Posted: 08 Dec 2009 09:19 PM PST “When we look at Jesus Christ,we realize that there is a twofold strangeness about him. There is, first, the strangeness of his deity, He is the God-man, the one who is bold enough to say that he and the Father are one – a statement that made the Jews accuse him of blasphemy (John 10:31-33). He is the one who forgives sins – something only God is supposed to do. He is the one who even dares to say, ‘Before Abraham was born, I am!’ (John 8:58). But there is also the strangeness of his humanity. Though genuinely human, he is unique in his humanity. He is totally sinless. His obedience to the Father is perfect, his prayer life is unexcelled, his love for people is fathomless. And when we realize that this strangeness makes us ashamed, because it tells us what we all should be like. The strangeness of the human Jesus holds a mirror before us; it is an exemplary strangeness, for it tells us what God’s intentions are for each of us.” - Anthony A. Hoekema, Created in God’s Image (Grand Rapids, Mi.; Eerdmans, 1986, 1994), 73. Blogger's note: Jesus is either a crazy man or he is truly God. |
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Of First Importance
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I Betroth You
Hosea 2:19-20
I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
Have you ever been to a wedding? I've been to one and it is filled with love. The bridegroom waits earnestly for the bride to enter through the wooden door of the church and once she appeared, everyone stands in awe at her beauty and certainly there would be some who will whisper out their amazement at one another. The bridegroom smiles ever so broadly like never before in his life and with each steps his lovely bride takes, he said to himself, "she is the one and I shall betroth her."
This is how deep the love God has for us. Hosea, the prophet of God uses the word "betroth", signifying a wedding ceremony. A wedding ceremony is so special and wonderful not because the bride looks beautiful outwardly or that the bridegroom has been to the gym for many months to have a super good looking body but it is because they have made a commitment to be under a covenant of love. That is why when the minister reads out the wedding vows, you said "I do" with a commitment to live together forever in any circumstances.
And it is true with God. When we are called to be his people, we are betrothed forever. Under this covenant, we have his righteousness and justice. We are born as sinners and there is no way we can go back to God without being holy and perfect. It means that we are destined to eternal destruction. However, Jesus Christ has offered us the perfect righteousness and has taken God's wrath as a mean to fulfill God's desire for justice through the crucifixion on the cross. Therefore, when we meet God. we are clothed with the righteousness that has been bought by the blood of Christ and no longer being under God's wrath because Jesus has taken that punishment on himself.
Under the covenant, we have his love and compassion. God's love now abides in those whose life has been justified by Jesus. It is His love and compassion that we are accepted into the kingdom of God and being called as children of God. It is also because of His love and compassion that we are being made clean in His presence. And it is His love and compassion that we are able to serve others in self-sacrificing service as a mean to glorify God.
Finally, under this covenant, we have God's faithfulness. We are faithful because God's faithfulness sustains us. When we are faithless, God always remains faithful to His promises. It means that He will always be righteous, just, loving, compassionate and faithful because of the character of faithfulness He has. He can never be what He is not. As a result, we will acknowledge God. There is only one God and one who deserves ultimate acknowledgment for all that He has done. What He desires is a heart that worships Him in spirit and truth.
It is not by my strength and wisdom by which I saved myself from this wretchedness but it is by God's righteousness, justice, love, compassion and faithfulness.
I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
Have you ever been to a wedding? I've been to one and it is filled with love. The bridegroom waits earnestly for the bride to enter through the wooden door of the church and once she appeared, everyone stands in awe at her beauty and certainly there would be some who will whisper out their amazement at one another. The bridegroom smiles ever so broadly like never before in his life and with each steps his lovely bride takes, he said to himself, "she is the one and I shall betroth her."
This is how deep the love God has for us. Hosea, the prophet of God uses the word "betroth", signifying a wedding ceremony. A wedding ceremony is so special and wonderful not because the bride looks beautiful outwardly or that the bridegroom has been to the gym for many months to have a super good looking body but it is because they have made a commitment to be under a covenant of love. That is why when the minister reads out the wedding vows, you said "I do" with a commitment to live together forever in any circumstances.
