He is faithful!

Words alone cannot describe this feeling of thanksgiving that I have towards Him for bringing me through. He is faithful. Always has been, always will be.

I've completed my final paper of my degree, and, *fingers crossed* if I pass everything I would be a Monash University graduate.

This three years in Monash have been absolutely crazy, intense X100 other words. If I were to write everthing that has happened I would fill up many pages so I'll just get to the basic jist of what I've learnt throughout my time in Monash.

1. When God says He'll never leave you nor forsake you, He keeps to that promise. He is faithful. He will bring you through. Only obey and trust Him. Many times I found myself lonely, emotionally unstable or down in the dumps, Yet He is always there to say, 'hey, I'm the one you are looking for'

2. His grace is sufficient. In my weakness He is made strong. This can be seen in last minute assignments, and exam results. Though I still think I don't deserve to graduate, I know he has held me by His hand and given me grace, and I've never failed any papers *not yet at least :p*

3. If you honour God, God will honour you. Serving in CF has been one of the best thing about being in Monash. It's been such an honour to serve others. It is so humbling. It is so rewarding.

4. I am nothing without Him. Running by my own strength only makes me look like a headless chicken :p Many times I think I can do things myself, through my own effort, only to find myself tired, weary and burnt out at the end. Yet in His mercy He lifts me up when I wait upon Him

5. Focus pocus! doing so many things at the same time is NOT a good idea. Focus on what you need to do and do it well. FB and blogging and gaming and all those entertainment stuff is such a distraction, you can do so much more with those time! Do your assignments early *so u can avoid point no#9*

6. Don't live life for yourself. Live life for others. Life is too short. Cheer up. Help others climb rocks. It rocks!

7. Pray pray Pray and did I mention Pray? it helps. really.

8. God surprises you when you least expect it. Even with the love of your life ;) Key is to wait. and to trust :)

9. Never try to pull an all-nighter. Sleep is essential. It helps you in many ways :) Eat well too. Be healthy, or you'll be fat *sighs*

10. Never be too busy for family and friends. Just asking the question 'how are you doing?' has serious affect to show that you care, it can make someones day.

All in all, this journey is one to remember for many years to come, hopefully for a lifetime. There are many downfalls and bad memories too, but I chose to overcome them, and end on a note of victory. Proclaiming His faithfulness and learning from them. I will not let any frustrations or negative feelings from failures hinder my progress from moving forward. He has healed my wounds and now I can learn through the scars. I will not be broken. He has made me stronger.

A new phase of life has begun, and I'm excited :)

Japheth Chew

So help me Lord~ HeartBeat

Too many obstacles to face

I cannot handle on my own

So I'm asking Lord of You

Grant me patience, strength, and courage too

Help me Lord to go Your way

Help me not to go astray

Cuz this world's a crazy place

But You have made it safe for me

When the time comes for me

To stand up for You

I know You'll be by my side

On my own I'll never make it

But with You
Anything is possible

Away from fb and blogging

till exams finish on the 12th nov :)

42 days :)

let it fade - Jeremy Camp

Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain?
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty?
You can't live this way too long.
There's more than this, more than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest, you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Have you been holding on to what this world has offered?
Have you been giving in to all these masquerades?
It will be gone, forever gone.
It will be gone, it will be gone

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Let it fade.

Are you carrying the weight too much?, are you running from the call?
Let it fade, Oh yeah.

You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?

As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of a friend

(Book of Proverbs)

i just want to thank everyone who has sharpened my countenance, i hope i was able to do the same too, and please continue doing so, as iron sharpens iron, i'm open to the pain and the sparks, the honesty and the reproof.

ancora imparo! (i am still learning)

Countdown = 43 days :)

Must.... be.... resourceful! make the most of those days... and share Him with just one more..

Jia you!!

Rock Climbing!

Written by my friend, jessica kan!

Wall climbing is like life.
there are bound to be obstacles that you need to face and step on to move up.
The rope (as WOG) is where you hang your life on,
God as your belayer, so that when you fall, He will be the one who catches you.. or keeps you hanging through His Word (the rope).
You always move upwards, no matter how tired your arms could get, until you reach till the top, or give up half way.

Wall climbing is like life.
It’s should not be about the climber, but the Belayer.
You think you (the climber) is like the center of it all, but the most important role to play is actually the Belayer.
Sometimes you think you climbed well, but forgot, that the Belayer actually keeps you to the wall, (and sometimes carries you up.)

ROCK CLIMBING... ROCKS!

I just want you - Planetshakers

More than a nice melody,
More than the sweetest of word's,
This is love i have found,
and with this love i am found.

I just want you Jesus, i just want you my lord,
I just want you Jesus, i just want you.

Never could i comprehend,
The love you so freely give,
Never could i be with you,
But you love covers all of my sin.

I just want you Jesus,
I just want you my lord,
I just want you Jesus i just want you.

There is no greater love than your's,
Nothing else could ever compair,
And even if i search all the world i will never find a love like your's god.

There is no greater love than your's,
Nothing else could ever compair,
And even if i search all the world i will never find a love like your's.

I just want you Jesus,
I just want you my lord,
I just want you Jesus,
I just want you,
Jesus!

Give me Jesus - Jeremy Camp

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone,
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

I am nothing - Jeremy Camp

He seems always in this place,
Where the things I seem to take,
Are the things I wish would fade
I always purpose in my heart,
Well to do things the right way,
Then I realize I'm still clay
And this piece that's being shaped,
Will be a beauty you create

[CHORUS]
I am nothing without Your love
I'm unworthy but Your death has been enough
I'm completed by Your touch,
But I feel like I've been given so much so I thank You,
I thank You

I wouldn't even face,
All the troubles of the day,
If it wasn't for Your grace
Sometimes I even wait,
To see if I'm awake,
Seems so good I can't relate
And Your every word I crave,
And I'm grateful for every breath I take

[CHORUS]

When I'm feeling all my shame,
You won't let it stay,
I sail away into Your love
I'm taking every day,
To give my life away,
It's the only way I know

I am nothing without Your love
I'm unworthy but Your death has been enough
I'm completed by Your touch,
But I feel like I've been given so much I am nothing
You are everything
So I thank you. I thank you
Lord I thank you
I thank you

The dance~ by Japheth

V1

She was dancing

dancing with You

she was twirling

twirling with You

Chorus

You were leading

You were guiding

You were loving

You were smiling

and You said

Everything's gonna be ok

Everything's gonna be ok

V2

I was wondering

Not expecting anything

But You saw into our being

You meant this to be

V3

Things began to happen

You began to blow my mind

When You took her hands and held it

and place them into mine

Bg

How could I thank You

For giving her to me

I am so grateful

She's as lovely as You've meant her to be

Chorus2

I will lead her

I will guide her

I will love her

I will smile at her

and I'll say

Everything's gonna be ok

Everything's gonna be ok

Surrender - Jeremy Camp

Purify this tainted soul
I'm tired of living life a fool
Soften up this heart in clay
To be a servant this I pray
A reflection of You I long to be
So Your kingdom I will see

I Surrender to Your throne
I Surrender to Your throne
And I will make my heart Your home
Oh I Surrender to Your throne

I've taken things I've thought my own
Only to reap what I sow
You've given back the years I've fought
An Ending love and grace You brought
Eternal hope and peace You bring
And forever unto You I will sing

Forever unto You I will sing

And I surrender now

Soften up this heart in clay
To be a servant this I pray

Your name - New Life Worship

Verse1:
As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire song of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Chorus:
Your name is a strong and mighty tower
Your name is a shelter like no other
Your name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your name

VErse2:
Jesus, in your name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
And give us strength to live for You and glorify You name

week 9

10.. 11... 12... 13... and then it would be the end of lectures, assignments... with the exception of exam period after that of course.. the finale... hopefully..

and my journey in monash, and in cf, ends.

a new journey begins though :) and i'm excited :)

a new phase of life is in sight, and the best thing is, i may not be 'alone' in this one :D *go figure if you don't already know :p

for now.. it's back to rushing assignments, and making sure this journey ends well ;)

jia you!

