Today i made a deposit for my first car.. a second hand 3 year old honda integra. The price was really low, and in addition, it had so many bonuses like a added speaker and woofer system, engine air filters, support bars. It was definitely so much more powerful than another more expensive cleaner model me and my dad went to test drive on the same day. Since we had prayed the previous night that if God wanted me to have the car, He would open doors and the car would still be there, we decided to make the purchase. Though we did have hesitations with regards to the previous owner and whether he would have done any racing, we could not find faults with the car at all.. So, grace grace for my coming car. Great number plate too.. haha.. same number as my new squadron.
Been thinking a little. Cos of stuff that has happened in my life recently. Sometimes in life it is so hard to draw a fine line. There are so many fine lines that cant really be distinguished. Like, where's the line between faith and wisdom? or dreams and idealism? or courage and stupidity? maybe even love, romance or foolishness and possibly sexual harassment? One could say the only definite way is to listen to the Spirit. But sometimes, being real here, we do hear wrongly. Or sometimes we cannot tell at all. I guess many times we will only know when we get to heaven, if we really are still bothered by then.. Even with regards to my previous post, we still have to be careful with our reprimands, still have to consider for the ability of the person to take that criticism. Guess there are many ways to skin a cat so to speak.
I guess that's why i still need God. You hear me Daddy?
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Daliy Devotional
Care Enough To Confront (1)
Speak the truth.Ephesians 4:25 NRS
Even when it's spoken in love, the truth can still create tension. That's why we'll do anything to avoid confrontation. It's also why our relationships die on the vine. Following the path of least resistance makes rivers (and people) lose their way because: (a) the problem always resurfaces; (b) untreated, it gets worse; (c) disappointment infects the relationship; (d) unexpressed anger leads to bitterness; (e) our love grows cold.
Avoiding confrontation means failing to use the tools God's given us to restore harmony. "Peace at any price" is a tactic of Satan. Anytime you care enough to confront somebody, he'll whisper, "Why bother? It'll just make trouble. It'll sort itself out." If you heed Satan's lies you'll kill the relationship for sure. The Bible says, "If your brother sins...show him his fault in private" ( Matthew 18:15 NAS). That can mean saying, "I love you too much to stand by while you work yourself to death, or ruin your health through lack of exercise and bad eating habits, or settle for too little." Or, "I care too much about our relationship to let it fizzle out." Speaking the truth in love means taking a risk. It requires two fundamental convictions. One: that honesty is more important than avoiding conflict. Two: that the other person's well-being is more important than their comfort level. The reason God says, "Speak the truth," is because any other approach just destroys relati! onships. So - is there somebody you need to talk to today? If so, pray, and then do it!
Bible-in-a-year Reading:1-2,Matthew 4:12-25,Psalm 94:1-11,Proverbs 10:24-26
Speak the truth.Ephesians 4:25 NRS
Even when it's spoken in love, the truth can still create tension. That's why we'll do anything to avoid confrontation. It's also why our relationships die on the vine. Following the path of least resistance makes rivers (and people) lose their way because: (a) the problem always resurfaces; (b) untreated, it gets worse; (c) disappointment infects the relationship; (d) unexpressed anger leads to bitterness; (e) our love grows cold.
Avoiding confrontation means failing to use the tools God's given us to restore harmony. "Peace at any price" is a tactic of Satan. Anytime you care enough to confront somebody, he'll whisper, "Why bother? It'll just make trouble. It'll sort itself out." If you heed Satan's lies you'll kill the relationship for sure. The Bible says, "If your brother sins...show him his fault in private" ( Matthew 18:15 NAS). That can mean saying, "I love you too much to stand by while you work yourself to death, or ruin your health through lack of exercise and bad eating habits, or settle for too little." Or, "I care too much about our relationship to let it fizzle out." Speaking the truth in love means taking a risk. It requires two fundamental convictions. One: that honesty is more important than avoiding conflict. Two: that the other person's well-being is more important than their comfort level. The reason God says, "Speak the truth," is because any other approach just destroys relati! onships. So - is there somebody you need to talk to today? If so, pray, and then do it!