And it is true with God. When we are called to be his people, we are betrothed forever. Under this covenant, we have his righteousness and justice. We are born as sinners and there is no way we can go back to God without being holy and perfect. It means that we are destined to eternal destruction. However, Jesus Christ has offered us the perfect righteousness and has taken God's wrath as a mean to fulfill God's desire for justice through the crucifixion on the cross. Therefore, when we meet God. we are clothed with the righteousness that has been bought by the blood of Christ and no longer being under God's wrath because Jesus has taken that punishment on himself.
Under the covenant, we have his love and compassion. God's love now abides in those whose life has been justified by Jesus. It is His love and compassion that we are accepted into the kingdom of God and being called as children of God. It is also because of His love and compassion that we are being made clean in His presence. And it is His love and compassion that we are able to serve others in self-sacrificing service as a mean to glorify God.
Finally, under this covenant, we have God's faithfulness. We are faithful because God's faithfulness sustains us. When we are faithless, God always remains faithful to His promises. It means that He will always be righteous, just, loving, compassionate and faithful because of the character of faithfulness He has. He can never be what He is not. As a result, we will acknowledge God. There is only one God and one who deserves ultimate acknowledgment for all that He has done. What He desires is a heart that worships Him in spirit and truth.
It is not by my strength and wisdom by which I saved myself from this wretchedness but it is by God's righteousness, justice, love, compassion and faithfulness.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Of First Importance
A Life of Thankful Discontentment
Posted: 23 Aug 2009 09:07 PM PDT
“The Christian life should be a state of thankful discontentment or joyful dissatisfaction! We live every day thankful for the amazing grace that fundamentally changes our lives, but we should not be satisfied. Why not? Because, when we look at ourselves honestly, we have to admit that there is still need for personal growth and change. We are not yet all that we could be in Christ. We are thankful for the many things in our lives that would not be there without His grace, but we should not settle for partial inheritance. We should want nothing less than all that is ours in Christ! In this sense, God does not want us to be content with less than what He wants for us. He calls us to continue to wrestle, meditate, look, consider, resist, submit, follow, and pray until we have been completely transformed into His likeness.”
- Paul David Tripp & Timothy S. Lane, “How Christ Changes Us By His Grace” in The Journal of Biblical Counseling (Spring 2005), 20.
Blogger's note:
The walk with Christ will never be easy. There will always be moments of giving up but fear not, God's faithfulness and love exceeds ours. Let us rest on His assurance and be transformed into His likeness daily until the day we meet him.
Posted: 23 Aug 2009 09:07 PM PDT
“The Christian life should be a state of thankful discontentment or joyful dissatisfaction! We live every day thankful for the amazing grace that fundamentally changes our lives, but we should not be satisfied. Why not? Because, when we look at ourselves honestly, we have to admit that there is still need for personal growth and change. We are not yet all that we could be in Christ. We are thankful for the many things in our lives that would not be there without His grace, but we should not settle for partial inheritance. We should want nothing less than all that is ours in Christ! In this sense, God does not want us to be content with less than what He wants for us. He calls us to continue to wrestle, meditate, look, consider, resist, submit, follow, and pray until we have been completely transformed into His likeness.”
- Paul David Tripp & Timothy S. Lane, “How Christ Changes Us By His Grace” in The Journal of Biblical Counseling (Spring 2005), 20.
Blogger's note:
The walk with Christ will never be easy. There will always be moments of giving up but fear not, God's faithfulness and love exceeds ours. Let us rest on His assurance and be transformed into His likeness daily until the day we meet him.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Cross of Christ
Stand close to the cross of Jesus!
Posted: 27 Jul 2009 09:34 PM PDT
“Once more heed the exhortation- stand close to the cross of Jesus! It is the most accessible and precious spot this side of heaven- the most solemn and awesome one this side of eternity. It is the focus of divine love, sympathy, and power. Stand by it in suffering, in persecution, in temptation. Stand by it in the brightness of prosperity and in the gloom of adversity. Shrink not from its offence, humiliation, and woe. Defend it when scorned, despised, and denied. Stand up for Jesus and the gospel of Jesus. Oh, whatever you do, or whatever you endure, be loyal to Christ’s cross. Go to it in trouble, repair to it in weakness, cling to it in danger, hide beneath it when the wintry storm rushes fiercely over you. Near to the cross, you are near a Father’s heart, a Savior’s side.”
– Octavius Winslow, The Foot of the Cross
Blogger's note:
Lord, help me to be near to the cross, near to the Father's side that I may be Christ like in all I do, say and think. The power of the cross is the only power that saves.
