Monday 30 May 2011
Friday 27 May 2011
The little things in Life :) and..Romans 8:28 -what is "good"?
Dear KSers :)
how have things been for all of you? Just before our little outing this Saturday at Lower Pierce Reservoir, I'd like to share some more words of encouragement and also, add on to the previous threads.
(psst, COME join us for KS! and this is not just a one-time invitation, but an every-saturday-with-KS-happening where possible invitation! :) Lord (very) willing!)
From the autobiography of Joni Eareckson Tada to the account of Juli's father in "Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times", both of which are very good books as many have recommended, I have learnt valuable lessons (through the Holy Spirit's guidance) that have helped me through even some periods and moments in life where many would be tempted to dismiss as "emo" times or conclude such times as simply "wasted" and utterly awful. Sounds familiar? Yes, we won't deny that such moments exist and sometimes "intrude" into our lives, but we can find peace within when we know that God is in full control and contrary to the popular saying, we are definitely not at the whims and mercy of blind fate. It's never too late to switch your thinking :) When people talk about and strive for individual freedom, they often neglect or fail to realise how liberating it is to be able to come before the mercy seat and submit all our cares and woes unto our Lord, who knows best and is by far the best problem solver one can ever ask for. That is, if we let God be God. Personally, taking the first step was not easy. Sometimes, I let my worries and anxiety overwhelm me, and there is a proclivity to be perfectionistic about the things we like or think we are good at. However, we are good at what we give our best in and what God blesses us with, and no one but Him can achieve perfection (esp for us when Christ comes). When things get frustrating, and I mean, REALLY frustrating, we eventually give it all up (to God). However, He should instead be our first option (what happened to Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God?), besides being there for us and beckoning us with "Come unto me, All ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11: 28).
2 Analogies: Ingedients in baking..and the rubbles amidst construction work
The author of Polishing God's monuments, Jim Andrews, wrote that "Not all the ingredients of experience the Lord provides for us delight our experiential tastes". He likened life's experiences to the process of baking/cooking and also, construction work in progress. For the former, he prompted the readers to imagine tasting each of the ingredients separately, even before they are mixed together, cooked, boiled or flavoured as a whole. Can you imagine eating..raw egg yolks? what about...vanilla essence by itself? Although I am a foodie, and I would not mind trying the latter out HAHAH :P, we know that such individual ingredients can be quite distasteful although a baked pastry tastes quite the opposite, where all the ingredients worked together for good :) For the latter example, Jim Andrews wrote about how de(con)structive everything seems when bulldozers work their rounds and amidst all the noise and mess, we simply cannot fathom what the outcome would look like. However, when one revisits the location years later, he/she will be amazed.
These two analogies are very meaningful as they show how bits that seem destroyed, wasted, useless or even awful can come together to work out something delectable and more grand, under some sort of recipe or Master plan. Yes, everything is part of His plan. You may think that this might exclude the minutes you spend at the busstop waiting for your ride, or your birthdate even. However, take a step back, and it will be easier for you to thank God for such moments and events. Because you are there at the busstop, you are "exempted" from harsher realities elsewhere in the world, or you may have missed that bus which would break down anyway. Then you may ask, what happens if we waited for what seems like "forever" to board a bus that breaks down? Well, I'd give thanks still, although I admit I may mumble and grumble to myself before realizing that our God is still the Master of all things, even trivial things like this so sit back and wait for him to weave it all together! If after many years, you still cannot get the answer for being stuck in that broken-down bus, it does not mean the answer does not exist. It is because He has yet to reveal it to you, or sees it unnecessary as yet, judging from how your life has moved on, according to His plan, to many other things :) For our birthdate, I remember that it was mentioned during evening service one Sunday that hey, thanks be to God that we are born in Singapore, on habitable Earth, and I think for many of us, after Singapore went through the riots and war in the first half of the 20th century. Instead of comparing yourself to someone in greener pastures, why not take comfort in how green your pasture is already! (what about those is less desirable pastures than you? Take time to think and pray for them, it beats self-pity and frown lines :))
For those who think that the days are nothing but evil (well, it is very tempting to think so in this fallen world but there's a "BUT"...), the author mentioned that the devil can be in the details (My my..he sure is persistent! in our lingo, it may be called "irritating"), but God is in charge of the details :) When satan tempts me to despair, and tries his best to get me down at the oddest moments and when I (wrongly) feel that I should have the right to be happy, and it is unfair and awful that I am being attacked by the devil, I feel more ready to bounce back and refuse him with the grace from God. A daily devotion once pointed out that satan is using all his weapons to bring us down, but he can never succeed. Step back and think for a moment. Do we not have our own weapons? and which would you select out of the lot? your own wits? talents? strength? or God? God is the one who sent the devil on his belly to eat dust, and yes, the devil can attempt to slither his way into our lives when we let our guards down, but we must have faith in God who will deliver us from evil and secure victory for us. In trials and tribulations, I realise that I learnt much more and cliche it may be, but I emerged stronger. Don't you want to resist the devil with God's help? He can, and He will :) Here is what came to my mind as I am typing this :P Pardon me for the really shaky drawing because I work without a mouse on my laptop.
