recently I've been into thinking quite a bit. am doing a history subject in uni called contemporary worlds. we learn stuff like the cold war, vietnam war, arab-israeli conflict, rise of asia, colonisation and many cool stuff. gets me thinking alot, especially since my recent fascination with war history. am halfway through a really thick book on the cold war for my assignment. I keep thinking like, what if this happened, or that happened, or this never happened, who would it have changed the way we live and the world we live in..
fact of the matter is, history is still being written. Now more than ever. We live in an age that communications has just blown us through the roof. we are capable of making and doing things and finding information and interacting like never before, only a few decades. we are connected and can virtually view every part of the world through a click. satellites can bring us to any destination we want to go. and yet... history still repeats itself. wars are still being fought. people are dying of hunger and poverty everyday. global economies rise and fall. corruption and injustice is still widespread. greed and unrighteosness still prevails in many parts of the world.
what can we do to write history? what can you and i do? Every choice that you are making, Every step that you are taking, Every chain that you are breaking, Every word that you are saying, Every prayer that you are praying, History is in the making. What difference are we actually making? the bible talks a lot on persecution, that those belonging to Christ will face it. Sometimes I ask myself why do I not see persecution among my fellow christian peers? why are we so contented with so much peace we enjoy and become complacent? Is it because we are not doing enough to deserve to be persecuted? Are we not standing up enough for righteousness, truth and justice? Are we just like other 'i-don't-care' what happens people? Think about it seriously. Why are christian in malaysia so fearful to preach to the M people? Why don't we stand up and petition when injustice happens? Why are we scared of being put to jail and dying for our faith when it's clearly mentioned in the bible- to live is christ, to die is gain? No wonder the world labels us hypocrites.
It's time to take a stand. For righteousness, truth and justice. For holy living. Against abortion, homosexuality, immorality, rape, murder, deceit, injustice, violence, wars, inequality, sex before marriage and more. Let the world know that we are different. Light and darkness cannot and MUST not mix. Join petitions, NGO's that make stands, be determined to fight corruption and promote righteous behaviour among your friends. Watch what you think, say and do. Pray without ceasing. Join a mission or charity organisation someday, give to the poor. Finish your meals and use only what is needed and necessary. Support your friends and family, encourage and build each other up.
Let's continue to pray for wisdom. For a new attitude when it comes to daily living. Even the way we view our assignments or our work. Always ask yourself what would Jesus do? What would Jesus say?
Let's pray for strength in times of weakness, for joy in times of stress, for peace when the world is turning upside down. We CAN make a difference. We SHOULD make a difference. Live a life that glorifies our creator and worthy of Him.
Random thoughts before class
Japh
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
What now? - Steven Curtis Chapman
I saw the face of Jesus in a little orphan girl
She was standing in the corner on the other side of the world
And I heard the voice of Jesus gently whisper to my heart
Didn't you say you wanted to find me?
Well here I am, here you are
And I saw the face of Jesus down on Sixteenth Avenue
He was sleeping in an old car, while his mom went looking for food
And I heard the voice of Jesus gently whisper to my soul
Didn't you say you wanted to know me?
Well here I am, and it's getting cold
So, What now?
What will you do now that you found Me?
What now?
What will you do with this treasure you've found?
I know I may not look like what you expected
But if you remember this is right where I said I would be
You've found me
What now?
Who am i? ~ Casting Crowns
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I am yours..
I am yours..
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I am yours..
I am yours..
Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Update Update!!
It's been a tough journey for me recently, having a million thoughts buzzing through my brain at the moment, thought I'd stop and chill and update this bloggie after some time...
Am still studying at Monash Uni (well at least trying to - I need the motivation to press on! Lord please grant me the motivation and strength to persevere! please?)
Have been busying myself with some activities and so forth, kinda more to keep me going ~ Ministering through Adventure Programmes (MAPs) has been a great outlet to learn skills and exercise a little on weekends (mountain biking anyone?); Local Youth Prayer Gathering (LYPGs) and prayer meetings in Monash Christian Fellowship (MCF!) and at home has been keeping my spiritual life on check (oh btw there's a young adults prayer meeting at my house on tuesday nights if anyone reading this is interested :D). Have been busy at CF and Monash as usual, with coffee ministry on mondays and prayer everyday; and finally the never ending assignments......