Posted: 27 Jul 2009 09:34 PM PDT
“Once more heed the exhortation- stand close to the cross of Jesus! It is the most accessible and precious spot this side of heaven- the most solemn and awesome one this side of eternity. It is the focus of divine love, sympathy, and power. Stand by it in suffering, in persecution, in temptation. Stand by it in the brightness of prosperity and in the gloom of adversity. Shrink not from its offence, humiliation, and woe. Defend it when scorned, despised, and denied. Stand up for Jesus and the gospel of Jesus. Oh, whatever you do, or whatever you endure, be loyal to Christ’s cross. Go to it in trouble, repair to it in weakness, cling to it in danger, hide beneath it when the wintry storm rushes fiercely over you. Near to the cross, you are near a Father’s heart, a Savior’s side.”
– Octavius Winslow, The Foot of the Cross
Blogger's note:
Lord, help me to be near to the cross, near to the Father's side that I may be Christ like in all I do, say and think. The power of the cross is the only power that saves.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Of First Importance
Away with your tools
Posted: 14 Jul 2009 11:55 PM PDT
If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it.Exodus 20:25
“God’s altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human skill or labor might be seen on it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange the doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more congenial with the depraved tastes of fallen nature; however, instead of improving the gospel carnal wisdom pollutes it, until it becomes another gospel, and not the truth of God at all. All alterations and amendments of the Lord’s own Word are defilements and pollutions.
The proud heart of man is very anxious to have a hand in the justification of the soul before God; preparations for Christ are dreamed of, humblings and repentings are trusted in, good works are cried up, natural ability is much vaunted, and by all means the attempt is made to lift up human tools upon the divine altar. It were well if sinners would remember that so far from perfecting the Saviour’s work, their carnal confidences only pollute and dishonor it. The Lord alone must be exalted in the work of atonement, and not a single mark of man’s chisel or hammer will be endured.
There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His dying moments declared to be finished, or to improve that in which the Lord Jehovah finds perfect satisfaction. Trembling sinner, away with your tools. Fall on your knees in humble supplication. Accept the Lord Jesus to be the altar of your atonement, and rest in Him alone.”
- Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning (New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 2001), 204.
Blogger's Note:
When Jesus said, "It is done." It means that it is done. Sin is done for. Death is done for. Victory is ours. Let us not water down the essence of the gospel but grab sin at its root and pull it out forever with the power of Christ.
Posted: 14 Jul 2009 11:55 PM PDT
If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it.Exodus 20:25
“God’s altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human skill or labor might be seen on it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange the doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more congenial with the depraved tastes of fallen nature; however, instead of improving the gospel carnal wisdom pollutes it, until it becomes another gospel, and not the truth of God at all. All alterations and amendments of the Lord’s own Word are defilements and pollutions.
The proud heart of man is very anxious to have a hand in the justification of the soul before God; preparations for Christ are dreamed of, humblings and repentings are trusted in, good works are cried up, natural ability is much vaunted, and by all means the attempt is made to lift up human tools upon the divine altar. It were well if sinners would remember that so far from perfecting the Saviour’s work, their carnal confidences only pollute and dishonor it. The Lord alone must be exalted in the work of atonement, and not a single mark of man’s chisel or hammer will be endured.
There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His dying moments declared to be finished, or to improve that in which the Lord Jehovah finds perfect satisfaction. Trembling sinner, away with your tools. Fall on your knees in humble supplication. Accept the Lord Jesus to be the altar of your atonement, and rest in Him alone.”
- Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning (New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 2001), 204.
Blogger's Note:
When Jesus said, "It is done." It means that it is done. Sin is done for. Death is done for. Victory is ours. Let us not water down the essence of the gospel but grab sin at its root and pull it out forever with the power of Christ.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Passion 2010
Passion 2010 is back and it would be super cool. You can log on to www.268generation.com for more information. Pray that this conference would impact lives to change the world to the glory of God. Amen.


Saturday, May 16, 2009
An Outing Together
Today, we celebrated Tina's and Fung Hain's birthday. Yipee!!!
Let the pictures speak.

Let the pictures speak.
Yummy...Seoul Garden but my Korean friend said it is nothing like Korea..hehe..
Friday, May 15, 2009
Bye Bye, Term1 of 2009 in MBTS..
