hopefully, surely, the time has come for us all to meet.
Sometimes I wonder how has time passed for us? And how has time made us?
Equipped us, changed us, transformed us, embraced us?
Time is all we are waiting for. Time is all that we are looking for. Time to pray. Time to love. Time to obey. Time to be together. Time to meet.
The Bible said that He, our God has made everything beautiful in its time.
With faith we believe. With faith, we wait.
Althought somewhere somehow, we lost our way. Somewhere somehow, we made our own timing, but again, God brought us back according to His time.
I never know how or when we will meet. I never know or pray with certainty that I want us to meet at this and that specific location. Although many times, I had to confessed, I wonder what will happen when we meet.
How will I and you react? How will I responded to the sounds of all of you calling my name. And how will I be when we meet. But again and again, I think when we meet, when I think about the time we will meet, I think all these thoughts are unneccessary.
I think all these thoughts are secondary.
With all my heart I pray that we are all ready.
With all my heart I pray that you and I, we are in faith when we meet.
Somewhere in time, I think I saw a glimpse of you and me talking, looking at one another.
Somewhere in time I think I saw you.
I'm glad.
I'm contented.
And I am comforted to know that it will be at the right time and the appointed place we will meet.
In fact, despite communicating through visions, you and me, and in the vision we are best friends and I've loved you. Always have been. Recently when we meet again, for the seemingly countless of time, yet in that perfect moment, it seems like the first time again, I love you more than I've loved you.
Maybe because thats you.
Not that previously it was not you. Except that this time, it is really you.
The redeeemed you. Whom I love and who by faith we are spiritually attached and by faith you've loved me too.
We are a fellowship after all.
---
I never know how much I miss you.
Yet again and again as you appear before me, I miss you.
Again.
And again.
Although at times I feel like I dont want to be around you. Or I dont want you to be around me. I want you to stand on your own guard. Be independent. Be your own tree and branch out to the people around you. Yet again, each time I see you, I want you.
We are a fellowship after all.
What is a fellowship without the fellows?
A time will come for us to meet.
A time will come for us to reach out to one another with Godly love and pray and care and live in harmony with one another.
A time will come when we will meet and cry tears of joy.
A time will come when we will meet and have a fellowship.
Someday, a time will arrive for us to meet our brother whom we lost along the way.
A brother so dear to us, who had made his way home far before we all know it.
Do you remember, Orlie-andro, about the time you and I talked about death?
I remember you questioned me what will happen when we die?
Will we really meet in heaven?
And I remember I told you that as surely as we are together in faith and believing in the same way, truth and life, which is Jesus Christ, we will see each other again in heaven.
And then you go on and asked me if I am ever so ready to die should God called me home.
And I told you that "Yes I am. (for we belong in heaven and not on earth)"
The next moment you looked at me with that puppy dog eyes of yours sadly, and remained quiet.
Well, Orlie-andro, you know what, maybe I should take back those words. Not that I am losing my faith or I am fearful of death. But... I saw what death can caused us.
What death had done to us. The day Cory died. and I think when I looked at you (all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ), I wonder if I really want to leave you so easily?
And I, as much as I anticipated to be part of the real stewardship in heaven, I...I think I need some more time to be with you all.
I think I...although heaven is a lovely place and I longed to be part of them, but...seeing you, and remembering upon the time we are still waiting to meet. To reunite. To embrace. To weep and laugh together, I...
I think I...love to stay a little longer.
Thank you Orlie-andro for being such a great company all these while. Your question is precious.
~
Moving on, with this thought in mind, I hope to you,
who has been just like me, who had been living in the world so ungracious around you and been thinking to leave earth so soon; for the day you were born, you were despised and in your youth, the love of your life been robbed out of you, and you...alone and burdened, wished with all your heart never to be born --
To you-- my precious gift, my Little Lamb, my answered prayer, I pray with all my heart that you've seen what grace had God given to you and with that grace that He had showered in your life, learn to appreciate life the way it should be.
