Fine Dining Pictures

Candles to lit up the atmosphere

The Appetizer; Mushroom Soup and Garlic Bread

The Entree: Chicken Wrapped with Ham

Finally the Dessert: Chocolate Mint Smoothies

Vulnerability

A human heart, not physically is always vulnerable. In many ways, we are often hurt by the people closest to us. People always say that your best friend is your enemy and to a certain extent, it is true for me. Not as in a friend who wished to harm or kill you but as a friendship grow and as both party starts to reveal certain parts of their lives, expectations come in. I've had this kind of experiences and it is not a pleasant one indeed. Could it be possible to keep your heart locked inside but love without conditions? Yeah, to love without condition. When I thought about unconditional love, I felt that as a human, it is something impossible. But on the other hand, if such thoughts came through my mind, then what I chase after would be a desire to be secured with my friends which would mean that God isn't inside the picture of my life. Truly God's love is unconditional. Truly without Him as the center of my life, my soul is sick. Oh Lord, may You rule over my thoughts, may I be able to experience Your deep and unconditional love and may Your love touches me deeply.

Fine Dining

The fine dining gang

"Hey Ed, I'm thinking about having a small Christmas gathering at my house. Look, here are some beautiful organice tealight candles. Shall we get the purple one or the green one?"

"It would surely be the purple one lahh. Sounds good. How about making it grand a bit."

"Grand? How grand do you want it to be?"

"Well, just a bit only lahh...We could think about the appetizer, the entree, the main course and finally, the dessert. Not only that, let's have a dress code, we would be wearing formal."

"Huh?"

"Ooh..aah..let's move the table to where the chandelier is located. Then we could have the fine dining atmoshpere. That would be so cool."

"Aaaaaahhhh....*sweat*" Matt was rolling his eyes looking around.

"One more thing, let's put candles too."

"Ok. That would be nice. I'll get the candles."

So, on 29 December 2008, we had our first fine dining experience in my house. To cut the long story short, it was a wonderful night. It was a bit awkward at first wearing formal clothes at home. However, the food was awesome. We started out with appetizer; mushroom soup, garlic bread and salad. Next was the entree, Edmund's best dish yet; the chicken wrapped with bacon. It was finger licking good. With our stomach hungering for more, Peking duck came next. Paul taught us to eat it Beijing style. You have to fill a rice paper with zucchini, onion leaves, bean sprout, Peking duck and lastly, the special sauce. Then, roll it up nicely and upon placing it into your mouth, you could taste the special sauce bursting in your mouth. It was truly an awesome experience. Yummy. Finally was the dessert; chocolate mint smoothies.

Crazy People

Although the dinner was great, the Word of God topped it all. It was about placing Christ first into our lives. If we do not think of Christ first in the morning, if we do not consider Him in our high and low times, if we neglect His laws, then we are truly sick. But when we are wounded, have we considered the suffering of our Lord? When we are in poverty, have we ever thought about the richness of our Lord? When we are suffering, have we pondered upon the comfort that God wants to give us? Well, if we could honour the name of our Lord by going into the depths of the world just for His name sake, if through death, we could add another trumpet of praise to His kingdom, if through our lives, we could glorify His name, then may our desire be so. Let's pray that in everything we do, say or think, it will be for the glory of God.

Children Adventure Camp '08

The children camp I went over to help was the most amazing thing that happened in my life this year. It was fun-filled and exciting. All the children were adorable but naughty but they just melted my heart..haha..

Well, on the first day, I was in charge of the 11 and 12 years old group of children. I met one who resembles my little brother in terms of character and level of 'naughtiness'..haha.. Anyway, guess what's the name os my group??It was none other than Sponge Bob Square Pants..the other group got jealous so they called us Sponge Bob No Pants..haha..It started out quite awkward at first maybe because they were between children and teenager so there would be this cool factor coming in..trying to be 'coolness'..haha..

On the night itself, we played a game called counselor hunting where all the helpers will hide and the children have to find them out..well, I took 2 big garbage bag and then covered myself and then hid behind a tank trying to fool the children into thinking that it was only a BIG, LONG pile of garbage..haha..the first team came and they kicked me thrice adn then left..it was a success..but the second team came..they saw this weird looking human garbage and kicked it thrice, then one of them went over to where my head is..at that time, i was suffocating, i could barely breathe and i was sweating like i just took a bath..i prayed really hard that they won't kick me so hard..then..BANG...OUCHHH!!!!!..my head hurts terribly and i have to surrender..so, i followed them back and after an hour, the children went to bed and we had our counselor meeting..i was rubbing my head and found out that i was bleeding..haha..

2 days later, on the last day of camp, we passed by the spot where i hid and i asked the kid who hit me to show me the stone. (He said he hit me with a stone, i thought it was a torch light or something else)..i thought the stone would be a mini size one like a 2cm diameter stone but when he showed it to me, my jaws dropped at full speed..it was a 15cm diameter flat stone with sharp edges..I just can't believe what happened that night..I might be in heaven with Jesus if he threw it harder..haha..

On the second day of camp, we had a great time of bible study, recreation and crafts..I asked the children whether they came from a christian family, 90% raised up their hands..then i asked if you know why you are a christian, only 1 remained..so, i dig deep into the essence of christianity during bible study..there was a kid who asked a lot of tough questions..with national geographic and discovery channel, they can be really smart..Then we played baseball, had a basketball tournament and lots of chasing..

We also had a great time at the beach..I became the seaweed monster and a bunch of children were chasing me with seaweeds on their hands..most children should be having snow war right now in winter but in Malaysia, we were having seaweed battle..haha..i was running and laughing like spongy bob around the beach..

On the 2nd night, after sermon, 2 children rededicated their lives to be serious in God..they felt God prompting them to become serious..it was truly a wonderful night..we do not know when it happened and why it happened but God is at work all the time..Praise the Lord..

On the last day, it was the saddest day..i hugged all my children many times and saying goodbye to them was the hardest but they gave me a lot of sweet memories.. Well, i learnt a lot from them..they will be in my heart all the time..

Thanks for all the prayers that has supported the camp..Thanks for the wonderful time helping out in the children camp with the counselors..Thanks to Miss Cathy, Miss Pat and Uncle Roger for the wonderful heart of serving and glorifying God..your love for the children were amazing..

I will post some pictures in my next posting..

Matthew.

Mission Trip in Bangkok

Well, during the trip, i guessed the hottest news in town was about the protest against the government and also the attacks that was happening throughout the week. However, over at my place, Nonthaburi, which is located 2 hours from the heart of Bangkok, the situation was safe and everyone was minding about their business as usual. My mother even called me up to ask...haha..