I have ended my first term here in the seminary and I only have one word to describe my experience here; humbling.
It is truly humbling when I am able to learn about this great God whom He revealed to us. It is humbling to know how unworthy and weak I am yet He still loves me and invites me into the work and service of His kingdom. It is humbling to know that no matter how hard I fall, underneath me will always be the everlasting arms that are prepared to carry me. It is humbling to be in the presence of the Lord because Jesus had paid the price for us.
Let us keep a humbling spirit each time we come into the presence of the Lord to pray.
It is truly humbling when I am able to learn about this great God whom He revealed to us. It is humbling to know how unworthy and weak I am yet He still loves me and invites me into the work and service of His kingdom. It is humbling to know that no matter how hard I fall, underneath me will always be the everlasting arms that are prepared to carry me. It is humbling to be in the presence of the Lord because Jesus had paid the price for us.
Let us keep a humbling spirit each time we come into the presence of the Lord to pray.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Prayer Group
One of the best things I've enjoyed here is having to pray with a group of brothers and sisters and throughout this prayer time together, I have been able to grow deeper in love with God although well, most of the time, I'm tempted to fall asleep but fear not, after that refreshing sleep, I am much more aware. Haha. I have heard a preacher said that those who are able to walk far in their faith remaining strong and steadfast are those who prayed often. And those whose ministry are bearing fruits are those who prayed often. I am not sure what prayer does, often at times, it seems to be better to work at it with our own strength but at prayer, there is a need of dependency upon God. At prayer, we became attentive to what God has to say and to join him at work wherever he is because our God is a living and active God. Amen. At prayer, something great happened, we are connected to Almighty God through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. So, what's prayer? It is everything a believer must have to walk this journey of faith. I'll end with this wonderful quote. "Doing without praying is atheism and praying without doing is impracticality." Therefore, as we do, we pray and as we pray, we do.

One of Our Guitarists..Pastor Daniel Lee..a.k.a Tueji..hehe...
From left: Me, Tina, Daniel, Goeffrey, Tracy, Rosy and Chloe..
Weird People and Cute Animals
Seminary has weird people who eats things that we, Malaysians don't usually eat...well, at least I never eat it in such a way..And we also have really cute animals..Do check out the pictures..

KAWAII...they were posing in front of the camera and not being afraid of us..we actually have 2 types of monkey here..this is the cute one and the other one is evil..

My "weird" friend ate this raw century egg..EWWW..i can never do that..it is a delicacy in China..Spare me!!!
This is a cute squirrel that I've spotted around the seminary..it's really cute..
Monday, May 11, 2009
My Students
One of the blessings I got in the seminary was to help out a group of students in their English. It was truly a wonderful time spent with them. The best thing was the opportunity to understand their culture and also to see them trying their very best to converse in English. Well, it was also fun playing taboo with them.
The best lesson I learnt was from a student who told me that it was important to establish a good relationship with my dad and all the more important as I am going into ministry, I need to be able to understand the adult world. Haha. Looks like I am still a young brat. But, it won't kill to speak with my dad. Actually it does to a certain extent. I have a fear of talking to my dad. But I believe that God would bless those who would strive to reconcile because Jesus came down to reconcile humans with their Creator. Pray for me, dear readers.

The best lesson I learnt was from a student who told me that it was important to establish a good relationship with my dad and all the more important as I am going into ministry, I need to be able to understand the adult world. Haha. Looks like I am still a young brat. But, it won't kill to speak with my dad. Actually it does to a certain extent. I have a fear of talking to my dad. But I believe that God would bless those who would strive to reconcile because Jesus came down to reconcile humans with their Creator. Pray for me, dear readers.
My students or my teacher?!?! From left: Ruth, Flair, Roy, Andrew, Me, John and Rebekah.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wither & Die
Of First Importance
The highest of all missionary motives
Posted: 29 Apr 2009 08:45 PM PDT
“If God desires every knee to bow to Jesus and every tongue to confess Him, so should we. We should be ‘jealous’ for the honor of His name—troubled when it remains unknown, hurt when it is ignored, indignant when it is blasphemed, and all the time anxious and determined that it shall be given the honor and glory which are due to it.
