Retuned the guitar.
Had the KFC Godfather meal.
Continued my reading of John chapter 12.
Bring on the nights!
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hey guys!
Hey, not sure if you guys are aware but I have moved my writing to my own site. I just want to let my writing take a more personal direction hence the move.
Do pop by and leave your thoughts!
http://benyong.wordpress.com
Do pop by and leave your thoughts!
http://benyong.wordpress.com
Monday, August 25, 2008
If you have a moment..
Could you spare it to say a brief prayer for this chap, who is still lost after 5 days.
I just heard the news, he's a friend from way back. A pretty resourceful guy, I wouldn't put it past him to turn up with a goofy grin and apologize for the fuss.
Hope everyone else is keeping well and safe.
I just heard the news, he's a friend from way back. A pretty resourceful guy, I wouldn't put it past him to turn up with a goofy grin and apologize for the fuss.
Hope everyone else is keeping well and safe.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Some verses that have got me thinking
'so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern with each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices in it.' 1 Cor 12:25-26
'In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.' 2 Tim 3:12
'Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treatet. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.'
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Heb 10:32-39
'In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.' 2 Tim 3:12
'Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treatet. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.'
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Heb 10:32-39
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Live the Life
Live the life
Counter-culture
Breakout, breakthrough
Stretching boundaries
I n c r e a s i n g INFLUENCE
Stepping O.u.t.
Daring to be dIFFERENT
Radical
BURN
Passion
Catchphrases, every one. Stuff you used to hear at rallies, propaganda parties, revolutionarist gatherings, and Christian meetings. Stuff that's nice to hear because its anti-apathy, anti-statusquo, anti-keepingthingsthewaytheyalwayswere.
But also, stuff that forces ruffling of feathers, uncomfortable-ness, possible falling-outs, and most of all, Change.
We hear them over and over again, and every time we hear them, another voice speaks out.
"Really think you'll make a difference?"
"Want to stick out like a sore thumb?"
"Think of yourself for a change"
or simply
"Why bother?"
"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:" Col 2:20
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Col 3:3
Counter-culture
Breakout, breakthrough
Stretching boundaries
I n c r e a s i n g INFLUENCE
Stepping O.u.t.
Daring to be dIFFERENT
Radical
BURN
Passion
Catchphrases, every one. Stuff you used to hear at rallies, propaganda parties, revolutionarist gatherings, and Christian meetings. Stuff that's nice to hear because its anti-apathy, anti-statusquo, anti-keepingthingsthewaytheyalwayswere.
But also, stuff that forces ruffling of feathers, uncomfortable-ness, possible falling-outs, and most of all, Change.
We hear them over and over again, and every time we hear them, another voice speaks out.
"Really think you'll make a difference?"
"Want to stick out like a sore thumb?"
"Think of yourself for a change"
or simply
"Why bother?"
**
"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:" Col 2:20
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Col 3:3
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Same Old Thing?
How many times have we heard it before. Perpetual reminders of what Christmas is, or should mean to everyone on earth.
It's the sound of falling snow,
As we hurry out to go.
Carolling with family and friends
Christmas, the one time where church is something other than what old people go to every Sunday morning. When Jesus is mentioned not as a curse. When the Nativity is elevated from static story to cherished tradition. Where songs are sung about God by Christians and non-believers alike and prayers are uttered not in muffled tones but with clear voices.
Where shops and stores release their latest interpretation of what The Gift Of The Year should be. And when wallets and credit cards suddenly lose all sense of inhibition.
Its the laughter in the air
By the fireside we share
Sweet memories we've made throughout the years
When families gather and friends suddenly lose sight of differences. When memories of past years, and past Christmases are dredged up and laughed at. When people get the urge to organize IMU reunions even though friends are spread across 3 continents.
And as we gather close
With those we love the most
Read the story of Christmas,
Christmas time is here.
The night when Jesus was born as a baby. God encased in human flesh, exposed to frosty cold air, his nostrils assaulted with the salty tang of ammonia from fresh manure, his eyes filled with the sight of a blissful mother and a relieved father looking down on him.
Nowhere in the Bible is there a command to celebrate Christmas, no command to set aside a day for its celebration, unlike the Pentecost. But it seems, the world didn't need one.
Can you hear it, the sound of peace on earth?
Its the song of Christmas and the greatest birth.
Its the chorus that rings in human hearts,
God came down, here with us,
It's the song of Christmas.
"Newsong (The Christmas Hope) - The Song of Christmas."
It's the sound of falling snow,
As we hurry out to go.