Remember, our Lord never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever as written in Hebrews 13:8. (very very comforting!) so, fear not the changes that besought/beset you, for in His grand scheme, these are not random changes with the intention to frighten you, but they are necessary events meticulously planned longgggg before you were born to change your life for the better.
and one last thing, remember our good old friend, Romans 8: 28? this verse will never cease to bring many of us cheer and comfort, and I hope that it will do so for the rest of you. When we read that all things will work together for good, let us not exert our own limited definition of "good" here. In Genesis, we saw that God made all things good -but hey, to me, honestly, it was FANTASTIC. God was a truly great designer! and it was written as "good". So...our definition may come close, but we should not assume that our definition is congruent with His entirely, not hope that Our Lord humbles his own definition to suit ours. According to God, this "good" extends beyond the short term and the temporary; it relates to things eternal, to Christ and how we can conform to His goodness for our benefit :) Did not Christ take up the heavier end of the cross? If you answer "er..Dunno?" or "No?", think again :)
Let's give thanks and keep one another in our prayers. Here's my own take: Life can be hard, but life is full of people too, people who go through difficulties too and need our supplications/prayers. Press on KSers! We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us :):)
(oo..I hear the Majulah anthem playing at the primary school! GOOD MORNING Y'ALL!!!!!!!!)
ps: there is Southern Ridges Hike before KS tomorrow, so sms Em-ME-line or Zhisheng asap if you would like to go? meeting place: Buona Vista MRT 8.30am. Take care!
how have things been for all of you? Just before our little outing this Saturday at Lower Pierce Reservoir, I'd like to share some more words of encouragement and also, add on to the previous threads.
(psst, COME join us for KS! and this is not just a one-time invitation, but an every-saturday-with-KS-happening where possible invitation! :) Lord (very) willing!)
From the autobiography of Joni Eareckson Tada to the account of Juli's father in "Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times", both of which are very good books as many have recommended, I have learnt valuable lessons (through the Holy Spirit's guidance) that have helped me through even some periods and moments in life where many would be tempted to dismiss as "emo" times or conclude such times as simply "wasted" and utterly awful. Sounds familiar? Yes, we won't deny that such moments exist and sometimes "intrude" into our lives, but we can find peace within when we know that God is in full control and contrary to the popular saying, we are definitely not at the whims and mercy of blind fate. It's never too late to switch your thinking :) When people talk about and strive for individual freedom, they often neglect or fail to realise how liberating it is to be able to come before the mercy seat and submit all our cares and woes unto our Lord, who knows best and is by far the best problem solver one can ever ask for. That is, if we let God be God. Personally, taking the first step was not easy. Sometimes, I let my worries and anxiety overwhelm me, and there is a proclivity to be perfectionistic about the things we like or think we are good at. However, we are good at what we give our best in and what God blesses us with, and no one but Him can achieve perfection (esp for us when Christ comes). When things get frustrating, and I mean, REALLY frustrating, we eventually give it all up (to God). However, He should instead be our first option (what happened to Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God?), besides being there for us and beckoning us with "Come unto me, All ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11: 28).
2 Analogies: Ingedients in baking..and the rubbles amidst construction work
The author of Polishing God's monuments, Jim Andrews, wrote that "Not all the ingredients of experience the Lord provides for us delight our experiential tastes". He likened life's experiences to the process of baking/cooking and also, construction work in progress. For the former, he prompted the readers to imagine tasting each of the ingredients separately, even before they are mixed together, cooked, boiled or flavoured as a whole. Can you imagine eating..raw egg yolks? what about...vanilla essence by itself? Although I am a foodie, and I would not mind trying the latter out HAHAH :P, we know that such individual ingredients can be quite distasteful although a baked pastry tastes quite the opposite, where all the ingredients worked together for good :) For the latter example, Jim Andrews wrote about how de(con)structive everything seems when bulldozers work their rounds and amidst all the noise and mess, we simply cannot fathom what the outcome would look like. However, when one revisits the location years later, he/she will be amazed.