The highest of all missionary motives is neither obedience to the Great Commission (important as that is), nor love for sinners who are alienated and perishing (strong as that incentive is, especially when we contemplate the wrath of God), but rather zeal—burning and passionate zeal—for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Only one imperialism is Christian, and that is concern for His Imperial Majesty Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his empire or kingdom. Before this supreme goal of the Christian mission, all unworthy motives wither and die.”
—John Stott, The Message of Romans (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1994), 53
Blogger's note:
We need to wither and die for the glory of God to shine. We need to crucify all of our worldly desires on the cross for the cross to shine forth in its glory and splendour.
O Lord, if there is one thing I desire, I desire to pursue Thy glory forevermore.
The highest of all missionary motives
Posted: 29 Apr 2009 08:45 PM PDT
“If God desires every knee to bow to Jesus and every tongue to confess Him, so should we. We should be ‘jealous’ for the honor of His name—troubled when it remains unknown, hurt when it is ignored, indignant when it is blasphemed, and all the time anxious and determined that it shall be given the honor and glory which are due to it.
The highest of all missionary motives is neither obedience to the Great Commission (important as that is), nor love for sinners who are alienated and perishing (strong as that incentive is, especially when we contemplate the wrath of God), but rather zeal—burning and passionate zeal—for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Only one imperialism is Christian, and that is concern for His Imperial Majesty Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his empire or kingdom. Before this supreme goal of the Christian mission, all unworthy motives wither and die.”
—John Stott, The Message of Romans (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1994), 53
Blogger's note:
We need to wither and die for the glory of God to shine. We need to crucify all of our worldly desires on the cross for the cross to shine forth in its glory and splendour.
O Lord, if there is one thing I desire, I desire to pursue Thy glory forevermore.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Youthwave Frisbee Day
Yipee..we had another frisbee tournament and this time, it is BIG. Well, to those who had no idea what Youthwave is all about, it is a gahtering of every youth mainly in Penang to come together and have fun fun fun in sports. Not only is there frisbee but we had captain ball, floor ball and a new game called skitter ball. Well, of course I'm in the frisbee team. Yeah. Apart from the super hot sunny weather, we played a good game. Our opponents were strong and although we lost the game, we gained some really good friends. Haha. Next stop, makan-makan time. (p.s: makan-makan means eat eat) Haha..And all the more because the durian season is coming soon. Who's up for durian buffet? Hehe. Youthwave is an annual event so do get yourself ready because the next one is coming soon next year.
Our Frisbee Team (The view is awesome. Wonder who created it? Answer: God)
MBTS Teacher's Day
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
That was the song we sang as we celebrate MBTS Teacher's Day. It is truly ironic how each teacher were called out by God with the gift and love for teaching. They have poured out all of their effort and energy to educate us and ensure that we will present the word of God in its entirety. What a blessing it is to us for such dedicated teachers who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of God's kingdom. Let's continue to remember and pray for those who laboured unceasingly for the reward that is prepared when Jesus comes.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
MBTS Family Day
I have always love family day. It is simple; God created us to belong to one another. There is nothing more precious than spending quality time together in love and unity. Morover, with the new life given by Christ and the bondage of sin broken on the cross, we can now have fellowship without the fear of hypocrisy and self-centeredness. Well, I do agree we can never achieve that perfect fellowship until we meet in heaven through the blood of Christ but at least, we are able to manifest God's glory partially and enjoy the blessings of fellowship because He lives. In the family of Christ, one should never be lonely. There would always be a love to share, an encouragement to give and certainly a testimony of God's greatness. Let's learn to place the interest of others above us and see how wonderful God changes lives.
MBTS Family Day is just simple, fun and relaxing. (After all the torturing by lecturers)..Just kidding..Haha.. May the love of God filled you with satisfaction and joy through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Old Testament Survey Class
This is the Old Testament Survey class. Apart from our lecturer having a PhD in Physics, he has taught us pretty well about the Old Testament. Along the class, what amazes me is the harmony you can find on each books of the Bible. There seems to be an author or an architect devising and orchestrating the entire book of the Old Testament. It is actually ot a boring book of minutely details or genealogies or "why am I reading this?" statements but if you look at it carefully, it is actually a beautiful history on how God raise up a nation, that is Israel to bring about His plan of salvation and restoration of the human race.