God all this time, I needed you, I needed you

Jeremy Camp - Trust in You

I can't see you
I know your there
I can feel you
I will not fear
I will trust in you and
I will not be afraid

When the battle is close at hand
Though your with me
You help me stand
I will trust in you
And i will not be afraid

i will not be afraid
i will not be afraid

I will trust in you
I will trust in you
I will trust in you

When the darkness is close at hand
And i'm running against the wind
I will trust in you
And i will not be afraid

When i'm standing upon that shore
Of the battle
Have gone before
I will trust in you
And i will not be afraid

don't waste your life

that's exactly what he said.

I was inspired by a speaker, Kevin Conner who spoke at FGT that day

who has no regrets following Jesus

and pleads with us to not fall away

and is still really touched with the grace God showed him more than 60 years ago

and is going around the world preaching

at 83 years of age

Older

Ways that you can tell

1. Planetshakers and Hillsongs is too loud :O!

2. sleeping early is awesome :O!

3. why wake up :p

4. back hurts!

5. oh the tummy........

6. sorry what was your name again?

so it's not my fault! hehe

:)

All around

Everywhere I look Your love is all around

Singing it seems easier than saying it though. Sometimes it's seems as if it is not, and that is a fact of life. Some places feels as though love is inexistent, some people as though love is a foreign language.

Nevertheless, God says His love is always there. It's a choice of whether or not we want to accept His gift, and give it out

Sometimes we feel like not loving anymore. sometimes we feel unloved. sometimes we feel lonely. What i've learnt is that these are moments when God is nudging ever so gently, 'hey, it's me you're looking for'

Run back to Him. It's worth it.

He is all around

Lean on Him

How hard it is to do that.

How reliant we are on friends, internet, communication, entertainment, relationships, mobiles, facebook, games, sports, music and the list is endless.. try fasting these for a week and not many will survive

How reliant are we on the things of God? on reading His word, of soaking in His presence and on communicating with Him? Most can last for days, weeks, months and years without Him, and yet, He is the most important thing in this life that won't pass away..

Countdown

Again it feels dawning that my time in Monash University is almost up. Even though I know very well I've got to push on for another 13 weeks or so till it's all over *hopefully *fingers crossed

In moments like this i find it quite amazing that I still find some 'time' per se to still sit down, ponder and blog. I don't know how to express this feeling, it's the 'i-can't-wait-for-all-of-this-to-be-over' feeling combined with the 'aww-man-i-have-to-do-so-many-things' kind of feeling.

I do know what I miss. My room. it's messyness and the awesome internet connection that i now have in my room (must be my dad's strategy of encouraging me to stay at home haha!). I really treasure moments of quietness and alone'ness and nothing-to-do'ness. it's so rare. it almost feels weird when it happens. as if something is wrong when there's nothing to do.

owl city is nice to listen in times like this. so happy and cheerful.

i sound as if i've got nothing to do now. how i wish that was true :)

well. back to running around and getting things done ;)

Belum Rainforest Trip

So anyway I was at Pulau Banding, Perak for the past 3 days, stayed at Belum rainforest resort with my classmates on a study trip organised by the school of business, monash, for our assignment on 'marketing planning and implementation' unit. (YES BUSINESS STUDENTS DO STUDY K!)

It was very refreshing, to be honest. I now wish I spent more time with my classmates throughout our 3 years in Monash. Thank God Monash has decided to do something nice like this for us else they were going down my list as overrated and a waste of money :p

I can say that now I am beginning to love and appreciate the environment. Staying at an eco-tourism resort showed me that being environmentally friendly can be done, and saving our environment is crucial. Staying at a resort without televisions and swimming pool was good because all we could do was go jungle trekking, swim at waterfalls and be one with nature (and the leeches too! I still have one leech mark at my neck!)

I think the best part of the trip for me was the visit to an orang asli village at Sungai Tiang. They've created a toy library to teach the orang asli children education through play. Danny brought his baloons and began to make toy animals and swords for the children (thanks danny for teaching me how to make em!). Development is slowly being brought in to the kampung, with huts built, water systems and solar panels. Hygiene is taught, as well as education, health among others. They also teach the mothers how to read and write in order for they to teach their children. This opened my eyes to the fact that reaching out to the orang asli's is achievable, although it may appear as affecting their way of life

All in all I have come to believe that sustainable development is crucial in saving out planet, how to balance between preservation of the environment as well as bring development is crucial. I have also learnt to really appreciate people who are caring, friendly and care for the environment + orang asli's.

Good trip. Thanks Monash University Sunway and the business school for organising this. I can finally say that my term in Monash was a worth it one.

i will write again soon.......

i've been busy, but i know this should not be an excuse not to write in my bible readings

by next week hopefully things will start slowing down, it's been pretty hectic, non-stop, and it almost feels weird to have a breather, online time, home time..

gosh why does the break between sem 1 and sem 2 have to be soooo short! gah to monash! kill us with stress between sem 1 and 2, and then with boredom at the end of the year! rawr!

to those who wanted to hang out but found me busy i'm really sorry! will make it up to you sometime! *i'll be graduating soon k hopefully hehehe

back

to be honest this was probably the longest wait for an exam to finish in my life. maybe it's because there is/was so many things happening and ever since everyone was done i still had a good 5 days at least of waiting for mine to end. the longest 5 days u can ever get trust me hehe.

i always tell myself that i've got ONE more semester and i better make it count. it's quite dawning. there's so much i could do / could have done that i know i should be motivated and active in getting about and doing them but in reality it's very much the opposite, and sometimes i can't help but just want to graduate, move on with life and start off anew somewhere else. life never satisfies it seems. sometimes frustration boil over but u can't do a thing about it, and i feel like running once more.. knowing that i'll/it'll still come back

i know that for now at least i need to get my ... working. there's still work to be done. lots of it :) looking at my schedule, there hardly isn't room for a break really. it's plannings, camp, plannings and so on with hints of outings here and there. work work, that's life.. or is it?

gonna get back to my bible readings and daily postings, woot! i'm pumped, really. not just because i'm done with my papers and have got only one more sem to go, i really am, at this current moment la. see last how long first hehe.

i found (kinda created) a new quote lately while reading a friend's blog post and replying her: it is not so much how much you gain in life, but how much you leave behind that counts :)

cheers :)

Break from blogging for exam

Be back once exams finish on the 29th of June :)

1 sam 5 - 14

Today's readings included an account of the philistines capturing the ark and could not keep it because the presence of God was heavy upon them. They sent it back, with very interesting pieces of offerings, golden rats and tumors? It is interesting to note that the true presence of God cannot be 'captured', it is for a people who belongs to Him and who seeks after Him.

The next account that took place was Samuel judging Israel and when he was growing old his sons did not walk rightly, and the people wanted a king. What caught me was Samuel's ineffectiveness in raising his children. Yes he was a super awesome righteous judge and all that jazz but his sons, took bribes and perverted justice, among other things. It reminded me of the previous priest, Eli, and how he too, failed to raise his songs rightly. I could say that Eli's sons were a lil worse, sleeping with the women outside the tabernacle and not performing their ceremonial duties rightly but the message is the same, How can these awesome men of God fail in terms of raising up their children? And Samuel, who grew up with Eli and turned out good, why didn't he learn from Eli's mistakes? Too many pastor's kids end up rebellious and we know that too well. Is this what ministry is about? I'm not saying ALL pastors kids end up bad, some do follow right paths. But it's sad seeing the opposite happen for some. Maybe their parents have missed the point of serving?