Bible-in-a-year Reading:1-2,Matthew 4:12-25,Psalm 94:1-11,Proverbs 10:24-26
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Driving test
today i took my driving test.. and praise God i passed.. haha.. now time to look for a car! it was quite nervous at the beginning but everything went quite smoothly. Althought the instructor kept on opening the door to see if i had struck the kerb during parallel parking. I managed the circuits uneventfully though.. and it was on to forward driving..
this was where i got all my points. Although i mus say for most of them i didnt know when or where i got them.. haha.. jus went on though.. and guess what. i forgot where the entrance of the test centre was! haha.. When i caught sight of it, it was slightly late and i did not wanna turn into the wrong lane of the two-lane entrance, so i sorta moved past the centreline.. then a car opposite appeared and i suddenly stopped. Subsequently, i dragged the car into the test centre on 2nd gear hoping he didnt realise it.. he did.. haha.. that episode at the end of it earned me 4 or 6 points.. man.. had a total of 12 points.. not bad right.. haha
Thank you Jesus.
this was where i got all my points. Although i mus say for most of them i didnt know when or where i got them.. haha.. jus went on though.. and guess what. i forgot where the entrance of the test centre was! haha.. When i caught sight of it, it was slightly late and i did not wanna turn into the wrong lane of the two-lane entrance, so i sorta moved past the centreline.. then a car opposite appeared and i suddenly stopped. Subsequently, i dragged the car into the test centre on 2nd gear hoping he didnt realise it.. he did.. haha.. that episode at the end of it earned me 4 or 6 points.. man.. had a total of 12 points.. not bad right.. haha
Thank you Jesus.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Which mountain are Believers at?
Heb 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he (ESAU) desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he did not find any place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears).
Heb 12:18 For you have not come to the mountain that might be touched and that burned with fire, nor to blackness and darkness and tempest,
Heb 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words (which voice they who heard begged that a word should not be spoken to them any more,
Heb 12:20 for they could not endure the thing commanded, "And if so much as a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned or thrust through with a dart,"
Heb 12:21 and so fearful was the sight that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake).
We have not come to Mount Sinai.. where Moses gave the Law. The Law of which was later instructed by God to be placed in the Ark, under the Mercy seat. God prefers mercy over judgement.
Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Here God is called the Judge. It comforts us that He has judged us righteous in Jesus' blood. We have been made just/righteous men, and made perfect. His blood speaks better things than Abel's. Genesis 4:10
Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven,
Here, what He speaks, is the better things!
Heb 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens."
Heb 12:27 And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb 12:18 For you have not come to the mountain that might be touched and that burned with fire, nor to blackness and darkness and tempest,
Heb 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words (which voice they who heard begged that a word should not be spoken to them any more,
Heb 12:20 for they could not endure the thing commanded, "And if so much as a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned or thrust through with a dart,"
Heb 12:21 and so fearful was the sight that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake).
We have not come to Mount Sinai.. where Moses gave the Law. The Law of which was later instructed by God to be placed in the Ark, under the Mercy seat. God prefers mercy over judgement.
Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Here God is called the Judge. It comforts us that He has judged us righteous in Jesus' blood. We have been made just/righteous men, and made perfect. His blood speaks better things than Abel's. Genesis 4:10
Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven,
Here, what He speaks, is the better things!
Heb 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens."
Heb 12:27 And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Here, when we listen to God, when we flow with Him, He shakes our lives. Shakes us of the things that can be removed, leaving the eternal things. Reminds me of wood, hay, straw, gold, silver, precious stones.
Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Heb 12:29 for also, "Our God is a consuming fire."
So let us have grace. It is by grace, that we serve God. Our fear of God should not be one of slavery fear. But of godly fear. It is by grace.
Monday, April 10, 2006
God Calls It Faith
Rom 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Rom 14:23 But, the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and all that is not of faith is sin.
Know what God calls faith? He calls faith as not condemning ourselves. And when we condemn ourselves, we are not of faith, are doubting and are in sin.
So we see that our self works, our condemnation, is really sin. It's when we realise that God is big enough to forgive us, sent His Son on the cross to die for sinners as us. It's when we loose our false prides and accept His forgiveness, realising that nothing we can do can justify ourselves. That's when we are truly humble.
And God calls it faith.
Rom 14:23 But, the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and all that is not of faith is sin.
Know what God calls faith? He calls faith as not condemning ourselves. And when we condemn ourselves, we are not of faith, are doubting and are in sin.