Indeed, sometimes it is better never to be born than to be and faced the uncertainties in life.
All the griefs and sorrows. All the things that seemed to break you apart.
But my little one, have faith, for God is with you.
You once lived in the world so dark, no one is there to show you the way to the light, but now you are in His light. We are in His light together. Along with the rest of our brothers and sisters who were once lost and burdened. Indeed, who has never been burdened?
I believe you've found love blooming within you once again.
Not that kind of worldly love, but true love, from God.
And I believe that loneliness has for the past two years departed from you as you joined in this fellowship of Christ. (Except that many times you prefer your old life and refused to be imparted as one of us, a bad habit on your part).
Anyway, you've been home, Freak.
(Remain home where Sunshine can always find you) and stop thinking about dying.
~
To my Little Miss Sunshine (not to be confused with Freak's Sunshine -- but you, yourself are a real Sunshine indeed)
Nice to meet you Missy.
There has never been a girlfriend to me like yourself.
You are my sister, my friend, my girlfriend.
You are an inspiration yourself and if you ever wonder if there is anyone ever admire you, well, besides your good gentleman, its gonna be me.
You and I... we met in the most unexpected occassion ever. We came from a very different background and occupation, race and religion. But thanks to be to God, for His abounding love and mercy, we are made 'as one' (one in faith, one in love and believe and values)
Ain't that amazing?
Your son is my son and soon, my beloved child will be yours too.
And soon we will meet. I wonder what kinda calls are we going to shout out?
Is it gonna be a shriek? An exclaimation of joy? A big bear hug filled with tears and emotional expressions burst out all together? I dont know.
I cant say for sure, but as surely as I love you as my family, I will love to meet you for real.
Thank you for paying a visit that night. It was an amazing night.
Truly you are a great friend. xoxo.
~
To you whom I am bonded to,
How in the world do we survive this far? We will never will if it is not because of God's love that binds us together.
A time will come. A time will surely come,
for revelation awaits on an appointed time.
Though it lingers, wait on it.
It will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakuk 2:3, with addition added)
Your conviction of certainty on the time of God had been such a great comfort to me, and though at times I am in doubts, I am assurred. Praise the Lord!
It's been a helter skelter years for you and me. Really crazy indeed. But love conquers all.
True love endures and it conquers all uncertainties. Along with God.
A time will come where I will no longer see you in dreams and visions.
A time will come for us to meet and be united.
It's been great to see you growing in faith and conviction with God.
Pray it will last forever.
Together let us turn our eyes upon Jesus.
~
To the rest of you whom I am about to meet.
Till we meet again, continue to stay close with God.
Love,
Me
(A Letter)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;
a time to be born, a time to die...
a time to weep and a time to laugh...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain...
a time to keep a time to throw away...
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
(Taken from the book of Eccletiates 3, A Time for Everything, verses 2,4,5,6 and 11)
From Me,
A time for everything...at last...probably, hopefully, surely, the time has come for us all to meet.
Sometimes I wonder how has time passed for us? And how has time made us?
Equipped us, changed us, transformed us, embraced us?
Time is all we are waiting for. Time is all that we are looking for. Time to pray. Time to love. Time to obey. Time to be together. Time to meet.
The Bible said that He, our God has made everything beautiful in its time.
With faith we believe. With faith, we wait.
Althought somewhere somehow, we lost our way. Somewhere somehow, we made our own timing, but again, God brought us back according to His time.
I never know how or when we will meet. I never know or pray with certainty that I want us to meet at this and that specific location. Although many times, I had to confessed, I wonder what will happen when we meet.
How will I and you react? How will I responded to the sounds of all of you calling my name. And how will I be when we meet. But again and again, I think when we meet, when I think about the time we will meet, I think all these thoughts are unneccessary.
I think all these thoughts are secondary.
With all my heart I pray that we are all ready.
With all my heart I pray that you and I, we are in faith when we meet.
Somewhere in time, I think I saw a glimpse of you and me talking, looking at one another.