Throughout the mission trip, we did prayer walk, giving out gospel tracts, tried really hard to interact with the locals but it was like a chicken talking to a duck..however, we did meet some who knew a bit of english, enough for us to communicate...the bible study was awesome..we were all blessed by the things we learnt from the Bible..we were committed to go through the book of Acts during the mission trip...it was a really good book in regards to mission work..and it turned out to be a blessing to the missionaries there..

Things did turned out unexpectedly such as the protest and the cancellation of our flight back home but it was a blessing in disguise..on that evening itself, i met Fifa, a young boy around the age of 11 in a cyber cafe..i was checking my mail and he was looking at me (all chinese will look like thai so they will talk in thai language)..he was shocked when i said hello..haha..he thought i was going to say sawadikap..so, we chatted a bit, i treat him ice cream and then gave him a gospel tract..well, God is in control..
And on that night itself, after going through a wonderful bible study on "Proclaiming the Excellencies of Jesus Christ", someone got convicted by God to serve in her own country..Praise the Lord..God creates missionaries, you do not know when it will happen but it is truly a wonderful thing..How great is our God..

I would say that our mission trip really happened after the cancellation of the flight..we grew closer together as we face this situation together..I am really glad that no one burst or complain but we were all assured that God is under control and we shall trust in Him..
And the best thing was a chance to go to Phuket so that we could catch a flight back to KL the next day..it was an awesome moment praising God and the work of His creation..

Well, i would close with this prayer..Lord, we would never know of Your deep wisdom but one thing we do know, that You are God and we shall place our trust in You and dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

More updates

Hi..thanks for all the supports, prayers and concerns..
Don't worry for we are located out of Bangkok and it is far away from the protest..So, everything is safe here..
Everyone is doing alright too..and we are happy..hehe..
Here's the good news..we will be going down to Phuket on Wednesday night and will be flying to KL on Friday morning..Then some of us will be taking the bus up to Penang on that day..
I'm glad that at last we could get hold of the air tickets..We have been looking for various alternatives (air tickets and train tickets) but it is all fully booked..
Well, another good news was that last night (the night we were stranded here), we went through a bible study on missions work and it was truly a blessing..there were convictions and affirmations..truly our God is a great God..

Continue praying for us..

Matthew..

Stucked in Bangkok

I figured we could start producing a movie for this mission trip..it is not only filled with action of people getting sick each day but also of being trapped in Bangkok..haha..but praise the Lord for everything..
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it..
Anyway, the protest last until today as well so we won't be able to fly back..and there won't be any spaces in the train until next Saturday..So long..hehe..
Well, continue praying that we would be aware of where God is at work..He assured me last night in the book of Acts chapter 18....that continue to be in the city for God has set apart people of His own..
Hopefully we would be able to join where God is at work..

Thanks.
Matthew.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving and a missionary, Carol from Washington is preparing some good food..Praise the Lord for everything and may we comtinue to give thanks to the Lord in times of good and bad..Blessed be the name of the Lord, He gives and takes away but blessed be the name of the Lord..

Matthew.

Updates 2

Well, today i am sick..Had a severe diarrhoe and also vomiting..but praise the Lord for brothers and sisters who took good care of me..Today at 6.17am (I still remember the time), I went to the toilet at least 15 times..my tummy is saying bye bye to all the food..haha..right now i am still weak but still moving on..
Today, we had prayer walk..We walked around Nonthaburi and Pakkret..It is the area we lived in..Because of the language barrier, we did prayer walk and giving out gospel tracts..The people here are really nice and patient..more patient that Malaysians..haha..
Thanks for all your prayers and we really need it..especially for health..
On Monday, Karen got sick, on Tuesday, Diana got sick and today is my turn..phew..but praise the Lord..
Another thing to pray about is the protest here..We might not be able to fly back this Saturday but if it is God's will for us to be here, then may His will be done..
Thanks a lot and i appreciate all the prayer, love and support..

Matthew.

Nothing could I ask more than this

Of First Importance
Jesus was willing . . .
Posted: 23 Nov 2008 11:50 PM CST
“The shattered relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the cross provides the basis for our reconciliation. No other relationship ever suffered more than what Father, Son, and Holy Spirit endured when Jesus hung on the cross and cried, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Jesus was willing to be the rejected Son so that our families would know reconciliation. Jesus was willing to become the forsaken friend so that we could have loving friendships. Jesus was willing to be the rejected Lord so that we could live in loving submission to one another. Jesus was willing to be the forsaken brother so that we could have godly relationships. Jesus was willing to be the crucified King so that our communities would experience peace.”
- Paul David Tripp, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2006), 13.

Bangkok Mission Trip

Hello...how are you all doing?
We are doing great here..
It was a great time on the train..24 hours isn't that bad..it is actually super fun..and I got the chance to share with a person on the train and make friends with a teenage girl..she is really quiet but we hope to establish better friendship with her. Isn't that cool? Well, the lady i spoke with believes that all religion is the same and God sent people down at different places at different time to cater to the needs at that moment..so, in a nutshell, all religion leads to God..
Upon arrival at Bangkok, we visitied the church and had a good time knowing them..the thing that we find hard here is the language barrier..Everyone here speaks Thai and even with us, it is also Thai..haha..
All chinese here will look like thai..really hard time..
We went to Imax and the screen was BIG..and then we met a bunch of guys from Israel..well, we said we're Christians and they say, well, Jesus is a Jew so no problem lahh...aiya..

Just today, we had a great bible study session and singing praise to God..it was truly a wonderful time..the best thing was the prayer walk where we prayed around the area for heart's to be soften and also to embrace the gospel as well...not only that, we talk with some people around and they are friendly..haha..so hard not knowing thai language..one would die here..haha..
Not to forget, i just had Swensen Millionaire Ice Cream...YUMMY....
There are also lots of funny stories here to tell..will tell you all more when i'm back..One of it is in the train..once again..language problem..

Waiter in the train: What you want?
Chris: Arr..this one? (He chos no. 1 on the menu)
Waiter: No ham..
Chris: Oh ok..hmm..
Waiter: All got ham..this one (refering to no. 1) no ham..
Chris: Oh ok..(pondering for a few minutes)..i want this one..(pointing at menu no. 1)
Waiter: No ham..
Chris: Huh??this one..
Waiter: No ham..(waving his hand signalling there isn't any)
All of us: OHH..NO HAVE..