Carolling with family and friends
Christmas, the one time where church is something other than what old people go to every Sunday morning. When Jesus is mentioned not as a curse. When the Nativity is elevated from static story to cherished tradition. Where songs are sung about God by Christians and non-believers alike and prayers are uttered not in muffled tones but with clear voices.
Where shops and stores release their latest interpretation of what The Gift Of The Year should be. And when wallets and credit cards suddenly lose all sense of inhibition.
Its the laughter in the air
By the fireside we share
Sweet memories we've made throughout the years
When families gather and friends suddenly lose sight of differences. When memories of past years, and past Christmases are dredged up and laughed at. When people get the urge to organize IMU reunions even though friends are spread across 3 continents.
And as we gather close
With those we love the most
Read the story of Christmas,
Christmas time is here.
The night when Jesus was born as a baby. God encased in human flesh, exposed to frosty cold air, his nostrils assaulted with the salty tang of ammonia from fresh manure, his eyes filled with the sight of a blissful mother and a relieved father looking down on him.
Nowhere in the Bible is there a command to celebrate Christmas, no command to set aside a day for its celebration, unlike the Pentecost. But it seems, the world didn't need one.
Can you hear it, the sound of peace on earth?
Its the song of Christmas and the greatest birth.
Its the chorus that rings in human hearts,
God came down, here with us,
It's the song of Christmas.
"Newsong (The Christmas Hope) - The Song of Christmas."
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A medical student's post
Recently, I saw a patient who had a discharging abscess, very messy. The SHO who saw him after me asked for my tourniquet to use in taking bloods. Needless to say, I wasn't too keen, but gave it up anyway, knowing that that was the end of my tourniquet as a useful device.
An Accident and Emergency rotation without a tourniquet....not the best situation ever. And since I haven't discovered lunchtime meeting areas yet, I haven't been able to rely on that benefactor of medical students to provide me a new one: the drug reps.
After chucking it in the bin, I found I had to keep asking the nurses around for their tourniquets to use in taking bloods, putting in cannulas etc. Otherwise, I'd just be hanging around (the Royal Liverpool Hospital sees 200 plus patients everyday in A&E, so it gets pretty busy).
I was fortunate to have a yearmate who had an extra one and loaned it me for a few days. It was nice having my own for a while; I even lent it to a doctor who seemed to be in the same boat as me earlier.
***
I think a touniquet is just one of those things that I don't really think about until its not there. Its just one of those things.
I find that I can misplace God pretty easily and not miss Him. Until I come to a situation when I need Him, that is. And its then that I ask for help, that I repent, that I cry out to Him, etc etc. And He answers, always.
Going to meetings, camps, boosting my faith by meeting others and living by their testimonies etc is fine, for a while, but ultimately I need to pursue this relationship by myself.
With purpose, and not by convenience.
Not borrowing off others, but seeking my own (insert)
Actively seeking, not trusting to circumstance.
God didn't leave me to chance, on His part.
***
I still do really need a tourniquet. In Malaysia I'd have used gloves, but I'm still not that confident putting cannulas in for me to try that.
An Accident and Emergency rotation without a tourniquet....not the best situation ever. And since I haven't discovered lunchtime meeting areas yet, I haven't been able to rely on that benefactor of medical students to provide me a new one: the drug reps.
After chucking it in the bin, I found I had to keep asking the nurses around for their tourniquets to use in taking bloods, putting in cannulas etc. Otherwise, I'd just be hanging around (the Royal Liverpool Hospital sees 200 plus patients everyday in A&E, so it gets pretty busy).
I was fortunate to have a yearmate who had an extra one and loaned it me for a few days. It was nice having my own for a while; I even lent it to a doctor who seemed to be in the same boat as me earlier.
***
I think a touniquet is just one of those things that I don't really think about until its not there. Its just one of those things.
I find that I can misplace God pretty easily and not miss Him. Until I come to a situation when I need Him, that is. And its then that I ask for help, that I repent, that I cry out to Him, etc etc. And He answers, always.
Going to meetings, camps, boosting my faith by meeting others and living by their testimonies etc is fine, for a while, but ultimately I need to pursue this relationship by myself.
With purpose, and not by convenience.
Not borrowing off others, but seeking my own (insert)
Actively seeking, not trusting to circumstance.
God didn't leave me to chance, on His part.
***
I still do really need a tourniquet. In Malaysia I'd have used gloves, but I'm still not that confident putting cannulas in for me to try that.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Once Upon A Time
A guy met a girl, they fell in love, went out for periodic ice-creams and walks on the beach, and decided to get married.