Israel wanting a king could be acceptable to many of us. I mean, who would NOT want a visible leader over us? I mean yes God was their king, but it was mention in those days 'revelation' and 'visitations' from God were scarce, so the people rightly wanted a king, and God gave them one. 'Though I think He was pretty annoyed, like, hey I'm supposed to be your King', and He clearly outlined to the israelites the implications of having a king over them. I guess I could say that prior to this Israel was under a theocratic rule, now it was to change for centuries to come. King Saul was an interesting character, the most handsome, tallest, well built dude and yet could say a lil weak on the inside (hiding behind the equipment when he was announced king). he was like looking for lost donkeys before he was anointed king. yeah. but he stepped up to the plate and won some impressive victories, though i still like his son jonathan better :) the account of him and his armorbearer creating havoc at the philistine camp was classic :) *smacks those who were hiding in holes and caves*

Judges 20 - 1 Samuel 4

These readings were very wide and covered many things

The end of Judges really was quite gory again. The children of Benjamin were punished for what happened to the levite's concubine. A mass internal war, civil war to be exact took place between the tribes of Israel together against the Benjamites; in which the Israelites won at the end, after an impressive battle though from the Benjamites; 25,000'ish against like 400,000 and was totally able to win 2 out of the 3 battles. God does not totally wipe out the Benjamites, sparing them from utter destruction. and their fellow brethren also were sympathetic to them at the end by providing wives for the remnants. The method for choosing your wife though for pretty weird. Step 1: hide behind a bush. Step 2: wait for the girl dances to come out to dance in the festival. Step 3: kidnap the girl of your choice and take her as your wife. Imagine if this custom remained today hehe

The story of Ruth was very good as always. Reading it from the perspective of viewing God as OUR kinsmen redeemer was refreshing. He does not leave His children inheritance'less and does not despise the poor, the afflicted, the despised.. And the devotion of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi was impressive. Thought me the importance of devotion to family and to God.

The beginnings of 1st Samuel start of with the pleadings and sorrow of a woman named Hannah, who interceded and pleaded God for a child, of which she would devote the child to God for His service. Here we learn some principles of intercession and intense prayer, and that it is ok to pray in your heart, God still hears :) Samuel is birth and here is the beginning of hope for Israel. this young lad could hear the voice of God, who was rare at those days - there was no widespread revelation and the voice of the Lord was scarce (kind of reminds me of modern days). Samuel's presence would be seen more significantly in the readings to come, for now: Israel's ark is captured; the glory has departed from them and Israel is currently leader'less

Judges 10-19

Today ended with a super disturbing reading

I mean the accounts on jephthah were super cool. and samson rocks as always. and I found account of Micah's idolatry quite funny, though i didn't learn anything from that. BUT the account of the levite's concubine was just disturbing. to be honest i was quite disgusted. why does the bible have to show such graphic accounts. sigh

i'm really 'wow-ed' by the bible's realistic, down to earth, normal and sometimes messed up 'human' people who did great things for God. jephthah was this random 'despised' dude who was banished from his homeland, banded together with some raiders and plundered; yet he was used by God to deliver Israel. Samson was far from ideal, marrying an enemy of his people, killing mass amounts of people, sleeping with harlots and easily enticed; yet was still used by God to judge His enemies. It was noted that 'it was God's plan for him to marry his enemy', to fulfill His plan, hmm...

God works in ways we can never perceive. You'll never know who He's gonna use. Most often that not He chooses to surprise us. I guess the key is just to be open, and ready; if we can ever can be :)

Joshua 24 - Judges 9

More biblical military strategies

Strategy no.4:-

You gotta be left-handed. Create for yourself a mini-dagger and hide it under your clothes. Present a tribute to the king of your choice. Tell him you've got a 'secret message' and get everyone to leave the room. Thrust your dagger (and the rest of the details you can read yourself, the bible's quite graphic, VERY GRAPHIC!). Once you've got their leader, bring in the rest of your men into the war and win :)

Strategy no.5:-

Bring in a girl with you :) (seriously, check out the war Barak fought ;)

Also let another girl offer accommodation to the enemy's leader, offer him milk and blanket. When he is asleep, bring in a tent peg and hammer.... (sorry! i was grossed out as well!)

Strategy no.6:-

First find out if God's really on your side by offering him some food and see if He'll set it on fire. If that's not enough get a fleece and ask God to make the fleece wet while the ground is dry in the morning. If that is STILL not enough ask God to reverse the order, make the fleece dry while the ground is wet in the morning. Once you've made sure He's on your side start by getting your troops. Make sure ALL the wimps are NOT on your team. (note about 22,000 men will leave you, leaving you with only 10,000 real men). After that send your 10,000 men to drink water. Those who drink (laps) like a dog separate them from those who drink (laps) from their hands. (note that this will leave you with 300 real and alert men).

Now. With your 300 real and alert men (this sounds like the movie 300! lol), arm them with pitches and torches on one hand, and a horn on the other. Break into 3 divisions and sneak up on your enemy surrounding them at night. At your signal, command your army to break their pitches and blow their horns! This should cause utter confusion in the enemy's camp and they'll end up killing each other. Finish up the remnants :)

The key to winning with this strategies still remain the same: follow His directives. Not by might, not by power, but by His spirit. And also to note, finish up your spiritual enemies, cause if you don't they'll continually be a pain. Sometimes God 'allows' these enemies to still hang around, to test us. to keep us humble and dependent on Him. Interesting eh?

Joshua 14-23

The most interesting part for this reading to me was the gung-ho'ness of Caleb. Here is a man about 80 years of age, saying to Joshua, 'Give me my inheritance! I am strong now as I was then (40 years ago), I can still travel and fight as well as I could then!' - in his words - 'just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war!' full-on yo! It's a reminder to me to keep on persevering, keep on pushing on, as long as His promises lies ahead of me I shall carry through! Never give up! Never turn back! Never lose hope!

I don't know about you but sometimes I get the feeling like you can't wait for things to end, in terms of going through a semester, facing an assignment, an exam, a task ahead, a ministry, a job, etc. Sometimes the feeling is like, 'Oh gosh I can't wait for it all to end! for me to graduate! for me to step down! for this !@# assignment/exam to finish etc.' Caleb was not like that, he could have easily went, 'I am old, let my children inherit my portion of land, let me have my peace and enjoy the remaining of my life' Noooo.. he's taking it himself! he's going to fulfill God's call for his life! he's going to fight for his inheritance promised to him. and he's not going to let age turn him down.

I need that kind of spirit. I need to persevere. I need to struggle with Him and win. Come on Japh!!

Joshua 4-13

Biblical Military Strategies and Conquests! woohoo!

Strategy no.1:-

Get some priests to carry an ark; command your army to march before them around your city of choice in silence once a day for seven days. The only sound you can make is the sound from rams horns, to be blown by seven priests. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, blow the trumpets and SHOUT like anything, the walls will pretty much crumble down and you can then take your city ;)

Strategy no.2:-

You may THINK you can take a small city with 3,000 men but that's not gonna work if you've got some hanky panky going around in your camp. Firstly you gotta 'cleanse' your camp from any internal sin. Now, take 30,000 warriors with you (to conquer a city of with total population of about 12,000); plant about 5,000 of them in ambush behind the city. In the morning, take your troups, run at the city and fake a retreat. When they come out against you with all their men, command your 'ambush team' to run into the city and set in on fire, then turn around and fight them, they should be caught in the middle as your 'ambush team' can come out of the city and trap them. finish them off ;)

Strategy no.3:-

Command the sun and moon to stand still :) this would give your troups plenty of time to finish your enemy off :)

The key to winning with these strategies: Trust in God and follow His directives :)

Deuteronomy 28 - Joshua 3

The Torah (the first 5 books of the bible), also known as the law books has just finished. We're now entering into the history books (yeah!) And there were quite some amazing discoveries going through the journey of the torah. Here is where is learn how God loves His people, stands for them, fights their battles, tells them of His laws and corrects them for disobedience. Here is a journey of a people who journeyed out of bondage and slavery into the wilderness and finally into the promise land.