Just now, we went for a prayer on the bridge across Chao Phraya river..if you read you geography, you will know what is it..haha..It was cool..and then we sang some songs..
What is important here is prayer..prayer..prayer...if only we would pray and seek the power of the Holy Spirit to convict people around...
It is also one of the lessons i learnt here..to pray pray pray..especially with brothers and sisters here..

Some of the things we would need prayer support are these:
1. Praying that the hearts of the people here will be soften...you just won't know how sad their state is living in the cycle of karma with no hope..
2. Praying that the the church will be blessed by God to reach out to the people here...basically, at the place where we are staying, the people know about Christ but they are afraid..
3. So, praying that they will open their hearts to receive the gospel..
4. Praying that we would become friends with them..one of the church workers here said that they really need friends in their lives..

Thanks a lot for your prayer support..we really need it..

Your Brother in Christ,
Matthew.

The Blessedness of God

I just preached my first official sermon last week but praise the Lord that i did not die on the pulpit..haha..i was feeling nervous, anxious and there are lots of butterflies in my tummy..haha..and after my sermon, i had stomach cramp..what a great day..haha..but i felt glad and happy i made my first sermon, the best thing was the blessed assurance that comes from God that gave me strength to proclaim His words..

Blessedness means happy..and this happiness is different from what the world has to offer..it is the happiness that God gives eventhough we are in the lion's den..and in both the Old and New Testament, we can find many verses that relates to the blessedness of God..

Deuteronomy 33:29
Blessed are you, O Israel, who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, who is the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty.

Job 1:20-21
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshipped. He said, "Naked I come from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there, the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Pslam 128:1
Now blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.

Revelation 22:12-14
Behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to render to every men according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city,

Jesus Himself also talked about the blessedness of God in the Sermon of the Mount, Matthew 5:1-12.

From all these verses, we can conclude that the happiness that is eternal and everlasting can only come from God and God alone through His ways. We have always been looking for happiness through fulfilling our own desires but that kind of happiness don't last long. After that, we would long for more but we are never satisfied with it. This is because that satisfaction only come from the Living Water that never runs dry.

Praise the Lord for that. May we come into His presence daily seeking Him to be filled with eternal joy.

Create in Me a Clean Heart

How many of us see sin as something so hideous, ugly and filthy? And the bad news is that nothing in our own capability could remove it, "for all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy garment" (Isaiah 64:6).

Well, i have been through fighting sin and temptation this week and will continue on fighting for as long as i live in this world. It is not an easy battle for the lion awaits its prey to let its guard down and will strike in a flash with no time to defend itself. My life has been like this this few weeks, staying awake and fighting against it.

The one challenge is the thought of offending my Saviour, the Lord whom I love most for i know that sin will destroy my relationship with Him. I know that sin will cause death in me. I know that sin will not please my Lord.

How i wish my heart could be like the heart of David when he calls upon the Lord to create in him a clean heart. The heartfelt urgency to fight against sin prompt David to seek nothing but his Lord, urging Him to create a clean heart for without it, it is as if the jaws of hell is right beneath him..

Let us pray to God with such a heart, pleading and wrestling with Him till we have found in us a clean heart. Remember that with iniquities in your life, God won't be in the center of your life and nothing will ever go right.

Continue to pray for me and also lift each other up in prayer as we fight against the principalities of this world. But remember who the victor is? Amen.

The Wrong Righteousness

“Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ.”
- Paul David Tripp, Whiter Than Snow (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008), 22.

Blogger's note:
How many of us have admitted that we are not righteous at all? That the righteousness we have is only used to judge others based on our own self-bulit righteousness. The truth is that there are nothing righteous about ourselves; it is battered, spoilt, filthy and broken. It is nothing but useless and unless we are able to admit it, we shall never see the kingdom of God.

Isaiah 64:6
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And all our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Let us bow down before the Righteous One and admit that we are unrighteous apart from Jesus who bestow upon us His righteousness through the work He has done.

My New Job in an Economy Rice Shop

Hey, some of you might knew that i have resigned from my job a month ago. Well, i'm curently not working but helping out an uncle selling economy rice. This is how i got into this job. One day, uncle asked me if i'm working or not, i said nope..so,he told me to come help him out so i said ok..that's how i ended up helping him. However, for some reason, I knew God was arranging all these events to happen.

Today was my first day at work and it was enlightening.First, working there gave me an insight into the meaning of being a servant. My job there basically was to cut vegetables, clean the table, dispose left over food, serve soup and fruits and doing what my boss requires. So, it was like doing a job that a non-chinese would do generally. (i don't mean to say that all chinese do not do such a work but it is in a mindset of a chinese to get a better paying job).

Second, it challenges the status quo. As i looked at the expression of people around me, it was like "What on earth is this young chinese boy doing here? He should be working somewhere else with a better pay." or "isn't he a graduate from the university?Why is he working here?". It will be going against the chinese culture to be found working in such an environment. Haha.

Third, it redefines humility within me. While i was doing all these, my flesh sort of like told me, "hey, why are you doing all these things, it is shameful, you should be working somewhere else that could make you and your family proud, this job is not for people like you." So,i guess working in such an environment really humbles me. While wiping the table, i thought of Jesus washing His disciples' feet. What an amazing display of humility and servant-heart attitude.

Fourth, it is a tough lesson especially when i met friends whom i knew. They would give me an expression like,"arr..what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be working in a better place?" I would sometimes be embarassed too but i hope God will continue to take away my pride.

Lastly, it was a time of learning to interact with older people. Most of the ones helping there are over 50 years old. It is fun to understand how they would think and what worldview they are holding inside.

Well, hopefully God will change the way chinese people think and see that in the end, obedience towards God is important and that God's name be glorified in any kind of working environment.

The Flood

Hey, i would like to tell a true story and see how that could relate to helping out in a ministry here. Yesterday, I went to the music club but it was a bad day. It rained heavily the whole day and for the first time in history, the area around my music club house got flooded. Suddenly, a car broke down in front of the house. One of my friend went over to check on the driver and the passengers. We invited them in and we started chatting. I was chatting the the lady and came to know that she is a teacher in one of the high school in Penang. The ironic thing was that she is a christian and she is bringing in the Boys Brigade into the school. It is a big buddhist school so she plans to bring in Boys Brigade with a hope to reach out to the students there.

The Boys Brigade is an established club and it is used to reach out to high school students through various activities. Usually, they would bring in teams from churches to help in establishing relationship or invite the members to join a church camp. Many souls have been blessed by this ministry.