Now, during those ice-creams and beach walks, they had plenty of time to discuss how their wedding ceremony would be done. The guy had brief visions of a vision of beauty in a pristine white dress walking up the aisle, and the girl was all for champagne at the reception. Both agreed that Mendelssohn's Wedding March was too old school.
Both girl and guy agreed that the hardest thing to do would be choosing whom to invite. See, they both came from different schools, went to different universities and over the years, had accumulated many different friendships all over the world. Asked to name 10 close friends, both of them would have only one difficulty; which 10 friends?
Plus their parents, being typical Chinese dudes, could invite a hallful of people in 10 seconds, no problem. Two hallfuls, cos there were 2 sides of parents.
But they agreed that something had to be done. So they reached a compromise.
The guy would invite 15 of his closest friends, and the girl would invite 15 of her bosom buddies to the wedding. They were all over the world, UK, Australia, Germany, China and one in New Zealand. All of them received their invites in good time (despite the ridiculous postal strike still ongoing in the UK) and did the usual fussing about what presents to get.
After all, they hadn't seen each other for a long time, even though they used to be close in high school and college. But everyone looked forward excitedly to the big day.
Since the wedding was in a private location in KL, all the friends flew over the day before, sort of a mini-reunion before the wedding itself. And as friends who haven't been back home in ages do, they went out to mamak. And to Luna Bar after that. And then to someone's house for a chat. And then out to mamak again. By the time all 30 friends said goodnight and went their separate ways, everyone was pretty tired.
Inevitably, next morning, groggy faces and hangovers were the theme of the day. But everyone remembered the BIG DAY. Church at 10! No messing around-get dressed-beat the KL jam-rush rush rush. And it so happened that about half the group of friends hadn't a clue where the place in KL was. Cos you know, they weren't from KL to begin with. So they got out their mobiles and tried calling the bridegroom. But, wouldn't you know it, they had misplaced the invitations to the wedding, on which the contact numbers of the bride and the groom were written. Then they decided to call each other. But in the rush, not many people were answering their mobiles. Some hadn't even gotten a Malaysia number yet. And some batteries were flat.
And so, just like in Matthew 25:1-13, those who were ready, got to party with the guy and the girl. They got to watch the long-awaited-for kiss, the irresistably 'chim' and romantic vows, and enjoy a great reception after.
Those who weren't ready, lets just say it wasn't the best day of their lives.
***
I think God has this tendency to catch me by surprise. Sometimes He does something I'm not expecting, and I just have to roll with it. Sometimes its ok, cos I'm still walking pretty closely to Him, so can pick up the signs here and there, and its not a total clueless surprise. But at other times, when I'm stuck in a rut, and God pops a stunner, I miss it. Mostly because I'm not ready.
Is there a way to live my life in that perpetual sense of readiness for God's move? What do you ppl think?
Now, during those ice-creams and beach walks, they had plenty of time to discuss how their wedding ceremony would be done. The guy had brief visions of a vision of beauty in a pristine white dress walking up the aisle, and the girl was all for champagne at the reception. Both agreed that Mendelssohn's Wedding March was too old school.
Both girl and guy agreed that the hardest thing to do would be choosing whom to invite. See, they both came from different schools, went to different universities and over the years, had accumulated many different friendships all over the world. Asked to name 10 close friends, both of them would have only one difficulty; which 10 friends?
Plus their parents, being typical Chinese dudes, could invite a hallful of people in 10 seconds, no problem. Two hallfuls, cos there were 2 sides of parents.
But they agreed that something had to be done. So they reached a compromise.
The guy would invite 15 of his closest friends, and the girl would invite 15 of her bosom buddies to the wedding. They were all over the world, UK, Australia, Germany, China and one in New Zealand. All of them received their invites in good time (despite the ridiculous postal strike still ongoing in the UK) and did the usual fussing about what presents to get.
After all, they hadn't seen each other for a long time, even though they used to be close in high school and college. But everyone looked forward excitedly to the big day.
Since the wedding was in a private location in KL, all the friends flew over the day before, sort of a mini-reunion before the wedding itself. And as friends who haven't been back home in ages do, they went out to mamak. And to Luna Bar after that. And then to someone's house for a chat. And then out to mamak again. By the time all 30 friends said goodnight and went their separate ways, everyone was pretty tired.