What caught my attention was that throughout their journey in the wilderness their clothes never worn out and their sandals never broke. How cool is that?! No need to go shopping to buy new clothes and shoes! They were also fed miraculously with manna and the occasional quail and water from rocks and their journeys were guided by pillars of cloud and fire. God fights for them in wars and even through all their complainings and disobedience God forgives them in His grace and spares them from utter destruction thanks to Moses' intercession and prayers (He still punishes them of course). God shows His realness and majesty and glory throughout Israel's journey.

Also to note was the blessings and cursings outlined clearly in Deut 28 (which we should take head). "Chose this day life or death, blessings or cursing". is quite the theme of deuteronomy. It's a choice, whether to obey Him or not, life is all about choices. the question for ourselves, are we making the right choices? :)

Moses has now passed on; appointing Joshua as the new leader. His call? To be strong and courages! Bring on the history books!

Deuteronomy 18-27

There are so many laws in this reading that some of them had to be categorized as 'Miscellaneous' laws, in my bible at least ;) seriously! in other words, RANDOM laws! hehe. For example: don't wear clothes that mixes both wool and linen (uhh?). Or 'don't plow with an ox and a donkey together (ok..)

But there were some great laws too, like 'don't break your vows' and my personal favorite law of this chapter, 'when a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or to be charged with any business, he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken',and all the men say, woohoo!

Now here's my point. With SOO many laws in the old testament to adhere to, it was impossible to follow all of them. The law is NOT bad, but it is also extremely hard to keep to and is legalistic. Back then, the punishment for breaking laws were mostly death. No wonder Christ had to come and fulfill the law; he didn't come to abolish it but to fulfill it and give us grace and a new way of approaching the law. It is now the 'issue of the heart' more than external doings. It is because of Him that we can be 'free' of many of these legalistic laws and enter into His new covenant; no more of 'breaking laws = sacrificing animals as an IOU for what i've done' but of confessing our sins and asking His forgiveness', because He has paid the price for our sins.

Thank God for what He has done. I can't imagine having to live in those days; may have to view many rebellious sons being stoned in public or wives who tried to defend their husbands in a fight having their hands chopped off. I'm not saying sin can be taken lightly in modern days; the punishment will still be there; in the afterlife, if we don't confess n repent. So live right lives yo!

Deuteronomy 8- 17

"Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply... And you shall remember that the Lord your God let you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord..."

Feels like I'm quite in a wilderness myself. Now at least I know the purpose of it. to humble me, to test me, to know what was in my heart, whether i would keep His commandments or not..

i hope i survive this wilderness, for it is lonely, and painful..

It's good to know He is still sustaining me. He feeds me with that 'manna'; strength enough to get me through the day. Thank You, Lord.

Numbers 34 - Deuteronomy 7

Today I learnt mostly of the need to be humble and to listen to His voice and to yield in total submission to His will.

Not really related to today's readings, which was mostly similar to the previous readings and a recap of laws and other geographical locations etc etc. I was more drawn to understand more about the character of Moses; the unlikely leader who God chose to lead His people out of Egypt and into the promise land. Unlikely because he was unconfident, slow of speech, and exiled out of his own country.

I for one, would hate to take on Moses's job. Here is a man who not only had to deal with all the complaining people who many times refused His leadership but also did not make it to the promise land. For whatever reason God decided not to even 'talk about it'; whether it was because Moses had ONE occasion of outburst when he beat the rock instead of speaking to it so that water came out; the fact of the matter is that God only allowed Moses to 'see' the promise land from the top of the mountain, he was not allowed to cross over the Jordan.

wow. talk about remaining faithful to God and of complete dedication and perseverance. Even when God makes it clear that Moses will not inherit the promise land, his descendants would. If I were Moses, honestly, I would flip. Right there. "GOD! I have served You against my own will for all these years, bringing these people out of bondage, bearing with them through the wilderness, showing them Your signs and wonders and miracles and laws and commands, and now, I'm not even allowed to enter the promise land?! what's the deal with that? Oh sure I was angry with the people that ONE time when I hit the rock but COME ON!" and I would probably throw in the towel, right there.

But Moses, the great leader, the most humble man in all the earth (as mentioned by God himself) decides to still obey God, to follow His commands and His will. Fully knowing he won't be receiving his earthy inheritance, the reward, the goal the Israelites were looking forward all these while. Perhaps his complete trust in God and his dedication to his people kept him going. wow.

I'm a person who gets frustrated. I'm a person who needs to see results. I can't imagine serving Him for 'nothing' (if you know what i mean) but maybe, just maybe God is teaching me something though all this. I need to persevere, I need to be humble. I need to yield myself to Him in total submission. I need to obey him without any questioning. If it wasn't for His grace I wouldn't be alive in the first place. I need to be continually reminded about that.

I've got one more semester in this desert, this fire, this storm, this wilderness. When I'm weary, and tired, without the strength to move on. You are here. You know what's best. I trust in You, God :)

Japheth Chew

Numbers 14-23; Numbers 24-33

A couple of things that stuck me this time round. These readings were hard, as usual. I think a much more effective way of reading is to have a map of ancient israel compared to modern times next to me, a history book of israel text to me, and a lot of patience ;)

God is serious in His judgements. When the people of Israel complain, He is not slow in announcing His judgement; and would do so if Moses did not intercede time and time again. An interesting moment that caught my attention (and was also mentioned by Dr Chew (SIB) at Global Day of Prayer; which was last night at Stadium Melawati - it was awesome!) was the account when God's wrath was spreading in a plague throughout the camp. Moses quickly tells Aaron the priest to RUN to the people carrying a censer (a vessel made for burning insense) and he stood in between the living and the dead; causing the plague to stop - after 14 thousand people perished. Dr Chew mentioned that the censer was the prayers of the saints. How cool is that? Our PRAYERS act as insense to the Lord to halt the plagues of the evil one and counters the cup of wrath that is filling up with curruption and evil; the censer is filling with the prayers of the saints; causing grace instead of wrath to flow over this land.

The next interesting account in this reading was balak trying to get balaam to curse Israel. and a talking donkey! the most ironic thing was balaam answering the donkey back, i mean, if I were him, I would have totally flipped the moment the donkey talked; wouldn't have thought of replying back! So anyway, this account shows me that God STANDS FOR HIS PEOPLE. There were SOOO many accounts of God's wrath being poured forth on His people and of His people being killed. BUT this time, God really shows up for His people, just as how He did with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and in Egypt. He blesses them, through balaam, four times; to the annoyance of balak of course. It brings back a reminder even with all the chastening of God, it is for our own good, and He will always have our back covered, He is Love. Even in modern times, God stands for His people time and time again as can be seen with modern Israel, how God have stood for them in the 'six day war' and other wars, Jews are known for their superiour technology and intelligence and are place in positions of power and influence.

I'm reminded time and time again from these readings of the importance of obeying God's laws, the rewards of obeying them, and the consequences of failing to. I'm also reminded of the precious perfect sacrifice Jesus did at the cross. To cleanse us from our sins and wash us from our past. Jesus made it possible for us to be cleansed and forgiven without having to slaughter lambs and other offerings which was mainly an I.O.U to God until Jesus came to fulfil the debt of sin we owed. We were and are sinners, and are desperately in need of a saviour who died in our place so that we can be free and redeemed and forgiven, a debt that only Jesus Christ, who took the sins of the world upon Himself, could pay.

Let us not forget Jesus in all these readings on the law; but picture how He has come to fulfil it. And I am also reminded to pray for Israel, for Jerusalem, for the Jews, His precious people and nation. May they come to see that their Messaiah has come, He is risen, He is coming back again for His bride. Are we ready?

