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.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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)
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)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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
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.
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.
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