Inevitably, next morning, groggy faces and hangovers were the theme of the day. But everyone remembered the BIG DAY. Church at 10! No messing around-get dressed-beat the KL jam-rush rush rush. And it so happened that about half the group of friends hadn't a clue where the place in KL was. Cos you know, they weren't from KL to begin with. So they got out their mobiles and tried calling the bridegroom. But, wouldn't you know it, they had misplaced the invitations to the wedding, on which the contact numbers of the bride and the groom were written. Then they decided to call each other. But in the rush, not many people were answering their mobiles. Some hadn't even gotten a Malaysia number yet. And some batteries were flat.
And so, just like in Matthew 25:1-13, those who were ready, got to party with the guy and the girl. They got to watch the long-awaited-for kiss, the irresistably 'chim' and romantic vows, and enjoy a great reception after.
Those who weren't ready, lets just say it wasn't the best day of their lives.
***
I think God has this tendency to catch me by surprise. Sometimes He does something I'm not expecting, and I just have to roll with it. Sometimes its ok, cos I'm still walking pretty closely to Him, so can pick up the signs here and there, and its not a total clueless surprise. But at other times, when I'm stuck in a rut, and God pops a stunner, I miss it. Mostly because I'm not ready.
Is there a way to live my life in that perpetual sense of readiness for God's move? What do you ppl think?
Monday, October 1, 2007
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Friday, September 28, 2007
O ye of little faith
Its nice when I'm proved wrong.
Student welcome planning
- We'll plan for 80 newcomers shall we? Fine.
- rush rush rush. Pray. rush rush rush. Pray. rush rush rush rush rus- Nearly forgot to pray.
- Will people come?
- You know, I don't think people will come.
- What if there are more people on stage than off it?
- We'll continue anyway. Even if one person comes, it's worth it. Really?
- I'm in charge. Have to stay focussed. Have to believe. Not in myself.
- But what if..
Student welcome night
- Last minute rush. Hook up laptops, projector, sound test. Peek out. Awed.
- Thank you God.
- Suddenly everything falls into place. Kind of. Its enough. I stand corrected.
Again.
"Take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test it's length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the lengths! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God."
Eph 3:18-19(Message)
Student welcome planning
- We'll plan for 80 newcomers shall we? Fine.
- rush rush rush. Pray. rush rush rush. Pray. rush rush rush rush rus- Nearly forgot to pray.
- Will people come?
- You know, I don't think people will come.
- What if there are more people on stage than off it?
- We'll continue anyway. Even if one person comes, it's worth it. Really?
- I'm in charge. Have to stay focussed. Have to believe. Not in myself.
- But what if..
Student welcome night
- Last minute rush. Hook up laptops, projector, sound test. Peek out. Awed.
- Thank you God.
- Suddenly everything falls into place. Kind of. Its enough. I stand corrected.
Again.
"Take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test it's length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the lengths! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God."
Eph 3:18-19(Message)
Voice of truth!!!!
Casting crown – Voice of truth
Oh,what I would do
To have the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win, you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win, you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
but the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says “do not be afraid”
And the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)I
will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe 'Causes Jesus You are the voice of truth
And I will listen to You.. oh You........
What an amazing song! Was really blessed by the lyrics of the song. In the midst of going through my Neurology block in Austin hospital, I felt overwhelming at times, especially when I am not familiar with this complex part of our body system & having all the consultants constantly bombarding me with thousands upon thousands of information and people around you answering the questions confidently & as for me; remaining at my spot, quiet, confused most of the times, trying my very best to understand their explanations, & crying out to God most of the time for His grace!
It’s not like I have a breakdown or something, or overly stressed or immensely pressurized, but it’s just tough walking through clinical years alone without experiencing His presence uplifting me every moment. But I remembered God assured me one day, telling me that I’ll be alright! That He is always in control of my situation, that I could trust in Him & His plans for me in future is to prosper me!
Exo1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. During the times when the Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptian king, it grew even more. God is telling me to apply this to my condition. The more I feel oppressed, burdened by my studies, the more I will grow, learn more & get better! Was reminded of these verses,
psa4:8 I will lie down & sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Phil4:6-7Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything by prayer & petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart & your mind in Christ Jesus.
Psa55:16But I call to God, & the Lord saves me. Evening, morning & noon I cry out in distress, & He hears my voice.
Psa55:22Cast your cares on the Lord & He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.