These two analogies are very meaningful as they show how bits that seem destroyed, wasted, useless or even awful can come together to work out something delectable and more grand, under some sort of recipe or Master plan. Yes, everything is part of His plan. You may think that this might exclude the minutes you spend at the busstop waiting for your ride, or your birthdate even. However, take a step back, and it will be easier for you to thank God for such moments and events. Because you are there at the busstop, you are "exempted" from harsher realities elsewhere in the world, or you may have missed that bus which would break down anyway. Then you may ask, what happens if we waited for what seems like "forever" to board a bus that breaks down? Well, I'd give thanks still, although I admit I may mumble and grumble to myself before realizing that our God is still the Master of all things, even trivial things like this so sit back and wait for him to weave it all together! If after many years, you still cannot get the answer for being stuck in that broken-down bus, it does not mean the answer does not exist. It is because He has yet to reveal it to you, or sees it unnecessary as yet, judging from how your life has moved on, according to His plan, to many other things :) For our birthdate, I remember that it was mentioned during evening service one Sunday that hey, thanks be to God that we are born in Singapore, on habitable Earth, and I think for many of us, after Singapore went through the riots and war in the first half of the 20th century. Instead of comparing yourself to someone in greener pastures, why not take comfort in how green your pasture is already! (what about those is less desirable pastures than you? Take time to think and pray for them, it beats self-pity and frown lines :))
For those who think that the days are nothing but evil (well, it is very tempting to think so in this fallen world but there's a "BUT"...), the author mentioned that the devil can be in the details (My my..he sure is persistent! in our lingo, it may be called "irritating"), but God is in charge of the details :) When satan tempts me to despair, and tries his best to get me down at the oddest moments and when I (wrongly) feel that I should have the right to be happy, and it is unfair and awful that I am being attacked by the devil, I feel more ready to bounce back and refuse him with the grace from God. A daily devotion once pointed out that satan is using all his weapons to bring us down, but he can never succeed. Step back and think for a moment. Do we not have our own weapons? and which would you select out of the lot? your own wits? talents? strength? or God? God is the one who sent the devil on his belly to eat dust, and yes, the devil can attempt to slither his way into our lives when we let our guards down, but we must have faith in God who will deliver us from evil and secure victory for us. In trials and tribulations, I realise that I learnt much more and cliche it may be, but I emerged stronger. Don't you want to resist the devil with God's help? He can, and He will :) Here is what came to my mind as I am typing this :P Pardon me for the really shaky drawing because I work without a mouse on my laptop.
Remember, our Lord never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever as written in Hebrews 13:8. (very very comforting!) so, fear not the changes that besought/beset you, for in His grand scheme, these are not random changes with the intention to frighten you, but they are necessary events meticulously planned longgggg before you were born to change your life for the better.
and one last thing, remember our good old friend, Romans 8: 28? this verse will never cease to bring many of us cheer and comfort, and I hope that it will do so for the rest of you. When we read that all things will work together for good, let us not exert our own limited definition of "good" here. In Genesis, we saw that God made all things good -but hey, to me, honestly, it was FANTASTIC. God was a truly great designer! and it was written as "good". So...our definition may come close, but we should not assume that our definition is congruent with His entirely, not hope that Our Lord humbles his own definition to suit ours. According to God, this "good" extends beyond the short term and the temporary; it relates to things eternal, to Christ and how we can conform to His goodness for our benefit :) Did not Christ take up the heavier end of the cross? If you answer "er..Dunno?" or "No?", think again :)
Let's give thanks and keep one another in our prayers. Here's my own take: Life can be hard, but life is full of people too, people who go through difficulties too and need our supplications/prayers. Press on KSers! We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us :):)
(oo..I hear the Majulah anthem playing at the primary school! GOOD MORNING Y'ALL!!!!!!!!)
ps: there is Southern Ridges Hike before KS tomorrow, so sms Em-ME-line or Zhisheng asap if you would like to go? meeting place: Buona Vista MRT 8.30am. Take care!
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Woeful examinations?
Just wanted to share some thoughts with you guys, and hopefully encourage those of us who are feeling down. I am still coming out of a rut myself, in fact.
KS has taken a break from activities for a while, because it is that time of the year again. We hope you have spent your time wisely and fruitfully in studying for your exams, but at the same time not neglecting your relationship with God. That is of paramount importance, and also a matter which cannot be left for a later time to manage, no matter our circumstances. Sickness or health, poverty or wealth, exams or holidays, we should yearn to walk close to God. This is a truth-laden principle I have learnt, but as yet am still trying to practice myself.
On 7 and 14 May, by God's grace, a bunch of us gathered in church to spend the day in preparation for our upcoming examinations. We thank God for the productive time of studying and fellowship we enjoyed there. However, at the same time, we could feel the tensions that our studies brought on.
Stress, and a whole host of other negative emotions, assail us when something dear to us is threatened, hurt, damaged or removed from us. I think we can identify with this. Our grades, I trust, are things which we hold to be important in this world. So it is indeed very natural to feel stressed, anxious or worried when we encounter difficulties in our studies. However, these negative emotions are detrimental to our health when taken in large portions; health meaning physical, mental, emotional and most importantly, spiritual health. (these are the categories of " health" people most commonly name, save the last one. I am not quite sure they should be partitioned as such myself.)