I'm thinking that it would be a good ministry to reach out to the chinese speaking group of students there. Yeah, I am really hoping that more chinese workers could come and help. One of the reasons is so that the chinese in Malaysia will be able to see that God can use different races to do His work. One problem with the chinese mind set here is thinking that other people do better in everything compare to the chinese in terms of God's work except for earning money. Haha. So,i'm hoping that with the cooperation that we are going to do, more chinese would be able to give their life for ministry. Maybe this is a good chance to impact high school students. I'm not sure what God's plans are, but keep on praying.

After the lady came in, the rain stopped. May God's name be glorified. Our God can control the rain if that is waht He wills to happen.

The Law

What a wonderful title to start with in my daily devotion. It totally smoke my face off when i was reading through Romans 7:7-12. The end of the verse explains that the law is holy and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. However, why would the law be good if it requires our obedience towards something that is almost impossible to achieve? It is as if sending ourselves towards eternal condemnation. So, is the Law sin? May it never be! Those were resounding words that Paul wrote in his letter.

The Law reflects God's perfect standard and holiness. Therefore, when God bestow upon the 10 commandments, sin became alive. Paul did not meant to imply that sin became alive and there is nothing we could do but we became aware of sin and that we are walking towards the road of eternal damnation. As a result, it creates in us the need for a Saviour. However, many are led to thinking that through obeying the Law, we could earn salvation through good works and merit. Unfortunately, God does not compromise the standard He has set.

Hopefully, through looking into the perfect Law, we will be concious of our sinful nature and that will lead us to accepting the only way for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Charles Wesley: Risk

They were all cheerful; full of comfort, peace, and triumph; assuredly persuaded Christ had died for them, and waited to receive them into paradise. . . . The black . . . saluted me with his looks. As often as his eyes met mine, he smiled with the most composed, delightful countenance I ever saw.
We left them going to meet their Lord, ready for the bridegroom. When the cart drove off, not one stirred, or struggled for life, but meekly gave up their spirits. Exactly at twelve they were turned off. I spoke a few suitable words to the crowd; and returned, full of peace and confidence in our friends’ happiness. That hour under the gallows was the most blessed hour of my life. (Journal, vol 1, 120-123)

Hmmm..

If you guys and gals are wondering why i changed this blog completely, this is because i have created a new section for Kitchen's Fellowship..you can check it out at kitchensfellowship.blogspot.com..This blog will be for my personal stuffs and the new one is committed only to Kitchen's Fellowship..well,share this good news..haha..and please visit it..

I Shall Stand and Feed in the Strength of the Lord

This was the word given to us during our Kitchen's Fellowship a few days ago over lunch. It was a great time with one of my brother in Christ. Love him a lot.

Well, what is so significant with that statement? First of all, it reminds me once again who Jesus is and that every single truth was practical in action. What a joy and comfort to know that God did not just sit on His holy throne in the heavenly above but He actually came down to be with us and to die for our sins, to provide a way to Him, a perfect and complete way. Not only that, He is our shepherd-king. The king of all shepherds. (Uh hmm, that's right..duhh). The job of a shepherd is to shepherdize...duhh...but when you truly look into the meaning of shepherdize; it means to care, to watch, to look after, to protect, to lead, to preserve and to feed. It is basically everything a sheep would need. Jesus is there to care for our spiritual needs, to watch after us lest wolves would come and attack us, to lead us into a realtionship with Him, to direct us into a willing obedience filled with love, joy and peace and to feed us with His Word that is living and active, transforming even the most stubborn heart and slaying the dragon of pride.

Not only that, His eyes are never slumber nor His hands are weary from all the work and His shoulders tired from carrying all our burdens. He is our shepherd-king.

It blows my face off. It smokes me off knowing that His humanity communes with me and His divinity protects me. What a joyful truth to be assured that we are the people of His pasture. A blessed assurance indeed.

A Passion for God's Glory

The Passion conference last night was awesome.

During Louie's message, I told God that if you want me to continue working or quit working, please let me know.It was a burden in my heart all this while to either let it go an spend most of my time in ministry or continue working. There is also much confusion on what the will of the Lord is. Therefore, I made a prayer to the Lord.At the end of the message, after Louie gave a short but meaningful testimony by a girl named Ashley, suddenly, I started crying non-stop. It was about Ashley who had a wild party life and how God changed her life completely but 3 months into following Christ, she got involved in an accident and went home to be with the Lord..

Although it was a simple testimony, but it gave me a huge impact. I realised that life is short. I cried on-stop throughout the 2 songs that Chris Tomlin sang. Mighty to Save and Amazing Grace. I sang and then cried, then prayed, then cried, then sang again, then cried again, then kneel down on my knees, then cried and then sang again. Something inside me just can't wait to get out and at that moment while singing mighty to save, God wants me to shine His light out and let the whole world see.

During these 2 months, God has been placing burdens in my heart in different part of ministry. First was to start a Bible study group. Next, to help Christians in Malaysia to grow in their knowledge of the Bible. This statement kept sticking in my mind. "The Preciousness of the Promises of God to His Glory". I would like to do a study on that. to help Christians understand that the promises of God is so precious that it can turn the world upside down. The third thing is to visit and help the youth i met in a youth camp 3 years ago at Sungai Petani, Kedah, the northern state of Malaysia, they have always been in my heart and i felt the burden to care and guide them. Fourth would be doing Kitchen's Fellowship. It ahs been a blessing to many people and i hope to spend more time in blessing others with good food. Haha. Next, to stay committed in the student center and help Blane with the work here. Last but not least, to help out in the music club. It is a great ministry aimed at reaching out to the youths through music. I see a need to guide and lead some of them there.

Well, i know that there is a lot here but please remember me in your prayers that God will lead and guide me through step by step. But first, i would have to quit my job first. I hope that my family won't object as it would be a tough decision to make especially when my family is not doing well financially too. I can only place my faith the the sovereignty of God. Pray that i would always be aware God's guidance in my life.

Thanks.Your brother in Christ, Matthew.

Beholding the Glory of Christ

Beholding the Glory of Christ
Posted: 14 Jul 2008 12:02 AM CDT
“It is by beholding the glory of Christ by faith that we are spiritually edified and built up in this world, for as we behold his glory, the life and power of faith grow stronger and stronger. It is by faith that we grow to love Christ. So if we desire strong faith and powerful love, which give us rest, peace and satisfaction, we must seek them diligently beholding the glory of Christ by faith. In this duty I desire to live and to die.
On Christ’s glory I would fix all my thoughts and desires, and the more I see of the glory of Christ, the more the painted beauties of this world will wither in my eyes and I will be more and more crucified to this world. It will become to me like something dead and putrid, impossible for me to enjoy.”
- John Owen, The Glory of Christ (Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 1994), 7.