The Bible is not a book of principles but it is the story of our glorious God. Christianity if a historical religion where we learn something about God from the stories we read in the Bible. But the glorious thing about it is the connection it has towards Jesus Christ, our Messiah. Although we are taught not to link everything to the New Testament but I can't help standing in awe of the perfect connection it has. In the end, it is perfectly connected to Jesus Christ.
Well, praise God for he is the author and perfector of our faith.

The Bible is not a book of principles but it is the story of our glorious God. Christianity if a historical religion where we learn something about God from the stories we read in the Bible. But the glorious thing about it is the connection it has towards Jesus Christ, our Messiah. Although we are taught not to link everything to the New Testament but I can't help standing in awe of the perfect connection it has. In the end, it is perfectly connected to Jesus Christ.
Well, praise God for he is the author and perfector of our faith.
The OT Survey Class
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Open Doors
Last year I was praying for the Japanese people. After much reading about their culture and their lives, it dawn upon me that they need the Lord Jesus as their only satisfaction in life. Although outwardly the Japanese seem to be a sophisticated nation in terms of giant technology, advanced automobile industry and pride in their language, however, deep inside their heart, they remain dark, in need of something to satisfy their lives. It is also ironic that we have heard so much about Hindu worshipping 3 million gods but we never knew that Japanese had 8 million gods along with 183,000 cults in their country.
At the time I was praying, I only felt a burden for the people in Japan but I did not know of any roads or channels that minister to the Japanese people until recently when I encounter a lady who has a big heart for the Japanese people. Upon hearing her testimony, I knew for sure that God had called her into the ministry there. Not only that, there have been open doors to learn Japanese language, reach out to the Japanese people in Penang and also chance to get to know people with a heart for them. As for me, I really felt useless and so small because I do not have any information of their culture and language but I only know that I have God, a BIG God. Praise the Lord.
Well, my request in this blog is that you pray together with me for the Japanese people. They really need the Lord. Pray for my friend that God's will be done upon her life. Pray also that by God's will, I am able to collect fund to go to Japan and do a mission trip there. I am not sure what God's plans are but remain faithful to Him all the time. Your prayers are precious to God.
Thanks.
At the time I was praying, I only felt a burden for the people in Japan but I did not know of any roads or channels that minister to the Japanese people until recently when I encounter a lady who has a big heart for the Japanese people. Upon hearing her testimony, I knew for sure that God had called her into the ministry there. Not only that, there have been open doors to learn Japanese language, reach out to the Japanese people in Penang and also chance to get to know people with a heart for them. As for me, I really felt useless and so small because I do not have any information of their culture and language but I only know that I have God, a BIG God. Praise the Lord.
Well, my request in this blog is that you pray together with me for the Japanese people. They really need the Lord. Pray for my friend that God's will be done upon her life. Pray also that by God's will, I am able to collect fund to go to Japan and do a mission trip there. I am not sure what God's plans are but remain faithful to Him all the time. Your prayers are precious to God.
Thanks.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My Korean friends
Hmmm..one of the best things that i expereinced in the seminary is the number of Korean friends I met. Well, every story has a beginning and it all begins when my new roommate moved in. He is from Korea. His name is Daniel and he is a great guy. Always had the heart to worship God and also a desire to learn English. I call him pig or 'tueji' in Korean because he eats a lot and is always a funny guy. He is always angry with the lizards that are making noises in the room so one day, I adviced him to go and find papa lizard to educate the baby lizards to stop making noises. Haha. Well, they have always reminded me that although we are from different language and country, we served one God and is baptized under one spirit. It is truly amazing when we could see beyond all differences and share the love of Christ.

My roommate, Mr. Tueji...Haha..
Sabrina (from China), me, Joseph's dad and Mr. Tueji..
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Crisis Around Us
Recently, we are not spared from being bombarded by bad news all around us especially with the political turmoil, the sudden change in the weather and also the economic crisis. Just yesterday, one of my friend said that it has not been raining for 3 months in China and it is affecting a lot of people. It is spring right now and plants should be growing but it was the opposite. With such an effect, the prices of food would increase and thus, putting a heavy burden to the current economic crisis on the people in China and all around the world.