When we find ourselves drowning in a swelling tide of woes, could it be because we have placed too much priority on the wrong things? I learnt that lesson last year, yet am still trying to fully apply it in a practical manner. We know what Mathew 6:33 says all too well by now. It is living out this command that is critical, yet impossible. Impossible, except by God's all-sufficient grace. An endless flood of cares, treasures and vanities cry out for our attention and consume our thoughts and energies while we are in this world. During this season, (and also many other seasons yet to come) it is studies. Other times, diverse trials and temptations will meet us along the way. The one way to safeguard our spiritual health, our relationship with God, is to trust in Him fully, in His goodness, in His care, in His wisdom, in His faithfulness, and also in His word. A verse that I find particularly comforting to me in time of trial is 1 Corinthians 10:13. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." This verse speaks of God's unchanging faithfulness and providential care. For every tribulation He brings upon us, He will provide a way out, a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and we must patiently bear this testing, trusting in Him, knowing that He is not putting us through raging flames which utterly consume us, but a refiner's fire, one that purges impurities from us and makes us bear forth good fruit. When we put the things of God first, look to Him for forgiveness, commune with Him in daily devotion and prayer, abide by His commandments, He will give us all we need. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Finally, something I learnt from the Introductory Biblical Counseling Course conducted by Dr. Samuel Ling: Think good, spiritual thoughts to displace the thoughts of worry, stress, fear, etc. "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." - Philippians 4:8 I am currently trying to follow this advice as well.
May God help us, and cause us to draw closer to Him. We thank Him for bringing most of us through this period of examinations, while for the remaining few of us who still have part or whole of the battle yet to fight, let us trust God more and more. As KS resumes activities this coming Saturday, let us encourage and spur each other on, that each of us may run our race with patience, and fight the good fight of faith.
KS has taken a break from activities for a while, because it is that time of the year again. We hope you have spent your time wisely and fruitfully in studying for your exams, but at the same time not neglecting your relationship with God. That is of paramount importance, and also a matter which cannot be left for a later time to manage, no matter our circumstances. Sickness or health, poverty or wealth, exams or holidays, we should yearn to walk close to God. This is a truth-laden principle I have learnt, but as yet am still trying to practice myself.
On 7 and 14 May, by God's grace, a bunch of us gathered in church to spend the day in preparation for our upcoming examinations. We thank God for the productive time of studying and fellowship we enjoyed there. However, at the same time, we could feel the tensions that our studies brought on.
Stress, and a whole host of other negative emotions, assail us when something dear to us is threatened, hurt, damaged or removed from us. I think we can identify with this. Our grades, I trust, are things which we hold to be important in this world. So it is indeed very natural to feel stressed, anxious or worried when we encounter difficulties in our studies. However, these negative emotions are detrimental to our health when taken in large portions; health meaning physical, mental, emotional and most importantly, spiritual health. (these are the categories of " health" people most commonly name, save the last one. I am not quite sure they should be partitioned as such myself.)
When we find ourselves drowning in a swelling tide of woes, could it be because we have placed too much priority on the wrong things? I learnt that lesson last year, yet am still trying to fully apply it in a practical manner. We know what Mathew 6:33 says all too well by now. It is living out this command that is critical, yet impossible. Impossible, except by God's all-sufficient grace. An endless flood of cares, treasures and vanities cry out for our attention and consume our thoughts and energies while we are in this world. During this season, (and also many other seasons yet to come) it is studies. Other times, diverse trials and temptations will meet us along the way. The one way to safeguard our spiritual health, our relationship with God, is to trust in Him fully, in His goodness, in His care, in His wisdom, in His faithfulness, and also in His word. A verse that I find particularly comforting to me in time of trial is 1 Corinthians 10:13. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." This verse speaks of God's unchanging faithfulness and providential care. For every tribulation He brings upon us, He will provide a way out, a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and we must patiently bear this testing, trusting in Him, knowing that He is not putting us through raging flames which utterly consume us, but a refiner's fire, one that purges impurities from us and makes us bear forth good fruit. When we put the things of God first, look to Him for forgiveness, commune with Him in daily devotion and prayer, abide by His commandments, He will give us all we need. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Finally, something I learnt from the Introductory Biblical Counseling Course conducted by Dr. Samuel Ling: Think good, spiritual thoughts to displace the thoughts of worry, stress, fear, etc. "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." - Philippians 4:8 I am currently trying to follow this advice as well.
May God help us, and cause us to draw closer to Him. We thank Him for bringing most of us through this period of examinations, while for the remaining few of us who still have part or whole of the battle yet to fight, let us trust God more and more. As KS resumes activities this coming Saturday, let us encourage and spur each other on, that each of us may run our race with patience, and fight the good fight of faith.
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
Refrain
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
Refrain
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
Refrain
Written by Annie J. Flint
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