Numbers 4-13

Interesting how God delegates His tasks to various groups of peoples. "you shall be in charge of this, and you shall be charge of that", teaches us as leaders that we really can't do EVERYTHING, we need people around us to help us.

Again, God is massively PARTICULAR with details. literally, down to the inches. Heh don't think you can fool God, He definately knows all yo! You might say He is quite the perfectionist ;) I just can't imagine having to live with all those details. hehe.

And... the people complain again. complainers complainers. God has to smite some of em with fire and STILL they complain later on. how similar are we ;) and Moses intercedes for them yet again. Good leader to have :) one who pleads to God not to kill His people though they deserved it..

Let's be thankful for His blessings and obey His commands without complaining shall we? :)

Leviticus 21- Numbers 3

One of the main things that struck me today was the importance of the Sabbath, and of following and obeying His commands.

Most of us are at a stage of our lives when we just cannot afford a 'sabbath' - literally, a rest day from work. I know that it's technically 'ok' to work on a sabbath through what Jesus did in the new testament, healing on a sabbath, which was technically his 'work'; but the principle of resting on a sabbath is profound. God created, and He rested. He didn't have to, He could have kept on and kept on creating, but He rested on the 7th day of creation. wow. the Almighty took a rest and we think we can go on and on our lives in an adrenelin rush without slowing down.. no wonder most of us 'crash' every now and then...

God gives us life in which I believe we should be fruitful, productive, hardworking and diligent in the things He has called us to do; whether you're studying or working or in ministry; but I strongly believe that at least ONE of those days should be spent with Him. and THAT is your sabbath. Taking a rest from the busyness and chaos of life; reflecting and pondering upon Him, giving your mind, body, soul and spirit time to recuperate. feed your soul, quieten your mind, exercise your body and rejuvenate your spirit.

One may say, 'But I can't afford to NOT study on Sundays! I need to spread out my time throughout the week'; well, you're technically not sinning that's for sure, but I sure do hope your spirit and soul is fed enough. and you're not burnt out.

I spend my Sundays by myself mostly. After church I'll rest at home, read a book, and spend time with my family. It is one of the best days of the week :) and I can testify that it's one of those things that keep me going through my crazy weeks. There are many benifits from obeying His commands, even more consequences for dissobeying them. Let's strive to obey Him eh?

Leviticus 11-20

Another hard reading to do. More laws...

God is a holy God. There's no doubt about that. And He demands holiness from us. "be holy, for I am holy", says He. And there's consequences for living unholy lives.. major consequences. Back then most of the punishments was physical death. That principle still remains similar in modern times, spiritual death; separation from God.

One thing that hit me though. Do you know how 'ma-fan' it is for a person back then to 'pay' for his/her sin in order to be cleansed and restored? It's like a combination of various slaughtering activities, restitutions, this and that; JUST to be 'forgiven', in that sense. Again, the principle remains the same for modern day believers; although we don't need to find random animals to sacrifice; there is much to be done on our side - confession, repentance, a conscious turning away from sin, seek forgiveness from those we have hurt etc. Not very easy eh? NOW would you rather sacrifice some lambs and pigeons? hehe

Stay holy, guys. and remain pure. It's worth it :)

leviticus 1-10

Today was probably one of the hardest readings for me. The entire chapter talks about offerings, sin offering, trespass offerings etc.. and it goes on and on about how to BBQ properly (sorry but it did make me hungry :p) but here's what I learnt anyway

Every single blessing God gives us should be appreciated and offered back to Him the BEST of the BEST. Back then, God's blessing to His people were in terms of lifestock, grain, fruits etc and the people offered the lifestock without blemish, firstfruits of their land and best of their grain. For us as modern day believers, God's blessings may be money, time, gifts and talents. Are WE giving back to God the best of what He has blessed us with? Are you faithfully serving Him with your gifts and talents in your ministry and persevering doing so even when times seem hard? Are you a good steward of your money and time? Like i mentioned before in the email, tithing to God even 10% of your day is 2.4 hours; are you giving your best to Him?

For me, the best times are mornings (peaceful, quiet) and I usually can get a lot of things done in the wee hours of the morning. The challenge for me is to give that 10% fully to God during those times; like reading His word and coming before Him in prayer. Hope you are inspired to do the same. God deserves the BEST of the BEST.

*p.s - thank God for His grace too. Back then, if you sacrificed wrongly, you're dead (leviticus 10:1)

Bible Reading

Exodus 31-40

What I've learnt

Interesting how Moses pleaded / interceded for his people when God wanted to 'consume' them in His wrath for worshipping some random golden calf that Aaron made (and lied about it later too, saying 'IT came out of the fire' when he actually molded it. some priest he was haha). Again it made me think. These people SEE God's glory on a daily basis (a cloud by day and fire by night! / moses's shining face / God's glory which passes by the camp so often) and YET they want to party with some molded image. gosh.

It is not surprising then that God wanted to wipe them out and make Moses a great nation. You might say it was God's WILL to send his fire and wipe them out of the face of the earth. BUT WAIT. Moses then pleads with God, intercedes for his people saying, 'if you kill these people, what will the people of the earth think? You brought these people out of bondage just to kill them in the wilderness, you can't do that yo! *majorly paraphrased :p*. and this is interesting, GOD CHANGES HIS MIND and lets them live (punishes them of course through plagues and stuff).

Food for thought. Can God change His will for you? ;) Can God change His will for MALAYSIA if His people intercede for our land?

Can God spare Malaysia from disaster due to its corruption and turning away from Him? Who will go for Malaysia, Who will intercede?

Reading the Bible!

and so I've begun a bible reading marathon with a bunch of MYPG'ers (Malaysian Youth Prayer Gathering) people. 10 Chapters a day :)

From yesterday's reading; what I've learnt

Exodus 21-30

We're at a part where the LAW comes in (ceremonial lamb, clothes, tabernacle and whatever not). I learnt that GOD IS A SUPER PARTICULAR GOD. esspecially when it comes to His temple (which is US btw). He wants things in order, He has a blueprint for each of our lives and how we build this temple of His. He is QUITE AN ENGINEER AND ARCHITECH. he knows every detail, every inch, every breakdown, of our life and our work.

yup yup. so take heart when you're reading through geonologies, temple measurements, laws for animals, and whatever not.

God is a God of DETAILS. simply because He cares, is excellent in His work, and perfect. and demands perfection :) Let's live a life worthy of Him and take more effort in getting to know HIm more!

sometimes....

sometimes i ask myself, what if after all this i find myself empty and void?

after all the serving, all the labour, all the sweat blood and tears

after all the victories and failures, after all the gung ho'ness and passion, sadness and depression

after going through ups and downs, joy and pain

it finishes

and i'm off.. sabah perhaps for a year.. doing soul searching and serving at missions

and back... to uncertainties.... this time.. real uncertainties... relationships? work? ministry?

God, I know I should trust You. I tell my friends to, I need to show it myself..

It's scary Lord, and I'm afraid...

that all of this was in vain

that i'll never be able to stand up to a relationship again

that i'll never be totally fulfilled and satisfied with any job or ministry that comes my way

that i've failed you. time and time again

and that i'll run away... from You

why so downcast? oh my soul

put your hope in God

for I will yet praise Him

my saviour and my God

Hey, wanna go for a walk?

