An unexpected surprise! :)

on the 28th of April, i finished lessons around 4 plus.. went to seat etc and then started to pick up my books and study. Then out of the blue, Michael came in and asked Nickson and me to go drink tea. Felt lazy so i asked Nickson to help me get a cup for me. But Michael insisted on we going together. Didn't thought much though.. and agreed at his persistent requests.

As i stepped out of the study room, i was caught by surprise when i saw Mingyao's face at the corner and my cg and marlin started to sing birthday song for me! I was so took by surprise that i leaped! :p

Was so happy today coz i realise that i have friends like these that would bother to come all the way down to school to celebrate for me! Though it was a simple celebration but it was a heart felt thing to me... Was so touched today as i saw what they did for me... Receieved a love blessing from Marlin and Mingyao.. Felt that i'm so blessed to have friends like them.

Today other than this happy occasion, Nickson also had one too! He actually made an advance to the girl of his dreams (finally after so many years of secret loving) :)
Was happy for him when i heard that the girl was quite receptive to befriend him! She's quite a nice girl so really pray that things will work out eventually for them! :)

In all, today was the happiest birthday celebration i ever had for the last 3 years! Thanks guys! :) Love you all! :)

Trusting Him

"Have you feared Jesus because of what He might require of you? Have you feared that He might ask of you something you are not prepared to give? Do not let your fears drive Him from your presence. His motive is always love for His children. You can trust Him."

Read the above quote on email today...
Felt that it made alot of sense. There were times where I took hold of things that were so dear to my heart that i wouldn't let go when He asks me to.
The result was chaotic. Learnt it the hard way. But through it all, i began to realise and experience the goodness of God as He revealed Himself so real in my life. Things that were so impossible were made possible (which clearly show that it is only God who can perform such miracles!).

Trust is the word to use. Not in our mind but in our heart. It must be applied in our heart for it to work. Sometimes, we just say it but in our heart, we reject it. Why? Fear is the most common explanation. Like the old saying goes, we can't believe it when we can't see it.

But it's through such valley experiences that we learn that it's perfectly safe to trust God in all areas in our lives. Was kinda surprised to see how much i can experience and receive when i LET GO AND LET GOD.

Like i always hear from ppl: "To love means to let go sometimes". Sometimes, when we love something too dearly in our lives, we tend to hold on to it so tightly. When we do that, God could not bless it coz we wouldn't let Him.

In short, trust is something we must practice in life. It may be hard sometimes but it's the person whom it all matters. In this case, it is God. :)

I PASSED!!

Went for IPPT for the second time today.. Went all the way to Toa Payoh Safra Club for the test. Was surprised and quite impressed with the facilities there as they have sauna, jacuzzi, nice bathrooms, hair-dryer, ironing equipments and more! It's like heaven to me coz i can access everything i see there coz i'm a member (at first i thought my membership expired already)! :)

Pushed real hard during the last station (2.4km run). We were each assigned a tread mill on which we all run at an average speed of 12m/second. At first, i was ok.. but towards the last few laps, my flesh started to shout at me saying STOP!!! Wanted really bad to give up but another part of me told me that i can't give up coz i have limited time and i don't wanna end up going for RT (which means more time taken!!).
Finally, after a long battle, i started to reduce the speed on my machine and was eventually spotted by my test instructor. He told me that with the speed i was on (11.5m/s), i will not be able to pass. Then he suggested to run faster than 12m/s and started to adjust for me (I nearly freaked out!!). Couldn't catch my breath and i waved my hand to him saying "NO!!". He then adjusted it back to 12m/s upon seeing my almost dying look.