Somewhere in time I think I saw you.
I'm glad.
I'm contented.
And I am comforted to know that it will be at the right time and the appointed place we will meet.
In fact, despite communicating through visions, you and me, and in the vision we are best friends and I've loved you. Always have been. Recently when we meet again, for the seemingly countless of time, yet in that perfect moment, it seems like the first time again, I love you more than I've loved you.
Maybe because thats you.
Not that previously it was not you. Except that this time, it is really you.
The redeeemed you. Whom I love and who by faith we are spiritually attached and by faith you've loved me too.
We are a fellowship after all.
---
I never know how much I miss you.
Yet again and again as you appear before me, I miss you.
Again.
And again.
Although at times I feel like I dont want to be around you. Or I dont want you to be around me. I want you to stand on your own guard. Be independent. Be your own tree and branch out to the people around you. Yet again, each time I see you, I want you.
We are a fellowship after all.
What is a fellowship without the fellows?
A time will come for us to meet.
A time will come for us to reach out to one another with Godly love and pray and care and live in harmony with one another.
A time will come when we will meet and cry tears of joy.
A time will come when we will meet and have a fellowship.
Someday, a time will arrive for us to meet our brother whom we lost along the way.
A brother so dear to us, who had made his way home far before we all know it.
Do you remember, Orlie-andro, about the time you and I talked about death?
I remember you questioned me what will happen when we die?
Will we really meet in heaven?
And I remember I told you that as surely as we are together in faith and believing in the same way, truth and life, which is Jesus Christ, we will see each other again in heaven.
And then you go on and asked me if I am ever so ready to die should God called me home.
And I told you that "Yes I am. (for we belong in heaven and not on earth)"
The next moment you looked at me with that puppy dog eyes of yours sadly, and remained quiet.
Well, Orlie-andro, you know what, maybe I should take back those words. Not that I am losing my faith or I am fearful of death. But... I saw what death can caused us.
What death had done to us. The day Cory died. and I think when I looked at you (all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ), I wonder if I really want to leave you so easily?
And I, as much as I anticipated to be part of the real stewardship in heaven, I...I think I need some more time to be with you all.
I think I...although heaven is a lovely place and I longed to be part of them, but...seeing you, and remembering upon the time we are still waiting to meet. To reunite. To embrace. To weep and laugh together, I...
I think I...love to stay a little longer.
Thank you Orlie-andro for being such a great company all these while. Your question is precious.
~
Moving on, with this thought in mind, I hope to you,
who has been just like me, who had been living in the world so ungracious around you and been thinking to leave earth so soon; for the day you were born, you were despised and in your youth, the love of your life been robbed out of you, and you...alone and burdened, wished with all your heart never to be born --
To you-- my precious gift, my Little Lamb, my answered prayer, I pray with all my heart that you've seen what grace had God given to you and with that grace that He had showered in your life, learn to appreciate life the way it should be.
Indeed, sometimes it is better never to be born than to be and faced the uncertainties in life.
All the griefs and sorrows. All the things that seemed to break you apart.
But my little one, have faith, for God is with you.
You once lived in the world so dark, no one is there to show you the way to the light, but now you are in His light. We are in His light together. Along with the rest of our brothers and sisters who were once lost and burdened. Indeed, who has never been burdened?
I believe you've found love blooming within you once again.
Not that kind of worldly love, but true love, from God.
And I believe that loneliness has for the past two years departed from you as you joined in this fellowship of Christ. (Except that many times you prefer your old life and refused to be imparted as one of us, a bad habit on your part).
Anyway, you've been home, Freak.
(Remain home where Sunshine can always find you) and stop thinking about dying.
~
To my Little Miss Sunshine (not to be confused with Freak's Sunshine -- but you, yourself are a real Sunshine indeed)
Nice to meet you Missy.
There has never been a girlfriend to me like yourself.
You are my sister, my friend, my girlfriend.