My take on how I would deal with burnout:

Find that spot (may be at a park, home, library, starbucks etc) where you can run to to find rest and clear your mind

For me: I take regular retreats @ glory place, mantin to spend time seeking Him and quiet my soul ;) On times that I can't afford a retreat: a nice cup of coffee @ starbucks listening to my music or swedish meatballs at ikea or reading at borders has to do ;)

Find that sport (or something you love; rock climbing, basketball, football, bowling, chess? or a random hobby- fishing? anything that can take your mind away from the stresses)

For me: Rock climbing has been my recent craze; satisfiying and enjoyable (climbing and teaching people how to); jogging has been good too

Find that alone time (may be taking a break from friends, internet, phone) just to listen to some silence from the million voices the world throws at us

For me: Taking a break from friends, and facebook, and university, and staying at home has been good. Writing and journalling has been therapeutic too. Just slow down, think, read and write if it helps

Discipline yourself spiritually. God is there longing to fill you. We just miss these 'filling' sessions thinking we can run through life through our own strength and effort. We run so fast that sometimes we miss His still small voice saying, "hey, wanna go for a walk?"

Life is bigger than your exam, life is bigger than what happened yesterday night at the party, or what movie you watched, the latest political news or sporting event. Life is about Him, shining His glory and living a life worthy to be called a child of God.

Always enough - Casting Crowns

In the drying weary land
LORD You are the rain
In the sea of shattered ones
Your love comes rushing in
You hold the world within Your hands
And see each tear that falls
Through every fire and every storm
You're Always Enough
Always Enough

Your love is peace to the broken
Faith for the widow
Hope for the orphan
Strength for the weak

Your love is the anthem of nations
Brings out to the ages
And You're Always Enough for me

In the watches of the night
LORD You are my song
Hope is in the morning light
Your love shines like the dawn

You keep my heart in perfect peace
My life is in Your hands
When confusion hides my way
You're Always Enough
Always Enough

And rejoice for my Saviour reigns
And rejoice for the lives in me
God on how set me free and
Worthy is the LORD

In the drying weary land
LORD You are the rain

thoughts at 2am

I need to register to vote

anyone wanna go together? :)

planetshakers - Holding ON

Here it goes,
I'm letting go
Of all that's weighing me down
I believe, in everything,
You are all that I need

I'm reaching out, for more of You
Come and fill me again
More of You, and less of me
That is how it shoud be

So I look to You
And not to this world
I am found in You
And You are found in me

You're the centre of my everything
You're the rock on which I stand
My foundation is in Jesus
I'm holding on to You forever

I'm holding onto You forever
Cause no one else could be the centre
You are the only one for me now
Lord it's You

This crazy road ahead

Dear God,

There's no way I will be able to this by myself. I humble myself before you. I am weak. Frail. Uncertain. Unstable. Unconfident. Only through You, will those Un's be removed. Help me trust in You fully; knowing that whatever happens this year is Yours. Not mine.

Grant me boldness and wisdom. Grant me clarity in speech and a clear mind; a listening ear and an open heart. Help me never to lose focus of You; to be able to focus on things that really matter.

May my life glorify You this year; through my words and actions; that others may see You through me.

I commit Monash Christian Fellowship 2010, the year ahead, and my life; into Your hands. It's Yours God, take control. Use your tools. Use me.

I believe in You.

We will not falter, we will not give up~ endurance through persecution

f God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 31b, 35, 37-39)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. (Psalm 34:17-19)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:1-2,5-6,9-12)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Through You I can do anything
I can do all things
'Cause it's You who gives me strength
Nothing is impossible
Through You blind eyes are open
Strongholds are broken
I am living by faith
Nothing is impossible
I'm not gonna live by what I see
I'm not gonna live by what I feel
Deep down I know that You're here with me
And I know that You can do anything
I believe, I believe
I believe, I believe in you

Holding on~ by planetshakers

Here it goes, I'm letting go
Of all that's weighing me down
I believe, in everything,
You are all that I need

Verse 2
I'm reaching out, for more of You
Come and fill me again
More of You, and less of me
That is how it shoud be

Bridge
So I look to You
And not to this world
I am found in You
And You are found in me

Chorus
You're the centre of my everything
You're the rock on which I stand
My foundation is in Jesus
I'm holding on to You forever

Pre-chorus
I'm holding onto You forever
Cause no one else could be the centre
You are the only one for me now
Lord it's You

Passion comes with a price

and it's quite heavy too.

Many people view passionate people as those who shout the loudest woohoo! jump around and are very extroverted, talkative, etc..

i believe passionate people are those who put action to their words. meaning, invest their TIME, MONEY, EFFORT, ENERGY and various other sacrifices to achieve what they believe, not just woohoo about it, they will take INITIATIVE to move no matter what people say and think.

It's cool to be passionate for God by jumping, shouting and praising Him. now what are you doing about your belief? Faith without actions is dead.

I'm passionate for God. And I desire to show it through my life. It may be a lonely walk ahead...

From Bukits to Guas

Bukit Tabur Trip

Is crazy dangerous. Imagine 3 hours going through a dusun, up a hill, rock climbing up and down real rocks without a harness, instructors, any form of surveilance, safety features or communication with any ground personal cuz there's none, markers or guidelines on where to go, no real trail which means getting lost and seriously injured is highly possible and there has been a couple of serious injuries and deaths there. And halfway through the trail it RAINED! which means slippery rocks! i like! Good training for one of my dream goal to conquer mount KK!

It wasn't so fun for some of us who went though; a lady fractured her foot; and some of the team had to wait up the hill for the whole day for a rescue team to arrive; and she had to go for surgery; some of the team only came back home at midnight - intense! Rachel, Chien Aun, Jenna, where are we going to next? ;)

Gua Tempurung

2nd time there with relatives from germany, sis and bro-in-law, chien aun and sis and benji. Fun fun fun as usual - crawling and wadding through water in the cave, sitting in pitch blackness for a while, sliding down, going through a hole, and more crawling and wadding through water, while enjoying the beauty of the cave. AND to top it off we had pork ribs wan tan mee for lunch @ Bidur. yum!

CF Christmas party

Party. Food. BBQ. ice breaker. carols. gift exchange. need i mention anything else? hehe. oh and next time we have a bbq, more people better be involved in the whole set-up and CLEAN-UP process. sigh. and bbq parties are expensive (oh gosh i'm beginning to sound like peter :p)

Peter's farewell cum pot bless night

similar to above except the bbq bit, carols and gift exchange; bye peter remember to buy some relient k cds for me when you're in US :p and yes. keep in touch yo!

ok there were many more random dinners and stuff but let's leave those for another time.

New years resolution:

1. Mantain my clean room :D

2. Work out at the rock climbing gym more often (thanks to my new rock climbing shoes!)

3. Finish reading the bible in a year

4. Pump up or at least mantain my grades in uni

5. Focus on serving in CF and making a difference in this last year in monash

Some random after-graduate dreams:

1. Learn spanish (gave up on chinese :p) language and also how to make spanish food!

2. Record personal written songs

3. Climb mount KK

4. Bungee jump, sky diving, para-gliding.......

5. Back to Youth with a Mission and missions work in Sabah for a year

Holiday Happenings

Since after exam:

Road trip to Penang

That was pretty crazy. 35 people. 1 bus. 3 days 2 nights. Ate, ate and.. ate.. I must say that the food in Penang this time round was not that great, to me at least.. It was just food.. that taste the same in KL, or even better in KL *don't shoot me Penang people* hehe. We also visited Fort Cornwallis (or something like that), had bbq marshmallows and chilling out at the beach, shopping, water polo, and lots of travelling on the bus. It was a good end to the year, especially to catch up with some people who have or would be leaving Malaysia, fellowshipping, mafia-ing, random joke telling, cards, worshipping at the beach n swimming pool :) Gotta do this more often! *kudos to Danny Wang who organised this amazing trip!

National School's Christian Fellowship Leadership Camp

Another crazy camp. 140 campers. 20 officers. I was one of the officer volunteers. Led icebreakers, games, a prayer session, helped at special night and led a small group. I love games and organising games but for 140 campers, is quite intense! Thank God for ideas such as the tank game (from maps) and team fortress (from mcf camp) and random push-the-potato-with-your-nose games! And of course, BUTTBALL! which for some reason everybody seemed to love. It was a great camp, lots of things learnt - about God's will, spiritual disciplines, heroes of the faith and cf-related skills (such as problem solving and programme planning). Special night was great and the campers acted really funny! the night ended with the court case in which us officers took the campers to 'court' for being 'naughty' and demanded they be sent to bed earlier after framing them up (for everything! being late, idolatory, violence, etc). It was won hands down of course (due to our totally unbiased judge and jury which was the camp commandent and the officers haha!) but of course we had to let the kids sleep late..