So we see that our self works, our condemnation, is really sin. It's when we realise that God is big enough to forgive us, sent His Son on the cross to die for sinners as us. It's when we loose our false prides and accept His forgiveness, realising that nothing we can do can justify ourselves. That's when we are truly humble.
And God calls it faith.
My Graduation Speech
Good afternoon Comd FTS, Comd SBAB, CO 124 SQN, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to 124 RWC’s graduation ceremony. We would like to thank you for gracing us with your presence. It almost seems surreal as we the graduands arrive at this landmark occasion, an occasion that we have looked fervently to since the first day we signed on the dotted line a few years ago.
These few years have been eventful and fulfilling, not only training us in the professional skills and knowledge of a military pilot, but also molding us in character and personality. Whilst these wings that will be presented represent the culmination of our dreams and hard work, we will not forget that they also represent the invested authority and responsibility of the RSAF.
Perhaps this should really be called an appreciation ceremony as we sought to express our heartfelt appreciation to the people who have made this day possible. Outside the Air Force, we most definitely are indebted to our families and relations who give us their undying support to this day.
We would also like to thank Comd FTS for giving us the opportunity to fulfill our potential. Comd SBAB, for the organizational and command expertise to facilitate our training. CO 124 Sqn Ltc Lee Hock Hua for his continued guidance and decisions that were for our best interests. We will
also not forget his emphasis on looking at the big picture, at the commander’s intent and what we can do to value add to the Air Force.
Last but not least, we would also like to thank the instructors of 124 Sqn who displayed consummate professionalism and passion in their roles as teachers. As they say, if we were their kids, many a times we would already have felt the correction of a rod or a slap. Such was the patience we needed and received from them. Thank you.
We look forward to a most rewarding and exciting career. I remember reading an article once about the aid we gave to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was a lasting impression imprinted on my heart when I read how an American military serviceman looked into the eyes of the Singaporean aircrew. Without a word said, those eyes were of intense
appreciation and gratitude. If that is what wearing our wings upon our hearts is, we would proudly and justly put them on, as we embark on our new journey today.
Without further ado, we would like to invite CO 124 LTC Lee Sir to say a few words.
Welcome to 124 RWC’s graduation ceremony. We would like to thank you for gracing us with your presence. It almost seems surreal as we the graduands arrive at this landmark occasion, an occasion that we have looked fervently to since the first day we signed on the dotted line a few years ago.
These few years have been eventful and fulfilling, not only training us in the professional skills and knowledge of a military pilot, but also molding us in character and personality. Whilst these wings that will be presented represent the culmination of our dreams and hard work, we will not forget that they also represent the invested authority and responsibility of the RSAF.
Perhaps this should really be called an appreciation ceremony as we sought to express our heartfelt appreciation to the people who have made this day possible. Outside the Air Force, we most definitely are indebted to our families and relations who give us their undying support to this day.
We would also like to thank Comd FTS for giving us the opportunity to fulfill our potential. Comd SBAB, for the organizational and command expertise to facilitate our training. CO 124 Sqn Ltc Lee Hock Hua for his continued guidance and decisions that were for our best interests. We will
also not forget his emphasis on looking at the big picture, at the commander’s intent and what we can do to value add to the Air Force.
Last but not least, we would also like to thank the instructors of 124 Sqn who displayed consummate professionalism and passion in their roles as teachers. As they say, if we were their kids, many a times we would already have felt the correction of a rod or a slap. Such was the patience we needed and received from them. Thank you.
We look forward to a most rewarding and exciting career. I remember reading an article once about the aid we gave to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was a lasting impression imprinted on my heart when I read how an American military serviceman looked into the eyes of the Singaporean aircrew. Without a word said, those eyes were of intense
appreciation and gratitude. If that is what wearing our wings upon our hearts is, we would proudly and justly put them on, as we embark on our new journey today.
Without further ado, we would like to invite CO 124 LTC Lee Sir to say a few words.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
In Christ
Lincoln, don't let anybody tell you what you are. Don't let anybody tell you who you are. But only One may tell and say what you have become. Jesus bought you everything on the cross. He bought you glory. He bought you wealth, numbers, powers, commerce, wisdom, nobility, valor, stability, promotion, revelation, authority, privileges, advantages and so much more.