What are we as the follower of Christ do? Well, truly we are assured that God is in control. Let's pray that this crisis will remove our faith from the things of the world and plant it in God's assurance. There would also be many insecure people going around to look for money as much as they can by hook or by crook but let this verse from Psalm 37:16 comforts us, "Better is the little that the righteous has then the abundance of many wicked." Hear ye, all you who claims to follow Christ, may He be your supreme satisfcation and just to be in his temple is all you would ever desire, to gaze at the beauty of the Lord. He is our provider, we shall walk righteously in his presence and not be like one that chase after things that won't last forever.
What are we as the follower of Christ do? Well, truly we are assured that God is in control. Let's pray that this crisis will remove our faith from the things of the world and plant it in God's assurance. There would also be many insecure people going around to look for money as much as they can by hook or by crook but let this verse from Psalm 37:16 comforts us, "Better is the little that the righteous has then the abundance of many wicked." Hear ye, all you who claims to follow Christ, may He be your supreme satisfcation and just to be in his temple is all you would ever desire, to gaze at the beauty of the Lord. He is our provider, we shall walk righteously in his presence and not be like one that chase after things that won't last forever.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Faith
Of First Importance
“Faith speaks in an entirely different manner . . .”
Posted: 10 Feb 2009 09:24 PM PST
“The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself, and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not [even] look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and he rests on that alone. He has ceased to say, ‘Ah yes, I have committed terrible sins but I have done this and that…’ He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith… Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, ‘Yes, I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin… yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ, and God has put that to my account.’”
- D. M. Lloyd-Jones, quoted by Timothy Keller in The Message of Romans (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2003), 59.
Blogger's note:
May we not longer look at ourselves but at the finished work of Christ. Lord, may I rest in you and you alone.
“Faith speaks in an entirely different manner . . .”
Posted: 10 Feb 2009 09:24 PM PST
“The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself, and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not [even] look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and he rests on that alone. He has ceased to say, ‘Ah yes, I have committed terrible sins but I have done this and that…’ He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith… Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, ‘Yes, I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin… yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ, and God has put that to my account.’”
- D. M. Lloyd-Jones, quoted by Timothy Keller in The Message of Romans (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2003), 59.
Blogger's note:
May we not longer look at ourselves but at the finished work of Christ. Lord, may I rest in you and you alone.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Psalm 23
I was reading this Psalm during my devotion and I pray that it would be an encouragement to you as well.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Only for Christ,
Matthew.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Only for Christ,
Matthew.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Life in the Seminary
Life here had been great. Besides the opportunity to help out in the kitchen, in which i hope to rule over it one day..muahaha..i had the chance to enrich my spiritual life. I had more time to pray and seek God and I'm determined to finish the bible in a year. Who's with me??haha..it has truly been a blessing too meeting new friends and knowing how God transforms their lives really encouraged me a lot.
The first week I was here, there were 2 snakes killed. It was scary. I was just finished sweeping the floor for campus cleaning when a guy ran to us panting and saying that there is a snake. I quickly rushed to the scene hoping to see one as I have never really had the experience of looking at a snake. It was hiding underneath the drain and I was holding my broom. One of the guy from the rural areas of Thailand saw me and said that I won't be able to kill the snake with the broom. I looked at him and I guess he saw it through my eyes that I was not going to chase after a snake and kill it. Haha.
At the Night Market @ Tanjung Bungah. From left: Tina, Daniel and Me.
Just now, we went to the 'pasar malam' or the night market and both of my friends from Korea and Indonesia fell in love with lok lok. Well, one of my Sandakan friend loved it so much that he is addicted to it right now. It was a truly Malaysian experience for those who had never tried such awesome food.
The Lok Lok Gang. From Right: Kevin, David, Me and Daniel.
Well, praying that we would continue to grow stronger to become brave soldier for God not forgetting who we are and what Christ did on the cross for us. Praise Him for the wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ in my life.
Matthew.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dedication
This is the first message preached by the speaker during the spiritual retreat camp in the seminary. The message was taken out from Daniel 3:8-18 when King Nebuchadnezzar was going to persecute Daniel's 3 friends; Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego for not obeying his command to bow down at the idol he made for himself. There are 3 lessons to be learnt here.
The 3 friends showed faith without compromise. During that moment, they were like eggs against a big solid rock. If an egg were to be thrown over at a rock, it will surely break. However, although the eggs are weak, but if God is there, it will be able to shatter the rock. The speaker told us that it is not by our power and ability that we change lives, it is only through the power of God. When we are most satisfied in ourselves, it gives us an opportunity to be boastful in our comfort zone therefore God won't be able to use us. It is only through the weak that God manifests His power.