Sarah's Wedding

My sisters wedding was quite surreal. I knew she was going to get married early in the year but if never really got into my system, not until the rehearsals at least.. when I began to watch her and everybody else practice walking down the isles with the music.. and it REALLY only clicked on the wedding day itself, more in the wedding dinner, when all the speeches were made, it was like. wow. WOW. my sister is getting married.. *sigh*.. (but in a happy aww kinda way). I performed the song 'We will dance' by Steven Curtis Chapman and threw in a little chorus of my own at the wedding ceremony with mark. It went well, according to everybody, but I knew my guitar wasn't working, because I hadn't turned the GAIN up. thank God mark's guitar saved the day. He asked me later on, "so japheth, what have you GAINED from this?" swt. I also realised that weddings are really costly.. everything really. counting the ang pow's during dinner was stressful, and it's just only enough to cover the dinner cost! now, all those dresses... flowers.... decorations... gifts.... shoes.... well i'm not complaining, got myself my first ever suit! woohoo! Everybody's asking, "so when's your turn?" I smile and say, "well, the first step is to find a girlfriend :p"

Personal Retreat

It was good to just take a break from it all after all that. To set a time to relax, seek God's face, review and reflect on how my year has been and what I've learnt from it. No better place than Glory Place, Mantin; to just sit by the waterfall, memorise some scripture, write a song, do some readings and journalling... was with Peter and Li wen for this one; quite fun those two :) gonna miss hanging out with peter once he leaves to the U.S

CF

CF would be taking most of my time and responsibility from now on - plannings, iron'ing out details, portfolios, job descriptions and managing human resources; thank God for the CF'ers! So many willing ones, to serve, to be a part of God's plan for Monash CF next year! To an awesome year ahead! let's start with a Christmas Party! and committee retreat!

Work work

Gonna help out at the kindergarten again; Madeleine Kindergarten, for Jan and Feb. Should be interesting :) I need to get those nuts and bolts in my head active.. Can't afford to idle around too much lol. I need to clean my rooooommm..... gahhh.....

Through God's grace and strength
Japheth Chew

Daily devotionals by Worthy Ministries

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

In this world we will face all kinds of obstacles, trials and tribulations and we should be wary of any doctrines or teachings that say we shouldn’t have to face these things. Why? Because the Lord said we will have tribulations. So the encouragement He is giving is simply this: You’re going to face trials, but GOD is greater than any problem you will face in this world!

As problems present themselves, we should face them in the power of God and overcome them with Him -– because every problem is an opportunity to exhibit the love and power of God in our lives. And it’s often through these situations that the world gets our true testimony as believers in Him!

Lift up your head, and don’t expect “no obstacles" in this life. Continue looking up, and be filled with His joy, because the Lord has already overcome this world and our problems, and we will experience that when we simply give them over to Him!

Daily devotionals by Worthy Ministries

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Historian Shelby Foote tells of a soldier who was wounded at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War and was ordered to go to the rear. The fighting was fierce and within minutes he returned to his commanding officer. "Captain, give me a gun!" he shouted. "This fight ain't got any rear!"

In Ephesians, Paul describes the armor that we should put on daily. Have you ever noticed that every part of the body is covered except for one? The back! The Lord didn't want us to run away and turn our back toward our enemy -- it would leave us vulnerable, with no armor to protect us against his attack! And just as a dog would when he senses fear, if we run from the enemy, he will relentlessly chase us until we are broken. But if we take courage and stand strong in the power of God's might, then the battle will be the Lord's... and He has already won the victory!

The battle is raging! It's time to take up our armor and face the enemy head-on! There's no turning back! We're in this together! There's so much work to be done!

Daily devotionals by Worthy Ministries

Psalms 107:2-6 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

We watched the movie "Pilgrim's Progress" and I have to say, it's remarkably close to the book, which often is not the case when a movie is based upon a book. In his book, Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan has written one of the most beautiful allegories about the journey we all travel as a believers. The book describes the hero, Christian, and his journey from the City of Destruction to his heavenly destination, the Celestial City. Now there's one part of Pilgrim's Progress that I want to focus on today -- walking through the Swamp of Despondency!

At one point during their travels, Christian and his companion suddenly find themselves there....in the Swamp of Despondency. Still bearing his burden, Christian, begins to sink in the mire. His traveling companion manages to get out, but he returns to the City of Destruction without giving aid to Christian. Christian is left all alone and sinking even deeper in the mire, until Help, the allegorical figure for the Holy Spirit, pulls him free from the swamp.

Christian then asks Help why this dangerous plot of land has not been mended so that poor travelers might go safely to the Celestial City. Help replies, "This miry slough is such a place that cannot be mended."

How true it is in real life! As hard as we try to avoid them, whether young in the Lord, or spiritually mature...swamps of despondency seem inevitable, and we must struggle through them!

Charles Spurgeon once wrote to his students in the book, "Lectures to my Students", "Fits of depression come over most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy. There may be here and there men of iron...but surely the rust frets even these."

There are times in our lives when we will struggle through the swamps of despondency -- but praise God that He has provided us a helper for those times of need! We need to press through, seeking and trusting the power of the Holy Spirit to pull us out of those nasty swamps, and set our feet back upon the Rock of our salvation. Let's also look around us to see our brethren who may be struggling in the swamps of despondency, so that, rather than abandoning them, we might give them a hand on their journey to the celestial city!

Which wolf are you feeding?

Daily devotional - Worthy Ministries

Phillipians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

A friend sent us the following story.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on in every person. He said, "My son, the battle is between two 'wolves'. One is evil -- it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good -- it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grand son thought for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Need I say any more?

let's start feeding the good wolf, that we might flourish for the Lord and do great things for Him! There's so much work to be done!!

Daily Devotionals - Worthy Ministries

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

While walking through the forest one day, a farmer found a young eagle who had apparently fallen out of his nest. He took it home and put it in his barnyard with his chickens and there it stayed for years. It wasn't long before the little eagle learned to eat and behave like the chickens.

One day a naturalist passed by the farm and saw the eagle confined in the barnyard with the chickens. When he inquired about this strange sight, the farmer told the man his story. "Unfortunately," said the farmer, "the poor little guy just never learned to fly." "Still," the naturalist sighed, "he has the heart of an eagle and can surely be taught. Will you allow me to work with him?" The farmer agreed, but with much disbelief.

The naturalist picked up the eagle and lifted him toward the sky and said, "You belong to the sky and not to the earth. Stretch forth your wings and fly." The eagle, however, was confused. He did not know who he was, and seeing the chickens eating their food, he jumped down to be with them again. The naturalist took the bird to the roof of the house and urged him again, saying, "You are an eagle. Stretch forth your wings and fly." But the eagle was afraid and jumped down once again to be with his chicken friends. Finally the naturalist took the eagle out of the barnyard to a high mountain. There he held the king of the birds high above him and encouraged him again, saying, "You are an eagle. You belong to the sky. Stretch forth your wings and fly!" The eagle looked around, back towards the barnyard and then up to the sky. Slowly, he stretched his wings, and with a triumphant cry, he soared away into the heavens.

Somewhere along the line, we like this poor young eagle, were put in a lowly barn with the chickens of the world around us. We learned to live and eat from the ground and grew up believing that there was not much more to do than sit and cluck all day.