He has bought you to be in Him. In Christ. It's time to stand up and speak out what you are in Christ. Enlarge your tents. This year is going to be your year of acceleration, super abundance, and His Spirit filling in you. Glory!
He has bought you to be in Him. In Christ. It's time to stand up and speak out what you are in Christ. Enlarge your tents. This year is going to be your year of acceleration, super abundance, and His Spirit filling in you. Glory!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
God Has Been Faitful
God has been faithful in my life. Times we forget the little things, AND the big things that we have been blessed with. Times we forget to slow down and appreciate the goodness in our lives. I was in Bible Study the other day and trying hard not to think of the lousy stuff that got me down when my friend took me aback. He noted my new shoes and he told me, "Wow, new shoes.. you've really been blessed. Do you remember a time when you could not even afford a pair of shoes?" i didnt answer him. Not because i didnt agree, but because it hit me that he was right. A flood of memories went thru my mind about how i used to live off the coins in my drawer i used to keep all the change.
Not too long ago, another friend sent me a sms, telling me that she rejoiced with me when she saw how faithful God has been in my life. Think it was cos she saw how my dream has come true.. Sometimes i even forget it was my dream career. Come to think about it, God is still 100% in His record in my life. One down, two to go. CAN wait for it to come to pass.
Yest sermon was great once again. It's like so specific to our individual experiences. It even liberated me from a certain thinking. Now i understand that the pastors tell to look how we treat a certain relation cos it is in the context that we lived together with them. Living together brings whole new dynamics that would affect any relationship. Also, I realise that sometimes we go thru emotional pain cos we tend to worry too much. Have a poverty mentality. Like we are worried we will miss out on the best and settle for less. In Jesus name i wont.
Tmr my grad ceremony liao.. going to get my wings. Hopefully get leave on Tue. Then Wed go new squadron. Perhaps can take one week leave again? haha.. Pls Jesus. I hope. Hope does not disappoint.
Not too long ago, another friend sent me a sms, telling me that she rejoiced with me when she saw how faithful God has been in my life. Think it was cos she saw how my dream has come true.. Sometimes i even forget it was my dream career. Come to think about it, God is still 100% in His record in my life. One down, two to go. CAN wait for it to come to pass.
Yest sermon was great once again. It's like so specific to our individual experiences. It even liberated me from a certain thinking. Now i understand that the pastors tell to look how we treat a certain relation cos it is in the context that we lived together with them. Living together brings whole new dynamics that would affect any relationship. Also, I realise that sometimes we go thru emotional pain cos we tend to worry too much. Have a poverty mentality. Like we are worried we will miss out on the best and settle for less. In Jesus name i wont.
Tmr my grad ceremony liao.. going to get my wings. Hopefully get leave on Tue. Then Wed go new squadron. Perhaps can take one week leave again? haha.. Pls Jesus. I hope. Hope does not disappoint.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Surrender
Today i surrendered myself to God. Jus gave Him every part of me. I gave Him my heart again. This time i am not going to take it back.
Are you going through something today? God is with you right now. Right now He wants to lift you up. Deliver you out of your dead land. And He will make your dry land one that is living. A land that flows with milk and honey. He will make the ground in which you stand into the Promised Land. And your seed will be upon this good ground. He is faithful and unfailing Love.
I asked Him can i love one such that i would hurt that person? What is love? What keeps me in my words and deeds? This is what He told me. He filled me with His Spirit. And from my inside, He shed abroad love. True love. And He asked me this. Now, do you want to hurt anyone? I realised i loved with a different love. That with this love, i knew what to do, what not to do. He then told me. If you would receive this, know this. That I am Love. And I am wisdom. Love is wisdom, my son.
I declare today that i am a different man. That from today i will die to myself, my flesh and everyday i will live Christ in me. By faith i declare my righteousness. I declare my blessings, wisdom, understanding, shalom, prosperity, favor, love, spiritual walk.
I had a revelation as i read Isaiah 66. I once asked a leader. Where in the Bible is slaining? Is it somewhere in the Book? She told me, no. But some things are in the Spirit of God. Now i was reading Isaiah 66:16.For by fire and by His sword, The Lord will judge all flesh, and the slain of the Lord will be many.