The second one was absolute faith in the Almighty power of God. They do not have any doubt at all that God can save them. No matter how tough the road may be or how painful the persecution is, they still have faith in God. Faith is the most important thing that a Christian should have. It is the fuel that keeps us going. It is the strength in the Almighty God. It is something we can't see but we believe in completely wiht our heart. When you are not afraid of this world, the world shall be afraid of you.
The third lesson was faith ready to sacrifice. With the life you have, whom shall you sacrifice it to? If we can give our lives to the Lord just like our 3 friends, wouldn't it be a great honour? The life of Jesus Christ was given to save us and we should model that example. When we meet our Lord Jesus, our lives should be blessed with the love for lost souls. Should not our prayers be like this, "Our Lord, you have shamefully die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. If we can offer our lives to you, what greater glory than that?". It is not possible to follow Christ without sufferings.
The 3 friends showed faith without compromise. During that moment, they were like eggs against a big solid rock. If an egg were to be thrown over at a rock, it will surely break. However, although the eggs are weak, but if God is there, it will be able to shatter the rock. The speaker told us that it is not by our power and ability that we change lives, it is only through the power of God. When we are most satisfied in ourselves, it gives us an opportunity to be boastful in our comfort zone therefore God won't be able to use us. It is only through the weak that God manifests His power.
The second one was absolute faith in the Almighty power of God. They do not have any doubt at all that God can save them. No matter how tough the road may be or how painful the persecution is, they still have faith in God. Faith is the most important thing that a Christian should have. It is the fuel that keeps us going. It is the strength in the Almighty God. It is something we can't see but we believe in completely wiht our heart. When you are not afraid of this world, the world shall be afraid of you.
The third lesson was faith ready to sacrifice. With the life you have, whom shall you sacrifice it to? If we can give our lives to the Lord just like our 3 friends, wouldn't it be a great honour? The life of Jesus Christ was given to save us and we should model that example. When we meet our Lord Jesus, our lives should be blessed with the love for lost souls. Should not our prayers be like this, "Our Lord, you have shamefully die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. If we can offer our lives to you, what greater glory than that?". It is not possible to follow Christ without sufferings.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Penang Ultimate Frisbee
I can't never believe the day we won a silver for the frisbee tournament. It was like a dream come true. We went there thinking that it would simply be fun fun fun and nothing more. Just to go there, play some games with new friends that we are about to meet and then get back home. However, upon arrival, it was out of our expectations. Everyone were showing off their superb frisbee skill and one team even had a team jersey. I found out later that they were the northern state champions. When we looked at our own team, it consisted of 3 who played once, 1 who never touched the frisbee at all and others who were here just to have fun.
Blane was our team leader and when he asked us to figure out a team name, we came out with names like "Have Mercy On Us", "Noob", "Bum", "Sure Lose" and many more. We had raise our white flags even before the game started.
The first whistle was given and that marked our first game against Revelation 4:12. I'm not sure if it's Revelation or Revolution because the latter was a name for another team. Anyway, we played so badly that the organiser of the tournament has to come and give us some good advices. We lost the first game and then it was lunch time. Got saved by the lunch bell.
After a full lunch of Big Mac and fries, we played our second game. It was against a team from Sungai Petani. Ironically, we won and we guessed it must be the Mc D lunch that gave us strength to fight. Haha. To our disbelief, we emerged out as champion of our group as the other team pulled out as they had to attend a 'kenduri'. I was shocked when they announced the results. In other words, we were entering the semi finals.
Here is another side of the story. Before the game started, I was talking with Wei Yee behind a group of young boys from Bukit Mertajam (they were the northern region champion and you do not want to go against them). We were saying that we should go up and make friends with them. Who knows? We might be able to share the gospel. But, there was one BIG problem. They were in another group and the only chance to interact with them was if we meet them at semi finals. To our horror, we are actually against them in the semi finals. Although we were all afraid but we knew that this was God's plan and praise Him for giving us an opportunity to mingle around with them.
To our delight, we won the semi finals and it was a huge victory. That placed us in the finals against the Dalat school. They were a bunch of crazy people when it comes to frisbee and true enough, the won the finals. However, we were all glad and happy because God was behind all this. It does not matter whether we won or lost but the friendship we gained was priceless.
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