But the reality is that we are eagles! We were created to fly and even soar! God has great purpose for our lives! If we would only realize who we are in Him! let's remember who we are today and stop acting like chickens! We are the head and not the tail! We are Kings and Priests! We have great things to do for the Kingdom!

Daily devotionals by Worthy Ministries

Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

One of my favorite heroes of the faith is Hudson Taylor. For those who are unfamiliar with Hudson Taylor, he led a great awakening in China which continues on till this day.

At one point during his ministry, Hudson Taylor was deeply distressed by many burdens. As he prayed for strength to carry on, he came across Psalm 55:22 -- "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain thee."

Suddenly this truth entered into his heart and he sprung to his feet and cried, "This fear-allaying truth has evaded me too long! I see it all now. If we are obeying the Lord and still run into difficulty, the heavy responsibility rests with HIM, not with us!" Then he prayed, "Lord, you shall all the burden! At your bidding I will go forward, leaving the results with You!"

With the burden lifted off his shoulder, Hudson Taylor went on to establish a great work in China.

Are you burdened today? Whatever your burden -- cast it upon the Lord -- and allow His peace to overflow your life! There is so much work to be done!

Daily Devotionals - Worthy Ministries

Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In 490 B.C., the Athenians won a crucial and decisive battle over the forces of King Darius I of Persia, on a plain near the Greek coastal town of Marathon. Upon delivering the important message of their victory, the Greek soldier who came to tell the good news died -- he had completed the 26 mile course running and bearing good news, and did it totally unreserved until the moment he died. Today marathons are run all over the world, commemorating that event 2500 years ago.

Anyone who has run a marathon can tell you how difficult the race is. No matter how good you are, how well trained, how prepared, there are times in the race you just want to quit. But those who persevere till the end receive a prize. Back in King Darius' day, one would win only a crown made of laurel leaves. Today, athletes compete for trophies and medals. But in God's race, we win something far more precious -- a crown that is incorruptible.

I bet you're tired today. You are done... overworked, overstressed, overwhelmed. But be encouraged! Just when you think you can’t run any further, you can! C'mon! Press through and press on for the great prize! God is with us, strengthening our feeble knees and moving us in the right direction!! There's so much work to be done!

Bloom where you're planted~

taken from daily devotional material - worthy ministries

An ancient legend tells of a king who walked into his garden one day to find almost everything withered and dying. After speaking to an oak near the gate, the king learned that he was troubled because he was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine overheard their conversation and added that she, too, was upset, for she could not bear delicious fruit like the pear tree. The pear tree heard his name and began to complain that he did not have the lovely odor of the spruce. And so it went throughout the entire garden.

Near the very edge of the garden grew a little daisy. As the king approached, he noticed her bright little face, full of life. "Well, little flower," said the monarch, "I'm glad to find that there is at least one happy face in my garden."

"Oh king," she said, "I know I'm little, and not many people notice me, but one day I realized that you if planted me here, you must have had a good reason. So, your majesty, I've determined to be the best little flower I can be!"

Our King has planted a beautiful garden. Not one of us is greater than the next. It is his His perfection.

We must come to a place where we trust that God has a reason for creating us the way He has and has planted us in just the place he desired. Comparing ourselves with one another will only make us wither. When we become satisfied in His creation (that is us), that's when we'll find true happiness".. and we will shine.

Let's give God our all our disappointments and be determined to be the best that we can be for Him!

Things I’ve learnt over the past few days:

I want start a course for young men in the future. They may be entering into marriage, already in marriage, or not even married. Those who want to want to learn more on how to be “The Man” in marriage. “MAN-ning a household” – Practical and Spiritual applications in running your household.

I should do something for Monash CF committee 09. Make some gifts / words of encouragement.

3. I have been predestined and called by God to be a servant leader. He will pull me through. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

4. Ezekiel 3: We are called as watchmen over our Nation. When the enemy comes, We must sound the alarm. This is to deliver ourselves. If unbelievers doubt, and we fail to blow the trumpet, THEIR blood is in OUR hands. Be bold. Be full of courage. Be ready in season and out of season. Be watchful. Be on alert and cautious. Even though people may ridicule and persecute, our job is to sound the alarm. Be sensitive to the working of the Holy Spirit. If we blow and others scorn, they will be punished, but you would have delivered yourself.

5. Story of Esther and Modecai. God will have His way accomplished whether you want to be a part of it or not. What matters is, do you think you are placed where you are “for such a time as this”

6. “Sometimes in life, you gotta get your hands dirty”. The work that needs to be done needs to be done. Be humble to obey and have a servant heart. Think of the needs of others rather than yourself. Be fruitful and productive. Life moves even whether you like it or not.

7. Put to death the deeds of the flesh and you will live. Treat your flesh as your slave and beat it into subjection as paul did. Treat your slave like a slave. Works of the flesh, its lust and temptations, be gone, shut up, listen to me, i rebuke you, LEAVE!. Don’t entertain your slave (weaknesses of your flesh); don’t treat it with respect and allow it to fester in your life and cause you to sin and go to hell. Take your rightful authority over your sinful nature and beat it into subjection. Only then will you live.

~ Your Mercy Found me ~ Hillsongs

Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.

(Pre-Chorus)
In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.

(Chorus)
So I throw my life upon all You are,
‘Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.

Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.

(Bridge)
And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.

With You, where the love lasts forever.

Lord You have my heart~ Delirious?

And I will search for Yours

Jesus take my life and lead me on

Lord You have my heart

And I will search for Yours

Let me be to You, a sacrifice

I will praise You Lord

I will sing of love come down

As you show Your face

We'll see Your glory here

When is it ever enough?

When will I ever be able to match up to your expectations? or my own...

When is doing what I do enough to please you? or myself...

When am I ever gonna feel useful, satisfied, complete?

Am I just doing things just because there's a need? Or just because I love Jesus...

Do I long to feed the poor just because they're dying of starvation? Or just because I love Jesus...

Am I being a good friend to a lonely person just because they need friends? Or just because I love Jesus...

What am my motives?

What are my priorities?

All my doings.. and goings... activities... programs... needs to be aligned according to my heart for Jesus.. not a to-do list to feel useful, satisfied, complete..

Your grace is sufficient for me, in my weakness, You remain strong.

Help me pull through this. I know You can ;)

Heart in surrender...

Japh

Thoughts of You~ Barlow Girl

Thoughts of you
And how you've changed me
Fill my mind
Without You where would I be

So even though I've tried to express my thanks
It never comes out how I hoped
I want to say so much more so with these simple words
I'll try

I love You My heart is Yours, only Yours
I long to give You all of me
My everything, my everything

God I never could repay You
You gave everything
Without You where would I be

You still loved me even when I
Pushed You away
You stood there and waited
Till the day I'd return

So even though I've tried to express my thanks
It never comes out how I hoped
I want to say so much more so with these simple words
I'll try

I love You My heart is Yours, only Yours,
Jesus I want to give You all of me I love You,
My heart is Yours, only Yours
I long to give You all of me
My everything, my everything

Thoughts of You
And how You've changed me
Fill my mind

Psalms 142~

I cry out to the Lord with my voice;
With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
No one cares for my soul.

I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, "You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
Attend to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me."

Prayer is more important...

M2G - God, it's me, and I'm tired, weary, worn out, please help me. I can't do this on my own. I can't seem to rise above the overwhealming odds that seem to flood my soul. I'm overwhealmed by my weaknessess and failures, instabilities and emotions. I admit I'm helpless, lost, confused and defeated if You don't pull me out of this valley. Lord, I surrender....

G2M - My Son, lift your eyes up to the mountains, from whence comes your help? Your help comes from me, maker o heaven, creator of the earth

M2G - Oh how I need You Lord, You are my only hope, You are my only strength. So I will wait for You, to come and rescue me, come and give me life..

G2M - I will rescue and lift you up, my son. You are dear to me, you are the apple of my eye, you are precious to me.. hang in there buddy....