Salvation

What is salvation?
Posted: 03 Jul 2008 12:00 AM CDT
“Salvation is not merely an objective reality to be wondered at, a theological dictum to be debated about, a philosophical theory to be speculated about—not even merely a marvelous subject to be preached about.
It is a divine reality entering the human being to transform his fundamental disposition, cleanse him from sin and unrighteousness, redeem him from bondage and corruption, impart to him the nature of God, recreate in him the image of Christ, make him a child of God, a member of the household of God, and qualify him through the gift of the Holy Spirit to live a life of true discipleship in the midst of a world almost destitute of the consciousness of God and eternity.”
—George W. Peters, A Biblical Theology of Missions (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), 63-64

True Faith

At Kitchen's Fellowship today, apart from the fantastic Sunquick chicken by Karen, the "poop" soup and also the wonderful fellowship, we got a taste on faith. True faith is being obedient to God even if it means sacrificing something precious for God. Rahab was a good example shown in the Bible regarding true faith. She was a Gentile, a prostitute and also a liar but she knew who God was. She knew that He brought out the Israelites from Egypt, parted the Red Sea and right now they are outside Jericho waiting to take over what was promised by God, the Promised Land. She showed true faith by risking her life just to keep the spies in hiding and lowering them through the window so that they could escape. What would you do in a situation like this? Keeping your life out of fear or putting into action the faith that lives within you.

Remember that Rahab does not know anything about God, all the information she got is only through hearing but she praise God and knew that He is the Lord above in heaven and also on the earth beneath. Therefore, as you have listened and have accepted the good news, put this living faith into action for faith without action is dead.

In the end, it was a great night. Thanks to the "poop" soup. Haha.

Being Judgemental

Many at times, it is easy for me to be judgemental towards certain issue and certain things. And right now, it would be about dealing with different culture and also different point of view. If i were to make a poll right now, how many of you who are currently reading this blog thinks that i am prideful, too tied up to my own way of thinking and does not have a listening ear? I would love to hear your honest opinion.

Well, it is tough for me especially when i am in a struggle between what i know i need to do and what i don't want to do but doing it. Paul best expressed it when he cried out, "what a wretched man i am." And i do agree that i am a wretched man, a sinful and unworthy man. I would like to say sorry to any of you if i had hurt you or had been to hard on you. Sometimes, you just don't have the space to give out your honest opinions or sometimes i am not paying attention to you. Praying that you would forgive me. I am not perfect and am learning to do what pleases God. Help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Here's a nice article from Desiring God.

12 Sins We Blame on OthersJune 25, 2008 By: Ben Reaoch Category: Commentary
The following is a guest post by Ben Reaoch, pastor of Three Rivers Grace Church in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.
* * *
It started in the Garden. Adam said to God,
The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate. (Genesis 3:12)
The first man, caught in the first sin, turns to blame his wife. And he extends the blame to God as well! He implies that he would have remained innocent if God hadn’t put Eve in the garden with him.
The blame-shifting in the Garden continues today. Our proud hearts send us desperately looking for someone else to point to every time we’re confronted with our own sin. There must be someone else—our spouse, sibling, parent, boss, co-worker, pastor, friend, or God, himself.
We are so desperate to justify ourselves that we become irrational. Here are 12 examples.
1) Anger
I wouldn’t lose my temper if my co-workers were easier to get along with, or if my kids behaved better, or if my spouse were more considerate.
2) Impatience
I would be a very patient person if it weren’t for traffic jams and long lines in the grocery store. If I didn’t have so many things to do, and if the people around me weren’t so slow, I would never become impatient!
3) Lust
I would have a pure mind if there weren’t so many sensual images in our culture.
4) Anxiety
I wouldn’t worry about the future if my life were just a little more secure—if I had more money, and no health problems.
5) Spiritual Apathy
My spiritual life would be so much more vibrant and I would struggle with sin less if my small group were more encouraging, or if Sunday school were more engaging, or if the music in the worship service were more lively, or if the sermons were better.
6) Insubordination
If my parents/bosses/elders were godly leaders, then I would joyfully follow them. 7) A Critical Spirit
It’s not my fault that the people around me are ignorant and inexperienced.
8) Bitterness
If you knew what that person did to me, you would understand my bitterness. How could I forgive something like that?
9) Gluttony
My wife/husband/roommate/friend is a wonderful cook! The things they make are impossible to resist.
10) Gossip
It’s the people around me who start the conversations. There’s no way to avoid hearing what others happen to say. And when others ask me questions, I can’t avoid sharing what I know.
11) Self-Pity
I’ll never be happy, because my marriage/family/job/ministry is so difficult.
12) Selfishness
I would be more generous if we had more money.
Making excuses like this is arrogant and foolish. It’s a proud way of trying to justify our actions and pacify our guilty consciences. And it keeps us from humbling ourselves before God to repent of our sins and seek his forgiveness.
Consider James 1:13-15, which leaves us with no way of escaping our own sin and guilt. We cannot blame God, for he “cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”
Instead, we have to accept the humbling truth that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” This will end the blame game, and it will send us pleading for Christ’s mercy and grace.

I am weak

The Kitchen's Fellowship had been launched for more than 2 months now and well, like all ministry, there are ups and downs.
"Well, why do you have to waste all the money, is it worth it?"
"Is what you are doing what God wants?"
"God gave you management skills to manage your money well, why are you not managing it properly?"
Those are the questions that had been bogging me 2 weeks ago. I felt insecure and I felt a great urge to seek God and find peace in Him.
I am a human and I am weak. Sometimes as I walked on with Christ, I am not sure if the decisions I made were right. Therefore, I can say that I am weak.
However, as I seek God in prayer and quiet time, He gave me His assurances through a wonderful verse, that is, Romans 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

After reading this verse, I am assured that the Holy Spirit who lives in me will pray for me for I do not know what to pray for myself. At that moment, i do not know what best glorifies God but i do know one thing; the Holy Spirit will pray for what most glorifies God. I just have to be ready to be obedient to any outcomes for it will most glorifies God.

One thing is for sure, I do not know for what reasons all of these things happen whether good or bad but all i know is that i will be conformed to His will.

After much praying and praising God, I felt peace in my heart that all the sacrifices me and my friends poured out for the Kitchen's Fellowship is pleasing to God as the next verse really impacted me. Hebrews 13:15-16

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

After that night, I found assurances that as I surrender and submit myself to God, the Holy Spirit will pray for me as I am weak and I cannot perceive the things of God. All i can do is to offer to God a sacrifice of praise as that is the only thing i could offer to Him for He is my song and strength, His righteousness is my salvation. Amen.