You are an inspiration yourself and if you ever wonder if there is anyone ever admire you, well, besides your good gentleman, its gonna be me.
You and I... we met in the most unexpected occassion ever. We came from a very different background and occupation, race and religion. But thanks to be to God, for His abounding love and mercy, we are made 'as one' (one in faith, one in love and believe and values)
Ain't that amazing?
Your son is my son and soon, my beloved child will be yours too.
And soon we will meet. I wonder what kinda calls are we going to shout out?
Is it gonna be a shriek? An exclaimation of joy? A big bear hug filled with tears and emotional expressions burst out all together? I dont know.
I cant say for sure, but as surely as I love you as my family, I will love to meet you for real.
Thank you for paying a visit that night. It was an amazing night.
Truly you are a great friend. xoxo.
~
To you whom I am bonded to,
How in the world do we survive this far? We will never will if it is not because of God's love that binds us together.
A time will come. A time will surely come,
for revelation awaits on an appointed time.
Though it lingers, wait on it.
It will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakuk 2:3, with addition added)
Your conviction of certainty on the time of God had been such a great comfort to me, and though at times I am in doubts, I am assurred. Praise the Lord!
It's been a helter skelter years for you and me. Really crazy indeed. But love conquers all.
True love endures and it conquers all uncertainties. Along with God.
A time will come where I will no longer see you in dreams and visions.
A time will come for us to meet and be united.
It's been great to see you growing in faith and conviction with God.
Pray it will last forever.
Together let us turn our eyes upon Jesus.
~
To the rest of you whom I am about to meet.
Till we meet again, continue to stay close with God.
Love,
Me
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Shepherd and Sheep
An Illustration
One night a little sheep with his sleepy eyes and sleepy face went to look for his Shepherd.
"Why aren't you asleep?" asked The Shepherd without looking at him. He was looking at the stars as he guarded for the night.
Little Sheep, ignoring his Shepherd's question walked forward and sat on his Shepherd's lap. His Shepherd, looked at him with a smile on his face and pulled him in his embrace.
"I can't sleep." muttered the little one innocently. "Why arent you asleep?"
The Shepherd patting his head said "I am guarding."
Little Sheep, disturbed by the sudden thought that came to his mind asked "Master, when I grow up, will you still stay by my side?"
"Why did you ask?"
Little Sheep then explained to his master about the flock of adult sheeps he saw earlier on that day. "They are so huge, so powerful and their shepherd, he was nowhere in sight. Will you...leave me too when I've grown up?"
The Shepherd picked him up at eye level and rested him on his knees said "When you grow up, you will be old enough to think for yourself. You will be strong enough to take care of yourself. And you may be 'herding' your own flock."
Little Sheep began to look troubled. "But...I don't want to grow up. I don't want to leave your side and I dont want to herd any flock."
Placing his head on his sheep's head, the Shepherd said "When did I say I will leave you? But a time will come for a fledgling to leave its nest. That same way, a time will also come for you to be strong enough to live with the other adult sheeps. You will grow big and learn to help me look out for the other little sheeps.( that whats he meant when he told him to herd his own flock). And I will still be with you. "
Little Sheep pouted as he looked away from his shepherd. "I don't want to grow up." He said timidly.
His shepherd picked him up and embraced him tightly. "You have to. Everybody does. Don't you worry for I am with you always. As you grow, Little Sheep, you will learn to take care of one another. You will learn to stay together and learn to differentiate friends and foes."
Little Sheep with a pair of teary eyes looked at his shepherd as he speaks gently and wished with all his heart that he will never have to grow up.
"You can do it little one. I know you can." said his Shepherd gently.
Little Sheep hugged his Shepherd tightly and nodded.
"Now go to sleep. It's getting late." As he said this, Little Sheep with his sleepy eyes had already fallen asleep.
The Shepherd smiled at his sleeping sheep as he placed the little one in one of the grass patch among his flock.
Epilogue
The story is an illustration of us, as the followers of Jesus Christ (His sheep) and the Shepherd, as Jesus Christ - our good Shepherd.