He tried to explain to me again that if i continue at 11.5m/s, i won't pass.. (meanwhile, my mind was telling me that he is trying to smoke me coz i thought he wanted to push me harder). Eventually, he gave up. But before he went, he said this in a understanding tone: "Ok. Nvm, you will miss just a bit, come again another day try again lor". Upon hearing this, I felt stirred (coz i don't wanna come back again!), i then gathered whatever energy i had to adjust the speed up to 11.8 hoping i can still make it. At this time, he caught me doing that and he told me to bear with him while he adjusted the speed for me. Meanwhile, he asked me: "This is the last 100m, can you sprint?!". I didn't answer him though i wanted to (coz out of breath), but i kept staring at the speed adjusting device. Thank God he caught it and he kept increasing it for me. Donno what speed he gave me but i ran all i can! Eventually, when he told me i've finished 2.4, i immediately pressed the stop button and got out.

Really thank God for this instructor.. if not for him, i would not have made it even though it was supposed to be much easier than running on the track! :)

It was the after effect that i cannot stand... my body was at the verge of breaking down and i took a long while to catch it.. while i was sitting in the bathing area, an uncle asked me "Shiong ah? Pass or fail?". And i weakly replied: "Pass". Then he replied me "PASS AH? Ho ah Ho ah (in hokkien)". Was encouraged by his words but couldn't thank or smile at him though due to my strengthless state.

It's an exciting day for me on the whole coz i've PASSED!! hehe :)

Understanding who we are in the spiritual realm

Today we had guitar ministry after guitar ministry. Bro James was sharing about the heart of the ministry during the prayer meeting and how the burden of the ministry and growth was upon the leadership within the ministry. He was sharing about knowing who we are in the spiritual realm when we're teaching the students. He was sharing with us that it is one thing about being a teacher in the natural realm but in the spiritual realm, there is an anointing that was given by God over our lives as guitar teachers.

Understanding this principle really blew my mind as i began to understand that this anointing makes us different from teachers in the world. This anointing makes our words (eventhough they are simple words) to be so much more powerful and effective than teaching basing on our head knowledge and flesh. The latter is being carnal minded. Prayer then becomes a very important thing in our lives! For example going into a class with a low spirit, there's so little to give to the students and eventually end up having a class that is not so effective compared to that which is taught by a teacher whose spirit is up and high!

Jesus was saying in Luke 16:12 " And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own". Bro James was also sharing about how guitar ministry came about which started with just a spark of initiative that is submitted to God's call. Alot of thoughts came to my mind as he shared and i began to see so many areas in my life that i need to be more faithful in..

We ended with a great time of worship and prayer and the presence of God ministered to everyone in the room. It was a great time spent in the room. Thank God i stayed through. What was received was so valuable and it became a boost in my spirit man and my very life! Looking forward to sow into the next harvest with this new vision and mindset! :)

Morning John

Today marks the first day of my actual revision schedule. Excited yet expectant about the way ahead. I will make it no matter what lies ahead! :)

Loves music and singing... too bad missed the opportunity to sing in the live recording in church... been longing for that since the last recording 4 years ago (that time is because parents don't allow late nights..). Now, is because of my revision classes! Argh!! Think have to wait for the next one then! Must go! (Coz wanna experience how is it like in recording and also to include my voice in the album! haha :) So exciting! :) )

Missed the KTV days also.. Wanna catch up on my vocal training and guitar skills also. So many things to do yet so little time to fulfill everyone of them! Really desire to serve God in much more things. Wanna see myself grow in the Lord more than ever to gloriify Him by shining ever brighter to bear a testimony that will encourage others to follow. Also desire to see my friends Gene, Shuyi, Nickson and Kelvin to come to the Lord. Been praying for them for salvation.. it may be hard but it's worth it as long as i am able to see them saved and enjoy their salvation in heaven! That'll be exciting man! :) It'll be heart-breaking to see all the friends whom i love suffering in the depths of hell... (Won't want that to happen to anyone of them) Really pray that the day of salvation is near for everyone of them!

Right now listening to David Tao's "Ordinary friend". His nice vocals never fails to impress me everytime.. Aspire to sing like him one day! Train hard! hehe :)

Trusting God

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. ~ Psalm 37:6

As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).

How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified.

Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.

4 questions to asked myself when I do something

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." ~ Isaiah 28:16

Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand.

Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testings, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason being, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life.

The third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Prov. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action - it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision.