As i read it, even though contextually, it was speaking of the Book of Revelation. Spiritually, this was what He told me. When you are slain under the laying of hands, power comes down. And i judge the flesh. Yes. In that moment, your flesh dies totally. In that moment, you rest complete in My Spirit. And many will be slain by Me.
Are you going through something today? God is with you right now. Right now He wants to lift you up. Deliver you out of your dead land. And He will make your dry land one that is living. A land that flows with milk and honey. He will make the ground in which you stand into the Promised Land. And your seed will be upon this good ground. He is faithful and unfailing Love.
I asked Him can i love one such that i would hurt that person? What is love? What keeps me in my words and deeds? This is what He told me. He filled me with His Spirit. And from my inside, He shed abroad love. True love. And He asked me this. Now, do you want to hurt anyone? I realised i loved with a different love. That with this love, i knew what to do, what not to do. He then told me. If you would receive this, know this. That I am Love. And I am wisdom. Love is wisdom, my son.
I declare today that i am a different man. That from today i will die to myself, my flesh and everyday i will live Christ in me. By faith i declare my righteousness. I declare my blessings, wisdom, understanding, shalom, prosperity, favor, love, spiritual walk.
I had a revelation as i read Isaiah 66. I once asked a leader. Where in the Bible is slaining? Is it somewhere in the Book? She told me, no. But some things are in the Spirit of God. Now i was reading Isaiah 66:16.For by fire and by His sword, The Lord will judge all flesh, and the slain of the Lord will be many.
As i read it, even though contextually, it was speaking of the Book of Revelation. Spiritually, this was what He told me. When you are slain under the laying of hands, power comes down. And i judge the flesh. Yes. In that moment, your flesh dies totally. In that moment, you rest complete in My Spirit. And many will be slain by Me.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Living death...
Past few services have really been so good for me.. It's like the pastors have opened up a new door in their teachings.. Like the teachings don jus stop short anymore.. Like they suddenly know that the common members are stuck at some level and they have come down to that level to minister and teach us...
Has not been an easy period for me. Life seemed to be ebbing away. Every other aspect in my life seemed to be falling in pieces. I even felt so far from God. Like i could not sense or hear Him like i usually could anymore. i really believe that during this time i really experienced death. Life is amazing.. the zoe God given life. But death really kills. Kills you from the inside. However i believe God showed me what it is to experience death for many reasons. Maybe one day in the future i can use this experience and help others.
Going thru tough times is never easy. But it builds character. Moulds us. And i believe i have grown. God has brought and is continually bringing me to a higher level. He has made me more desperate for Him. When one seeks and desires Him deep inside. With nothing left of himself. Truly nothing left. At ground zero, where one can go no lower, He reveals Himself and just overwhelms you.
Perhaps times are not right. Perhaps blessings are too great to handle. But i choose to believe in this God of Israel. God is the same God who opened the red sea. He is the same God who died on the cross for me. And He is still the same God who lives right now inside me. And i know that no matter what, He is in control. I can see on my level. He can see my whole life. And i am blessed. I am favored. This is my Jesus bought inheritance. Holy Spirit, i want to know You on a new level of intimacy.
Has not been an easy period for me. Life seemed to be ebbing away. Every other aspect in my life seemed to be falling in pieces. I even felt so far from God. Like i could not sense or hear Him like i usually could anymore. i really believe that during this time i really experienced death. Life is amazing.. the zoe God given life. But death really kills. Kills you from the inside. However i believe God showed me what it is to experience death for many reasons. Maybe one day in the future i can use this experience and help others.
Going thru tough times is never easy. But it builds character. Moulds us. And i believe i have grown. God has brought and is continually bringing me to a higher level. He has made me more desperate for Him. When one seeks and desires Him deep inside. With nothing left of himself. Truly nothing left. At ground zero, where one can go no lower, He reveals Himself and just overwhelms you.
Perhaps times are not right. Perhaps blessings are too great to handle. But i choose to believe in this God of Israel. God is the same God who opened the red sea. He is the same God who died on the cross for me. And He is still the same God who lives right now inside me. And i know that no matter what, He is in control. I can see on my level. He can see my whole life. And i am blessed. I am favored. This is my Jesus bought inheritance. Holy Spirit, i want to know You on a new level of intimacy.
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