Singing in the Rain

I thought of this catchy title because it is raining right now and everytime it rains, it would always remind me of 2 things; cheese cake and kiwi fruit. Haha. That must seem to be awkward to you but i just like the feeling of slowly dipping my spoon on the cheese cake and kiwi while solemnly looking at the rain dancing on the floor. Well, today wasn't going well for me. Once again, the feeling i thought have been lost for so long came back again. The question arises, "Where can i find a true friend?". I have been struggling with this since form 4 due to my personality of getting to emotionally attached to someone. I'm willing to put my trust completely on that person and thus making me vulnerable and weak. On one hand, i learnt to be tough but on the other hand, i needed someone's care and love. Wretched man I am. While driving this afternoon, tears flowed out as i asked myself why?why?why?..why does it have to be like that? Why this wretched feeling? It's tough but then, i know it is pointless to keep on searching for no one is perfect in this world. The search stops once my soul is rested on the Lord.

Lord, help me to see you as my trusted friend, not to just know it in my mind but to experience it personally.

Happy "Very Early" Birthday, Edmund

"Look at the time, will Edmund be back anytime soon?", I wondered as i kept an eye of him from my apartment in U-heights.

"Jia Ning, quick, prepare the cake, he might be back anytime soon."

"Ok, is he really coming back now?", as Jia Ning took the cake out from the refrigerator and placed it on the table.

After a few attempts trying to penetrate the candles through the hard layer of chocolate toppings, Jia Ning asked me, "But, how do we suprise him? How about giving him a suprise while he is bathing?"

I rolled my eyes up to heaven and said, "Edmund don't bath at night."

"WHAT! That would be smelly and then he will be sleeping on the bed."

"Well, that is Edmund."

"Don't worry, I'll force him to take his bath, he would surely listen to his 'da jie'."

"Ok, then keep the cake back into the refrigerator again."

As i was keeping vigil of any sign of Edmund, suddenly, he stood right in front of the gate.

All of us acted cool, as if nothing happened and as planned, Jia Ning forced him to take his bath.

GREAT! Everything was going smoothly.

"Right now, we need to figure out how to suprise him. If we light up the candle too soon, it will be gone by the time he is out", I said as we took out the cake again.

"Hmmm, I know, I'll go in and talk to him, if you hear me talking out loud, it means that he is out of the bathroom." as i giggled at my sinister ideas. Muahaha.

So, i went in while Jia Ning was being alert to any loud voices from the bedroom (the bathroom is in the Master's bedroom). While in the room, I read through the Bible looking for questions that i could ask him.

Suddenly, the shower stopped and noises in the bathroom indicating that he was going to come out soon.

"HEY, EDMUND, so, you got a nice bath?" *swt *swt (dunno what to say..haha)

I'm not sure what was going around outside but i sure did help out delaying him for a few seconds.

As Edmund walked out of the bedroom, "SUPRISE", everyone shouted.

It was a totally awkward situation as everyone was in shock mode and Edmund's birthday is like a month more to go. But we sang the birthday song, took some pics and ate the cake. What's best was the DURIANS. Yummy.

Edmund out of the bathroom (lost for words)

Edmund's 'da jie', Jia Ning

That's the Birthday Boy

From left; Clement, Jia Ning, Edmund, the Author, Abe

Happy Birthday to Edmund. May you continue to grow to desire God's glory more and more each day.

A Hectic Month

I thought it was going to be a relaxed May but i was mistaken. It was actually busy and filled with things to do. Besides learning piano, motorcycle and also preparing for my musical performance, my hometown friend, Clement came to visit me in Penang. He was a blessing to me. We had a great time taking turn cooking for Kitchen's Fellowship and he introduced some of Tham's secret family recipe (I can't tell you what is it because it is a secret family recipe). Haha. But I also missed out on more good food due to time constraint.

After Clement, my brother came over. He got a place in UTAR, Kampar. I just came back from Kampar, helping my brother to settle down. It was a hectic trip but seasoned with little blessings that makes the trip meaningful. Besides the good food, I felt that God is working in UTAR especially in the campus ministry. Therefore, let's pray for UTAR that it will make an impact and that there would be workers who are willing to sacrifice luxury to stay in a small town for the glory of God.

Well, I am going to miss the both of them and God gave me the opportunity to have closer relationship with my brother. Praise Him.

John 17:26

“I have paraphrased John 17:26 in order to pray it like this: ‘Father, grant me power from the Holy Spirit to love the Son of God like you love him.’

I pray this in the morning when I get up; I pray it during the day when my mind slips into neutral; and I pray it when I fall asleep at night. My heart has been captured by this prayer.
When I pray it, I am confessing to God that if he does not grant me a work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will never acquire passion for the Son of God. I am confessing to him that my godliness, my discipline, my knowledge of the Word, though all good, are insufficient to produce passion for the Son of God.

I can change my mind, but only the Holy Spirit can change my heart. Divine love can only be divinely imparted.”

—Jack Deere, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993), 201

The Naked Truth

Recently, I'm bothered by this statement, "God died to satisfied His wrath"; in other words, Jesus Christ, whom the Christians perceive as the Son of God or God Himself, died on the cross to satisfied His demand for holiness. Holiness means "to be set apart" which means, unless we are holy, we will not be able to approach God at all or to be in His presence. In other words, there won't be any hope for us at all unless God provides the way and unless something is done to satisfied His demand for righteousness and holiness. This is because we are dead people and dead people cannot listen, they cannot see, they cannot understand the things that are from God.

Paul describes it vividly in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Yeah, you heard it right, we are all sinners. I am a sinner too, I am dead and unless God Himself comes to save me, I am as good as a dead person.

Praise God for the works He did on the cross. It doesn't matter whether the work on the cross seem logical or not, it is how God wants it to be. To think that the Lord of the Universe, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and the Giver of Life would penetrate through our world in the form of skin and flesh just so that a perfect sacrifice can be made on the cross to provide us a way to come back to God is just so mind-boggling.

This explains 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong".
Yeah, you heard me right. This is all foolishness. Who would be able to accept such a truth? I would rather believe that through my own strength, i can become God or at least save myself. But remember that i am dead. Whatever i do is useless. Only God can save me and if it is through the work of the cross, it wil always be the only way. Therefore, no matter how you try to change the truth, what is still left is the naked truth and nothing can change it.

I would like to challenge followers of Christ to really look into the essence of Christianity. Why do you want to believe in Him? Can you understand or taste the price that God had to go through to save you from eternal damnation? Have you tasted forgiveness? Look fervently into the bible and let's pray that we will continue to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To those who are not yet in the fellowship, seek the truth. I believe that what's left in the end will be the naked truth.