Finally, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth who had not been trained and certified as a dentist.

Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions. What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicate His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity.

Our Purpose in life

I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. ~ John 17:4

The Lord has revealed to us that the number one thing we are to do is love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. His desire is for us to know Him and the power of His resurrection. These mandates deal with our relationship with Him. The fruit of this relationship must then result in our glorifying Him by completing the work He has given each of us to do. It will become a by-product of this relationship, not an end in itself.

What is the work God has called you to do? Jesus never did anything the Father had not instructed Him to do. He lived in such communion with the Father that He knew when to turn left and when to turn to the right. Is it possible to have such a relationship with our heavenly Father? I think that if it weren't, He would not have given us such an example.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). What has He called you to do? Perhaps you are called to be the best CPA in your city or the best advertising executive or the best office worker or assembly line person in your company. Whatever work He has called you to do, He will use you as His instrument to accomplish something that He has uniquely prepared you to do.

When our life is complete, what a glorious day it will be if we can each say, "I have completed the work You gave me to do." This will have brought great glory to Him.

Load off my back

Was printing out my project documents today and happened to remember the issue about the address of sending my project to. I took out my handphone and started to sms a few of my friends. And then, when they replied, not only did i get response but also solutions! One of my friends Jiahui, offered to send the project to London together! They were sharing the post to London in a group and happened that i sms him at the right time coz they were about to send it on the day itself! Thank God for that!

Not only did i saved money and effort, i also got some help in my printing of my projects coz i heard from them that i can print my projects in school on that day! (i thought the computer lab was closed initially!) Got some help from the rest of the classmates there to refine my project. (if not, i would have been penalised and marks deducted for that!)

Everything happened in a split second and now a big load is now off my back. Time to focus on my exams!! :)

Divine appointment

Went to Friday service that day instead of joining my cg for sunday service due to lessons on sat and sunday 9am to 5pm. Pastor Art was preaching that night about "Dealing with failure". Was a wonderful Word and while he was preaching, bits and parts of the message reminds me of the words that people once spoke to me and the thoughts that was in my mind while i was on my way to service in the bus. My heart was pumping real fast when he said "this is not a coincidence that u are here. U came here without knowing what i am going to preach! This is a divine appointment!"

Pastor Art was almost screaming throughout the service. I remembered him saying that he was praying before the service to prepare for it. Then God spoke to him to share this word. Then after preaching, he gave an altar call for the unsaved and those who needs to be sure that God can help them. After praying, Pastor Tan took over. At first i thought the service was over. Then after that, Pastor Art came up, saying that he felt the Lord spoke to him to minister to a few group of people. He then asked to be given 1 to 2 mins and asked the congregation to sit down. While he spoke about the 2 groups of ppl that needs God to heal them of this spirit of condemnation, he waved at the section where i was sitting in. (As if he is referring to me).
My heart beat really fast and then he asked us who are in these 2 categories to stand up as he wants to pray for us. To my surprise, no one stood up. I felt guilty too coz i was supposed to stand up too. Then to my surprise again, he shouted "Stand UP!!". Then one by one, ppl start to stand up.

Then as he prayed a prayer, i remember a Word that he spoke from God that i still remember.. God will restore and extend further what He originally intended for you. I really caught that by faith and still believing in it! Really excited that God is so real in my life!

Art of teaching

After a long day in school, got a few sms along the way saying that a few of my students can't make it for guitar class tonight. Was kinda disappointed to see only a few ppl turn up. But despite the fact, i still did my best to teach even though there are only 3 students.

Didn't feel that i taught very well today. For some reason, was kinda nervous. Maybe because got new student (Xiaojia). :) Must learn to overcome. There are so many things i have to learn to overcome. So much to do yet so little time. Really pray that God will expand my capacity and territory.

Also got news from my friend saying that her grandma passed away yesterday.. Was sharing with Raymond that there had been many funerals around me recently. This shows me that life is so fragile. They may be gone anytime! So no time to lose! Gotta win all of my friends and loved ones to Christ before it's too late!

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