For some reason I've still found time to sleep quite a bit. And write a song recently (weird huh?). I guess that's what happens when there's just too many things I have to do, I just end up trying to sleep it all away.... and then it reappears once I wake up.. sigh. The funniest bit was trying to write an essay on motivation and finding myself needing the motivation to do it! (how ironic!). I still find myself thinking a lot about many things, fighting various spiritual battles and kicking myself out of 'emo-ness' (thank God for the strength He's been so graciously pouring out - I love You Dad!)
I wonder who would still actually view my blog, but I guess I just want to say to everybody (who I know or you know me or have yet to), I'm sorry for not being a good friend (and by that I mean by not making the time and effort to spend time with you, get to know you better, or just have been busying myself with so many things). I really want to make an effort to catch up with old and new friends, chill out hang out yam cha go jamming or futsal but have been selfishly kept to my own activities and efforts. I'm really sorry and I want to be a better brother (in Christ) and friend. I want to encourage all of you and help you grow in your walk with God. Sometimes when I shy away, don't reply sms's or dissapear all of a sudden has been because I most probably am battling stuff inside me (feelings, dissapointments, fear) and I know I should not. But I shall be real and honest, I need help (in organising my life, in conquering habits and living a God-centered and People-loving life). I appreaciate inputs and encouragements!
I don't have anything much left to say. Other than let's pray for each other. I know many youth and young adults out there (you may be included) are facing different battles of your own. I can't say I know the answer to your problems or can help you directly but I will make time to pray for you. God has been teaching me a lot on trusting in Him, focusing on Him and relying on His strength and guidance. We really can't do this thing called 'life' on our own.. we'll just get tired and burned out at the end the more we try. To those who have yet to know this 'Jesus' I'm so crazy about, I pray that you will get to know Him, the saviour who's been keeping me alive and is the reason I breathe. I will be more than happy to tell you why I'm so passionate about Him.
On a lighter note, the Joy of the Lord is my strength!! I will persevere and press on towards the upward prize in Christ Jesus! I will overcome and conquer the battles as I trust in my supreme commander up there! Please nudge back a reply if any of you agree with what I'm feeling right now! I don't want to do this alone!
To those who want to find me and am wondering where I am; or just need someone to talk to, I'm in Monash CF on wednesdays 4-7ish, monday mornings giving out coffee, at 12 noon prayers on tues, fridays; LYPGs every saturday fortnightly in People's Park Baptist Church- next one on the 25th April 11am-1pm, tuesday prayer meetings fortnightly at my house at 8pm and MAPs programmes on some weekends. Other than that, I'm mostly found at home! (besides church on sundays of course). Do call me out yam cha or rock climbing or jamming or whatever!! I malas nak organise edy (u bunch of busy people too! :p)
Take care you all and God bless!
Gal 6:2
Philp 1:6
Japh
Am still studying at Monash Uni (well at least trying to - I need the motivation to press on! Lord please grant me the motivation and strength to persevere! please?)
Have been busying myself with some activities and so forth, kinda more to keep me going ~ Ministering through Adventure Programmes (MAPs) has been a great outlet to learn skills and exercise a little on weekends (mountain biking anyone?); Local Youth Prayer Gathering (LYPGs) and prayer meetings in Monash Christian Fellowship (MCF!) and at home has been keeping my spiritual life on check (oh btw there's a young adults prayer meeting at my house on tuesday nights if anyone reading this is interested :D). Have been busy at CF and Monash as usual, with coffee ministry on mondays and prayer everyday; and finally the never ending assignments......
For some reason I've still found time to sleep quite a bit. And write a song recently (weird huh?). I guess that's what happens when there's just too many things I have to do, I just end up trying to sleep it all away.... and then it reappears once I wake up.. sigh. The funniest bit was trying to write an essay on motivation and finding myself needing the motivation to do it! (how ironic!). I still find myself thinking a lot about many things, fighting various spiritual battles and kicking myself out of 'emo-ness' (thank God for the strength He's been so graciously pouring out - I love You Dad!)