Waiting on God

Sometimes, we tend to keep on working and working and working hoping that fatigue and stress are evidences that we are doing something for God especially in regards to services in church. However, are we waiting on the Lord? I believe that we should always start our day waiting on Him (devotions, prayers, reading of the Word and a relationship with Him). Through that, we are filled with His grace, which is sufficient for us to go through each day.

When Jesus was calling the disciples to go and preach the good news, Peter was thoroughly excited but Jesus called him to wait until the day of Pentecost. Why? Because they needed the power of God to work in His kingdom.

Are we waiting for the Lord? I hope that this prayer would be our prayer too.

Lord, this morning I'll stop for a while at least to "just wait on God". I know You're wanting to work, and I for one am willing to wait this morning to hear Your voice and discover what You want to do for me today. Amen.

Trip to Kemaman and Mentakab

The ironic thing about this trip is that it was relaxing and full of free time. I'm saying so because i had never been traveling in such a way. Usually, I would squeeze every single activities i could think of and make sure i get the most out of the trip. But it was different this time and I must say, it was enriching.

In Kemaman, I experienced the 'famous' Hai Peng Kopitiam, keropok lekor, fish mee, my friend's mum cooking (some say best in Kemaman), a lot of U-turns (if you go the wrong way, don't worry, just U-turn) and many more. However, it was the family trip to Sungai Lembing that had enlightened me. Besides the awesome, majestic view of the mountaneous area, I had a great time. I also realized that somewhere deep inside me was a longing for a family. I do not wish for more than a contented and peaceful family. Well, this desire is due to problems in my family and also the lack of communication with my dad. The language of love that my dad used was different from mine. His was more action and less talk, mine was more talk and less action. To be honest, I always long for a dad, at least to talk with and just be best friend. I learnt to appreciate him more. Although it is hard but I believe with the Father's love, I can mend the broken heart.

The Famous Chee Cheong Fun and Curry Fish Mee.

True Peace

Recently, I had a wonderful time with brothers and sisters in Christ who came to join me in the Kitchen's Fellowship. We have been going through a wonderful verse from the Beatitudes.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

We are able to experience true peace because God had accomplished the work at the cross that we are powerless to do, that is, to save our own soul from eternal damnation. Therefore, as we confront our sins, that is, to have a broken and contrite spirit in the presence of a holy God, His peace will rest in us. Jesus had provided the way for us to be justified and set right with God.

One of the characteristics of the citizen of the kingdom of heaven is to be a peacemaker. However, it comes with a heavy price as true peace is about telling the truth, confronting our sins and seeking repentance so that we will be right with God. Therefore, some will oppose us but some will accept the free gift of grace. Jesus never compromised truth. Wherever He goes, He would speak out the truth as it is. As a result, He got mocked, beaten, betrayed and crucified on the cross. The scene at the crucifixion wasn't peaceful; it was dark, full of tears and sorrow, soldiers mocking the King of the Jews and bloody. However, Jesus knew it was the Father's will for Him to be offered as the perfect sacrifice that we might have salvation.

Therefore, true peace is not about keeping silent. It is confronting sins and conquering it with the blood of Christ. Then and only then, we would be in peace with God.

Trip to KL and the land flowing with Bak Kut Teh

I had a good trip to the places stated above on the day Celine Dion sang at Stadium Merdeka. Although i craved to be there but i don't have the money to do so. At first, i thought of standing outside, just listening to her voice would be satisfying but Oh Oh showed a "you-are-crazy" expression. Haha. Anyway, that wasn't the plan. I was going there to celebrate because i have finished 18 years of education, now i don't have to stressed myself out in exams and to bring Oh Oh to visit my friend whom he is going to stay with during his internship period.

At the end of my trip, I must say that it is fruitful. Not only because i had Bak Kut Teh in Klang (yummy) or because i hitched a ride with my friend on his Mercedes Compressor but i experienced God along my trip.

First of all, I got a good time at the Connexion Student Center meeting new faces from different country such as China. Then we learnt about the meaning of Forgiveness. It was a passage from the story of the ungrateful servant. Well, I learnt and understand that if God has forgave us our sins through the work He had accomplished on the cross, how much more should we, the forgiven, forgive others. It is only through looking at them through God's eyes. Truly wonderful.

Next, I had a good trip in Klang. I visited Oh Oh's family and it was a good time with them. Got a glimpse of his family and also his life. It was a wonderful time spent to get to know and encourage one another. I also had a chance to meet my coursemate (not to mention the delicious donut and bread). We had a good time chatting and relating different experiences in life and how Jesus changes us, gave us new life; a redeemed and forgiven life.

Lastly, it was the trip back to Penang. As we were waiting for my friend on a cool Tuesday morning, we never expected a Mercedes Benz. Haha. After all, it was my first experience on such a car. But it was the essence of our conversation that has added up to this fulfiiling trip. We talked a lot about our life, preparation for the working world and also about church. Then we stopped by at Ipoh to have Lui Cha (rice with lots of vegetables; 7 kinds,i think and a green slimy bowl of nutritious soup). It was just nutritiously awesome.

In a nutshell, it was an enriching experience listening to God's whisper. Just take some time out if you have been really busy in life, listening to His whisper, spending time with Him and looking into His words that giveth the breathe of life.

Kitchen's Fellowship is B@CK!!!

Hello, the Kitchen's Fellowship has returned and right now we are doing it in a new house. This explains why we have not posted anything for a few weeks. Sorry.

Well, last Friday night, we gathered together at University Heights, 95-11-3. Brother Chee Oh prepared Heaven's Menu and we shared about being Friends with God. Wow, just imagine being friends with God. Human always has this concept of God being high up in heaven monitoring us and we would always be cautious when dealing with God fearing that we would be punished or chasten if we are a bad boy. However, right now, God creates a way for us to become friends with Him through Jesus Christ. To share our problems, to experience joy together, to walk together, to be a shoulder to cry on and most importantly, to love and be loved. It is perfectly said by Paul, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" We are no longer living under the wrath of God but we are right now His friend, His blessings will be with us, His peace, joy and love now rest within us. What a friend we have in Jesus.

Let us live a victorious life, knowing that He is right now our friend.

Hey, GOOD NEWS, Kitchen's Fellowship is right now for free. What does that mean? It means that every meal you partake here is for free. We would encourage you to contribute, maybe a whole chicken (Abe said so), french fries (we could have french fries movie night) and many more.