Just like Little Sheep, we all started as a fresh-young Christian, vulnerable and dependent to God. But someday, a time will come for us to grow into a full grown sheep, who although still under the flock and care of Christ, but independent enough to stand on our own faith.
One of Jesus's command to us before He was ascented to Heaven, was to "make disciples" from all nations, baptizing them under the trinity of Christ (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) and "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
But the making of disciples and teaching of His commands will never takes place if we, just like little sheep in the story, refuse to grow up. Surely we have heard of the phrase "grow in Him" or "keep on growing in spirit with God" etc. Indeed! as children of God, His followers, His sheeps, we have to continuously growing in Him.
Growing in the sense that our spiritual level of understanding matured. Improved. Upgraded. Deepened in faith and experiences. (and in the illustration of sheep content, growing from a Little Sheep, to a full grown sheep.)
Sometimes, unfortunately, as Christians, we are afraid to grow up. We are fearful to grow and prefers to be nursed by God all the time. Repent! My brothers and sisters in Christ. Repent from the wrong mentality that you are having.
God longs for us to "make disciples" in all nations and God longs for us to be His instruments. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest fields." ( Matthew 9:37-38) and "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). He yearns for us to share his gospel and make disciples. And these desires can only be done if we respond to Him. To do that, we shall respond by continuously longs for Him, seeks Him, growing in Him and Evangelise! Share the gospel! Redeemed lives!
Be Still and know that when we grow into a mature Christian, able to share the gospel, redeem lives, baptize people etc. That does not mean that God is not with us. Remember He is Immanuel. His name is Immanuel which means God with us. So, He will be with us from the day you believe, the moment you grow, until you have grown/ is making disciples and forever more.
Do not be afraid to grow in Him. Instead grow and experienced Him more.
You will be surprised by what He wants you to do and what you never expect yourself can do.
Don't you worry that God will leave you for He will never leaves you.
A friend of mine recently shared this beautiful quote with me - a quote that surely everyone of us here often heard but neglected. "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
So, do not be afraid of growing. Do not be afraid to make disciples and cast your net among the sea of people. Afterall thats what we, followers of Christ need to do.
God will never leaves you. And though at times, when you are making disciples, when you are in the process of growing/ standing on your own, and God is not there to literally guide you, embrace you, or He may seems silence; remember that does not means He does not exist. Or that He is too far from your reach. Or you are forgotten. God is still there. Forever remains around you. In your heart. In Spirit. Through His words. As you pray.
Be Still and know that He is Immanuel. He will always be with us "to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) as He had promised.
I pray that we continue to grow in Him and may all glory honour and praise be given to God forever and ever. To God be the glory.
One night a little sheep with his sleepy eyes and sleepy face went to look for his Shepherd.
"Why aren't you asleep?" asked The Shepherd without looking at him. He was looking at the stars as he guarded for the night.
Little Sheep, ignoring his Shepherd's question walked forward and sat on his Shepherd's lap. His Shepherd, looked at him with a smile on his face and pulled him in his embrace.
"I can't sleep." muttered the little one innocently. "Why arent you asleep?"
The Shepherd patting his head said "I am guarding."
Little Sheep, disturbed by the sudden thought that came to his mind asked "Master, when I grow up, will you still stay by my side?"
"Why did you ask?"
Little Sheep then explained to his master about the flock of adult sheeps he saw earlier on that day. "They are so huge, so powerful and their shepherd, he was nowhere in sight. Will you...leave me too when I've grown up?"
The Shepherd picked him up at eye level and rested him on his knees said "When you grow up, you will be old enough to think for yourself. You will be strong enough to take care of yourself. And you may be 'herding' your own flock."
Little Sheep began to look troubled. "But...I don't want to grow up. I don't want to leave your side and I dont want to herd any flock."