Psa56:3-4 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
I really thank Him for the love & the promises He made with me. This week, although workload continues to increase, His peace remains in me. His confidence assures me that “It’ll be alright”. I should not listen to the voice of my flesh, but focus & substitute it with the voice of truth! The voice that constantly says “Don’t worry”. The words of “Yes” & “Amen”. Like Peter, I should keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Then my life will be like a journey of “walking above the water”. Filled with miracles & the impossibles! Filled with perfect love!!!
Oh,what I would do
To have the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win, you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win, you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
but the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says “do not be afraid”
And the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)I
will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe 'Causes Jesus You are the voice of truth
And I will listen to You.. oh You........
What an amazing song! Was really blessed by the lyrics of the song. In the midst of going through my Neurology block in Austin hospital, I felt overwhelming at times, especially when I am not familiar with this complex part of our body system & having all the consultants constantly bombarding me with thousands upon thousands of information and people around you answering the questions confidently & as for me; remaining at my spot, quiet, confused most of the times, trying my very best to understand their explanations, & crying out to God most of the time for His grace!
It’s not like I have a breakdown or something, or overly stressed or immensely pressurized, but it’s just tough walking through clinical years alone without experiencing His presence uplifting me every moment. But I remembered God assured me one day, telling me that I’ll be alright! That He is always in control of my situation, that I could trust in Him & His plans for me in future is to prosper me!
Exo1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. During the times when the Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptian king, it grew even more. God is telling me to apply this to my condition. The more I feel oppressed, burdened by my studies, the more I will grow, learn more & get better! Was reminded of these verses,
psa4:8 I will lie down & sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Phil4:6-7Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything by prayer & petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart & your mind in Christ Jesus.
Psa55:16But I call to God, & the Lord saves me. Evening, morning & noon I cry out in distress, & He hears my voice.
Psa55:22Cast your cares on the Lord & He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.
Psa56:3-4 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
I really thank Him for the love & the promises He made with me. This week, although workload continues to increase, His peace remains in me. His confidence assures me that “It’ll be alright”. I should not listen to the voice of my flesh, but focus & substitute it with the voice of truth! The voice that constantly says “Don’t worry”. The words of “Yes” & “Amen”. Like Peter, I should keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Then my life will be like a journey of “walking above the water”. Filled with miracles & the impossibles! Filled with perfect love!!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
All your boat are belong to Me
Was reading a random Max Lucado email...short and sweet reminders that I find very inspired and refreshing, and very very readable. He quoted from the gospels when Jesus borrowed Peter's boat in order to preach more effectively from offshore. Mentioning that Jesus practically comandeered the boat, he drew the parallel that it was Jesus' prerogative to do so.
All we have, our talents and time, ultimately belong to Him. And when we commit to following Him, He's going to demand their use regularly. Despite the fact that Peter was tired from a night's fishing, and was busy mending his nets, when Christ calls, we follow.
I can foresee this year being a bit more busy than the previous ones. Not just because its the last year before I start working, or just because I'm serving more actively with the students now, but because of a decision made to finally stand up and take responsibility. Responsibility for my relationships, with God as well as others, responsibility to be a witness, for my patients (soon-to-be or otherwise!), responsibility for making life decisions. And from reading this today, I may just have ended agreeing to something bigger than I've imagined.
When God pushes, I'd better prick my ears up and listen.
Keep me accountable, people.
All we have, our talents and time, ultimately belong to Him. And when we commit to following Him, He's going to demand their use regularly. Despite the fact that Peter was tired from a night's fishing, and was busy mending his nets, when Christ calls, we follow.
I can foresee this year being a bit more busy than the previous ones. Not just because its the last year before I start working, or just because I'm serving more actively with the students now, but because of a decision made to finally stand up and take responsibility. Responsibility for my relationships, with God as well as others, responsibility to be a witness, for my patients (soon-to-be or otherwise!), responsibility for making life decisions. And from reading this today, I may just have ended agreeing to something bigger than I've imagined.
When God pushes, I'd better prick my ears up and listen.
Keep me accountable, people.
Monday, September 3, 2007
So the other day
Ed and I cleaned a carpet at our new house in Liverpool. This was a pile carpet, about 2 metres by 1.5, very dirty and dusty. There were a number of suspicious dark coloured stains around the corners, and the tricky thing was figuring out what colour the carpet might have been in the first place...it was so dirty.
Personally I thought it was beige, but then again, it might have been brown, gray, dirty gray, faded beige or any number of others.
The others were all for getting rid of the carpet and buying a new one. Ed and I stuck it out and stood by the restoration of the carpet, rather stubbornly, actually. Our plan was to see if we could clean a bit of itfirst before giving up on it totally.