If you would like to join us, come over to University Heights, 95-11-3. All are welcome.

Kitchen's Fellowship 4

Tonight was another great session of Kitchen's Fellowship. Bro Edmund had the honour to serve Heaven's menu (It's about God's love and promise, YUMMY). Although the food (physical food) was simple but the fellowship was encouraging.

Tonight we are once again reminded about the wonders and power of EXPLOSIVE FELLOWSHIP. One of it is the heart of thankfulness. Many at times, in the Bible, Jesus commands us not to be worried about what may happen tomorrow for each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34) and we should always be constantly reminded that the Lord's Prayer is truly something we should follow. Give us today our daily bread (Luke 11:3) reminds us that God will provide what is enough for us each day. We ought to rejoice through singing praises, glorifying His name and to serve Him. Therefore, let us not live as one who do not find satisfaction and contentment in God. Always count your blessings; the food, fellowship, encouragements, hardships and many more.

God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.

Let me close with this verse from the Bible.
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
(Proverbs 30:8-9)

Kitchen's Fellowship 3

Tonight was wonderful. We had "Bak Kut Teh". To those who do not know what is this, it is a herbal soup cooked with pork and i mean lots of pork. Absolutely mouth-watering for pork lovers. We do have a pork enthusiast in our Kitchen's Fellowship. Haha. Won't want to reveal him yet.

Well, as for the Heaven's Menu, we read about God's grace. When we are weary, without vision and there are no encouragements, we should all the more seek God's grace. The walk in this world is tough and requires perseverance but God never told us to walk on our own. With the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit, we are able to walk by His grace.

So, if you are feeling tired and weary, pray and ask God for His grace. It is only through His grace that we are able to persevere till the end.

For this past few days, I was struggling. Worries started to pour into my life and I just felt lonely. I felt sinful and godly sorrow filled up my heart. However, as i spent quiet time with God, i seek His grace and to my joy, He comforted me. He strengthened my feeble arms and my feet to walk. His grace is sufficient and His name glorified in my weaknesses.

Praise the Lord.

Kitchen's Fellowship 2

Welcome back to another session on Kitchen's Fellowship. This time we had a good time together. It was just a simple dinner with some sharing and praying together. The soup was great and porky. Haha.
Anyway, we look into something important today. It is about the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".
There are seven ways to determine if you are poor in spirit.
1. You will be weaned from self.

2. You will focus on Christ.
When you are poor in spirit, the wonder of Christ captivates you.

3. You will never complain.
You will accept God's sovereign control over your circumstances.

4. You will see good in others.

5. You will spend time in prayer.
It is a characteristics of a beggar to beg. We are to deny ourselves and come into His presence seeking to be filled.

6. You will take Christ on His terms.

7. You will praise and thank God.
You will be be filled with praise and wonders of God's grace.

Well, keep on praying for one another. The power of fellowship is unbelievable when we come togther seeking God, breaking bread and giving thanks to Him.

Breakfast Fellowship

I had my first experience trying a game called fencing this morning. When i was younger, i would only watched it on television during the Olympic games but today was the day. Abe brought me to a place somewhere around the stadium surrounded by the tennis courts. I started out with the footworks; the most important part of fencing. It was tough as you will need to bend down your knees all the time (it is actually sore now). Then, we learnt some of the fencing techniques and WA LA, the real game begins. It was actually fun poking around. Haha. But it was stuffy inside wearing the fencing gears.
After practicing for one and a half hour, we had breakfast at Istimewa. Later, we went over to Abe's room and started savouring on Heaven's Menu. Yeap, another session of Kitchen's Fellowship.

The passage was about the life of Paul, a servant of the Lord who chased after the Lord's heart since the time of his conversion on the way to Damascus. It is the desire that matters. The desire to follow God, conformed to His will and seek to glorify Him. Although it may be tough thinking whether the teachings in the Bible makes sense, I learnt that we ought to take the first step, then we would know for sure that the "out-of-the-world" commands (which is actually not of this world) does really make an impact in our lives.

Therefore, let us make a point in our life to be obedient to God, to chase after His heart and to seek to glorify Him even when the whole world is opposing you.

Kitchen's Fellowship

We started a EXPLOSIVE FELLOWSHIP session called the Kitchen's Fellowship.
Why do i call it the Kitchen's Fellowship?
This is because my passions are cooking and teaching the Word of God. Therefore, i came out with the idea of combining the 2 together.
We launch our Kitchen's Fellowship yesterday night. Together with me was Chee Oh, Edmund and Abe.
Before starting our meal, we look into the Word of God, which we labelled as "Heaven's Menu" and it was the Lord's Prayer. What an "appetizer" before the main course (Earthly Menu). I will go more into that in my next blog.
So, after the appetizer and a simple prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, we ate and fei-lou-ship.
To close, here is a simple Kitchen Blessing.

"We always end up in the kitchen" -
It's a thing you hear everyone say.
No matter what time or occasion,
So often it happens that way.

The kitchen's the heart of the household;
It's the place where we gather to share
A home-cooked meal or some cookies,
The housework, our thoughts, or a prayer.

A kitchen deserves its own blessing -
A simple but sincere one will do:
Bless the food, the room, and the people;
Bless the cook and the cook's helper, too.

- Jill Wolf

Trust

Last Sunday was a busy day for me. I went to church in the morning, then went shopping to prepare for dinner at night. After the dinner, I went for a bible study and then supper and then a bit of MSN and then finally, i settle down quietly in the presence of God.

God had been nudging me inside and althoguh it was a hectic day, i felt insecure inside due to the financial problems that my family is facing and also since i am about to graduate, i felt the responsibility as the eldest son of the family to help out. I struggle inside; in this case, the desire to believe in my own strength (sinful flesh) and the desire to be assured that God is in control.

Therefore, on that night, after much nudging, I came across a story on Joseph in the Bible. He was sold as a slave to Egypt by his brothers, falsely accused by an adulterous woman and imprisoned by a jealous husband. However, in the end, he passed the tests beautifully. It is well written in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Many at times, my view or my sight is only focused on the present suffering, trials and hardship. I fail to look beyond what may be installed in the future and thus, i felt insecure at times. However, God clear out my doubts. I may not know His plans, I may not know what will happen tomorrow but i do know one thing; the God that i'm trusting will bring me through. In the end, all He seeks is for us to depend on Him, seek His strength and for Him to glorify Himself through our trials. May we continue to endure, not by asking "Why" but by trusting in Him.

Right now, i got a job. Praise the Lord. But i do know that trials will always be there. To those who is reading this blog now, may we continue to pray for one another so that we will continue to trust in God.