Placing his head on his sheep's head, the Shepherd said "When did I say I will leave you? But a time will come for a fledgling to leave its nest. That same way, a time will also come for you to be strong enough to live with the other adult sheeps. You will grow big and learn to help me look out for the other little sheeps.( that whats he meant when he told him to herd his own flock). And I will still be with you. "
Little Sheep pouted as he looked away from his shepherd. "I don't want to grow up." He said timidly.
His shepherd picked him up and embraced him tightly. "You have to. Everybody does. Don't you worry for I am with you always. As you grow, Little Sheep, you will learn to take care of one another. You will learn to stay together and learn to differentiate friends and foes."
Little Sheep with a pair of teary eyes looked at his shepherd as he speaks gently and wished with all his heart that he will never have to grow up.
"You can do it little one. I know you can." said his Shepherd gently.
Little Sheep hugged his Shepherd tightly and nodded.
"Now go to sleep. It's getting late." As he said this, Little Sheep with his sleepy eyes had already fallen asleep.
The Shepherd smiled at his sleeping sheep as he placed the little one in one of the grass patch among his flock.
"And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20
Epilogue
The story is an illustration of us, as the followers of Jesus Christ (His sheep) and the Shepherd, as Jesus Christ - our good Shepherd.
Just like Little Sheep, we all started as a fresh-young Christian, vulnerable and dependent to God. But someday, a time will come for us to grow into a full grown sheep, who although still under the flock and care of Christ, but independent enough to stand on our own faith.
One of Jesus's command to us before He was ascented to Heaven, was to "make disciples" from all nations, baptizing them under the trinity of Christ (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) and "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
But the making of disciples and teaching of His commands will never takes place if we, just like little sheep in the story, refuse to grow up. Surely we have heard of the phrase "grow in Him" or "keep on growing in spirit with God" etc. Indeed! as children of God, His followers, His sheeps, we have to continuously growing in Him.
Growing in the sense that our spiritual level of understanding matured. Improved. Upgraded. Deepened in faith and experiences. (and in the illustration of sheep content, growing from a Little Sheep, to a full grown sheep.)
Sometimes, unfortunately, as Christians, we are afraid to grow up. We are fearful to grow and prefers to be nursed by God all the time. Repent! My brothers and sisters in Christ. Repent from the wrong mentality that you are having.
God longs for us to "make disciples" in all nations and God longs for us to be His instruments. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest fields." ( Matthew 9:37-38) and "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). He yearns for us to share his gospel and make disciples. And these desires can only be done if we respond to Him. To do that, we shall respond by continuously longs for Him, seeks Him, growing in Him and Evangelise! Share the gospel! Redeemed lives!
Be Still and know that when we grow into a mature Christian, able to share the gospel, redeem lives, baptize people etc. That does not mean that God is not with us. Remember He is Immanuel. His name is Immanuel which means God with us. So, He will be with us from the day you believe, the moment you grow, until you have grown/ is making disciples and forever more.
Just like a Shepherd that will never leaves his flock so is God. He will never leaves us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) So, holdling on to that promise let us take a leap of faith, be courageous and be "fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19).
Do not be afraid to grow in Him. Instead grow and experienced Him more.
You will be surprised by what He wants you to do and what you never expect yourself can do.
Don't you worry that God will leave you for He will never leaves you.
A friend of mine recently shared this beautiful quote with me - a quote that surely everyone of us here often heard but neglected. "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
So, do not be afraid of growing. Do not be afraid to make disciples and cast your net among the sea of people. Afterall thats what we, followers of Christ need to do.
God will never leaves you. And though at times, when you are making disciples, when you are in the process of growing/ standing on your own, and God is not there to literally guide you, embrace you, or He may seems silence; remember that does not means He does not exist. Or that He is too far from your reach. Or you are forgotten. God is still there. Forever remains around you. In your heart. In Spirit. Through His words. As you pray.
Be Still and know that He is Immanuel. He will always be with us "to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) as He had promised.
I pray that we continue to grow in Him and may all glory honour and praise be given to God forever and ever. To God be the glory.
Amen
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