Having got some superduper powerful oxi-stain remover from Poundland, we proceeded to try matters out. Half a bottle later, we waited for the carpet to finish oxidising while HP waxed pessimism about the outcome.
Scrubbing with brushes. we agreed hopefully that some of the stains were starting to come off. However it still looked like a houseful of dogs had been living and procreating on it for a week. In desperation Ed suggested we use the bathtub to soak the carpet.
Filling up the tub with water and dropping a washing powder in, we were heartened to see the water turning black. Scrubbing vigorously, we managed to convince ourselves our effort was worthwhile. Repeating the process again, we pondered whether considering the amount of water and detergent we were using, whether buying a new carpet would have actually been more profitable. However, the water looked noticeably cleaner after the 2nd wash.
After an overnihght soak to boot, the carpet now stands proudly in our living room, drying against the wall. We came to the conclusion that its original colour was a nice-looking brown.
As we wondered at how much work cleaning a carpet was, just thought of how much I needed cleaning myself. When no one else believed I was worth it, Jesus did. That much-quoted phrase 'white as snow' - its been a while since I've pondered on how much work that involved, and how much it cost to be made clean and whole, ready for the Master's use.
Personally I thought it was beige, but then again, it might have been brown, gray, dirty gray, faded beige or any number of others.
The others were all for getting rid of the carpet and buying a new one. Ed and I stuck it out and stood by the restoration of the carpet, rather stubbornly, actually. Our plan was to see if we could clean a bit of itfirst before giving up on it totally.
Having got some superduper powerful oxi-stain remover from Poundland, we proceeded to try matters out. Half a bottle later, we waited for the carpet to finish oxidising while HP waxed pessimism about the outcome.
Scrubbing with brushes. we agreed hopefully that some of the stains were starting to come off. However it still looked like a houseful of dogs had been living and procreating on it for a week. In desperation Ed suggested we use the bathtub to soak the carpet.
Filling up the tub with water and dropping a washing powder in, we were heartened to see the water turning black. Scrubbing vigorously, we managed to convince ourselves our effort was worthwhile. Repeating the process again, we pondered whether considering the amount of water and detergent we were using, whether buying a new carpet would have actually been more profitable. However, the water looked noticeably cleaner after the 2nd wash.
After an overnihght soak to boot, the carpet now stands proudly in our living room, drying against the wall. We came to the conclusion that its original colour was a nice-looking brown.
As we wondered at how much work cleaning a carpet was, just thought of how much I needed cleaning myself. When no one else believed I was worth it, Jesus did. That much-quoted phrase 'white as snow' - its been a while since I've pondered on how much work that involved, and how much it cost to be made clean and whole, ready for the Master's use.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Vision!
When I saw this great idea by Jon Ling, I heart jumped with excitement. Finally, there’s something that connects the heartbeats of ECF IMUers together. A place where we can encourage each other, share visions and dreams God placed in our hearts, and together build His kingdom with the gifts and the positions God has placed us under.
Isa26:8… your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. (NIV)
The NLT version says “…our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”
How more can we better do this if not through our profession as doctors; where we have contact with so many people each day, hearing and seeing how they journey their lives before our eyes. Being a doctor, not only give you such personal encounter with patients’ lives, it also gives us an “authority” or “right” to speak into their lives. We help, we save lives, we treat diseases, but we can do more. We can speak of His love, we can tell of His green hope, we can share about Jesus! Let His heartbeat be ours. Let whatever things that grips Him, grips us too!
“Break my heart for what break Yours!”
As church’s vision is towards “Community@heart” it is our dream and desire to have a hospital of our own, where like-minded people can come together and practice medicine together. Not only offering medicine to community, but let’s bring Jesus as our true medicine, as our healer and perfector of our lives into the community. It is such a great platform for people out there to know out Him!!!
Gen11: 1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." 5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." 8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
If we “speak the same language” there is nothing we plan to do which will be impossible to us. Not even “weak building blocks” (bricks and tar). God recognize the power of unity that these people shared. Even though they used weak building blocks to build the tower, God see the impact they would make if they build the towel as one spirit! The power of unity and one accord! Plus, if God is for us, who shall be against us!!! Just wanna urge you guys to join in this God given vision. Let’s partner together to serve our God!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Update to the blog
Added the chatter box and added a verse to the title. Though I was then reminded that it's actually the iron sharpen iron verse. oopsies.
Will post soon. Hope to see everyone here soon. Please link your blogs if possible.
Will post soon. Hope to see everyone here soon. Please link your blogs if possible.
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