I wonder who would still actually view my blog, but I guess I just want to say to everybody (who I know or you know me or have yet to), I'm sorry for not being a good friend (and by that I mean by not making the time and effort to spend time with you, get to know you better, or just have been busying myself with so many things). I really want to make an effort to catch up with old and new friends, chill out hang out yam cha go jamming or futsal but have been selfishly kept to my own activities and efforts. I'm really sorry and I want to be a better brother (in Christ) and friend. I want to encourage all of you and help you grow in your walk with God. Sometimes when I shy away, don't reply sms's or dissapear all of a sudden has been because I most probably am battling stuff inside me (feelings, dissapointments, fear) and I know I should not. But I shall be real and honest, I need help (in organising my life, in conquering habits and living a God-centered and People-loving life). I appreaciate inputs and encouragements!
I don't have anything much left to say. Other than let's pray for each other. I know many youth and young adults out there (you may be included) are facing different battles of your own. I can't say I know the answer to your problems or can help you directly but I will make time to pray for you. God has been teaching me a lot on trusting in Him, focusing on Him and relying on His strength and guidance. We really can't do this thing called 'life' on our own.. we'll just get tired and burned out at the end the more we try. To those who have yet to know this 'Jesus' I'm so crazy about, I pray that you will get to know Him, the saviour who's been keeping me alive and is the reason I breathe. I will be more than happy to tell you why I'm so passionate about Him.
On a lighter note, the Joy of the Lord is my strength!! I will persevere and press on towards the upward prize in Christ Jesus! I will overcome and conquer the battles as I trust in my supreme commander up there! Please nudge back a reply if any of you agree with what I'm feeling right now! I don't want to do this alone!
To those who want to find me and am wondering where I am; or just need someone to talk to, I'm in Monash CF on wednesdays 4-7ish, monday mornings giving out coffee, at 12 noon prayers on tues, fridays; LYPGs every saturday fortnightly in People's Park Baptist Church- next one on the 25th April 11am-1pm, tuesday prayer meetings fortnightly at my house at 8pm and MAPs programmes on some weekends. Other than that, I'm mostly found at home! (besides church on sundays of course). Do call me out yam cha or rock climbing or jamming or whatever!! I malas nak organise edy (u bunch of busy people too! :p)
Take care you all and God bless!
Gal 6:2
Philp 1:6
Japh
The Joy of the Lord ~ Twila Paris
The joy of the Lord
Will be my strength
I will not falter
I will not faint
He is my Shepherd
I am not afraid
The joy of the Lord
Is my strength
The joy of the Lord
The joy of the Lord
The joy of the Lord
Is my strength
Thy joy of the Lord
Will be my strength
He will uphold me
All of my days
I am surrounded by mercy
And grace
And the joy of the Lord
Is my strength
The joy of the Lord
Will be my strength
I will not waiver
Walking by faith
He will be strong
To deliver me safe
The joy of the Lord
Is my strength
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The only One - Written by Japh 09
I love You Jesus
I set my eyes on You
I long for Your presence
Come fill my heart once again
I need You Lord
You are the reason I live
I need You to hold me
Come be my master and my saviour
Cuz You satisfy my soul
In You, I am made whole
You are the one who completes me
You are my strength and my fortress
In You I can place my hope and trust
You are my one desire
You are my faithful father
In You I can place my hope and trust
Cuz You're the only One
Your love, it captivates my thoughts
I will be still, and know You are God
I set my eyes on You
I long for Your presence
Come fill my heart once again
I need You Lord
You are the reason I live
I need You to hold me
Come be my master and my saviour
Cuz You satisfy my soul
In You, I am made whole
You are the one who completes me
You are my strength and my fortress
In You I can place my hope and trust
You are my one desire
You are my faithful father
In You I can place my hope and trust
Cuz You're the only One
Your love, it captivates my thoughts
I will be still, and know You are God
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